I made my own DreamBox dupe.
I've wanted a DreamBox for years, but I felt the cost was expensive for a hobbyist like myself. Instead, I created my own DIY craft cabinet for less money. With other additions, the total price I spent still ended up being less than my original dream craft cabinet.
Further below, I shared screenshots of the current (as of September 2021) retail prices for most items.
In case it's helpful, below are the topics I covered in this post:
Just Some Notes
I purchased most of the items used to create my DIY craft cabinet in 2020 before the cost of some items increased. There were other tools, hardware, and misc. items like glues, paints, tools, and more that I already owned.
Many items were purchased in-store at my local hardware, home improvement, or craft stores on sale or purchased by my Dad with his military discount.
Below, I shared screenshots of the current (as of September 2021) retail prices for most items. The dollar amounts are in USD.
For the items I couldn't find a listing for online (e.g., items purchased at a thrift store), I shared a screenshot of the current retail prices for similar item listings. The dollar amounts are in USD.
In other words, the total cost I shared with My Thoughts is higher than what it actually cost me to build my DIY craft cabinet. If you search for sales and take advantage of discounts, you could make your own craft cabinet for as much or less money.
Building My DIY Craft Cabinet
Below are the retail prices in USD for the items I used to build my DIY craft cabinet:
4 Mainstays 5 shelf bookcases = $30 each
16 swivel caster wheels with locks = $15 for set of 4
4 MDF sheets = $5 each
4 utility door hinges = $3 each
1 pair of arched cabinet door handles = $4 for the pair
TOTAL = $216 USD
There were other tools, hardware, and misc. items I already owned and had in my garage. Such items included screws, nails, wood glue, drills, etc.
Customizing Cabinet Doors
Below are the retail prices in USD for the items I used to customize the craft cabinet doors:
1 roll of primed cotton canvas = $20
6 flat white trim moldings = $5 each
TOTAL = $80 USD
There were other supplies I already owned. Such supply items included acrylic paints, paint markers, extreme double-sided mounting tape, etc.
DIY Resin Tabletop
Below are the retail prices in USD for the items I used to make my resin tabletop:
1 MDF board = $10
6 2x2 8-foot strip board lumber = $4 each
2 pairs of mounting hooks/brackets = $3 for a pair
1 pair of narrow utility hinges = $3 for the pair
1 epoxy resin 1:1 ratio kit = $70
4 measuring and mixing pails = $3 each
TOTAL = $125 USD
There were other tools, hardware, and misc. items I already owned. Such items included screws, wood glue, drills, stir sticks, mica powder colors, Velcro, etc.
Check-out my RV Dinette Resin Tabletop video highlighting my first attempt at a larger-scale resin craft project.
Finishing My DIY Craft Cabinet
Below are the retail prices in USD for the few storage items I used to organize a few of my art supplies:
1 set of 7 cardboard magazine file holders = $13
8 scrapbook paper cases = $6 each
1 set of 6 small 3 drawer desktop units = $12
TOTAL = $85 USD
I already owned most of the storage containers and other items like the power strip used in my DIY craft cabinet.
My Thoughts
I love my DIY craft cabinet! It's no DreamBox, but it was made to fit my needs and wants.
With the retail prices of all items tallied, the entire cost of everything was $506 USD. Because I'm a cheapskate who takes advantage of sales, discounts, and thrift stores, I'd guesstimate it cost me a hundred dollars less or more.
There were other tools, hardware, supplies, and other items I already owned. Even if I had to purchase such items, the entire cost of my DIY craft cabinet retail price would likely cost no more than $1000 USD and significantly less than the DreamBox's $2399 USD starting price!
If you're handy with tools or have someone to help you out (like how my Dad helped me out a whole lot), making your own cabinet could be a fun project completed over a weekend or stretched out over a longer period to prevent burn-out.
What's Next?
I'm trying to decide on a design theme for journal. I'll share my October journal design with you next week.
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Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam
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