Pudding or Jello Box Dispenser

There are organized people, and then there's me. It's okay. In general, I've excepted my disorganization, but every once in a while it wears on me. 

A couple weeks ago, I was in the pantry reaching for something on the top shelf. The top shelf also happens to be where we store out boxes of pudding and jello mixes. I accidentally bumped one of the precariously stacked towers and was pelted by a cascade of small, cardboard boxes. At that point, I decided I needed to come up with a solution. 

The jello avalanche was actually serendipitous. For years I've been wanting to learn the 3D modeling program, Google Sketch-Up. I've tried multiple times and its always ended.... lets say... poorly. But this time I was really motivated and guess what? I kinda got the hang of things! I'm pretty proud of myself. So, not only do you get a tutorial this time, but I put together building plans so you can make your own pudding or jello box dispenser.

*Note: These dimensions will accommodate a 3.4 oz, Jello brand pudding or gelatin box. 

Materials List:

1- (6') 1 x 4

1-(6') 1 x 2

*wood glue 

*1 1/4" 18-gauge finish nails  or *1 1/4" (#6) wood screws 

*miter saw  or *circular saw 

*brad nailer 

Cut List:

(1) 1 x 4 - 3 1/2"

(1) 1 x 4 - 18"

(2) 1 x 4 - 18 3/4" 

(2) 1 x 2 - 16 1/2"

1. Start by cutting all 6 pieces down to length.

2. Using glue and finish nails, attach the 18" board along the back edge, on the face of the 3 1/2" board. 

This kind of joint is called a "butt joint".

3. The two, 18 3/4" boards need to be notched on one corner.

Measure 2 1/4" from one end and 1 1/2" from a perpendicular edge. Mark the area to be cut.

Use a jigsaw to cut out the marked area.

5. Using glue and finish nails, attach the notched boards vertically,on either side of the previously joined pieces.

Remember to add a couple nails along the bottom edge as well.

6. Attach 1 x 2's along the front edge of the sides, making sure the outer edge is flush with each side.

And that's it! That's the whole build. It should cost around $5 in materials.

7. To be able to mount the dispenser to a wall, you will need to drill a hole through the back board on each end.

8. If you are able to find a wall stud, all you will need to do is drive a 2" wood screw through the dispenser and into the wall. If you can't find a stud, you will want to use a drywall anchor and drive the screw into that.

And now, no more jello box avalanches.

The front guards keep the boxes from falling out, but leave a gap so you can see the labels.

Single boxes pull out easily from the bottom.

Don't look at my messy pantry. Oh great, now you're all looking at it. Well, at least my pudding and jello boxes are nicely organized.

You may have noticed the boards I photographed for the step-by-step photos are not the same as you are seeing now. Well, I made the mistake of not measuring my pudding boxes. I grabbed one off the shelf to use as reference and assumed every brand used a standard size box. Sadly, I was wrong.

The box I used for reference was a Jello brand, 3.4 oz pudding, who's dimensions measure 3 1/2" x 2 3/4" x 1 1/2". The box of the brand I most frequently buy (Great Value) measures 3 1/2" x 3 1/4" x 1 1/2".

So, to fit my Great Value brand pudding boxes, I had to use larger side pieces. I used larger, scrap pieces of wood which I ripped down on my table saw to 4 1/4" widths.

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