Get Organized!

Hi all, it's Wednesday and that means it's time for the organizing tip of the week. This one is very simple, but has also proven to be very useful.

If you are anything like me your space is covered in to-do lists, shopping lists, post it notes, order confirmations, receipts, and cards. It gets a little overwhelming, and it leaves me with absolutely no room to work.

In order to combat all of those little notes that clutter up my work space I have begun writing everything down in a mini notebook. I put all of my phone messages, to do lists, shopping lists, and random notes in this one little notebook, and I stick all of the loose addresses, business cards, and receipts in the pocket. This way my mess is confined to one area, and I can pick it up and throw it in my purse so I always have my lists with me.

Here is my notebook (on my far too cluttered desk):

This is also helpful because I have a tendency to get easily frustrated by the clutter and get into a cleaning rage, where I unknowingly throw away a very important piece of paper (it's happened more than once), this way all these notes will still be there months later.

Shameless promotion: I have many mini notebooks just like this one in my Etsy shop stop by and check them out!

It's Wednesday - Let's Get Organized!

That's right it's Wednesday, which means it's time for the first post in my weekly feature. Each Wednesday I will post ideas for keeping organized. I have two for you today:

When I started my Etsy shop one of my issues was what to do with the items that I've made and listed, but haven't yet sold? I found my answer at Michael's:

Great boxes and containers are perfect for a multi-use space because they give you a place to put thing that need to be kept safe and clean, but it's alright if they do not fit in the closet because they add to the decor of the room. I love these boxes so much that I would keep them out even if they were empty (ha! that would never happen!).

Some other great places to look for containers that are both functional and attractive include The Container Store and Hobby Lobby.

Organizing tip number two is a bit more crafty. If you are anything like me you have a bunch of little items floating around your workspace (paper clips, pushpins, beads, bobbins, safety pins, the list goes on and on...). Here is an idea for corralling all of those items, and recycling. I love flavored coffee, so I had piles of these containers:

This type of container is perfect for this project because it is sturdy, and it has a lid. Here is a picture of the finished product:

This is one of those great projects that you can modify to fit your personal style and the decor of your space. You can start with any kind of container.

First, measure and cut scrapbooking or craft paper to fit all of the way around your container.

Use Mod Podge or decoupage glue to coat the container, and attach the paper. Make sure to rub over the entire surface to remove air bubbles. Set this part of the container aside, it is important to let the first layer of Mod Podge dry completely before moving on.

While you are waiting you can begin painting the lid of the container. I used acrylic craft paint. Because it is a plastic lid it will take several coats. Make sure you let each coat dry completely before applying the next coat (this is a difficult project for me because I am not a patient person!).

Once the original layer of glue on your container is dry you can cover the paper with another layer of Mod Podge or glue, for a shiny protective coat. At this point you can also add any additional embellishments.

Finally, once each coat of paint on the lid of your container has dried coat the lid with Mod Podge also, this will help keep the paint from chipping off. Remember, don't put the lid on the container until the glue has dried completely!

Ok, now go get organized!