Crafty Organization

I did not fall off the face of the earth. I just had a Birthday, packed up hubby's classroom, and have been enjoying summer! And look at the cute things I've been crafting... all for the sake of organization, of course! First of all, I have been looking for some sort of hanging bin or basket for the "on the way out the door" items. I need to get the sunscreen, bug repellent, and baby powder (for the beach sand, ya know?) off of my kitchen counter top and out of the reach of little hands. Did I mention that little hands like to find "goo"? I have not been able to find the perfect hanging basket. But then I remembered that there was a lovely French Provençal tin bucket holding an arrangement of silk Spring flowers that needed a new purpose in its life. I was unaware of the sad shape it was in. When I found this lovely article, the paint was cracking badly. The grey areas are from the paint that chipped off as I was washing the outdoor/garage grime off with a soft cloth. The brown spots are rust. I actually liked the rust when this was hanging outdoors with the flowers tucked inside. It gave it a nice country feel. Now that it is going to be in my kitchen, I find that I am not so fond of the rust. It didn't take my brain long to decide that something beautiful could be made from a resource I already had right here in front of me. What was my answer? Decoupage! (The art of decorating with cut outs of fabric or paper.) I just happen to have this swanky scrappy paper that fits the bill perfectly! So (with the help of my three-year-old son) this is my finished product! TADA! That's it! Just two different patterns of paper, a little water, and lots of glue made that rusty, paint-chippy bucket into this little work of art! May I also mention that this was a very "Green" choice? You know... the whole reusing what you have thing. And since I am on such a crafty roll.... I took a frame, which I bought for the purpose of getting the basket of keys up off of the same spot on my kitchen counter, and spruced it up and actually got it up on to my wall! YAY! Pretty and ingenuity in one fell swoop! See how the papers are all matchy-matchy? Isn't is fun!? I know that some of you are far craftier than I. share with me your crafty organizing solutions! You know I'd love to see them! Even if it has nothing to do with getting organized, take some time this week to do something creative! .

Getting Things "To-Done"

Hope you all had a Happy Valentine's Day celebrating with someone you love.

Lately, I’ve been spending time thinking about how to make the home a more efficient place. I turned my attention back to my own thoughts on zone organizing. I have a “To Do Zone” in my home, and I couldn’t think of a better way to explain this myself, so I’m quoting Helen Buttigieg of Neat fame.

Have a “To-Do” Zone

Most of us keep an on-going ‘to-do’ list but what about the materials that are required for many of those tasks, like the gift you still have to wrap or the library book you have to return? They often end up strewn about in different parts of the house. It makes it much easier if all the physical items you need to take action on are located in one place. Consider designating a bookcase, shelving unit or extra closet as your ‘to-do’ zone to act as a temporary holding tank for work still in progress.

© Copyright 2007 by Hellen Buttigieg, We Organize U. Reprinted with permission from the We Organize U Newsletter. Visit http://www.weorganizeu.com

My personal “To Do” zone is the wet bar area of our home. This area would be an otherwise unused space but, with the addition of a hutch, it has become the perfect spot for my office (and my pre-schooler’s art space). What area in your home are you under-using that would make the perfect space for your to do zone?

Next week I’ll fill you in on a very important new member of my “To Do Zone”.

And while we’re getting things done, are you ready to clean out some REAL clutter?

It’s time to take 15 minutes and….. Clutter Sweep the pile of catalogs and magazines that have been piling up. I just realized that my basket is full and many of the things lurking below the surface are from the Christmas Season. YIKES! That is not the gift that keeps on giving.

Obviously, catalogs that you have no intention of ordering from can hit the recycle bin. All stocked up on bedding and drapes? Say good-bye to the home catalog. (This is a general rule. You do not have to keep and peruse EVERY catalog that comes into your home. Those that are not useful to you can be tossed before they ever make it through the front door.)

Next, check “order by” dates and immediately toss the expired catalogs. Don’t worry, they will send you more.

Finally any magazines that you have already read may be tossed as well. You have read it; let it go. Magazines that you are keeping can be put onto your bookshelf while stored in a magazine butler for display, protection, and ease of access. If you are saving a magazine for one particular article/recipe, consider removing only the part you want and filing it away or putting it with your weekly menu.

Ah, now there’s breathing room for the new catalogs and magazines that will bombard your mailbox. Come on. You know it is just a matter of time.

Next week: The product that is changing my life.