Great Craft Room Ideas

It doesn't get much better than this! 
Guest blogger Lorigami who I found on Team EcoEtsy over at Etsy wrote:

How are your organizational skills? 

Keeping track of inventory and supplies in a “normal” business is never easy, but when you factor in a lot of reclaimed, recycled and one of a kind parts, it can turn into a real mess with a quickness. Since January tends to bring with it resolutions of getting organized, I thought it would be a perfect time to showcase some crafty organizing tips.

First, here’s some craft room eye candy to get you in the mood:

(now if you really want craft room envy, check out the rest of the Martha Stewart photo shoot here)

 But now to the nitty-gritty:

Do you use a lot of small parts in your work? Do you have a baby?  How about turning all those baby food jars into nifty hanging shelves?

tutorial on designsponge

Or create magnetic shelving by turning them on their side via shelterness

Or here’s a ready-made solution via ikea

What about fabric storage? While many people choose open shelving,

(I also love her inspiration boards)

Here’s a really creative idea from flickr user splityarn:

She wraps her yardage around archival comic book boards and files them sideways.

I love how this crafter is using a dowel (or you could use a branch from your yard!) and some recycled cookie tins for storage:

and this crafter is using thrifted dishes and cookware for some very attractive organizing:

I love this use of clipboards as a way to keep track of inspiration and orders:

For you soap makers, these wire shelves combined with some baskets make great organizing of supplies:

Are you a paper artist? Use a lot of stamps? Narrow shelves along an entry wall allow you to see all your designs without taking up much room:

I love this use of Ikea rail systems and wire baskets found on the poppytalk blog:

And last, but not least, the lowly pegboard. How versatile is this?

Do you have any creative DIY solutions for organizing your supplies or for keeping your inventory looking pretty? Please share them in the comments.

 Thanks Lori at Lorigami for showing some really neat & organized spaces!

Storage Wish List

I always wanted one of these to sort, organize and store.  Pottery Barn has this rustic collection of furniture where you can put together different option pieces (on line) to "build" what you would like.

This is what I came up with:

I love the design, but my apartment is more modern and it is only available in a rustic, yet beautiful, chestnut.  I think they wanted to keep the look of vintage printer's drawers.  If it came in a beautiful walnut or a light maple or burl,

I would have to have it...

Scroll down & please let me know in comments if you've seen something similar in different woods..

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Declutter-RECYCLE-Feel Great

So, donating unwanted possessions is really great, and a good form of recycling.  But, I thought I should give you the NYC website for real recycling.  You probably know most of this information because of the mandatory recycling laws in NYC.  What you may not know, however, are the sources for difficult to recycle items, such as batteries, lighting, electronics, hazardous waste, bicycles, STYROFOAM! and even carpet.  You will find this information  here on another great city website..  (Bed, Bath & Beyond has a battery recycling box as you enter the store.)

 

What do the numbers mean on plastic recyclables?

I thought I knew. I was mistaken.

                                                                          photo: Chance Agrella

So, declutter and do a great thing for the future of this beautiful earth and our precious children!

Any questions? Email me 

Any comments? Please post below

Declutter-DONATE-Feel Good

Many of you have asked me in the past few weeks where you can donate items you no longer want or need.

There are actually countless large and small charities, non profit organizations and thrift stores across the New York Metropolitan area, that would love your old possessions.  Not only is it a good way to get a tax deduction (speak with your accountant), but if you are like me, you will feel really good about someone else enjoying something you've owned, and, at the same time, helping others.  Also, it is a actually a way of recycling.

However, in light of the fact that so many others also want to give away their own stuff, thrift stores and charities, in many cases, have gotten very choosy.  And, even fewer will now pickup.  Nevertheless, there is still an  abundance of need and you can be somewhat selective.

The following are option categories:

1)  Animal Shelters

2)  Armed Forces, Soldiers and War Veterans

3)  Arts

4)  Career Aid

5)  Children's Charities

6)  Community Centers

7)  Homeless or Refuge Shelters

8)  Medical & Psychiatric

9)  Religious Charities

10) Disadvantaged/Underprivileged

Where you want your possessions to go is a very personal decision.

As I said, few places can afford to pickup and even fewer will take just anything.  I can help you make the decision where things should and can go and let you know who will pick up; or you can do the work yourself by going to nycservice.org

If you can deduct the donation on your taxes, you will need to get a form from the place you donate to, and fill it out as proof of donation.  There is an approximate monetary valuation given by Goodwill 

Again, please speak to your accountant or tax advisor before using this guideline..

Please comment to let me know if I've left out a category or if you have other suggestions for fellow readers. Thanks and happy donating!

You Never Have To Misplace Your Keys Again.

Do you find yourself looking for your keys all the time?

It may be really easy for some of you to remember where you put them, but, if you're anything like me, you probably should have a set place. I used to waste countless hours searching my home and then making apologies for being late to where I needed to be. I thought I would share some of the wonderful options I've discovered out there, to make your life easier and more organized.

I prefer organizational products to look terrific, while being functional. Some of my ideas are less obtrusive than others, and some also have a place for your incoming mail-which solves two organizing problems in one.

I recommend that you place the following items as you enter your home, by the front door.

This simple, slim, seven hook key rack comes as seen in white or in walnut Both colors are also available with only four hooks.

Perfect, modern, simplicity. Of course in stainless steel, however, somewhat pricey. But, think of all the time you'll save not searching for your keys.

This stainless steel key holder is a very cool addition to a contemporary home.

Steel, pretty, somewhat rustic, six hook rack can be personalized with any name you want, up to 10 letters.

Solid wood magnetic key rack and letter holder also available in natural, almost looks like a work of art.

Chrome triple mail organizer/ key holder. Helps clear the whole family's incoming mail clutter.

Or you can do as I do on my way in. I drop them into a beautiful, handmade, glass bowl on my entryway credenza and just grab them on my way out...

 bowl by Hudson Beach Glass

So, these are but a few ideas I have found for this major time saver. You can always hang your sunglasses as well, to keep them by the door for easy reach!

Final hints:

1) Be sure to measure the area where it will be placed; if you decide to get one. 2) Use a level when you put it up.

Are these something you feel might help you save time and feel more relaxed? I'd love to hear your comments or ideas.

Enjoy!

top double keys photo: Chance Agrella