Anthro Knock-Off: Stacking Wood Trays

I have been coveting these wood trays from Anthropologie for the last 6 months but their steep price tag put the brakes on any intent I might have had to buy them. I mean, $128 for 3 wooden desk trays?! No thank you. Thankfully the knock-off challenge at SYTYC came bright and early this season so I finally had the motivation to make a set for myself.

They are the perfect addition to my newly organized office console, dontcha think? I started with some plain wooden trays for $7.99 a piece and added some dividers. After painting on the wording, I added a brass card holder/pull to each tray and called it a day. I guess you want better instructions than that? Check out the step by step below!

Craft Room Organization - Fabric Storage

If you're anything like me, you have an entirely too large fabric collection. Even though I rarely sew, I can't miss out on pretty fabric. I guess I figure that I'd rather add a random fabric to my collection than start a project and realize that I didn't buy it. Once you start loading up on the fabric, it's about time you get it organized... but how?

I store my fabric in drop-front storage boxes on a shelf in my craft-room closet. This was in no way my idea, the fabulous Chip Cordelli was brilliant and it's been the best fabric storage for my space.

While it's the perfect solution for me, I realize it might not be the most practical or appealing solution for everyone. One quick search on the web will yield tons of results and I promise that you'll be inspired.

Simple & Crafty Valentine's Day Vignette

While I wouldn't normally decorate for Valentine's Day, my wreath really got me in the v-day spirit! I set up a faux mantle in my craft room to keep my inspiration flowing. And get this, it's made completely out of leftover craft supplies... no purchase necessary. Check it out! 

Craft Room Organization: Clothespin Spools

One of my goals for 2012 was to learn embroider and now, it's one of my favorite crafts. It's one of those hobbies that you can literally do anywhere which makes it all the more attractive to a girl on the go.  I keep all of my embroidery materials in a basket and they've become a little, how shall I say it, disheveled? I created these clothespin spools to organize the whole kit and caboodle. 

Craft Room Organization: Mini Memo Board

I'm addicted to sticky notes. I write all of my to-dos on a note daily and periodically cross them off as they're completed throughout the day. The next day, I start a new one by rewriting the undone items from the day before and adding anything that pops up. Unfortunately, I've lost those uber important stickies more times than I care to remember. My office has become a black hole of clutter. A mini cork board covered in glitter was the perfect solution to keep my daily post-it at the forefront of my mind and on top of the mess, literally. 

I made mine out of six-inch square cork tiles which were left over from the seating chart I made for our wedding in 2011. Yep, I had those scraps sitting around for over a year and a half... that's probably why my craft room is such a disaster area -- because I hoard.

Washi Tape Magnets

If you haven't guessed already I have quite the affinity for washi tape. Maybe the suncatchers or the holiday luminary or the mini bunting hinted at that before. If not, our new fridge adornments are definitely making my crafty crush obvious.

You see, our fridge was kind of lacking in the magnet department (we had two mismatched hand-me-downs) and I thought that an update was drastically needed. I gathered my supplies and set to work creating a bulletin board of sorts on the side of our fridge.

Craft Room Organization: Peg Board

I'm always on a quest to keep my craft room looking as good as it did when it was first finished. One of my favorite organizational tools has been my peg board. If this wasn't a gift from above, I don't know what is. The only problem is that I'm probably one of the most disorganized crafters out there and I never put things back where they belong. That is why I came up with a new way to ensure that all materials go back to their designated space. 

First thing's first: Get all of the tools and materials situated in a functional and aesthetically pleasing layout on your peg board.

...oh my! how did that empty wine glass get in the picture??

Then remove each, one by one, and trace the reverse side onto the back of the scrapbook paper you want to use. Be sure to label each so you know exactly which silhouette pairs with what tool. I had considered using contact paper but not only would I be limited by the pattern selection, I'd also have to take a lot of time sticking it on and removing it if I wanted to change the layout.

Using an x-acto knife, carefully cut out each silhouette. I also cut out strips to line the clear cups and bins.

Not only did I want pretty little silhouettes for all of the tools, but I also wanted labels for each cubby, cup, and container. Make a list of all of the materials you want to label.

I created a simple "stitched" label in PowerPoint and typed each of items in, then printed all of them onto a light grey cardstock.

Cut out the labels. Affix the labels to each silhouette and bin liner with double sided tape, glue, or glue dots.

Using a basic hole punch, punch holes at the top of each of the shapes and slide them over the hooks on the peg board. Replace all of your products and VOILA, a place for everything and everything in it's place!

a close up of some of the bins

I made little tags for the porcelain containers

The transformation took less than two hours, and the majority of that was spent creating the labels. If you'd like my PowerPoint template for them, feel free to shoot me a line. I absolutely love the splash of color over the grey walls, but most of all it's nice to know that I will never have an excuse not to put something back where it belongs. What do you think??


If you like this easy project, you should consider following Spool and Spoon via email or through Google Friend Connect for other tutorials and recipes that are sure to tickle your fancy. Also, did you know we have a Facebook? Hop on over so you don't miss any of the fun. 

I'm linking to:

DIY Showoff | S3 | Classy Clutter | A Little Tipsy | I Heart Nap Time | Mine for the Making | Flamingo Toes | Craftomaniac | Shabby Creek Cottage | Somewhat Simple | Saved by Love Creations | My Simple Home Life | My Girlish Whims | Stone Gable | Young and Crafty | Nifty Thrifty Things

Craft Room Organization: Stamp Jars

You may not remember this, but earlier this year Real Simple came and made over my craft room. They did such a wonderful job and I'm paranoid that I'll ruin it. I feel like I'm constantly stuck coming up with new ways to make the most of my existing space since I seem to hoard craft supplies. The $1 sets of alphabet stamps from Michaels are one such supply I can't resist buying...after all, they're only a buck!

The problem with those little packs is they come in these dinky boxes that make it impossible to keep organized so I just toss them together in one big container. Well that definitely isn't a solution because when I want to use them I have to fish out each matching set... Waste of time, much?  After a recent trip to Ikea, I snagged little spice jars that were the perfect size for each set. This is what I came up with:

They consist of: small jars (could easily be done with baby food jars), craft paper stickers, and stamped on words. I think they are a perfectly adorable and organized addition to my amazing space.

Materials:
Stamp sets
1 jar per stamp set
1 label per jar
ink pad

Instructions:
1. Get all of your stamps together

2. Sort by font

3. Gather enough jars for each set

4. Apply a sticker to the lid of each jar

5. Get the letters from each set for whatever word you want to spell out

6.  Use a pretty color to stamp your word onto the sticker

7. I thought mine were lacking a certain something so I added a little stitch doodle on each to give some extra pop.

I had originally applied the stickers to the sides of the jars, but considering you view the jars from the top, I ripped those little babies off and put them on the lid. That way, I can easily see which set is which and only grab the stamps I want.

What are your favorite craft organization tips? Please share! I'm always stoked to hear all of the creative ideas floating around out there.


If you haven't already, consider following Spool and Spoon via email or Google Friend Connect so you don't miss out on other pretty projects and really simple recipes!

I'm linking to:

DIY Showoff | S3 | Classy Clutter | A Little Tipsy | I Heart Nap Time | Mine for the Making | Flamingo Toes | Craftomaniac | Shabby Creek Cottage | Somewhat Simple | Saved by Love Creations | My Simple Home Life | My Girlish Whims | Stone Gable | Young and Crafty | Nifty Thrifty Things

Washi Tape Bunting

Is it just me or is bunting everywhere? Don't get me wrong, I am DEFINITELY not complaining. Anything is ten times cuter when pennants are draped all over it: cards, cakes, entry ways, mugs, etc. I wanted to add a little whimsy to my sewing table and a mini bunting was just the touch my favorite frame needed.

Materials:

• Washi tape in your favorite patterns or colors
• Solid white paper
• Embroidery floss in a coordinating color
• 1" hole punch
• Glue stick
• Bone folder & Scoring Board

Directions:

1. Apply the washi tape to the white paper in any pattern you'd like
2. Punch out circles
3. Using the bone folder and scoring board, score each circle down the center
4. Fold the circles with the washi pattern on the outside and smear the glue across the inside
5. Wrap the circles around the embroidery floss and press closed
6. Decorate the accessories of your choice for a detail that is sure to impress

Yep, it's really that easy. Shocking, I know. In less than 10 minutes you'll have an adorable accent for your favorite things. You could use printed paper if you aren't a fan of washi tape (GASP!), but I adore my stash a bit too much to not utilize it in every way possible.

If you like what you see, you should consider following Spool and Spoon via email or through Google Friend Connect for other simple tutorials and mouth-watering recipes that are sure to tickle your fancy.

I'm linking to:

DIY Showoff | S3 | Classy Clutter | A Little Tipsy | I Heart Nap Time | Mine for the Making | Flamingo Toes | Craftomaniac | Shabby Creek Cottage | Somewhat Simple | Saved by Love Creations | My Simple Home Life | My Girlish Whims | Stone Gable | Young and Crafty | Nifty Thrifty Things

My Apologies and a Quick Update

Lately, work has been insane to the membrane, insane to the brain. What that translates to is a complete mental shutdown by the time I get home and no ability whatsoever to create, workout, or do anything besides more work. Perfect example of how my personal life has gone to the wayside? I completely mixed up the days and missed my own best friend's birthday! Obviously, this girl needed a serious time out and to beg for forgiveness.

Rather than punish myself, I decided to spend 30 minutes doing something relaxing just for me... Pinterest. I really am addicted to this site and have been for months. Anyhow, I'm just perusing around and what do I find but a picture of myself!!! Weird much? Haha.

After the initial shock wore off (I actually screamed for the Mr. to come and see), I was so excited that Real Simple had moved our makeover story from the magazine to their website.... AHHHH, I am so happy! Check it out! Love it? Questions? Comments?

By the way -- I cannot stress enough that the Mr. and I are NOT messy. I get so embarrassed thinking that the general public would believe that he and I just throw things on the floor in the spare bedrooms in the house... I promise that we don't! (Well... He doesn't... If it weren't for him I probably would be a wreck).  We were just very indecisive about how to utilize all of the extra space once we finished decorating the main living spaces. I learned so much from the design team and they included tons of great tips in the article. Enjoy :)


I plan to get some great projects done this weekend, I promise!

I'm A Cover Girl!

Well, it's been hard not letting it out into the public forum for the past few months, but the Mr. and I are in Real Simple's April issue!!!

Yes, you read that right. My crafty haven was redecorated by Real Simple's talented organizational/design team. It is UH-MAY-ZING. In all seriousness it is the most beautiful room I have ever seen and what's better is that each and every item in my 10'x10' space serves a purpose. I'm so grateful that Real Simple chose to give me this wonderful opportunity because I never could have dreamed up the ideas that they had, nor would my budget allow for such a transformation.

My Top 5 Splurges

One of a Kind Vintage Chair - $650 from Chairloom -  Similar Styles Here
The pattern and design of this reupholstered seat is none like I have ever seen before and it's so comfortable! I love sitting there while I'm coming up with new craft ideas or doing some research on my laptop.

Model 1 Radio - $150 at Tivoli Audio - Found Here
The Mr. couldn't agree more and loves showing it off. The sound is impeccable and the design is minimal yet sophisticated.

Handmade Bulletin Board - Fabric: $196/yd at Lee Jofa - Found Here

Chip Cordelli (my organizer-extraordinaire!) made this bulletin board for me out of some really fantastic fabric wrapped around hardware store homasote. I wish I had another office just so I could make one myself!

Super Jumbo Naked Trunk - $313 at Wayfair.com -  Similar Style Here

Another great idea from Mr. Cordelli -- A gift wrap central set in a trunk. Tension rods act as ribbon organizers and clear shoe boxes house ribbons, tags, cards and calligraphy pens. Besides it's ultimate purpose, I've been obsessed with steamer trunks for the past few years so I love having this really modern alternative.

Fallon Rug by Jill Rosenwald for Surya - $385 at Rugs USA - Similar Style Here

I love a nice rug and this is nice times a billion. When we first bought our house 7 months ago, I had wanted a geometric patterned rug for down in the living room. The Mr. hadn't entertained that idea very long (boohoo) so when Real Simple presented this as an option for above the wall-to-wall carpeting in the room, I was elated. It's beautiful and vivid, yet very subtle in the entire room. 

Go out and grab the $4.99 issue to enjoy all the goodness between the two covers... you won't be disappointed! I'd love to hear what YOUR favorite pieces/ideas are.