Art Cabinet Organization!

Hey folks!

Before and After shot!

When I first started blogging, a sweet friend of mine shared that she needed some ideas about how to clear up counter space in her kitchen.  I initially thought that I was probably the worst person to ask, but then I realized that this was just the motivation I needed to do something about it! So, I started wracking my brain, and with a little help from IKEA (of course!), I realized that if I maximized my cabinet space through careful organization I could clear up some counter space.

The counter madness...

So, I began with our art supply cabinet…. Here it is in all its chaotic glory before the organization began.... (Please don’t judge me…. ) 

That cabinet be cray-cray, yo

As you may of guessed by now, I’m a bit of a crafter and that translates into my stay-at-home mom life. So, our art stash is constantly growing and constantly in use, and the disorganization can be a bit…. Frustrating. So, Saturday night (after a delightful trip to Ikea), I got to work.

This is what I used:

Flyt Magazine File (IKEA) – comes in a 5 pack      = $1.49

Tupperware Bins (already had)                                   = $0.00

Wire File Folder Rack (already had)                           = $0.00

Total                                                                                  = $1.49

I simply put the file bins together and just started organizing the mess. I used the tupperware bins to store items that were alike and placed them all in one place: markers, crayons, paintbrushes, chalk, etc.  The file holders were used to sort activity/art books and craft paper. I also was able to use them for miscellaneous craft items like pipe cleaners, goggly eyes, play dough.  The wire rack holds sticker books, which I need pretty readily (I have a sticker fiend in my household!), and it also holds other things we use regularly- wipes for painting projects and her favorite crayon box. They're upfront and ready for use so I don't have to scavenge when my little crafter comes calling. 

As I continued to organize, it dawned on me that there’s more room than I realized.  So, I was able to fit more and more stuff. LOL! There is even space to store Nugget’s growing pile of artwork behind all the file holders, and that has been the biggest concern because she has a very healthy pile. For now, the plan is to reevaluate all my cabinets and start organizing more efficiently- I’ll keep you posted as I find more ideas, and please share any tips of your own in the comments below! 

Organization makes my heart happy

Finally a place for her previous projects! 

Well, that’s all I’ve got for now. Happy organizing! I’ll be seeing y’all soon! Until then, take care!

Sincerely,

Heather

Wooden Initial Burlap Picture Frames

Hey folks!

I was SO in love with a reclaimed wood initial project that I had found on Pinterest (inspiration found here), but then I quickly realized that… I could not, for the life of me, get my hands on reclaimed wood, and in addition to that, I discovered that finding tin letters in a reasonable price range was out of the picture for me. So, back to the drawing board I went, and after wrangling my brain, I decided that I could make Wooden Initial Burlap Picture Frames with the materials I had on hand.

 

Here’s what I used:

13” Letters (Michael’s)                                            = $4.99 x 2     = $9.98

18” Wooden Ampersand (Hobby Lobby)            = $7.79x 1      = $7.79*

Wood picture frames (Goodwill)                          = $2.99 x 2     = $5.98

Spray Paint (Walmart)                                            = $3.99 x 2     = $7.98

Burlap (on hand)                                                      = $0.00           = $0.00

Glue Sticks (on hand)                                              = $0.00           = $0.00

Mod Podge (on hand)                                              = $0.00           = $0.00

TOTAL COST                                                                               = $31.73

Cost break down = $10.58 per piece

*Used 40% coupon from the Hobby Lobby App. Originally $12.99.

Here’s what I did:

1. Spray paint letters. I used Krylon CoverMaxx in Ivory/Gloss and Rust-Oleum Camouflage in dark sage color. (The Rust-Oleum Camouflage is made to be ultra flat. Just an FYI if this is not the finish you’re looking for. I will remedy this in steps to come!)

2. While my letters were drying, I decided to stain my ampersand a walnut color. For this, I used Varathane Wood Stain in dark walnut.

3. Since I had even more time with things out to dry, I cut pieces of leftover burlap to fit the backs of my picture frames and hot glued them in place.

4. After my letters were finished drying, I hot glued them to my burlap backings.

5. Because my green frames had turned out SO flat, I decided to add some gloss by using Mod Podge. (My only caution with this step is to apply lightly.  If you use it too generously, the excess won’t dry clear but white instead.)

6. When errrything was dry, I simply placed the backings back into the frames and voila!

This was a super fun project, and I absolutely love the end result!  

Well, folks, that’s all I’ve got to say for now. Happy crafting! I’ll be seeing y’all soon! Until then, take care!

Sincerely,

Heather