Rubbermaid - Adventures in Organization

Using a Old Shutter to Organize

One of my favorite organization tools that I use in my home office would have to be my shutters.  I found them at the Metrolina Antique Show in Charlotte.  They were 2 for $5, and were originally navy until I spray painted them white to match my office.

They are great for keeping important references close-by my desk without creating holes in my wall.   Additinally, they allow me to maximize 6 feet of vertical space and are easily moveable around the room.

On one, I have:
-frequently used coupons for restaurants / activities that I need to remind myself I have (or I will forget to use them)
-inspiration - things to be grateful for, favorite quotes/inspirational photos
-upcoming events clipped from Charlotte Observer and other magazines

On the other, I have used Stick and Store baskets to hang on the grooves in the shutter and I organize plans for upcoming travel.

What other uses do you have for old things?

 

Jewelry Organization System

As I mentioned in my post last week, my hobbies, while relaxing sometimes result in organizational mayhem!!!   Not only do the supplies need to be stored (see last weeks post on Craft Room), but also the end-products.   Anyhow, I wanted to share a low-cost jewelry organization system I had to create the year I learned how to make the necklaces & earrings so that they could be easily seen every morning…... 

To organize earrings:  Take metal strands (can be found at a home improvement store in the hardware section), bent the ends and inserted them into the drywall;  hang earrings

To organize necklaces: Hammer nails into drywall or wood surface; hang necklaces

If you have any tips or suggestions for how to store your jewelry I'd love to hear them.

Organizing my craft room

I have always been interested in crafts and projects from painting, to scrapbooking to jewelry-making.   Over the years, I have struggled with what to do with all the "stuff" that amassed out of my hobbies.   In my first small apartment, I kept it in rolling underbed boxes (Rubbermaid of course), but it still required a bit of effort to pull all of my supplies out to get started.  In turn, I found I worked on my paintings and crafts less because I didn’t want the hassle of pulling all the supplies out.

One of the big selling points in my new home was an extra bedroom that was an ideal space for a "project room". How exciting to  finally have a space where I could work on things bit-by-bit and have a home for my stuff!!

The first step was a large project table.  My stepfather built a simple table out of an old door that works beautifully.   Next, I built custom bookshelves to keep my day to day items close to the project table.

Another idea I saw in a magazine was to take an old shutter to organize paperwork.  It has been easy to keep up with wedding invitations, tickets for upcoming show, etc. in a quick and easy place.

Because the room had a larger walk-in clothes closet, I converted the space once used for hanging clothes to a supply room.

Clear drawers became a dresser to organize larger "projects" .  Painting simple designs on foam board created a more fun feel and the labels made everything easier to find.

In the remaining part of the closet, I used Rubbermaid Homefree Closet system to create rows of shelving to house my favorite size Rubbermaid totes – the mini 3 gallon.   Homefree is really easy to install and change based on your needs so I was pleased with how I could customize the spacing for my totes.  Also, when I am selling the house, it will be easy to convert it back to a clothes closet (not sure if the new homeowners will be wild about art as I am).

All in all, it has been great to have everything in once place and I have found myself more inspired to pull out projects on a random Saturday or to finish things quickly!  If anyone has any idea for other ways I can organize, just let me know!