Organizing My Space

I love to use unconventional containers to organize all the little bits of stuff I have in my work space.  Anything that makes me smile or holds personal meaning (and holds my stuff!) is sure to be a winner.  I use this little piece of Cottage Ware to hold paper clips.

This little wicker baby buggy that I found at a gift basket supply store is great for spools of thread.







And my most recent find... an old Fisher Price farm silo.  It is perfect for holding all the sharp things (scissors, rotary cutter, etc.) that need to stay out of reach and safely hidden away.  What is your favorite organizational piece in your work space?

If you love something, set it free.....

"If you love something, set if free; if it comes back to you it's yours, if it doesn't, it never was meant to be".  Wait a minute.  Richard Bach was talking about human relationships when he wrote that, I don't think this is going to work for my situation.  I need an inspirational quote to help me come to terms with selling an item I listed on etsy (you know what I mean).  I came across this Napco cookie jar a few weeks ago and snatched it up since it reminded me so much of my own.  I fully intended to sell it in my etsy shop.  I photographed it, listed it and then put it on my shelf to wait.  That was my big mistake.  I should have hidden it from view and not enjoyed having it next to me, on my shelf, in my office (where I could even talk to it).  And then what I was originally hoping for happened-it sold!  And I was thrilled (for a second) and then slightly sad that this adorable little jar would be leaving.  But, I have gathered my strength, carefully packed him up and am going to mail it today.  Lesson learned-never get attached to an item I list on etsy again.  Just a few pictures for the family album (ha, ha).

  "It's better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all." ~ Alfred Lord Tennyson

Chevron Fever

We have all been hearing about "Missoni Fever" as a result of the Missoni for Target product launch in mid-September.  The graphic prints are colorful and amazing and deserve the attention.  Plus, all the hype is drawing attention to the good old-fashioned chevron design that deserves every bit of praise that it receives.  The classic V shape of the chevron pattern has long been a staple of houseware design and decorating.

One of my favorite crafters, Betz White, even designed a chevron pattern for Kleenex last year. Betz knit the sample for this box and then Kleenex photographed her work, manipulated it and turned it into the final product. 

I'm sure much of the Missoni line was created using computers and design programs.  But, before the days of computers, chevron patterns were most likely seen in knitting, crochet and home sewing projects.  A true display of the time, talent and love that women put into their creations.  I am lucky enough to have a vintage chevron apron of my own. 

I am in awe of the detail work that went into meticulously cutting and piecing the original striped fabric to create the classic V and inverted V's of the chevron design.  The woman that made this vintage gem cut, pieced and sewed together 12 individual strips to create her masterpiece.

Vintage Inspired Playroom Organizers

As my five year old gets bigger, it seems her toys get smaller and we were having trouble keeping all her little plastic friends organized.  I saw these glass slant jars at The Container Store and realized I could use them in the playroom for now and the kitchen or office when we no longer need them for toys (please tell me young kids do outgrow this phase where they hoard all things small and plastic!).  They remind me of old fashioned candy store containers and you can easily see what's inside.  There are lots of things inside!

I searched google images for the items we would be keeping in each of the containers (Little People, Animals and Princesses) and printed out pictures so my little princess would know who belongs where.

 

Shopportunity~50% off Claire Murray

I have collected Claire Murray rugs for as long as I can remember.  We have always gravitated towards apartments and homes with wood floors and are hesitant to cover too much of the wood with a rug.  Area rugs provide just enough coverage and, since I grow attached to my rugs, we can take them with us when we move.  Since my 20's I have splurged on small (3x5) Claire Murray rugs for the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms.  Fast forward 20 years, and many little rugs later, even my husband noticed that our floors were looking a little like a crazy quilt.  I was always hesitant to spend the money for a 5x7 or larger.  But then I discovered a few years ago that Claire Murray runs an annual 50% off sale.  Problem solved.  Each year I buy one 5x7 (or larger-eek!).  It's been a great way to keep my rug collection growing without breaking the budget.  The sale is going on now at Claire Murray.  Use coupon code Web50 to get 50% off one rug.  Enjoy!

The House on the Hill

With snow falling all day Saturday, we stayed inside and tried to keep busy.  I have been wanting to make another pillow from my vintage linens.  So, I gathered my stash (from the closet, dresser, china cabinet) and spread everything out on the bed to take a look.  Lots of hand stitched flowers, ditsy prints and ginghams were in the pile, as these always catch my eye when I am out hunting.

But wait!  This cute little house on the hill was peeking out from my pile.  I think as we evolve as collectors, we are always adding new layers to our interests (often without even knowing it).  My love of ceramic Cottage Ware seems to be influencing my taste in linens and this tiny house has shown up in my stash.  Lucky for me, because this was the perfect project for a snowy day!