The Year of the Clean Out

I'm cleaning out my house from top to bottom. It is a slow process since just getting through life and my regular responsibilities keeps me jumping.

Sometimes it is hard for me to let go of things but who needs all the clutter? Here are some things that help me:

- It is easier to get rid of things when you think, "Someone really needs this and I'm not using it."
(Clothing, old coats, etc. If you haven't used it/worn it in a year, you should give it to charity.)

- Tell yourself over and over , "Just let it go." Make it your mantra. Once it is in the "to go" pile don't let yourself pull it back out.

- Think of the end results. Think how good it will feel when you have a clean, organized, uncluttered space.

- Send it to a new home. I have some things I made that are hard for me to let go of but they are "country" and I'm trying to get away from the "country" look. It would be easier if I knew they were going to a good home. I know...it sounds dumb...but hey I'm somewhat attached. Maybe a friend would like it. Maybe you could use it for a giveaway on your blog.

- Sale it on Craig's list or at a garage sale. (Think of it as a fund raiser so you can get something you would really like... umm, like organization bins.)

- Give your kids or a friend free reign to tell you what you need to let go of. My kids did this for me and I took their advice. OK...some of it moved to my studio space but I did get rid of alot. I'll show you the studio after I finish organizing. :) I'm excited because I got a new table and chairs for my birthday from my husband. For Christmas I got new book cases. I'm in the clean out mode so it's a big mess.

(Be aware that you will probably get rid of something you'll find you wish you had kept. It's OK. Hopefully you will be able to replace it. It is a small cost for peace of mind.

My goal is to clean something out everyday. Some days it is only something small but every little bit helps.

What works for you? I'm open to new ideas. If you read this, consider yourself officially tagged to clean something out.

I Love Old Doors

I really do love old doors. For a while there I had quite the collection. My daughter, Marissa, used one of my doors to make a coffee table out of. It looks great. We polyurethaned the top and legs to protect her from the paint if it contained lead. It also made it washable.

Maybe I can get her to post a picture on her blog so you can see it.

My husband used quite a few to make a shed. It is in progress but I'll take a picture for you when it isn't snowing outside...yes, it is still snowing at my house.

I also used a door to create a wrapping paper station in my sewing/craft room. It just leans against the wall so if I reconfigure the room, it can be moved easily. Here is a picture of the whole door. (Sorry, I don't know how to turn the pictures so they are upright. Can anyone help me with this?)


Here is a close up of the ribbon. They are on spools threaded on a dowel and color coordinated. There are six hooks. I took the top dowel off so you could see what they look like. I predrilled the screw holes and then attached the hooks with screws. Yes, I figured this one out all by myself. (Buy your husband tools for his birthday and Christmas and you will have available anything you need for your projects. He thinks tools are great.)

I also hung a basket half way down the door. (I think it is supposed to be a window box for flowers but it fit the width of my door perfectly. It was one of those things I found on clearance..thought it was cool...and was sure I could find a use for it.) I put my iron and starch in the spot that is currently empty. I also have containers with ribbon I bought by the yard and other odds and ends.

Down below I have all my wrapping paper in this container. It was what antique bobbins came in when I used to have a retail store. My kids told me to get rid of it. It was in the family room and they were helping me declutter. You need that every once in awhile...an objective opinion. Anyway, I still liked it so repurposed it in my sewing room. It does have a lid that I keep on it too.

The door sits next to my cutting table where the tape dispensers and scissors sit. I hope this gives you ideas for organizing your own center.

My favorite door I used in my living room at Christmas and Halloween so I would have more places to hang decorations. Sorry, I didn't take any pictures but maybe next year I'll remember. My husband and daughter use them as photo backdrops too. Check out my husband's website and see if you can find the doors. mbborupphotography.com

I'll try and post Marissa's baby shower pictures where we used my old doors as a back drop behind the food table.

P.S. I like old windows too.

Organization...You Have to Love It!

I have quite a bit of jewelry with a mother-in-law and sister-in-law who make jewelry for a living, I've acquired quite a bit. I also go to the wholesale bead shows with my mother-in-law so have made a lot of my own.

Here is an organization idea for your jewelry. I purchased a plate rack and converted it to a jewelry holder. I can see everything so it is easy to pick out jewelry for the day.
I added extra wire across the bars to hang my earrings. I added wire hooks to hang my bracelets and hung my necklaces where you set the plates. I like how it looks on my bathroom wall too. (Just make sure you keep your polishing cloth handy. The steam from the shower will oxidize the sterling silver quickly.)

I can even hang my watches.

What are your organization ideas? I'd love to see them. I will share more of mine with you soon.