Featured Project
Kellen's Wall Art
One big ongoing project that I have had for the past few years is my son's bedroom. He has his own taste of decorations that is similar to mine. It is quite funny actually. He likes vintage sport, and automobile memorabilia. So basically anything vintage and "boyish".

Now, of course it is really hard for me to do something with out taking it to the extreme. So, I thought of lots of potential projects that are related to this one alone. Such as... how could we share some of these pieces of "art" with family members, how could we display some of this "art" in our own home, and what do we do with the stuff that we need to save? But, I remembered that technically all I really needed was a solution to the mess (for now).
I tried and tried to come up with a solution that was better than stashing it all under the built in secretary in the breakfast nook. For my family personally, I just couldn't think of a better solution. Plus, we were already in a habit putting all the papers there. So, I wanted to go with the same idea but a little nicer container than just a paper box. I searched thrift stores and such for a cheap basket (preferably with a lid). Stores such as Hobby Lobby have awesome baskets, but this just wasn't something I wanted to spend very much money on.
After getting very frustrated because I couldn't find ANYTHING, I had a realization that I actually have a storage situation in the secretary. So, my solution was there all along. My suggestion, for anyone else who might use this idea, would be to use a covered basket and put it by the front door, in the laundry room, under the sofa table, etc. For 1st grade, I am just going to use the drawer in the secretary to put his school papers. While I am disappointed that I didn't find what I was thrifting for, this project was technically free. You just can't beat that. The best part is, the school paper mess is very conceiled in the drawer. The moral of the story is, really look at what you have and try to use that as best as you can.

A decorative bucket, a cloth napkin to kind of drape on the inside, and the breakfast foods. That is all you need. I found all items in my home already. Easy peesy. You can do this too, very very easily. On the bar, by the door to the garage, on a side table on the way out of the house, whatever it takes.
Why this works: Our breakfast bucket is right on the kitchen counter on our way to the garage. It's like breakfast is finding us! Also, my monkey (Kellen) keeps his feet on the ground with this method. And finally, there are only 3 (sort of) options for breakfast in our breakfast bucket. If the selection is limited then the process of elimination is a lot easier. In our bucket we have pop tarts, granola bars, and raisins. Please note: Kellen eats something with the raisins - like a piece of bread or a boost. Here's a close up...
How is everyone coming on their lists?
So here we are, ready to tackle the first thing on my list. Have you started on yours yet? I really can't believe I am showing you the before pictures, but here they are... yes, I know... no wonder dressing is such a disaster.
What I have found to be most efficient in organizing closets is to make a list of the main categories that EVERYTHING in the closet can fit into. Kellen's are clothes, crafts, camping gear, keepsakes, stuffed animals, and toys. Then, put things within the reach of who needs to access them. Keepsakes on top, toys on bottom, etc. I added an inexpensive hanging closet organizer for his clothes (undies, socks, white shirts, jammies, swimsuits, and shoes). There is actually a step stool under the hanging closet organizer for him to reach to the top opening. The plastic bins were transformed back to craft bins (original purpose). The green bin on top of that holds Hot Wheels. Above his hanging shirts is his camping gear and his 2 ft wooden tooth (ha!). Above his hanging pants is the keepsake box that accumulates (you guessed it) keepsakes until it's full... then it goes to the attic. The toys could be organized better, but I was doing this for cheap and an extra under the bed storage container and an extra laundry basket is what I had to work with.
On one door, I installed a "dressing station". The other door has Build a Bear birth certificates (Kellen's idea) and a calendar for him to use. For the dressing station I used a $5 Wal-Mart floor length mirror and 6 3M hooks. The mirror and hooks are attached with that awesome 3M adhesive that comes right off when the bottom is pulled. Everyone needs to check it out! I organized his hooks to obviously hold 3 hats, a shirt, pants, and book bag. The plan is... we choose his outfit the night before, then he is totally self sufficient in the mornings if he wants to be. To help him out with color coordinating and finding clothes easier, I also organized his clothes like the colors of the rainbow. (You should meet ROY G. BIV if you haven't already... look him up.)
If you'd like me to come to your house and help you with a closet makeover, just let me know! I'll be there in a flash! I would LOOOVE to do a little girls closet just like this...
How are everyone's solutions coming along? Let us know about it in the comments section!
- Dressing Kellen in the morning
- Feeding Kellen in the morning
- Wrangling school papers in the house
Please, share your lists and then discuss with your family to come up with a solution! Just add your list to the comments section of this post.
She found this dresser on craigslist and decided to redo it. She painted it white and replaced (and repositioned) the hardware. For the full story, please visit her blog.

My sister decided a patio dining table would be the perfect new function for this table and chairs.


"Wow", is all I have to say! I thought she chose a great brown (exterior) paint and the yellow outdoor fabric seat covers make her chairs dressed to kill! The fabric was a steal at only $8.00 for the three chairs, plus plenty more for a table runner or even place mats. I love how she decided to take something old and make it modern and clean on the cheap! You just can't ask for more!

Jenna is ultimately going to make lumbar pillows (half the height of this pillow) out of this fabric for each chair. She already made two pillows like the one in the picture and uses them on her patio chairs. I think it all ties in quite nicely, don't you think?
She loves it so much she was using it for entertaining the very next day!Check back for pictures of her complete patio make over!
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- Nicole
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
- I am just a 20 something girl who needs a serious creative outlet. I am a full time accountant, a full time mom, and also need full time projects just to keep me sane.
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