May

20

solution to kitchen counter clutter

No matter how hard I try, the kitchen counter just seems to collect clutter.

lots-of-kitchen-countertop-clutter

Paperwork, receipts, mail, sunglasses, random toys, cords, ipads, phones … it all accumulates right here.

before-clutter-on-counter

Ryan suggested that we find some sort of organizer to sort this mess.

Then he went to the thrift store and found this beauty:

old-metal-file

He totally inherited his mom’s knack for finding good things in the midst of junk.

The 70′s wood grain side panels were a bit much, so I took it outside and sprayed the whole thing green – partially because it is a fun color, partially because it was all we had.

spray-paint-old-metal-file

spray-paint-old-file

I’m not always a great spraypainter, but this one actually turned out great. The key is making sure there is no dust or dirt on the item, shaking the can for a long time, then spraying one pass at a time, releasing the spray nozzle each time. I did several light coats {letting each one dry for a few minutes} and it came out smooth and without major drip marks.

Now here it sits on the kitchen counter, organizing all of that kitchen counter clutter.

organize-the-kitchen-counter

I’m not sure if that basket will stay, and I will probably tire of the green and spray it white, but for now it serves its purpose of corralling the clutter.

kitchen-counter-organization

The random paperwork, receipts, cords, sunglasses are all still there, they’re just a bit more organized.

kitchen-couter-declutter-file

If you can’t find a funky 70′s metal organizer with faux wood stickers on the sides at your local thrift store, I have found a few great options available online:

countertop-organization-items

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Here’s to practical solutions for the inevitable clutter.

Posted by | 12 comments
May

17

diy tote bag

Here’s an easy project to do:

customize an inexpensive canvas tote bag with a design of your choice.

iron-on-banner-to-tote-bag

You just need a few supplies:

tote-bag-supplies

:: canvas tote bag {like these}
:: printable fabric transfer sheet {like these}
:: computer & ink jet printer
:: iron
:: scissors

STEP ONE: design what you want on your bag

design-your-printout

I made these simple banners with each of my children’s numbers, but you could do anything you like. An initial would be cute, favorite quote or word, clipart you love … anything you like. Just design in whatever program you are comfortable with {pixlr.com is a good free one} formatted on an 8.5 x 11 document.

STEP TWO: print onto transfer sheet

print-reverse-with-tshirt-transfer-setting

Make sure you print in reverse {your print out will look like a mirror image of what you designed}. Your program may have an option for t-shirt transfer for the media type and it will reverse automatically. If not, you can reverse the image before you print. Not sure how? Google “reverse image in ___ ” and fill in whatever design software you are using.  You should be able to find an easy solution.

STEP THREE: cut out design, leaving a small border of white

supplies-for-making-transfer-diy-bags

STEP FOUR – SEVEN: follow the directions on the transfer paper packaging

iron-on-transfer-paper-to-tote-bag

put your design face down on your bag . press iron firmly for about 30 seconds, moving slowly across paper . let cool . peel off paper backing

You end up with a custom bag that is super versatile, and pretty darling, too.

diy-tote-bag

We’ll use ours this summer for swim lessons.

diy-tote-bag-for-summer-accessories

But they also work great for overnight stays, dance class, piano lessons, trick-or-treating, easter egg hunting, library book toting. My kids received monogrammed bags as a party favor a few years ago and we’ve used them for everything. They wash up well for the first few washes, but the transfers will probably start to fade or peel over time.  But, really, by that point, you’ll probably want a new design anyway so go ahead and replace them when the time comes.

Multi-purpose, inexpensive, cute and simple to make: pretty much the perfect project!

Posted by | 9 comments
May

15

my dirty little secret

I’m coming clean today …

closet-up-close

this is what the closet under our stairs looks like.

I try to keep it organized, but it just doesn’t keep. It’s where we store our vacuum, but also where we keep extra picture frames, accessories, lamp shades, pillows, paper, half-finished projects, a broken printer. The best thing about it is that I can close the door and forget this madness exists.

contents-of-the-closet

So I’m wondering … do you have a space like this in your home that you’d never dare show your guests, and you cringe every time you see it, but you do nothing to change it?

Come clean, my friends. Come clean.

Posted by | 50 comments
Page 1 of 202123...1020...Last »
© Copyright Jones Design Company - Thanks for visiting! | Hosted by DreamHost | Powered by WordPress.org | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use