Creating Your Own Organizer - Free Printables Found!

Just before Christmas a friend called my attention to a 2017 quilt planner she’d come across on the internet. I took a look and decided it wasn’t for me, not just because of the hefty price (even when multiples were ordered together), it was because I knew I wouldn’t use all the various pages included. It would be a waste.

I decided to create a planner myself, to customize it to fit my needs and wants. That’s when I went searching for ideas and free printables on the internet.

I came across Just a Girl and Her Blog. Abby has wonderful ideas and I signed up on her website for additional printables exclusive to her newsletter subscribers! Trust me! Worth it!

In addition to printable pages readily available, she provides a tutorial how create one in MS Word from scratch! Totally custom! Totally me!

Oh, and also, she shares “Plan to Achieve Your Goals this Year!” asking some great SMART questions:

In January I saw the original planner in person. I’m so thankful I didn’t get it because it would be much too heavy for me. Also, I realized it had a spiral binding. I hadn’t noticed that back in December. And, is another reason I wouldn’t want it as it’s too limiting. I’m thinking a one inch three ring binder will be perfect. When September comes, would I really need to be carrying around March stuff?

Anyway…

At No Side Bar, they have a few printables, like the Weekly Planner – perfect for my custom planner!

Blooming Homestead not only offers numerous brightly colored printables, but also shares her method of getting organized! You’ll find a 28 page .pdf download – pick and chose!!!

Oh. My. Goodness. If I can’t find everything I need on Organized Home, I don’t need a planner! They even have a “Fabric Organizer Page” !!!!

Life Your Way has a Home Management Notebook system with sheets for Birthday Organizer and Basic Medical Information among many others!

I also found many printables at Organizing Home Life! 

Fab n Free created lovely printables for Home-Family organization like Meal Planner and Cleaning Planner. I especially like her “Daily Planner” as it has check boxes for water and exercise (a reminder I need on a daily basis)!

I happened across a website that had a YouTube video about creating planners so got me to thinking…

Who would have thought? Oh, Yes! Check out the variety!!!

I guess everything you ever wanted to know can be found on YouTube!!!

This is not for a binder, but for the sewing room! How fun is this one I found on Crafterhours!

I so appreciate all the talented and good-hearted folks for creating a multitude of free printables!

Now to get started printing…

Gathering Ideas for Dedicated Sewing Room

While browsing the internet for sewing room organization tips and hacks, I found something Karen, over at Sew Many Ways, wrote: “Look at something not for what it was MADE for...but what it could be USED for.”

I totally agree!

Throughout her blog, she has many examples how to use items unconventionally. I landed this idea, use a mug tree to hang scissors! I absolutely love this because it keeps them together, and uses little surface space! This is a doable!

Oh. My. Goodness. Her post, Sewing/Craft Room Ideas and Updates, is packed full of great ideas! I highly recommend her blog!

By the way, she shares tips for other rooms, and closets, as well!

Although her space is much much larger than I only have in my dreams, many suggestions she offers I can/will incorporate into mine!

Oh… I hope I can find my cheese board…I certainly don’t use it for cheese any longer!

            You ask, Why?  Check out her oversized button wall decoration! See what I mean? Such cleverness! I just love (and appreciate) people who are so creative, then share their ideas. What a blessing!

I just love what/how Karen used a folded ruler… I know Momma used to have one that was her dad’s… I hope I can find it and she’ll let me have it!

I could spend HOURS going through her blog!

And, while watching HGTV “Fixer Upper” when visiting with Momma this past week (we don’t have fancy tv here at the ranch), I fell in love with a craft table Joanna had made for a client. I copied the picture and emailed it home, to Bud… hoping he’ll make it for me someday!

Another find, found on Positively Splendid, and one that he hasn’t yet seen (I don’t want to shock him into total shut down!) is the perfect cabinet to hold my embroidery machine and serger! I know he can make this beautifully and it would be a treasure!

Okay… back to surfing the net for ideas! I hope everyone has a blessed day!

Dreams to Reality

I know I’ve discussed the concept of “organizing” several times over the years. Really, bottom line, organizing is a quality that alludes me. I’ve tried and tried. And, sometimes, in some places ~ or areas of my life ~ I am rather organized. However, the crafty sewist organizational part of Martha Stewart, I am not, but I want to be…

I make my to-do lists and check things off. I have grand dreams of this or that and sometimes will actually pull it off and it is then dreams become reality. Like the Spring Ho Grand Parade – I wanted desperately to spread the word about National Doll Day (the 1st Sunday in August) – and all that that entailed getting it together to make a big splash. Making the dolls new outfits, decorating their wagon, then making myself a new blouse (I haven’t made myself anything in YEARS) almost didn’t happen at the last minute due to a family emergency, but all worked out! And, I’m so glad it did! I had such a grand time!

It’s rare and far between, that is, the occasion I can get organized. Then it’s the constant struggle to keep things in their proper place when I’m finished with the project(s). What is it about not wanting to let go, to put the left over fabric back in the color coordinated tub, to wait for the next (albeit smaller) project? I need to stop stacking the pieces on the corner of my sewing table!

 

So nice & neat ... wish it stayed this way!

Am I the only one with this challenge?

I've done my thread... 

Better than one large box holding all the different colors!

but it's not very pretty!

While away from my studio, my mind wanders how best I can set up a sewing & craft space within the area I have to work with, and keep it that way no matter if company comes or not. I must have a space. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

I’ve heard and read about various “sewing spaces” others have … from itty bitty space, to a huge area, large enough to move around in, yet have everything within arms reach. I know – when I return to Lanetta’s Creations, and get busy again – I can, and will, get better organized. Yes!

In the meantime, I’m searching for ideas …

I love the array of suggestions to organize sewing supplies that All People Quilt collected!

OH my Goodness! Sharon has collected over 400 different organizing ideas on her Pinterest board! You go, girl!

 

Although I don’t have a picture of my sister’s sewing studio, she uses mostly vintage suitcases to store her fabric. I saw this picture and it reminded me of her set up.

I did a Google image search “sewingroom storage solutions” and came up with oodles and oodles of pictures! Another great source chalked full of ideas!

I could go on and on posting links, but I think you get the idea!

How do you keep your sewing things organized?

Twelfth Day of Christmas

I so get this one! On the Twelve Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Twelve Drummers Drumming … can you hear the drum roll? The Twelve Points of Belief in the Apostles’ Creed! This is what Christmas is all about, the reason for the season:

1. I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:

2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:

3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:

4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell:

5. The third day he rose again from the dead:

6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty:

7. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead:

8. I believe in the Holy Ghost:

9. I believe in the holy catholic church: the communion of saints:

10. The forgiveness of sins:

1l. The resurrection of the body:

12. And the life everlasting. Amen.

Photo Source: Whim Quarterly

I hope you enjoyed the Twelve Days of Christmas series I did this year as much as I enjoyed researching and writing about them! I learned much about the symbolism used in the song ~ especially what they are and what I had always thought they were (five golden rings for example!). It was a good refresher and reinforcement of my core beliefs. Although not a “religious” person, I am a spiritual one.

For me, it is now time to take down and pack up the decorations around the house! I’m very grateful I didn’t have the time to put up many decorations, so it won’t take long to put away!

For me, it is way past time to get organized! I will admit, I let lots of things go around here way before Thanksgiving in a rush to get ready for the last Christmas Trade Show that ended up not happening for me due to a personal emergency! I had several custom special orders (which I’m not complaining about one bit, and thank you again everyone!) to get out, then creating my own Christmas gifts to give.

For me, it is time to make a list, actually make several different lists – one for each goal and what I need to do in order to accomplish said goal ….  Now where did I stash the index cards?

Start Sunday

For weeks/months I have/had Lanetta’s Creations Studio “stuff” spread between the kitchen, living room, guest bedroom, and the back bedroom. Much too much! I know I’ve often said I needed to organize, but was never really able to get a handle on things. I must do it this time! I know I've shared pictures before. No need to embarrass myself again. 

This morning I started with the kitchen. Although I use the kitchen's island to cut out new items, however I don’t need it like it is/was! The island was only half functional for "kitchen" duty! I must change my thinking: “Oh, but I’m doing that one next” but next may be days or weeks away! No. Organizing, and even downsizing is a must, before anything else is created. Unless, of course, I receive a special order!

The buffet top here in the living room is now cleared of “stuff” that didn’t belong. Shirts ironed and hung in the closet (not in the doorway) and the laundry is now caught up and even folded/put away! I accomplished bit of dusting. Honestly, I only managed simply wiping off the thick layer of dust collected over the past month or so while I made Kindle/NOOK Covers and Aprons and Doll Clothes. An earnest effort of polishing furniture will happen once everything’s in its proper place. I am so tired of clutter! I know my husband must be, too! He's been a good sport and is supportive, and the major source of encouragement, but I know he tires of all the "stuff" around here, too. 

Over the next few days I must focus my energy on the back bedroom. It’s such a pitiful mess. I know what happened to it. One day I was in a rush to find tubs to pack & carry to one of the 2011 Arts & Crafts Shows. Yep! It's been that long since the disaster struck! It will also be a great time to see things I’ve not seen in quite a while and decide what to keep, what to downsize and share with another crafter/sewist! When the back bedroom is organized, I can then merge the “stuff” from the guest bedroom. It will be nice to have it look pretty and inviting in there again.

Well, I think I have a game plan. And, I have the resolve and determination to get ‘ur done!

Managing Non-Fabric Items

In my quest to find what will work for me in managing trim, notions, tools, and other things, I did an Internet search and discovered so many wonderful ideas! Especially those that don’t require spending money (been there, done that, and I’m still disorganized)!

I’d much rather use recycled materials found about the house! Maybe it will take a little time and a little product to spruce up (so I don’t always see that it was once a cereal box), but no big deal!

Actually, while doing this search I realized how many recycled things I already use, and some I have for years! Here are a few that I have in place:

The lone survivor from a set of tall tea/water glasses I’ve found perfect to hold a 12” ruler, pencils, pens, markers, and the (favorite of all time) turning tools. Glass works well, much better than plastic would because of its weight.

For Christmas ‘10, grandson’s received Hex Bugs. I pulled out of daughter’s trash bin these cool tube-shaped packaging the bugs came in and I knew the minute I saw them (I got 4!), they would hold bobbins perfectly! It’s a pain to dump them all out to get to the one needed, but I can deal with it. I need to take the time to peel the labeling off, make them look nicer. I will, when I don’t have anything else to do! Maybe sweetie would do it? I’m sure if I simply ask… be right back. Yep! He’s doing it!

I've tried twice, while shopping at Wal-Mart, to purchase more bobbins for my Pfaff. Although the packaging says they are for "Pfaff", when I get home, they don't fit! Rather than trek the 50 miles round trip to return them, I use the oversized bobbins to transfer thread off the correct bobbins, to free one up. That way, I have the "right" size with the "right" color I need for a new project. These oversized bobbins I keep in an old moisturizer jar rather than one of my Hex Bug tubes!

When I discovered most of my ribbon spools fit nicely in the box my mid-morning daily dose of Boost comes in, I was thrilled! Of course, they now have changed the packaging. Trust me, the new & “improved” 12-pack container won’t work for this purpose. (Why can’t they just leave things alone?)

Today, I’m going to cover the “Boost” boxes using some fabric and Mod-Podge…dress them up some!

For ribbon/lace off its spool, I cut wide pieces of cardboard and wrap whatever around, stapling at the beginning to hold in place. I use tape to secure the final end (pins tend to rust with our high humidity). I’m working on using plastic from gallon milk jugs because I’m a little concerned about using non-acid free cardboard. What laces I don’t use, won’t survive to become “vintage” lace in years to come!

The "arrangement" isn't working too well... must do something different...

Not too long ago, a friend of my mother’s cleaned out her costume jewelry (and some fine jewelry, too) box of items she didn’t want anymore. She put them in a large baggy and gave the assortment to me! I had so much fun going through the stash! I took some cardboard and punched holes, so clip-on earrings would fit nicely, or dress/hat pins. Larger, single items I put in a smaller baggy. These items will embellish upcoming projects!

I have a collection of vintage tins. I love tins of all shapes and sizes. It’s where I keep items such as loose, single buttons and wooden spools of thread (something you can’t buy any longer)! Some boxes I have are nice, though the insides are messy!

My heart shaped box is not going to cut it much longer as I have twice as many spools of embroidrey thread still in the Joann's sack!

Oh, my thread situation is a total loss...

And this is just ONE tub!

Back to boxes, I have a series of boxes I covered years ago with wallpaper trimmed with lace and ribbon. I think they need a face lift. These are basically empty, or hold quilting supplies I don’t use anymore. I may take the boxes and do their face-lifts, too, while I have the mod-podge out!

I know I need more ways to organize my stash of non-fabric, critical things! I’m constantly looking for new ways, new ideas…

What do you use to organize? How do you store your critical things? Please share your cleverness!



Celebrate Accomplishments, no matter how small

Today I’ll spend wrapping up any mandatory things to ready the guest bedroom. High School Reunion preparations and distractions have gotten the best of me! I’ve dilly dallied about the organizing. I’m not going to fret over what I didn’t do, but celebrate what I did get accomplished!

I made the time to mod podge the Boost boxes!

It had been a while since I used this glue-like product. I quickly remembered to spread a thin coat first and then apply the whatever. I first used fabric, but the Boost info showed through, so I started over with that one!

I found in my stash, four coordinating scrapbook sheets I wanted for this project – after getting bunches of supplies, I discovered I’m not a scrapper so I'm always finding unconventional uses for the sheets! Anyhoo, I tore the sheets into irregular pieces as needed, to create the decoupage look I wanted.

I love using a foam brush! Also, blocks of wood are tied/duct taped together for my prop. Of course, newspapers protect the work surface. And I only pour out a little bit at a time into a small bowl. Several damp paper towels are also nearby while working on the project.

Once applied, I again spread the mod podge over the colorful print and let it thoroughly dry before filling it full of ribbon spools and rick racks.

I really like the way they turned out.

And, I happened to find a nice already-bent-cardboard divider for the box lid that Connie gave me! I had to trim a smidgen off the length, so used a paper cutter and it worked great!

The white lace trimmings are still a mess and the boxes/tubs of threads are in horrible shape. Packages and scraps of bidding and cording remain jumbled together. I’ll never want for something to do! But now, I want to get back to sewing!

What organizing accomplishments are you celebrating? 

Moving and Organizing

Over the past few days, my project has been moving my sewing area out of the front “guest” bedroom (aka The Studio) and into the living room near my desk. This is to ready the bedroom for its primary purpose! I’m excited we’re having a couple of family visits coming soon! Spring is the best time to visit the ranch… not too hot, not too cold. But, boy is it windy this year!

I don’t have a normal living room. This long narrow room has three “areas” that serve as:

1. Seating area: Our two recliners with a coffee table in between. A covered couch for Beth & Anna. Then the media area and a couple of accent tables here and there. Oh, and, the double food and water bowl stand for Beth & Anna.
2. Bud’s “office” and is the first thing one sees when walking in the front door. (I’ll add… not a pretty sight!) He's in the planning stages of constructing his new Oak desk, which will be awesome!
3. Against the far end is my “office” and now “sewing area” as I move things into position. I don’t expect to get much actual sewing done until all the visitors have come and gone, but that’s okay. It will look nice and will be ready in case I do end up with a few spare moments!

I’m glad I’m doing this now, taking the time to organize as I go. I’m trying hard not to just stuff things into the back bedroom (aka walk-in closet). Also, I don’t want to trash out this walk-in closet since I recently spent several days organizing that room while Bud was on a solo trip to Dallas! In that process I boxed up bunches of things preparing for a garage / craft sale.

For months the plan was to have this sale on a certain date. Four of us were to go in together. It was like a domino effect… several others made plans based on this date, this sale.

I don’t like to wait until the last minute to get things done, especially when other people are involved and have made plans, too. I don’t want to take the chance of possibly getting sick or breaking a limb, and not feeling like getting stuff together, or running out of time. Not when others are depending on me. I'm thankful I took the time and got everything priced and packed, ready to go.

About ten minutes before I’d planned to start loading the truck with all the boxes (because I was heading to Dallas the next day for this well-in-advanced planned long weekend) I was told it was canceled! Without my knowledge or discussion or input, it had been moved to another weekend. I’d already made plans for that weekend and will not be able to participate.

That’s life.

The boxes filled of what will eventually be someone else’s treasures (I hope!) are now stacked & stuffed in the actual real closets (at the end of the living room) where my sewing inventory should be. I will, someday, have my own garage - yard -craft sale and will then move my inventory and supplies one last time!

Again, that’s life!

Because the guest bedroom doesn’t have any closets (this part of the house was built in 1918, long before built-in closets became the norm), the living room closets are used for guests to hang their clothes. While waiting to clear out the boxes, I’m planning how best to organize things within the closets for my sewing supplies.

Tomorrow’s quest ~ how best to handle displaying and storing trim…

… any suggestions? What do you do?