Getting Ready for Redecorating!

It's Friday night and tomorrow's the big day--the day I feverishly sew stuff, change bedding, etc., to turn my daughter's former bedroom from a spring bower into a summer haven. Well, those descriptions ARE a little "over the top," I suppose, but I'll be trying to do the best I can.

Do you think I visited a thrift store today? If you guessed "yes," you'd be wrong. Sort of. I actually visited TWO thrift stores today--both Goodwill. Yes, I found a few more "treasures." Even hubby was kind of excited--surprisingly so--by a couple of black metal wall sconces I found for $3.99. They're meant to hold pillar candles, but we've agreed they'd make a nice base for a shelf. I'm not sure whether I want to put that in my daughter's former room or not; if I do, it will probably be a later addition. I DID find a lamp for her room for $5--it needs a shade, but I think I have something I can use.

I'll also want to make a small throw quilt for the bed, but I won't be able to get that done in one day, so that will be added a little later too.

Speaking of quilting, I spent a little time in the Sweat Shop tonight straightening things up. With two projects being worked on simultaneously, it was getting a little crazy in there, and I think that's one of the reasons I've been avoiding it--I don't work well with too much clutter in my work space. I'm the same way at the office--my desk is normally so neat, people probably wonder what I do all day. With organization in mind, I've picked up a couple things at the thrift stores to help out.

These wooden crates are plentiful and fairly inexpensive at 49 cents to 99 cents. They're great for holding a fat quarter collection or the makings of a small project.

Then I came across this "suitcase" at a thrift shop the other day for 99 cents. I have one that's slightly larger that I paid a lot more for at Michael's. I like these for holding materials for class projects or ongoing block of the month quilt projects.

I have resolved to spend some time in the next several months cleaning out cupboards, closets, drawers and--YIKES--the garage. I know I have things that should be gotten rid of and other things that may need a little refurbishing or repurposing. And even though the "kids" have been gone for a couple years now, some of their things linger, lurking in closets, under beds, and in boxes stored in cupboards. So, it's time--PAST TIME--to start getting a little more organized in my home.

I was talking with someone the other day about this need to get more organized and I mentioned my spice drawer. By the way, how do you keep your spices? Because I have tons and they take up a whole drawer in the kitchen--actually more than a drawer; they seem to have spread into other drawers and cupboards. In some instances, I have two partial jars of the same spice. So that may be a good place to start. This gal I was talking to told me she has her spices organized alphabetically. I don't think that's EVER going to happen here, but if it does--if I tell you I'm putting my spices in alphabetical order or turning all the can labels to face outward--please send help, okay? I have too much fabric to use and not enough time as it is, so I really can't afford to waste it by alphabetizing food!

I'll get some photos tomorrow as I'm redecorating, particularly if I come up with any interesting ideas to pass on. Assuming all goes well, I should have a "new" room to show you tomorrow night!