Friday, May 9, 2008

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!

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Those are neat boxes to store things in, but then you need to find a place to put them. Good luck

Hope you got a little sewing time last night.

SuBee said...

Who-hoo - I can't wait to see! The "clean it/organize/toss it" bug has biten me too -- I'm going to have a huge yard sale and clear out tons of stuff. Alphabetized spices? I have a grown kid whose 2000 cd/dvd collection is alphetically BY GENRE!!!! And it's been that way for 20 years----clearly the kid I bought from the gypsies.......

Robin said...

Spices: lazy susans with labels out...sort of alphabetical. One lazy susan with more like 'cooking' spices and one with more like stuff to sprinkle on prepared food...flavored black peppercorns in grinders, Mrs. Dash type stuff, etc. The alphabetical thing sounds over the top, but it saves time every time you look for a spice. You only have to alphabetize once, then you just replace the spice in the 'hole'...usually you won't have ALL the spices out at once!

PiecefulChaos said...

I love thrift stores, garage sales and flea markets! Looks like you got some great finds and put them to good use in redecorating DD's room!

Karen said...

That was one of my goals for the new year, start cleaning out and pitching things from closets, cupboards and drawers. Have only picked away at a few, certainly not as much as I thought I would or should have at this point. Share some tips on how you plan to do yours. Please pretty please - I need some mojo to get started.

Hugs - Karen