Pantry Redo

So, if you know me at all...you know that I LOVE to organize! When I say love, I mean like madly, deeply, passionately, LOVE to organize. It brings peace to me and there is nothing better than seeing color coordinating bins, labeled, resting nicely on a shelf.

Since my new addiction started...a.k.a. Pinterest...I have been wanting to organize everything in my house. What better time to start than during vacation? Just to let you know how crazy I am...a majority of my vacation "to-do" list is organizing different parts of the house. I am two days in...two projects down! :o)

Here is what my pantry looked like before:

Notice the oatmeal boxes on the floor...I had an "assistant" who wanted to help. :o)

Now, even though I love to organize, I hate to spend a lot of money on bins. I am often torn because the OCD in me so desperately wants everything to match...so many times I end up spending more than I want on matching bins. Well, move aside matching bins...I have a new trick up my sleeve! :o)

Here is what I used:

Yup...banker's boxes! I bought a pack of ten for about $13. Then I decided to paint them black so that they all matched and coordinated with my kitchen...with is red, black, and white. I just poured the craft paint...which I already had...onto a paper plate and used a paint roller to paint the four sides of the boxes. This was so quick and easy...seriously, I had six boxes painted AND dry within 30 minutes!!!!

Then I cut vinyl labels with my Silhouette craft cutter. Two boxes fit on each shelf...but it left a gap in the middle. So, I went and grabbed some empty baby wipe boxes that I was saving for a different project. They were a perfect fit! I decided to cover them with a damask print fabric that I had, added a black vinyl label, and voila!

 I am sooooooooo excited with the way it turned out...and so is my "assistant!"

When I went to take the picture my "assistant" came running over, put his hands on his hips, and then said, "cheese!"

Here is another shot...without the cutie!

Oh...and did I mention that my only expense was the set of boxes? Yup, a whole woppin' $13 people! Everything else I already had on hand!!!!

For the Bride to Be!

This weekend I had the joy of celebrating a "Bride-to-Be!" My sister's dear friend, Brittnee, is getting married in just a few, short weeks. She and my sister have been friends since elementary schoo,l so Brittnee has kind of been like my second little sister. As many of you know, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to make gifts personal and one of a kind. So, I spent a long time racking my brain to figure out what I could do for Brittnee that would be something personal, fun, and practical. Here's what I created:

 It was so fun to let my "creative juices" go to work! I started by getting a set of kitchen towels from my favorite store in the entire world...Target. I knew that Brittnee's kitchen was done in black and white...which I love by the way...so, I picked up this fun set. Next, I used my A-MAZ-ING Silhouette craft cutter to design and cut out Brittnee's new monogram in a coordinating black and white fabric. Then, I simply ironed on the applique, stiched around the edges...and voila...a darling set of kitchen towels!

 I think I am going to have to make myself a set...since they go perfectly in my kitchen, too! :o)

 Being a fan of anything monogramed or personalized, I wanted to add something to Brittnee's gift that would represent this amazing journey that she is about to embark on. So, while I was at my favorite store, Target, I picked up an 8 x 10 frame. Once again, I used my A-MAZ-ING Silhouette craft cutter and designed an "established" monogram. Instead of using fabric or paper, I used vinyl! Side note...I'm addicted...watch out house...I have a feeling there may be a vinyl explosion! I transferred the vinyl design onto the front of the glass part of the frame and then added a piece of black and white fabric to the inside...the same fabric that I used for the monogram on her towels...because I have to be "matchy-matchy" like that. :o) Now, Brittnee has a cute little sign to hang in her kitchen, family room, dining room, wherever...and it has her monogram and the year they will be married.

And, if Brittnee decides that she wants to change up her color scheme...or put it in a room that isn't black and white...all she had to do is switch out the fabric in the frame and it is ready for the new room/decor! Ooohh...she could even switch it out with different scrapbook papers to coordinate with different holidays, seasons, events, etc...can you feel my excitement about that little idea...LOVE IT! So, there you have it...a fun, personalized, and practical bridal shower gift! :)