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!!!!

Sew Happy!

Okay, so I know that most of you know that I have only known how to sew for about 6 months...totally a rookie. And you probably also know that it has kind of taken over my life...I mean I don't need rehab or anything...well, maybe...is denial the first step to recovery? Hmm...anyway, all I know is that it is keeping me busy and the projects just keep flowing. So, this week I just finished up two major home projects...drapes and, oh yes, the rumors are true...a duvet! I know, aren't you so excited...I am SUPER excited about them!

Well, I started the drapes a while back...and when I mean start, I mean I searched for fabric. As is typical with me, I saw what I wanted but just couldn't find it. After many days searching the good ol' world wide web I found it! Black Damask by Michael Miller...FABULOUS! So, then I ordered and yup, you guessed it...it sat in my "studio" that's what I call my sewing room...doesn't "studio" have a much better ring to it? Anyway, it sat in my "studio" for a few months. Finally, I had the rods, clips, fabric, etc...but was working on getting my hubby to put the rods up so that I could finish these bad boys up.

Here they are, finished and hanging in all of their fabulous glory! I made a total of four panels...I still need to do a cornice box for over the sliding door and then something for a window in our kitchen that is on the same wall as the dining area. Hmmm....

Here is the family room area...sorry it is kinda dark
And the dining area...


Close up of the family room and dining area

So, what do you think?