Peg Boards and Organizing

The peg board is a great invention! I love that I can see where my scissors, tape and ribbons are in our new craft closet. 

                                 My husband framed the back of the peg board using liquid nails.

We hung it using toggle bolts. Let's just say- this was not an easy task putting up a peg board on a hollow core door.

The baskets are IKEA and I banded it with some washi tape to give it a punch of color. The clear bins and glass jug came from Target. I used mainly bins we already owned. The labels are from the Martha Stewart line at Staples (love them).

 The hanging file used to be a brown cardboard, but I spray painted it to look like metal. I hung it using 3M velchro strips, and it worked great. I'm glad it went on the wall to give me more room at the desk area. The frame to my quote is from a thrift store which I spray painted white. I staple gunned some burlap onto the back of the frame and taped my quote up. Taping the quote means it will be easy to change it out for other inspiring messages.

The hanging scissors are also thrift store and I stained it. The metal caddy holds things like stamps, washi tape, brushes, glues, etc. 

Overall, it's really nice to have a home for my sewing machine and a place to put extra fabric, papers, and supplies. We did install an outlet in the closet too, so I can do quick sewing projects. Organizing my crafts meant throwing out some things that were not being used or old. It's always good to purge a bit so you can get the look you want. Next, I want to make a little chandelier for this space. Add it to the project list! 

How to Wallpaper with Wrapping Paper

When I decided to make our closet into an organized craft space I wanted to try something unique in this area. Wallpaper is expensive, so I went the wrapping paper route instead (which is a lot more affordable). The wrapping paper I used is from Rifle Paper Co., which has heavy, quality papers, and I pretty much love everything on their site. Try only to use heavy wrapping paper if you are going to wallpaper with it, or it might not work well and tear with thin paper. I measured my space and got three rolls- which was the perfect amount. The paint color I used for the sides and the door is Shermin Williams, Mint Condition. 

 SUPPLIES:
-sheet rock knife or exacto knife
-ruler
-small towel
-sponge brush
-board for cutting
-wrapping paper
-wallpaper paste (got it here, since it's hard to find in hardware stores)

We took out the wire shelf that was in here and filled the holes. Then, my husband worked on making two shelves and a small desk to fit in this space and he put up the boards to hold everything.  I primed and painted ahead of time before we put up the wrapping paper.

First, we cut what we needed and did a "dry fit" to make sure everything would work well. Next, we used our foam brush to liberally apply a coat of paste on the back of the wrapping paper. Note- we found it worked even better if we applied the adhesive right onto the wall and then stuck the paper to it.

There will be bubbles and wrinkles! In order to tame the bubbles, we used a cloth to help wipe it in an upward motion. We discovered our ruler was a great way to press down to get the bubbles and wrinkles out after we had used the cloth.

Let it dry for several hours. I didn't get an after picture with it all done, but this is close.

After the wrapping paper was put up and dried I was already on my way to organizing all the crafts. The paper on the wall is a fun pattern and it really livened up the space. Have any of you ever wallpapered with wrapping paper? It didn't take too long and is a great idea for a small space.

Craft Closet Reveal

This is a story about a tiny unorganized closet that turned into a useful home for crafts. At first, it was an eyesore, but then it magically turned one day into something happy and pretty.

On the outside it looks like any other closet, but now when you open the door, you get....

SURPRISE- an organized crafty place! 

Oh the peg board! Be still my heart! 

Well, you don't want to forget this message when you are in a state of creativity. 

I adore how this space turned out. Every time I open the door I'm thrilled with the mint and light pinks that greet me. I'm also loving having my craft things in one place and where I can see them. It makes it easier to find things. I will have all the details for you of how I put it together tomorrow. 

Closet Evaluation

Do you have a closet like this?  I do and its not working for me anymore. Folks, this is a crazy mess that needs some help. The plan is to make it into an amazing, super-duper, organized, sophisticated... craft closet. Our closet is between the kitchen and dining room at the bottom of the stairs. My girls and I love to do crafts and I need a place to house some fabric, wrapping paper, ribbons- you know all that kind of stuff. Here are some ideas that are helping inspire my design decisions.

                                        Beneath My Heart


                                                                     Ikea

                                                                 via


                                                                       via
Every one of these images shows some real beauty and organization that I'm hoping to achieve in our closet. I'm still in the beginning phases of this project, but I'm excited for it to be a place where we can find things easily.

As you can see we started the very beginning phases. More to come on this project. I hope you have a great Friday! Thanks for stopping by.