Thursday, February 23, 2012

70 An Organizing Challenge: Project Pretty

Random fact you may not know about me....  I am competitive.  Just ask the hubs.  We play card and board games frequently and it always gets heated...

And if he ever seems doubtful about my abilities or ideas {not that he ever would be, ha}, I always reply with, "Is that a challenge?!"  Sometimes, that challenge is just what this competitive girl needs to light that fire and just do it already.

Where am I going with all this?

I mentioned that I want this blog to be full of big and small projects.  Since we are working on renovating our lower level, it seems like we have been tackling a lot more large scale items.  I miss working on the little things.  Covering soup cans and cardboard boxes, painting, mod podging....  I miss it all like crazy.

So, I am challenging myself, and asking you to join me!


Boxes, canisters, trays and bins beware... you are getting some LOVE!

Let's make some pretty storage.  I am not talking about whipping out the ol' DYMO label maker here.  Extra mile, make it fab storage.  Here are some ideas for you....

Chalkboard labels are way cooler than traditional labels.  And versatile....

You can DIY them:

{source}
Find some on Etsy:

{source}

Or just paint an entire piece of furniture:

{source}

Finding some pretty paper and covering leftover food packaging is always no fail:

{source}
 Or cover an entire cabinet or bookshelf!

{source}

{source}

{source}
Or line some drawers:

{source}

Why not try labeling with vinyl decals or mod podge?  So stinkin' cute!

{source}

{source}

{source}

{source}

Know how to sew?  You could whip up some lovely DIY bins?

{source}

{source}
How about labeling your pantry belongings?  Or anything really!

{source}

Like to paint?  Spray paint a frame and use it as a dry erase board?

{source}
Maybe paint some stripes on boring storage boxes or magazine files?

{source}

Paint an outdated tray and line it with pretty paper or fabric?

{source}

{source}

The opportunities and ideas are endless!

Next week Friday will be share day!  I will host a "project pretty" link party so we can all sit and smile at all of the lovey transformations together!  I think this will be my most favorite link party EVER!

If you fear you don't have a creative bone in your body, this is even for you.  You. Can. Do. It!  I know it.  Covering something with paper is simple.  Just try it, you may surprise yourself.  If not, you can always find super fab options and ideas on Etsy... it's totally OK.

So who is excited and going to participate with me!?  What super pretty projects do you have up your sleeves?  It can small or grand, there are no limits really, just that it's pretty and somewhat organizing related.  What other ideas do you have for those with a creative mental block?

70 comments:

  1. I got a Cricut for my birthday and I am in love!!! I think I want to put vinyl lettering on everything in my house. ;) I love labeling things!!!!!

    Kristin
    theocdlifestyle.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. You have inspired me once again! I have been wanting to do the back of my open kitchen cabinets with pretty paper for so long now! I hope I can find the time to get it done for next week!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Perfect timing! I have some boring brown shelves that I need to pretty up for my home office. Just the kick in the pants I need to get this project done!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I will like to participate but here is my question, does this have to be a new project that I work on this week or can it be something that I just recently completed last week?
    Thank you for the inspiration and motivation to get my house organized.
    Thanks

    Shirley

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Feel free to share recently completed projects too! Great job you for already making organizing pretty! Love that!!

      xoxo,
      Jen

      Delete
    2. Perfect, thank you for the response.

      Delete
  5. I am in on the challenge! I've been needing to make some type of covering for my girls book box to make it pretty {right now it's an ugly diaper box}. So this gives me a reason to get it DONE :D

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. First comment went wierd!!!
    Anyways...Thanks for hosting! Excited to join in and see whatever one else is up to!
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am always up for a fun organizing challenge! I am in! I am slowly tackling my garage (YIKES) I am sure I can beautify something in there!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Consider me officially inspired!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Woot woot!!! I'm so excited to think up a project (or two or three) to bang out this weekend :) I love stuff like this and lately my house is DYING for some organization and beautifying!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Perfect!
    I just completed a craft room purge, now on to make the storage a bit "prettier".
    Thanks, Jen!

    ReplyDelete
  12. hey, your fourth image down (organising photos) doesn't have the source linked up. ^_^

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fixed! Thank you!
      http://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/organization-basics/simple-storage-for-less/#page=15

      xoxo,
      Jen

      Delete
  13. yay! a challenge! and a super fun one at that. i'm up for it - totally! i tackled our pantry wall recently with a stencil and didn't think i could do it. but i did! so i am willing to try something new that seems intimidating.

    must. find. inspiration.

    :-)

    thank you for putting this challenge out there!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Perfect timing - I need to paint and label a plain basket I have for holding receipts.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm right with you. I love a good challenge. Now I just need to figure out what I'm going to do. I hope you said next Friday and not this Friday. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep yep! Next week Friday it is! :) Plus, it will be open for at least a week after.

      xoxo,
      Jen

      Delete
  16. I think I will be able to join. I think I have time this weekend to do the project I have been wanting to do. Great timing Jen! I love link parties! :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Yes, I would love to join! I've been procrastinating on some "pretty" projects, focusing on bigger items as well. I'm planning on prettifying (that's totally a word) some diaper boxes into dress up clothes storage.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love this site! Beautiful. I just lined my kitchen drawers thanks to you!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I have been reading your blog non-stop since finding it recently. I am seriously in awe of you, you are so inspiring! This is going to be fun, count me in! :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Jen,

    Have you seen the adorable new magazine organizer boxes in the dollar section at Target?!
    They're the same blue/green as your border with little bird silhouettes - so stinkin' cute I bought all of them at my Target to organize paper in my blue art studio. I saw them and thought of you immediately -- run don't walk to your nearest Target and knock down anyone else who tries to get them....was that a bit too competitive of me? : )

    xoxo,
    Pink and Green Mama
    MaryLea

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's awesome, I can't wait to check them out! :) I love that you thought of me! My readers are the best!

      xoxo,
      Jen

      Delete
  21. Just found your blog and I am in la-la-la love with it! You make me want to be a pretty organizer! Your blog made my day :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Jen, this is just the challenge I needed to inspire me to finish my office organization, thanks. I will be linking up on Friday

    ReplyDelete
  23. Love this idea!!! So many great ideas! I'm IN LOVE with the trays...I may have to attempt one of those!!! Sounds fun!!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. New here...love your blog! I really want to make my bookshelve pretty with paper but am new to this kind of stuff. Would it just be wallpaper that i cut to fit and what do i use to stick it there. Sorry no prior DIY experience on anything. Also do you have a favorite store to get pretty paper from or just various places like home depot or lowes?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kristen!

      You could use shelf liner, wallpaper, wrapping paper, even fabric. Some people wrap cardboard to create "fake" panels/backing. I typically just spray adhesive whichever paper I decide on, and adhere it to the bookcase backing {you know, the kind you tack on or slide in? That's it! Pretty simple DIY project. I would check HomeDecor and Craft stores for wrapping or shelf liner. I like HomeDepot.com and Lowes.com for some wallpaper ideas.

      xoxo,
      Jen

      Delete
  25. That pantry made my heart skip a beat. Oh how I wish mine was so pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I was just going to sit down this evening and cover some of the gazillion cans I've been hoarding waiting for a spare minute to make pretty :) Guess I have extra incentive now!

    ReplyDelete
  27. OMG! Your office space looks AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to see the final outcome!!:)

    ReplyDelete
  28. This challenge is great! I just finished a project that would be perfect for this challenge and would love to get in on this action! I created custom envelopes out of pretty paper to keep those pesky receipts filed and organized. I also started my own blog and will likely post my project there too. I'm new to this link party business, so how do I participate? Do I just send you the link to my blog post?

    This is my favorite blog! Thanks for keeping it fresh. You are an inspiration to rookie bloggers, like me!

    Ferly
    Gifts We Use {to grow, love and serve}
    www.GiftsWeUse.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It will hopefully be fairly simple for you to join. All you have to do is blog about your project, and then when I create the party on Friday, you will be able to add the link of your blog post, into the party by following a couple simple steps.

      I can't wait to see what you have to share!

      xoxo,
      Jen

      Delete
  29. I'm so excited. I just started a big project with organizing my home office. It's hard to be creative and write a book when the place is so disorganized. Disorganized space, disorganized mind! But within this big overhaul came a lot of little projects. So... I'll post one of those. :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. I must say your blog makes me smile I loveeeeee it and its one that I check as often as I can. Knowing that someone loves to have an organized home makes me not feel so crazy since. My hubby says that I am ocd but really it just helps me get the most done and have the home look how I love. You do an amazing job at what u do. Thanks for bringing all these wonderful ideas to all of us readers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for such a sweet comment and making me smile so big! <3

      xoxo,
      Jen

      Delete
  31. Like everyone else already said, I love your blog. Unlike so many things out there your style is very approachable and affordable, yet still looks amazing. This challenge is sooo timely for me because I've been thinking about dressing up the back of some shelves and cabinets to add some color and dimension. My question is what kind of paper do I use and how do you apply it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Stephanie!

      You could use shelf liner, wallpaper, wrapping paper, even fabric. Some people wrap cardboard to create "fake" panels/backing. I typically just spray adhesive whichever paper I decide on, and adhere it to the bookcase backing {you know, the kind you tack on or slide in?} That's it! Pretty simple DIY project. I would check HomeDecor and Craft stores for wrapping or shelf liner. I like HomeDepot.com and Lowes.com for some wallpaper ideas.

      xoxo,
      Jen

      Delete
  32. I am SO on board with this! This was just the motivator to get an idea I've had in my head for ages finally happening! :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. So many pretty ideas! I do have a bed tray that I love, but it's boring light brown wicker. I've always wanted to perk it up. I also have a sample of Annie Sloan chalk paint in Louie Blue....hmmm! Okay- count me in!

    ReplyDelete
  34. COULD YOU PLEASE HELP ME TO DISIGN TEENAGER ROOM?MY DAUGHTER WANTS A LOT OF BLACK.i DON'T AGREE.CAN YOU FIND A COMPROMISE?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would do a pretty pale color on the walls and add some black drapes {or white and black striped drapes} and accents.

      Something like this:
      http://pinterest.com/pin/160581542932930236/

      or this:
      http://pinterest.com/pin/175288610466076316/

      And this might help: http://www.bhg.com/rooms/kids-rooms/teen/teen-bedroom-in-black/#page=9

      xoxo,
      Jen

      Delete
    2. Thank you very much for answer,which is very helpful .I have only one problem she doesn't want white and light colors.But I love your pictures so i can find something for me:)

      Delete
  35. Jen, I love your blog. I check it everyday and honestly more than once on most days. There is so much to be done around my house and with 3 kids running around I find it hard to carve out some time to work on anything. Little projects like this are perfect. I can't wait to try and tackle a few. :) Thanks for the inspiration.

    @www.matkainastolatka.... My 8 year old son also wanted an all black room(yeah right). I compromised by doing a VERY dark gray on the bottom half of the room and a medium shade of blue on the top with the white chair rail separating it. It looks great and he's happy. It's also something I feel he can grow into has he gets older. Honestly, it's only paint. It can always be changed:)

    ReplyDelete
  36. I'm in! I am currently working on a iheartorganizing inspired project: the coat rack with knobs!

    ReplyDelete
  37. I found your blog a week ago and have been reorganizing my home ever since! I need order but since having two kids while working full time, we had let things slip. I feel so much better having stuff in its place. Easy access makes things so much easier! Your timing on this post is perfect--I currently have soup cans in my dishwasher ready to be made pretty and put to use! I'll be back next Friday. :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. I'm in! Now which project to begin - there's so many to choose from!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I love the idea of decorating the cans! So pretty and easy. Do you have a tutorial on your blog for using mod podge to do some of these projects? Also, I'd be afraid my kids would cut their fingers on the metal of the cans. Do you do something to file the inside rim down or do you just keep the cans away from the kids? Sorry if this sounds silly! Thanks for posting this. I want to get started!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not silly at all!

      Our can opener pushes down the edges so they are dull. Another thing to consider is that the pull tab cans leave a very sharp edge and most likely can't be used.

      xoxo,
      Jen

      Delete
  40. Thanks for all your inspiration as usual :-) Love all of it! I recently did some chalkboard labels in my kitchen for jars of sugar ect... and would love to show them off! As well as DIY Chalkboard labels for my laundry baskets! Now wondering what else I could do haha!

    ReplyDelete
  41. I am definetly in :) I have a few things that have been waiting to be redone

    ReplyDelete
  42. One of my favorite ways to organize! SOO cute. :)

    ReplyDelete
  43. This is GREAT! I already have a project that I was going to work on in a few weeks that would work for this, but I think I'll move this around and do it for this challenge! Great idea Jen!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Me, me, me! I'll play! I have been wanting to tame down my huge red cabinet for a while...just hope my CAMEO is here in time to help me with this!

    ReplyDelete
  45. I'm in! I have been working on prettying-up some plain magazine files and binders for storing homeschool supplies. I better finish them up so I can share next Friday!

    ReplyDelete
  46. I so hope I can get something done for tis!! I have a ton of ideas, it just seems I keep hitting roadblocks.. so this will give me a nice shove in the right direction!

    ReplyDelete
  47. You must've been reading my mind. Over the past few days I've been thinking about how I'm seriously craving some fun, pretty and SMAll projects. I just finished organizing my laundry room/pantry and also my kitchen. It's been extremely satisfying. And exhausting. Time for a break! It's time for some pretty. YAY!

    P.S. Your blog has been so helpful and inspiring. Brava!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I'm excited and inspired! I have been on a renovating/reorganizing/redesign rampage and this is just the motivation I need to get back to the small fun stuff I too enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  49. So looking forward to a fun project! I've had a few waiting in the wings to be completed and your link party is my inspiration to get moving :) i'll get busy this weekend and look forward to sharing. PS I just discovered your blog recently and it's FAB...I'll be back often :)

    ReplyDelete
  50. Hi Jen- What kind of paper is all that pretty stuff that you use to line backs of cabinets and bookshelves? Is it scrapbook paper? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You could use shelf liner, wallpaper, wrapping paper, even fabric. Some people wrap cardboard to create "fake" panels/backing. I typically just spray adhesive whichever paper I decide on, and adhere it to the bookcase backing {you know, the kind you tack on or slide in?} That's it! Pretty simple DIY project. I would check HomeDecor and Craft stores for wrapping or shelf liner. I like HomeDepot.com and Lowes.com for some wallpaper ideas.

      xoxo,
      Jen

      Delete
  51. Question! could you please link me a better picture of the magnet meal planner? My husband was just diagnosed with diabetes and I want to make one to help with his new eating habits! :) ~Jesse

    ReplyDelete
  52. What a great challenge, I'm in! This will be so much fun, it's exactly the inspiration I need...

    ReplyDelete
  53. Great post, Jen!

    The link for the 4th picture down doesn't work, could you please let me know where it's from? I would love to cover some tins like that!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Is today the day for "project pretty"? I'm stoked to see everyone's projects =)

    ReplyDelete
  55. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for taking a moment to join in on the conversation! I read and appreciate each and every comment, however, I will remove any comment that I believe to be inappropriate, malicious, or spam-like. I would love for this comment section to be used as a place to engage in purposeful dialogue, I only ask that everyone remains constructive and considerate.

All comments will be moderated and may take a moment to appear.