25 MORE Totally Clever Storage Tips & Tricks

I recently shared with you 25 Totally Clever Storage Tips and Tricks, because I know the satisfaction that comes with just putting stuff in its place. The storage ideas ranged from awesomely simple (recycling pants hanger clips to store chips), to innovative and stylish (storing yarn in a wine rack), to full DIY plans & tutorials (building drawers where your baseboards used to be). The tricks were so fun and I received so many emails from people who tried them out (especially loved the recycled drawers on wheels under the bed), that I thought I'd round up 25 more storage ideas for us to peruse. Maybe one of these organization tricks is just the thing your home-sweet-home needs. Check out 25 MORE Totally Clever Storage Tips & Tricks.

Get Organized: 25 Totally Clever Storage Tips & Tricks

I think it was Tina Fey who said that what places like the Container Store are really selling is hope. I completely agree - the promise of a more organized life is so optimistic and uplifting. To that end, I've scoured the web for 25 fresh storage tips and tricks that are easy to execute and promise a dose of satisfaction and a sense of peace in your home. So go ahead and check out 25 Totally Clever Storage Tips and Tricks and get inspired!

Jacinda's Craft Cave: BEFORE

A few weeks ago I was debating "aloud" on Facebook whether or not I should tidy up the Craft Cave before I shared "before" photos so as not to humiliate myself and my family and destroy any credibility I may have. In an effort to build up my courage, I asked you to show me your messy craft spaces and the emails came in. I realized I wasn't alone! I guess not everyone's craft space looks like Heather Bailey's or Anna Maria Horner's (swoon, I want that.) So here goes... if you are ready to see a big hot mess and offer your advice on how to make my space tidy, functional and beautiful, read on. Eeeeek, I'm nervous and ashamed!!! And just so you are fully prepared, the above photo is the only shot that won't make you feel like bathing. I wanted to ease you in. Don your hard-hats mamas, let's do this!
Read more »

A Fun Way to Organize Craft Supplies

So I've been plugging away at the Craft Room Redesign Project. Last we checked in I showed you the Hidden Workstation. I love my DIY pleated curtains, but strangely enough, hiding my craft supplies behind drapes did not magically organize them. I had an inkling that one of my thrifty finds, the file rack that files don't fit in, could make a great little supply station on my cutting table. So I bought a few cases of mason jars and tackled my supply drawers, which looked like this:

See what they look like now and learn all about my mason jar supply station after the jump, and let us know your craft supply organization tips in the comments, you could win this week's surprise prize, that Oliver & S Pattern from Fabricworm!
Read more »

How to Make Pleated Drapes

Don't turn away assuming you would never be capable of such a feat as sewing professional quality pleated curtains. If you can sew a straight line, you can make pleats!

All it takes is pleat tape.

I showed you the Hidden Workstation I made for the Craft Room Redesign Project. Now I will show you how to sew pleated drapes to turn any corner of your home into a studio, or just to use as regular old curtains. You're going to be shocked by how simple it really is. This was one of the most rewarding projects I've done so I'm really hoping you'll give it a shot and feel the warmth of crafty satisfaction with me.

Learn How to Make Pleated Drapes after the jump...
Read more »

The Craft Room Redesign Project: Hidden Workstation

Before:


After:

The Craft Room Redesign Project is in full swing, thanks to all of your great advice. I've installed new flooring all by myself, thrifted some furniture, repainted a brass table, and upholstered a chair I found on the street. But the eyesore of my crazy workstation overflowing with supplies was making it feel more like a garage and less like a room. So here is my solution.

What do you think? Is it weird, or do you think it works? Is there a corner of your house you might try to turn into your own workstation? Let us know in the comments and you could win that Kokka fat quarter. Check out more pics of the Hidden Workstation after the jump...
Read more »

March into Organization: The Kiddos

Ah ha! Bet you thought we were done with these organization posts. Jeesh, back to the fun already! But no worries, there are no closet cleaning tips here. Promise! Just adorable little projects to keep the wee ones treasures in order.

Toy Storage Tips: Nooks & Crannies


Spring Critter Book Plates


How to Sew an Oilcloth-lined Lunch Tote


Stuffed Animal Storage Solution


How to Sew A Crayon Roll


How to Sew a Crayon Apon


How to Sew a Drawstring Backpack


Dollhouse Table


DIY Ribbon Pacifier Clip

March into Organization: Hot Mess Mommy

We have organized The Home and the Craft/Office Space. Now it's time to organize the Mama. Here are a few projects to help you put "it" in its place and look stylish doing so. Conquer the world Hot Mess Mommy!

How to Make a Wristlet Key Fob


Quick & Pretty Makeup Bag


Oilcloth Tote Bag

and the rest...
Read more »

March into Organization: The Craft Space

Yesterday we shared our favorite organization projects for the home. Today we are back with pretty projects to keep your work/craft space all spiffy.

DIY Fabric Desk Pad Blotter


Porcupine Pin Cushion


Quick Tip: Fabric Scrap Storage 

See the rest...
Read more »

March into Organization: The Home

Eww. I'm the queen of the bad pun lately. Sorry. But back to the biz at hand. Between Jaime's inspiring Studio Makeover and the upcoming warmer weather, that biz is organization. Do you have any big projects planned for Spring cleaning this year? I want to whip every room in my house into shape! And what better way to kick off a major organizational undertaking then with some crafty projects. Baby steps! Here are our favorite Prudent Baby organization projects (and some great quick tips) to get you started.

Decoupage Tray


Organization Tip: One Clean Surface


Recipe Binder System with Free Downloads in many colors!


Decoupage Key Storage

See them all...
Read more »

The Craft Room Redesign Project: Help!

Ladies, I truly believe this to be true. I think most of you would agree that on some level, this is important. So, I'd like your help to create this kind of space, and maybe we can help each other in the process.

I work out of the converted garage behind my house. This is my office, my craft room, my sewing room, my writing space, and where my husband works out (note: I don't work out, ha). I know I am lucky to have a space like this, as many prudent mamas work out of closets, dining room tables, garages, or on the floor. Rather then continue to treat it like a scene from Hoarders, I'd like to embrace my good fortune and honor this space with the organization and care it deserves.

While I have made small improvements over the past few years (biggest improvement: cleaning it before I took these pictures), the space is inefficient and not-pretty, leading me to avoid entering it (i.e. doing my work). It is time for a super-prudent redesign, and I'm planning on taking you along with me as I make small, cost-effective (yet hopefully stylish) improvements. There are specific needs and challenges, so I am hoping you can make some suggestions and we can work on this project together. Maybe we will all learn something from each other about making space in our lives for our work.

I'll ask you my questions after the jump. Please leave comments with your thoughts, and bonus: our favorite comment of the week wins a yard of Dan Stiles fabric from Fabricworm!
Read more »

Oilcloth Lined Lunch Tote Tutorial

Little Essie takes a packed lunch off to school every day, so of course she demanded a cute homemade lunch bag.

I love these little lunch trays, but they are a wide size, so I had to make a custom shape.  I'll show you how to make a boxy bag like this in any size you need.

I made the lining from Kokka Large Trefle Matroyshka Dolls and Mushrooms Oilcloth in Red and the outside is matching quilting cotton. Which means I can wipe down the inside, but I can't wash it. Maybe not the best plan? A nylon outer would have been perfect, but she has been using this for 4 months with no issues so it worked out okay.  Get the Oilcloth Lined Lunch Tote Tutorial after the jump...

And remember to leave a comment, because this week's prize for fave comment is that awesome embroidery pattern from sublime stitching!
Read more »

Stuffed Animal Storage Solution

We Prudent Mamas have discussed toy storage over the years (check the Toy Storage: Nooks & Crannies post for how we roll in the Curtis household); it's a first world problem for sure - where to put all these luxurious toys our tots are lucky enough to possess? I've found that as baby grows, the stuffed animal collection grows at a 10X rate. I had a little eureka moment when I spotted this laundry bin and it's worked out so well, I thought I'd share.

The stuffed animals go into the laundry bin. Because it's a wire hamper, they can be pulled out the sides, without toppling said bin. They also always feel accessible, as opposed to boxes, closet shelves, or those nets you hang from the ceiling. It works for us, do you think it would work for you? Find out where I got it and links to some more storage and organization tips after the jump...

Give us your stuffed toy storage tips in the comments, and you might win some of that pom pom trim Jacinda's been petting.
Read more »

Drunk on Yarn

Another of my top-most-favorite Jacinda posts ever: Wine Rack as Yarn Storage. While Jacinda is enjoying her new baby, I'm sharing some of my favorite Jacinda tutes & inspiration. Would you agree with me that this is pure genius?

For me, it was one of those eureka, a-ha moments in craft organization...it just blew my mind. I immediately jumped out of my chair and organized my own yarn: Wine Rack as Yarn Storage Part 2.

Sigh, it makes me so happy. If you are feeling a bit yarn-toxicated, check out some of our yarn tutes here.

How do you store your yarn? Do you hang on to wine long enough to require a wine rack? What else could you use a wine rack for? Your comment could win you a yard of gorg pom pom trim.

Double Duty Diaper Bags: BIG SALES on Big Bags!

Ah the diaper bag – the day you get to store your diaper bag away and start carrying a regular purse again is a magical moment. But even if you’ve reached potty-training milestones, you’ll still need to pack up some toddler-gear (snacks, extra undies, wipes, a juice box, a couple of crayons) into your purse for every excursion with the kiddos. I just snagged a modern, stylish bag that is big enough to accommodate all my mom gear without screaming DIAPER BAG and I love it. The big bonus: it was on BIG sale at 60% off. Find out where to score these deals here: Double Duty Diaper Bags: Big SALES on Big Bags!

Zen and the Art of Cookie Cutter Maintenance

So it's finally happened, despite all of my anti-baking protests... I've become addicted to decorating fancy sugar cookies. Jacinda is a true expert at this craft, as you can see here, here, here, and especially here.

She once told me something I now understand to be so true: "Decorated sugar cookies are one of those things that people enjoy receiving - they love how cute they are and appreciate the hard work that went into them - but it's actually like fifty times more work than they realize." You sugar-cookie decorators know exactly what she's talking about, right?

Once you get into the craft of cookie decorating, you find yourself collecting various supplies (decorating bags, tips, flower nails, couplers) and of course, cookie cutters. After treating myself to a Sur La Table cookie-supply shopping spree armed with Jacinda's list of Ten Tools for Decorating Sugar Cookies, I set down to get organized. Decorating tools and cookie cutters require specific maintenance - from removing the sticky tags (note: why do they put sticky price tag goo right onto cookie cutters???? Don't they know we are going to put them on our food? There must be a better way!), to avoiding rust, to efficient storage and organization.

I'm going to share the details on how to care for cookie cutters and my take on Zen and the Art of Cookie Cutter Maintenance after the jump...

Let us know your cookie cutter maintenance tips in the comments, you just might win that gorgeous Kokka fat quarter!
Read more »

How to Sew a Crayon Roll

The crayon roll may not be a new idea, but it is a good one!  I whipped one up during nap time as a birthday party gift, delivered along with a coloring book.  I made a few more as little stocking stuffers for the nieces and godchildren in my life.  Easy-peasy.

In a different set of fabrics, one of these babies would make a perfect boy gift as well.

Get the full Crayon Roll Tutorial after the jump...

And remember to leave a comment for another chance to win this week's surprise prize, that Alexander Henry fat quarter!
Read more »