A Great Sewing Box

I have been needing a new sewing box for quite sometime now. I loved the one I had. It was wooden and the top was a giant pin cushion. It opened up and the sides folded out and revealed 3 drawers on each side. It held a lot of things. Sadly, one handle was broken off and it was so big and bulky anyway. I had to sew a button on something yesterday and as I got my sewing box down out of my closet I decided that it was time for a new sewing box.

I ended up using something I already had. I have another bag just like the one above, but a little bigger. Also made by the Paper Studio. I use it to take to school when I am decorating a bulletin board or other project for a teacher. I carry scissors, a stapler, staples, tape, markers, etc. That way I don't have to keep walking in the classroom asking for supplies while she is teaching class.

The photo above is another bag made by the Paper Studio. I honestly bought it because it was 50% off at Hobby Lobby and I was going to carry my colored pencil supplies in for when I go to draw away from my desk. I really haven't used it for that purpose much, so I decided to re-purpose it for my sewing kit.

I used to sew a lot and needed something larger, but for me this is just right now. It holds everything I need for a quick mend or a small sewing project. These scrapbooking totes have so many pockets, you can keep everything organized. Since it is made of fabric, I can put some needles (some threaded) for quick use if I am in a hurry.

Inside I put all my spools of thread. This tote can hold a lot of spools inside.

In this zipper side pocket I have my sewing machine bobbins and attachments.

If you need a new sewing box and you are a patient Hobby Lobby customer like me, just wait until the week they have all the scrapbooking totes and organizers on sale and get one of these for 50% off. I believe this one was originally around $25.00, but I got it 1/2 off.

Be Inspired! -Karol :0)

More Organizing

When I am nervous, I clean and organize. I do. I would see someone about this nervous habit of mine, but since the results are productive and since cleaning and organizing makes me feel better, it's a good thing. I am sure Martha would agree with that statement.

I was going through some things and found these wooden organizing trays I had and decided to put them to use in my utensil drawer. They work so well in this drawer for the smaller things that seem to get lost.

Ahhhhhh, I love it when everything is in order and where it should be. I am not always consistent with putting things back where they go so every once in a while I have to get things back in order.




This morning I received an email from "My Home Ideas". They have a great article on organizing. "8 Affordable Ways to Tidy Up". They offer some great tips on clearing clutter and organizing from the junk drawer (their photo above) to your kid's school papers.

Whether organizing is a habit, an obsession, or you have to force yourself to do it, it really is a good thing.



Be Inspired! -Karol :0)

How to Make a Fabric and Ribbon Noteboard

Originally I was going to add cork to this black frame I had in the attic. I was at Hobby Lobby getting some art framed today and as I was looking around I saw several note boards that were fabric and ribbon and I changed my mind. Besides a roll of cork was $14.99. Insanely, it was cheaper to buy a whole cork board for $12.99 (which I pondered). Then I wandered over to the decorator fabric and saw that it was 30% off. It actually cost less to buy some beautiful decorator fabric and a couple of rolls of $.99 grossgrain ribbon. So that is what I did.

First you will need some supplies; 1) a nice frame, 2) two pieces of foam board cut to the size of the frame inset, 3) a remnant of fabric of your choice (preferably something heavier such as a home dec. fabric), 4) a piece of cotton batting (cotton batting works best for these note boards. It is denser and not "fluffy" like the polyester batting), 5) a few spools of inexpensive grossgrain ribbon, 6) upholstery tacks (I used 21 for my note board), 7) and a hot glue gun.

First, you may want to lay the frame over the fabric to center any print in the fabric. Trace around the frame with a pen and cut on lines. This will allow extra fabric to wrap around the foam board backing.

Next, cut a piece of batting to exact size of the foam board and lightly glue in place. Lay out your fabric wrong side up and place foam board, batting side down on fabric, centering on the fabric.

Cut the corners out just as I have (above), this will keep the corners from being too bulky when you place it in the frame.

Next, glue the sides to the foam board back. A great tip is to start on one end and then switch to the other end opposite. This keeps the fabric stretched evenly as you glue in place.

Now you will begin to add the ribbon. Start by going from corner to corner. Dot a small amount of hot glue on the front just as the edge of the fabric to hold in place. Then once you have criss-crossed the ribbons, add a tack. This keeps your lines straight. Helpful tip: after I pressed the tack through I put a glob of hot glue around the point of the tack to hold it. Later you will add a second piece of foam board to cover the back and cover the sharp upholstery tack tips. Finish your ribbon and tacks.

Then you are ready to place it in the frame. Next you will add the second piece of foam board and then secure in the frame by bending down the tabs on the back of the frame. Last, add a hanger if it did not have one and then VOILA! you are done.

Hang it on the wall and admire your work. Oh, and don't forget to tuck some things in the ribbons or tack things to the note board as needed.

Anyone who comments on this post will be entered to win a fabulous initial (letter of your choice), like the one I have on my note board. I will use random.org to choose the winner. Winner will be announced Monday, January 5th.

Oh, and Happy New Year!

Be Inspired! -Karol :0)