One of my most popular projects are these little bags.

I love seeing them pop up all over the internet, tagged with the ideas that people have for using them in their own lives.

One common theme that I have noticed is using them for wrangling hats and mittens.

Until my recent move, I didn't understand how out of control these necessary winter accessories can get.

I totally get it now. Good grief! They are like socks in the laundry room... how does a pair get separated?! Why can't you ever find what you need when you need it?!

So, I spent some time this weekend setting up "Command Central" in my home to gain control over the clutter building up on my countertops, benches, and any other surfaces that welcome collections of stuff.

Here's what I'm using.

Magnetic board. I covered an Ikea board in burlap using the tutorial that I shared for my Art Wall. The magnets are the same set that I created here.

Coat rack. Just your standard rack that you can purchase at Lowe's or Home Depot. I've had the one pictured above for years and it keeps reappearing in different capacities with each move we've made.

Wire Baskets. I found this set on Amazon and fell in love with them. They are the perfect muted finish. I'm using the smallest here as a catch-all for hats and gloves. The other two are being used upstairs.

Mail shelves. By far the biggest mess in my kitchen comes from the accumulation of mail that needs attention. I keep recycling these spice racks from Ikea. I have a set that I painted to use as bedside reading shelves. These were actually used for spices in my pantry in the last house. It just made sense to use them here for mail.

 

I used my Silhouette to make the wall decals. As always, I'm happy to share the Silhouette files that I create if you'd like to use them for yourself!

All in all, a great use of space! That is, as long as we use it...

So, after I completed my magnetic storage tins, I realized that I needed some way to know what was inside - at a glance, rather than by opening each to find what I am looking for.

I knew that I didn't want something permanent, as I'm constantly repurposing!

My solution? Little magnetic markers utilizing scrap ribbon, buttons, and... SHRINKY DINKS!!!

If you're familiar with my blog, you know how I love a Shrinky Dink project.

I opted for the regular frosted sheets, rather than the inkjet version, because my printer is out of ink.

{Note to self: Must buy printer ink!}

I used my Martha Stewart 1 1/2" circle craft cutter to punch my tags and wrote on the slick side of the punched circle with a permanent ink pen typically used for scrapbooking.

You can see that I tested one first to ensure that my ink would adhere properly. It did!

I watched the magic unfold in my toaster oven...

By the way, I keep a toaster oven in my studio. It has become just as important as my sewing machine! This is an older one that we own, but it works great for my crafting purposes!

I cut little flags from a piece of scrap ribbon...

Layered my buttons and Shrinky Dinks using E6000 adhesive...

Cut small strips of magnetic vinyl to add to the back...

And, that was it! A perfect, non-permanent, fun solution for labeling my magnetic storage tins.

I can change my mind about the tin's contents and have no problem swapping the labels to reflect what's inside!

I just love the effect, too.

In my previous post, I mentioned that I am revamping my studio space. As part of that, I covered an Ikea magnetic board with burlap and mounted it to the side of my bookshelf with 3-M picture hanging strips.

Here's the finished product.

Click here for instructions about how to personalize an Ikea magnetic board with fabric.

I made a few other magnets with glass tile project fails. They are perfect for adding personality to this magnetic board!

I'll be working on my creative space this week and hope to share the results with you. Now that my classes are over (for a month), I'm doing what I can to usher in peace and calm to my surroundings!

I hope you have a great week ahead! As always, I'd love to hear about what you are working on!

Did anyone pick up on the Nirvana reference? Is that past your time?

{I'm on a 90's grunge rock kick!}

Speaking of the late 90's... I used to love Brighton jewelry! I still do, but my jewelry trends have changed since then.

My husband loves to indulge me when he's familiar with something that I really love - and, for him, he was comfortable going to the jewelry counter and loading up on Brighton.

Brighton earrings. Brighton necklaces. Brighton belts. Brighton shoes. Brighton purses. Brighton sunglasses. Brighton hair accessories. Brighton... lip stick holder...

I just love that man.

Along the way, I've amassed quite a collection of Brighton tins.

I knew I should save them. They are so darn cute and functional!

I'm in the process of reorganizing my studio and had the sudden idea to turn them into magnetic board storage!

This was all that I needed to make it happen.

{By the way... E6000 is the best adhesive ever! Forget super glue! Just a small drop is all you need.}

I used three magnets on the backs of the smaller tins and five on the backs of the larger.

My next step was to gather the small items to store in my cute little heart shaped storage boxes.

That presented another dilemma... how would I ever remember what was inside of each?

That solution will follow in my next post!

Okay. Last post about the art wall. Promise!

I just felt like the wall space was too empty. Here's a reminder about where it was:

And, here it is today:

I decided to swapped out the wreath for one that was a little bigger and, while I had the blue paint out for my little shelf project, I painted up a couple of small cork boards.

I used painter's tape to mark off my pattern for the green design after an initial coat of the blue. I love the distressed finish. It's perfect for two little, rough-and-tumble boys!

I picked up the letters from Hobby Lobby for $2 each. I secured them with the best adhesive in the world, E6000. They were the perfect finishing touch.

Dylan asked for push pins made from buttons.

What a smart suggestion!

And, that's it, folks! I can't imagine what else I could possibly need to add to this wall. You can see that my boys are enjoying the space.

I hope your week is off to a great start!! I'm sending lots of love your way!

My oldest son is an excellent artist. He's displayed talent since he was just a tot.

{I'm a proud mama... Can you tell?}

I've never had a good way to showcase his masterpieces. I always intend to frame them or scan them for some massive future display project. But there's just never enough time (or money) for that.

One of my major problems is our refrigerator. It's big and beautiful and stainless steel. Not magnet friendly.

So, during my break, I was determined to complete an art wall.

Here's the before.

My first step was the magnetic board. I picked up a basic board at IKEA and covered it with fabric, using Mod Podge. I used the same technique to apply the fabric as my pizza pan project.

The corners were a little tricky.

Once the board was finished, I turned my attention to cutting a wall decal with my Silhouette. I found this saying on Pinterest and thought it would be perfect for the wall.

{Okay. I was going from memory and I accidentally changed the order of the words. I also forgot to include a comma. That is forthcoming. Promise!}

Here's the end result!

Whatcha think? It's simple, but I absolutely love it. And the magnets that I made last week are just right!

I can't wait to use it in the year to come. Here's to a happy 2012!!

Our Modish project this month was a magnetic memo board. I love this project - especially for the kitchen because my refrigerator is stainless steel so I always need a way to display the kiddos' artwork, my endless supply of lists, and various other lovelies.

This one is going into the office space that I share with my husband. It couldn't be too girly or I'd never hear the end of it!

All you need for this project is a large scrap of fabric, a pizza pan (or cookie sheet), Mod Podge, scissors, and a ribbon.

I also added an initial that I cut with my Silhouette from a sheet of Duck Tape. Did you know you can buy sheets of Duck Tape?? Imagine the possibilities!

Coat the back of your pan with a generous coat of Mod Podge. I used a child's foam brush to apply.

Lay your fabric over the Mod Podge and smooth into place. Add more Mod Podge around the edges and into the creases and press your fabric into place - working around the edge a little at a time.

I recommend working slowly so that your fabric stays in place as the glue dries. If you work too quickly, you run the risk of pulling the fabric loose.

Once your fabric is in place and the bond has started to set, trim around the edges. Try to maintain an even selvedge of about 1", but don't worry about perfection. This will be hidden on the backside of the pan. 

Clip into your allowance about 3/4" all of the way around the pan. This will help you secure the edges into place and keep a smooth fit with little bulk.

Flip your pan over and use more Mod Podge to secure the tabs in place, keeping a tight fit around the edge as you go around the pan.

Add your embellishments.

Glue a ribbon to serve as your hanger. I used the twill tape I had left over from the boys' tee-pee.

{Hooray for scraps!}

Voila! You're done!

Forgive my lame styling for this photo. All of my fun accessories are packed away until the move. I did have these magnetic tins on hand, which are perfect for paperclips, buttons, pins, etc...

I'm finishing up a fun, super simple project to share with you tomorrow. Pinterest-inspired, of course. Want a sneak peek? Any guesses?