Cord and Charger Catch All for $1!

We have a serious issue in our home. Organization with a capital O. This year I am working to get us into a groove of some sort of organizational system that will kick the clutter, recycle the junk mail and fold the laundry. I think all that is spelled M-A-I-D!

In any case one of our biggest issues is cords and chargers. There is a charger for EVERYTHING nowadays. There is one for each iPhone, the work Blackberry, the ipods, the camera, the video camera, the computer etc.  That is not even including all the earphones that go with each device! Ugh. We are up to our necks in cords and chargers! Well, I now have a system that is the answer to everyone's prayers and it cost me a whopping FREE99.

In the dollar section of Target there are often clear coupon organizers  or clear file folders. These make PERFECT cord and charger catchalls. I had one laying around and affixed a pretty Martha Stewart label I had onhand and then made little labels with the ones provided with the organizer.

In order to accommodate the bulk of the organizer I made a new little elastic tie ( mine was worn out, yours might work just fine!) I looped plain old sewing elastic around the organizer and used two little wooden beads for decoration.

There you have it! A way to store all the clutter neatly and nicely. Looking forward to your thoughts! 

Sweeter Hours Studio: A Tour

"It's been a long time coming....

but I know, a change gonna come, oh yes it will" 

- Sam Cooke: 

It's a very very cold room, reads 20 degrees right now- but hey, it's all mine. In this space I can close the door, crank the heat, turn up Pandora and craft out. Here's a little tour with a couple tips for your own creative space. What a wonderfully sunny window right?! 

This is a vintage bulb starter hanger from a garden shop up in NH. I am in love with anything galvanized. Looking forward to putting some plants in it come warmer weather. The  black rack behind it is a magazine holder that I use for drying watercolors. 

Inspired by I Am Momma Hear Me Roar's quote wall, I decided to paint a mirror. The quote is, " She thought she could, so she did." Love it! I look forward to finding an inspirational quote each month to keep me motivated. Any suggestions?

What a sweet vintage table right? It was the great price of FREE.  I plan to paint it a saucy color in the spring. This glass container was marked down to 5$ because it was missing a tap. Also a great find!  

 This is a wall of some accomplishments. My bachelor's degree of course and also a post card from The Edinburgh Fringe Festival where I performed. My ugly broom! I plan to get a pretty one next trip to Ikea. Oh and don't forget the sexy space heater...

I am so lucky to have these built in shelves. I am looking forward to putting wallpaper behind each shelf this spring to give the room some pop. I love using a mix of vintage and modern, showcased by the two cosmetic bags on the shelf. Vintage wooden Shaker style boxes hide thread and bobbins. Hit up the thrift stores for interesting containers and mix with regular store bought ones ( like the brown kraft photo boxes.) 

This  vintage oak desk is massive-but a perfect workspace area. I keep sewing materials in a little caddy so that they can be quickly tucked into a drawer in case I need more room. 

The orange table found a home with his mish-mosh of a cute stool I refinished and a vintage school chair. It was important that Giraffe have a space in the studio so that he can get artsy too! I encourage you to make room for your little ones in your creative environment.

A view from the desk... 

One of my first handmade creatures I just couldn't part with. 

Filled with repurposed containers these shelves are my favorite. Mixing and matching creates interest. Mmmmm vintage pyrex. 

This twig window box makes a lovely perch for these owly calendar cards from Gingiber. 

Here are some other lovely calendars for your creative space featured on How About Orange. 

I have had this old window for 8 years sitting in my garage. I had hoped one day to restore it but alas a little chicken wire and some clothespins  and it serves as a great inspiration wall! 

It may not be color coded yet BUT at least its not in paper bags strewn across the floor right? Fabric now has a home in the closet which still needs a little work. 

I have a thing for birds, don't you ? Check out Spool for the free pattern. 

So there you have it, a place for Sweeter Hours to grow. I have to admit, I have had a creative block since the room has been clean. I apparently thrive on mess. 

I have to retrain my brain to embrace the lack of clutter. 

I really look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments on my new space. Anything you'd add? I would like to paint in the spring, any color recs? I also am pining for a rug, what color would you pick?