Closeted Creativity

I've never been the most organized person in the world. Sure, when it comes to meeting deadlines, following through on what I promise, and planning things out, I'm pretty on-the-ball. But if it involves sorting, folding and filing-- it just doesn't come naturally to me. I struggle.

But what I've learned over the years is that even I, Miss Toss-It-In-a-Pile or Hide-It-Under-the-Bed can get life organized into easy-to-use systems-- the key is in taking the time and having the right tools!
This last week, I've been working to get my closets in order. When you thrift as often as I do, it's important for me to have a good clear-out now and then, to really take stock of what I love, what I need, and what I no longer use (and what I can pass along to someone who will truly appreciate it!).

So my linens have seen a good purge, and all extra sheets, table runners, curtains and fabric whatnots that are surplus to requirement are right now sitting bagged and prepped to head on back to the thrifts.

In their place, a couple of assemble-it-yourself shelving units have been set up, and a few packs of hangers have helped to make this closet work so much better....
I love seeing all the pretty colors and patterns on my vintage tablecloths, and choosing what I want when I want it is now so easy!(I admit, I left the door open for a while so I could stare at the Joy of Surprising Organization.)

Plus, the lightly flocked hangers really work well-- they're pleasant to the touch, but linens don't slide off.

Now, too, I can see all of these nicely embroidered tablerunners together.
And fresh vintage sheets are always available for when company comes...
Inspired by the progress, I also tackled the hall closet, where I store dress clothes and my winter shoes/boots...
A build-it-yourself shoe rack from Target fit the bill (or rather the boot) here.

I liked it so much, I got one for the the coat closet in my entry way, where casual shoes now live for easy access...What's nice is, I not only now can see everything I have, I won't again fall into the rut of having four pairs of black flats all in about the same style.

Consistency of taste is nice, but it also takes up a lot of space with redundant footwear! (Imelda Marcos might beg to differ, but then she probably didn't have to organize her own closets.)

Anyway, that got me wondering-- what's your favorite organizational tool? Are you organizationally-challenged like me? Or does everything always have its place?

Take care, and I'll talk to you next on Wednesday... If I'm not too busy still staring into my newly-tidied closets. :)

Closeted Creativity

I've never been the most organized person in the world. Sure, when it comes to meeting deadlines, following through on what I promise, and planning things out, I'm pretty on-the-ball. But if it involves sorting, folding and filing-- it just doesn't come naturally to me. I struggle.

But what I've learned over the years is that even I, Miss Toss-It-In-a-Pile or Hide-It-Under-the-Bed can get life organized into easy-to-use systems-- the key is in taking the time and having the right tools!
This last week, I've been working to get my closets in order. When you thrift as often as I do, it's important for me to have a good clear-out now and then, to really take stock of what I love, what I need, and what I no longer use (and what I can pass along to someone who will truly appreciate it!).

So my linens have seen a good purge, and all extra sheets, table runners, curtains and fabric whatnots that are surplus to requirement are right now sitting bagged and prepped to head on back to the thrifts.

In their place, a couple of assemble-it-yourself shelving units have been set up, and a few packs of hangers have helped to make this closet work so much better....
I love seeing all the pretty colors and patterns on my vintage tablecloths, and choosing what I want when I want it is now so easy!(I admit, I left the door open for a while so I could stare at the Joy of Surprising Organization.)

Plus, the lightly flocked hangers really work well-- they're pleasant to the touch, but linens don't slide off.

Now, too, I can see all of these nicely embroidered tablerunners together.
And fresh vintage sheets are always available for when company comes...
Inspired by the progress, I also tackled the hall closet, where I store dress clothes and my winter shoes/boots...
A build-it-yourself shoe rack from Target fit the bill (or rather the boot) here.

I liked it so much, I got one for the the coat closet in my entry way, where casual shoes now live for easy access...What's nice is, I not only now can see everything I have, I won't again fall into the rut of having four pairs of black flats all in about the same style.

Consistency of taste is nice, but it also takes up a lot of space with redundant footwear! (Imelda Marcos might beg to differ, but then she probably didn't have to organize her own closets.)

Anyway, that got me wondering-- what's your favorite organizational tool? Are you organizationally-challenged like me? Or does everything always have its place?

Take care, and I'll talk to you next on Wednesday... If I'm not too busy still staring into my newly-tidied closets. :)

Treasure Box Wednesday: Linens, Lamps and Lambie Lovelies

If streamlined is "In" and frills are "Out," you can just label me merrily "outdated." After all, how could I possibly complain when we Fans o' the Frill have the chance to get beautiful doilies, tablerunners and tablecloths such as these, with absolutely NO competition for them? And at just a few dollars a piece!

Yes, the Red White and Blue came through with a number of delicate hand-done pieces-- like this white and beige table cloth...


This bright garden of embroidered roses...


And the delightful table runner below. I'd picked this one up originally because it had cherubs on it, and as you all know, I am pro-Cherub. But I never expected to get a bit of history right along with it...


I don't know if you can read it, but the print there says, "Work by Henry Drexler age 74 years old." (I've read it a couple of times, and I'm 95% sure it says, "Henry.") Was "Henry" short for "Henrietta," or was this fine needlework done by a Mr. Drexler? Does our friend Henry live still, or was this tablerunner donated upon the crafter's passing?

As with the owners of my vintage postcards, I always find myself longing to learn more of the story behind the piece. But while the tale of Henry Drexler may be lost to the hands of time, I do know I'll think fondly of Henry's talents of the needle every time I pass this on my table. Yep, a little piece of Henry is living on in linen!

Other items I found at the thrifts this last week include this courting couple photo frame. I plan to give to my friend Scoobie to go with her regal French decor...


I also discovered a shabby lamp I hope to use in my spare room...


And a sweet 50s lamb planter that is going to be part of a much larger Easter eggstravaganza I've got planned. (Grin!)

If you think this lovely lambie is cute, I think you might just want to stay tuned in the next couple of weeks for the full Easter blow-out.

Well, that's it for this Treasure Box Wednesday. I thank you each muchly for popping by to spend some time here.

And if you missed my Sunday's post of "Decorating for Denial: Beating the Winter Doldrums," you can still catch it by clicking here. Take care!

Treasure Box Wednesday: Linens, Lamps and Lambie Lovelies

If streamlined is "In" and frills are "Out," you can just label me merrily "outdated." After all, how could I possibly complain when we Fans o' the Frill have the chance to get beautiful doilies, tablerunners and tablecloths such as these, with absolutely NO competition for them? And at just a few dollars a piece!

Yes, the Red White and Blue came through with a number of delicate hand-done pieces-- like this white and beige table cloth...


This bright garden of embroidered roses...


And the delightful table runner below. I'd picked this one up originally because it had cherubs on it, and as you all know, I am pro-Cherub. But I never expected to get a bit of history right along with it...


I don't know if you can read it, but the print there says, "Work by Henry Drexler age 74 years old." (I've read it a couple of times, and I'm 95% sure it says, "Henry.") Was "Henry" short for "Henrietta," or was this fine needlework done by a Mr. Drexler? Does our friend Henry live still, or was this tablerunner donated upon the crafter's passing?

As with the owners of my vintage postcards, I always find myself longing to learn more of the story behind the piece. But while the tale of Henry Drexler may be lost to the hands of time, I do know I'll think fondly of Henry's talents of the needle every time I pass this on my table. Yep, a little piece of Henry is living on in linen!

Other items I found at the thrifts this last week include this courting couple photo frame. I plan to give to my friend Scoobie to go with her regal French decor...


I also discovered a shabby lamp I hope to use in my spare room...


And a sweet 50s lamb planter that is going to be part of a much larger Easter eggstravaganza I've got planned. (Grin!)

If you think this lovely lambie is cute, I think you might just want to stay tuned in the next couple of weeks for the full Easter blow-out.

Well, that's it for this Treasure Box Wednesday. I thank you each muchly for popping by to spend some time here.

And if you missed my Sunday's post of "Decorating for Denial: Beating the Winter Doldrums," you can still catch it by clicking here. Take care!