Organizing Supplies on a Budget

Organization is a struggle for me.  It has been my entire life and I blame it on my creativity gene.  I would love to be naturally organized, but I have to work at it and work at it hard.  Here are just a couple of frugal solutions that I found for storing some of my art and toy supplies. 

Large coffee containers
They are sturdy and they come with a handle and lid.  What more could I ask for? These are great for storing crayons, small toys, stamps and more.  You can find adorable labels them here for free....

 Crazy for First Grade: Label Love

Tin cans
Cover with scrapbooking paper. Great for holding pencils, rulers, paint brushes, etc. My daughter decorated a can with popsicle sticks for holding her school pencils! 


Cardboard boxes
Boxes are great for holding just about anything!  Learning centers, toys, and more. I found a couple of amazing tutorials online for redoing diaper boxes.


These are just GORGEOUS....

Positively Splendid

 Designs by mke

AND how about redoing cereal boxes....

Family Fun

I also purchased inexpensive containers (as you can see on our shelves)... I couldn't resist the green containers for $1. I just combined them with my recycled containers.

For more ideas, visit my Organization Pinterest Board.

What ideas do you have for organizing on a budget?  

Enjoy your day,
Jen

Fairies or Elves, Maybe??

Help!! I've been cleaning for days and it doesn't seem like much is getting done. Why can't I enjoy housework more? Trying to stay positive! I have people coming into my home tomorrow, so I'm trying to get the place at least presentable. If you've read any of my past posts, you know that this creative spirit is not organized, not a good housekeeper, and the queen of all clutter. So my request for today is for you to send me a bunch of fairies or little elves to help me out. Yes, I am overwhelmed and I just want it cleaned now! This way I can get back to blogging a creative post for my loyal readers out there. Okay, all for today. Sorry it wasn't a post about great ideas with fairies or elves. I'll save that one for Christmas!! Thanks for reading and keep my in your thoughts as I slave over the house. Back to my messy house! Have a great day with your kids!!!

Jen

Excuse this House

Oh, how I wish I had an organized, clean house! There are days that I will feel down because it doesn't look how I think it should! I also worry about teaching my kids how to organize and keep a home. Beating myself up though isn't going to change the condition of my home, but a new attitude will. Working little by little and feeling good about each accomplishment will help! There are days though that I won't get much done, because the little ones need me more! If you need a good excuse for playing with the kids today and taking a break from housekeeping, here's a poem for you. This plaque was on my mother's wall when I was a child and now it has been passed down to me!

Excuse this House

Some houses try to hide the fact
that children shelter there;
Ours boasts of it quite openly,
The signs are everywhere
For smears are on the windows,
Little smudges on the door;
I should apologize I guess
For toys strewn on the floor
But I sat down with the children
And we played & laughed & read;
And if the doorbell doesn't shine,
Their eyes will shine instead.
For when at times I'm forced to choose
The one job or the other;I want to be a housewife-
But first I'll be a mother.

There ya go! Go play with your kids without guilt today! There is always tomorrow to vacuum and put away the laundry!! (Just don't put it off too long, like me!- The Queen of procrastination, Ha, Ha!)

Enjoy your day!
Jen