Mail sorter & key holder makeover

I bought this mail sorter on clearance at Target a couple years ago. It’s seen better days, and it’s not exactly the look I go for anymore. To quote my sister, it’s “really ugly.” So I gave it a makeover. A little paint, two label holders, and three cup hooks […]

2021-03-05T02:39:20-08:00September 21, 2020|

DIY fabric-covered box = recycling tote

Ever need something that you’re sure exists, but once you go looking for it, you come up empty? I searched for a bin in which to toss all my paper recycling (let’s face it: junk mail). And I wanted it to fit on the bottom pull-out shelf of my not-so-attractive-but-necessary microwave […]

2021-03-05T02:20:10-08:00May 22, 2013|

Plates + candlesticks + knobs = DIY tiered jewelry trays

This one is for Alyson. She’s been asking me to blog about jewelry storage ideas for, um, years. I’ve had this tiered jewelry tray idea in the back of my mind for a long time. The delay came down to finding the right glue. I think I’ve found it — well, […]

2021-01-31T02:06:59-08:00May 8, 2013|

Plain bookshelf = DIY fancy china cabinet

This small unfinished pine bookshelf was shuffled from room to room. I planned to paint it, but never did. I was on the verge of kicking it to the curb. (This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, I may earn a small commission. You can […]

2021-03-05T02:16:27-08:00October 16, 2012|

Review: Rubbermaid Bento Boxes and Toppers + a giveaway

I tend to hoard craft supplies. Glue, duct tape, wood, carpet samples, lamp parts — you name it. I keep all of it neatly stored in labeled boxes and bins so I can access everything easily and often.

I’m also kind of anti plastic bins. Partly because they look cheap. Partly because […]

2021-03-12T18:30:20-08:00October 9, 2012|

DIY riveted sheet-metal magnet board

This giant riveted sheet-metal magnet board was the centerpiece of my office makeover that Sylvania sponsored. And now I’m going to show you how to make it. This is the first of a few tutorials from the Sylvania Blogger Makeover Challenge. Next week, I will show […]

2021-01-31T05:54:15-08:00April 26, 2011|

3 Ikea mini chests = DIY paper organizer

I told you I had a plan for the Ikea Fira mini chests that were leftover from my DIY rolling toolbox. I had a plethora of printer paper and envelopes and nowhere to store it all. The solution: stack three mini chests together, add molding, casters, and paint […]

2021-02-22T04:36:20-08:00August 7, 2009|

Old dresser = DIY rolling tool chest

I outgrew my toolbox end tables, but I refused to pay hundreds of dollars for one of those ugly, manly Craftsman tool chests. And the gorgeous white ones are even more expensive. This chest of drawers cost me $10 on

2021-01-31T06:05:51-08:00July 29, 2009|

Easy DIY shoebox shelves

Closet cleaning isn’t a flashy subject, but I can’t help it: I’m in full organization mode. I blame the new year. I simplified this closet by chucking old clothes and sticking with just three types of hangers: wood, padded, and skirt hangers (the latter two are on the left side of […]

2021-03-08T23:44:37-08:00January 7, 2009|

DIY odds & ends rack

Everyone knows necessity is the mother of invention. But, I’m here to say that mistakes can also be the mother of invention. My first spice rack attempt did not go so well. I used an old sketch and didn’t double-check the measurements. Consequently, the rack was too small to hold […]

2021-01-31T06:18:09-08:00July 2, 2008|

DIY spice rack

My old spice rack wasn’t cutting it. It only held 12 tins. I’m not a prolific cook, but even I quickly outgrew it. Still, I needed a compact storage solution because I share a small kitchen with my roommate, and countertop space is limited. I couldn’t find a spice rack to […]

2021-01-31T06:18:17-08:00June 25, 2008|
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