Tales From a Craft-Head - Quick and Easy DIY Organizer

I have a home office and there are always papers and odds and ends that I need easy access to without digging in a drawer.   

With that in mind I decided to make a cute organizer to keep those items contained in a way that has a little style to it.  I am a serious craft head so I decided to make my own.

 I took a nice and sturdy box and covered it with burlap.

I am not a gal who measures everything so I just guess-timated it all and let my hot glue do the rest.

Once I had covered the box completely on the outside I needed a trim so hmmmmmmmm, what do I use?  I could have used ribbon but decided to use an old belt I no longer wore.  I cut the belt in half and buckled it in the front.  It was not long enough to go all the way around but it did extend down both of the sides and that was good enough for me.

I think it adds an element of surprise and if I must say so this came out rather nicely.  Hope this inspires you to try one of your own.  If you do, let me know how it turns out.

Cherio!

Update, Organize And Refresh Your Home Office. Yes You Can!

If I were a super hero, my kryptonite would be clutter.  Put me in a very disorganized and chaotic work space and if I cannot get it fixed pronto, I melt down like ice cream on a hot plate.  I know, it sounds crazy but its true.  With this firmly in mind I decided to revamp my home office.  When am done it will be functional, stylish and tailor made to fit my personality.  I am so excited!

Personally, I only want the bare essentials on my desk like the computer, phone, and a note pad.  Everything else usually is within arms reach but organized in a drawer out of sight.  My only exception to this is if there is shelving above my desk.  These shelves can be used for storage and to stylize the office as well so I add personal things I enjoy like beautiful hardcover books and my favorite pottery.  Items like framed Art, potted plants, and other momentos are also a great choice to personalize an office.  Be careful not to over accessorize though, make careful selections for your display. Remember:  Its harder for something to stand out if everything else is clamoring for attention. 

Easy Tips & Tricks

1.  Desks, metal and wood filing cabinets can often be updated with spray paint.  

You can also improve desks and define the space by covering drawer faces and walls with wall paper.  If you a have a desk that do not match your filing cabinet, try one of these ideas for a more unified look.  Tip:  If possible, put your desk near a window that overlooks the  garden or scenery you enjoy for added tranquility and natural light. 

2. Storage is vitally important to keep your office organized, clutter free and it can also add personality to your work space.  Stop looking at storage bins/units as just a necessity and challenge yourself to embrace the creative possibilities.

3. Trash containers used to be another of those office necessities that you just buy and use without much thought.  Not any more. There are so many stylish trash containers available now, so buy something you really like.

4.  If you have a wooden desk that is a little dated or scratched, why not spruce it up?  You can paint it a beautiful color of your choice, add a glass top, even decoupage it.  The sky is the limit.

5.  Define your office space by using a free-standing decorative screen, wall art, or an area rug.

Whatever improvements you decide to make to your office, remember to enjoy the experience.  After all this is one makeover that will bring you countless returns! Literally.

For more ideas check out these links

http://www.homeydesigning.com/201001/home-office-design-ideas-from-pottery-barn.html

http://www.thelennoxx.com/browse-by-style/classic/design-ideas-for-your-home-office/

http://archinhome.com/tag/home-office-pictures/

http://www.decorpad.com