IHeart Kitchen Reno: An Organized Pantry

Don't get me wrong, I have been loving <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/p/quick-tip-gallery.html" target="_blank">this year's weekly Quick Tip series</a>.  It has been fun focusing on bite size organizing to get us by while we work on a much bigger project.  But come on!  This girl has been so patiently waiting to move on to bigger and better organizing projects.  The kind that fuel my organizing fire.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKJOi-c3cQtwSjipPn6nCHTun47XSbpLkDT_dnFcyq09VrjJ6Jox4N6Y-y5mclDytlyZIQzlLIB8zrvhsbOg75ahWxqibgjX754m3UoiIKNyHFN38D_rdz3N27CvrfMdMt5_S_3KuQM0O/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKJOi-c3cQtwSjipPn6nCHTun47XSbpLkDT_dnFcyq09VrjJ6Jox4N6Y-y5mclDytlyZIQzlLIB8zrvhsbOg75ahWxqibgjX754m3UoiIKNyHFN38D_rdz3N27CvrfMdMt5_S_3KuQM0O/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_Header.png" /></a></div><br />I am not ready to fill all of the drawers and cabinets in the kitchen quite yet... I am trying to wait for the center island to arrive first.  Although we have already assigned a function to each cabinet and drawer on paper, I won't really know what we have available until everything is assembled and in place.  But one thing that won't be changing, island or no island, is the pantry.  <br /><br /><a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2013/02/kitchen-pantry-update-part-3-reveal.html" target="_blank">Our previous pantry</a> was a bit of a struggle in that it was deep, and the interior was wider than the door opening by a couple of inches on both sides.  Also, anything above the door opening was a challenge to see or access.  We made the most of the space, and when paired with a kitchen cabinet across the way, we had plenty of dry food storage.  Little did I know the difference ONE cabinet would make in how we store all of those items now.  The new pantry cabinet is a a 30" wide, floor to ceiling unit with zero clearance hinges.  That means the doors don't get in the way of the opening and allow the most possible access to drawers and shelves.  Little things, big difference.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLV61-HAWt0fRSpQp0LKx_h5I9gR614zfYIEi5cEyFmPCqEaLlLOp7adVSoVLEkuBsdfo26A-5ZfaG5A9XGZaRheZryoQhNbKHXkkYGkswQALrjuXmQr8sdB25tr11JXMX5rhvvK_0Q_2S/s1600/IKEA_Kitchen_Cabinet_Install_Tips_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLV61-HAWt0fRSpQp0LKx_h5I9gR614zfYIEi5cEyFmPCqEaLlLOp7adVSoVLEkuBsdfo26A-5ZfaG5A9XGZaRheZryoQhNbKHXkkYGkswQALrjuXmQr8sdB25tr11JXMX5rhvvK_0Q_2S/s1600/IKEA_Kitchen_Cabinet_Install_Tips_2.jpg" /></a></div><br />We made sure to have electrical added to allow us to conceal our microwave within the new cabinet.  I LOVE this!  First, the stainless finish is always covered in finger prints and it is so nice not to care.  And second, it frees up counter space which is always prime real estate in a kitchen.<br /><br />The microwave alone is fantastic, but I couldn't wait to get my paws on those deep drawers below.  However, those shelves above left me scratching my scalp a bit.   24" deep shelves are not easy to maximize unless you can pull them out.  Only problem is that IKEA didn't offer pull out drawers/shelves for their 30" pantry when we ordered from their old Akurum line.  Their new Sektion line <i>does</i> offer pull out options for the 30" pantry, however, the kitchen associate informed us that the new system doesn't work with the old system.  #boo<br /><br />We started looking at some pull out drawer options online, and another boo hoo slipped through my lips.  So expensive.  Then I remembered that the IKEA Pax wardrobe system offered drawers, in fact, we had just used them in <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/03/a-coat-closet-makeover-again.html" target="_blank">our coat closet update</a> and loved them!  The measurements were close enough to make us believe that we could make them work, coming in at 29 1/2" wide x 22 7/8" deep.  And with their IKEA Family sale, we paid just $25 per <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10246308/#/10246332" target="_blank">drawer set</a>, soft close hardware included.<br /><br />We are not the tallest family on the block, so we only needed two pull out drawer options.  The entire pantry was designed with height in mind.  A lower drawer for the kids, microwave at boy's level, one more drawer dedicated to the kids and then baking and boxed/canned goods above.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAom2oqdXCIyHEIUUEDO1P3BSRXcoQojFicCWePNb8-LTLn2IvftCBFPyHaTfSSN4dEOHpZuFhVsGQO_wVRCsITnWs7Tt0TYHYDHq3hdF4zNLfJ6JoqsNPKvHoz-qUHyYnlR7gbsx_2Paa/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_2-labeled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAom2oqdXCIyHEIUUEDO1P3BSRXcoQojFicCWePNb8-LTLn2IvftCBFPyHaTfSSN4dEOHpZuFhVsGQO_wVRCsITnWs7Tt0TYHYDHq3hdF4zNLfJ6JoqsNPKvHoz-qUHyYnlR7gbsx_2Paa/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_2-labeled.png" /></a></div><br />And yeah.... those are jogging pants... moving on.<br /><br />As you can see, the drawers for the IKEA wardrobe did end up fitting inside of our pantry!  To make everything line up just right, we added a strip of 1/4" thick MDF behind each rail to get to the 30" width of the pantry.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxzTB3Do-NhKWxoFzGDxbwuS0rtrbGvldL_MRc90wm0ubJyl0yCO9Dlj56inZBFONMkO1I5n7l3wXR5NUlgjvTyGtILFNNxI2cnzwPkMh9KdsSVrwdGjwMh89TTs-9wmqG7ES90ga1FfB/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxzTB3Do-NhKWxoFzGDxbwuS0rtrbGvldL_MRc90wm0ubJyl0yCO9Dlj56inZBFONMkO1I5n7l3wXR5NUlgjvTyGtILFNNxI2cnzwPkMh9KdsSVrwdGjwMh89TTs-9wmqG7ES90ga1FfB/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />Once we did a test run, we removed the strip and I painted them white to match the cabinet.  Back in place and you would never even know they are there.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpL9bDTtjEI9iefqeJcqtNm-tTjEB9ZZdhAVHC7YGqnUjG4Slx9kc2AekZzlAwhaIcm-R2NV7o-wx8OifepsuKWz30rWf7Llod6YSsaGCY-vzc-xg6-4kCRlz4qJrHKk2LYY-JSujiQTZS/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpL9bDTtjEI9iefqeJcqtNm-tTjEB9ZZdhAVHC7YGqnUjG4Slx9kc2AekZzlAwhaIcm-R2NV7o-wx8OifepsuKWz30rWf7Llod6YSsaGCY-vzc-xg6-4kCRlz4qJrHKk2LYY-JSujiQTZS/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_16.jpg" /></a></div><br />We still may router out a groove in the taller drawers to better see the contents, we haven't quite decided on that yet as we figure we should live with them "as-is" for awhile.<br /><br />So let's take a closer look at how I organized each zone.  I have quite a few favorite moments happening inside, so I will try to keep the obnoxious over-excitement to a minimum.  It will be hard though, I mean, check out the bottom drawer!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cjYQzOOPy_Jn45r29y7cZ6YB9MTV87syvyL9QdH504syULVJ-bU7FAHxORZfKjX7MYnQDJx_pXbNhLgSs1uNnp5Z-ivKsAp52BPJUvh2d4U3zo9Uk6ja7m3V425iWsapFeH7bKIpzL7Y/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cjYQzOOPy_Jn45r29y7cZ6YB9MTV87syvyL9QdH504syULVJ-bU7FAHxORZfKjX7MYnQDJx_pXbNhLgSs1uNnp5Z-ivKsAp52BPJUvh2d4U3zo9Uk6ja7m3V425iWsapFeH7bKIpzL7Y/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_5.jpg" /></a></div><br />I couldn't wait to go to the grocery store and stock the pantry, and this drawer is one of the main reasons.  I have always loved the <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/office/paperFileStorage/portable?productId=10022942" target="_blank">Multi-Purpose Bins from The Container Store</a>; they are the shining stars in our <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2014/03/monthly-clean-home-challenge_7.html" target="_blank">fridge</a> and <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2014/03/monthly-clean-home-challenge-clean-out_24.html" target="_blank">freezer</a>.  Now, they are also steeling the show in the pantry!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_HhOfDQfywVLxaKlbUaKXCAXvSQyRaa4h6JZta8Cj-vsiBY-iF36_sZtWOOL_MNwIozkXSJIXnrjM6rsPHL1iFGxKoUr_Vl73mzMTDA7RxqxyTQLd55WVWqW-XG_KaWeVjDBffGGAjTt/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_HhOfDQfywVLxaKlbUaKXCAXvSQyRaa4h6JZta8Cj-vsiBY-iF36_sZtWOOL_MNwIozkXSJIXnrjM6rsPHL1iFGxKoUr_Vl73mzMTDA7RxqxyTQLd55WVWqW-XG_KaWeVjDBffGGAjTt/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_3.jpg" /></a></div><br />For the drawers, I used 4 large bins and 2 medium bins.  We had a lot of conversation about the type of baskets/bins to use in the drawers for our produce.  As much as I love the look of a woven or wire basket, they are not easy to keep clean, especially when flaky, dirty and juicy produce is involved.  These plastic options are light weight, easy to clean, yet offer a ton of storage space.  I truly couldn't be happier with how they worked out.  I used my Silhouette to cut some labels out of vinyl for each bin, which can also be washed without worry.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaZTMNjOqxORHWLEvua4Mt5lkZ-Icz8PGZmemV0sVAppRhGos6MfZV2BeNzezmGyLcDNJqHetRMlkqEH5TDKSE0qAIGI0LKz8ONpU7_R2pWoYLz10U75AgtmXPP8dEOecAJ1GfTuGpwTr/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaZTMNjOqxORHWLEvua4Mt5lkZ-Icz8PGZmemV0sVAppRhGos6MfZV2BeNzezmGyLcDNJqHetRMlkqEH5TDKSE0qAIGI0LKz8ONpU7_R2pWoYLz10U75AgtmXPP8dEOecAJ1GfTuGpwTr/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_6.jpg" /></a></div><br />I could gush all day, but it is time to move on.  Next drawer up is the boy's lunch drawer.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi710-bCjgYN5pp92gCfY4d6HPascdBHTfl61ZVmjiJMwNVOnCoIuVZDtgo47CocDIjLUPf3dw_KrsJuY5JzCpC0_j3x9957N8o90Y0FxBUzI8hB9lFQrugqpRkD2arqUKzWWOtnXOyg4Z2/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi710-bCjgYN5pp92gCfY4d6HPascdBHTfl61ZVmjiJMwNVOnCoIuVZDtgo47CocDIjLUPf3dw_KrsJuY5JzCpC0_j3x9957N8o90Y0FxBUzI8hB9lFQrugqpRkD2arqUKzWWOtnXOyg4Z2/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_8.jpg" /></a></div><br />This drawer fit the kid's lunch bags and reusable containers beautifully.  I started with <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/04/snack-attack-part-2.html" target="_blank">our snack bin</a> and then just filled the space around it.  Everything that use to live up high in <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2013/08/back-to-school-organization.html" target="_blank">our lunch cabinet</a>, now couldn't be easier for the boys to use each day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-ktH3Rl_9jwGUD8CMUyaJT3v8fNfSAsOU14iOUHhvh4PKpbpgfvQ5p1LP9kiGjQHPFtwD-VagMhNAmHpHWEJuo8uHAyfEl2aM_zkgjMxY1BPJcYyTR3LJ0coEM273alcEz_pnfajYth_/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-ktH3Rl_9jwGUD8CMUyaJT3v8fNfSAsOU14iOUHhvh4PKpbpgfvQ5p1LP9kiGjQHPFtwD-VagMhNAmHpHWEJuo8uHAyfEl2aM_zkgjMxY1BPJcYyTR3LJ0coEM273alcEz_pnfajYth_/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_7.jpg" /></a></div><br />Just above the microwave is our snack and breakfast drawer.  Many of the snacks are also used in the boy's lunches as well.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbj0eQODQemkJ9c7QiuEC-JMaQeiNk2Ih8-pPd4t1nhXn4qR880d9FuHKOzsCr6US2UPXMM1-nAQlYo1PobC_hpEjHYEE1-QK-DPunVBqRw9NqAgUQ6RG0vhsdcRWFDKu_if9yNT8mUyx/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbj0eQODQemkJ9c7QiuEC-JMaQeiNk2Ih8-pPd4t1nhXn4qR880d9FuHKOzsCr6US2UPXMM1-nAQlYo1PobC_hpEjHYEE1-QK-DPunVBqRw9NqAgUQ6RG0vhsdcRWFDKu_if9yNT8mUyx/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_13.jpg" /></a></div><br />We already had all of the containers, they were just reconfigured in the new drawers.  I decided to skip the labels this time as we had eventually stopped using them in our previous setup.  We wash the bins prior to refilling them with any new snacks and tend to change the types of snacks we eat from week to week.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPjQc4givTq9PYs4xG6O_yv2yRvTpSW8ns7PZ5RaUC6K2qvmZZP4hjoBUpLilttrOqoc0gZIc_aErsQ8PoGe8aJ9TPoUVOzAXQXke3c4vqI0qhXZ1sTqXpIIDMjFXvU4wdFSh2KrGmbKA/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPjQc4givTq9PYs4xG6O_yv2yRvTpSW8ns7PZ5RaUC6K2qvmZZP4hjoBUpLilttrOqoc0gZIc_aErsQ8PoGe8aJ9TPoUVOzAXQXke3c4vqI0qhXZ1sTqXpIIDMjFXvU4wdFSh2KrGmbKA/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_15.jpg" /></a></div><br />The small baskets work great for holding our oatmeal packets and breakfast bar options.  I still believe in ditching the off-the-shelf packaging whenever possible.  You really save so much room.  One of those small baskets holds about four boxes of bars.<br /><br />I don't bake more than boxed goods, but my hubby does (making me a lucky wife).  However, after organizing the next drawer, I can't wait to take a baking class or ten.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCm8ROqAEVLeYbYvaAPTgwFChdsRzxZjhc2_DTCCgCIIhIb2EAdKR6d61fBqkH1OxZ5gnRIRtk5IL912Hm2xahUsIpH7l3jrM-bm5dtTAOov-4vz9WQcIpMfM1ZLLD9FyDa7BItSLLY2V/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCm8ROqAEVLeYbYvaAPTgwFChdsRzxZjhc2_DTCCgCIIhIb2EAdKR6d61fBqkH1OxZ5gnRIRtk5IL912Hm2xahUsIpH7l3jrM-bm5dtTAOov-4vz9WQcIpMfM1ZLLD9FyDa7BItSLLY2V/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_20.jpg" /></a></div><br />Since I adore <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/kitchen/foodStorage/canisters?productId=10029789&N=74062" target="_blank">our snack containers</a> so much, I invested in a few more for our baking products.  After they stacked nicely inside of the drawers, there was only a small amount of room left to add a label to the faces.  I did decide to label these containers because baking powders and sugars are not as easy to differentiate as snacks.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrgLlj-MLThN-LI2CViZFg2j_Re3AXXuyIhyphenhyphenZmB4n2_aoHvAlrUmm48RNJxhSynKKFNg4hCKYjbd1tJhufREvdr-R7iePvinxh-TQVYuSbIWGTFp8qeOR75gFC44_VLNUccaXUebAat5q/s1600/Baking_Labels_Avery-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrgLlj-MLThN-LI2CViZFg2j_Re3AXXuyIhyphenhyphenZmB4n2_aoHvAlrUmm48RNJxhSynKKFNg4hCKYjbd1tJhufREvdr-R7iePvinxh-TQVYuSbIWGTFp8qeOR75gFC44_VLNUccaXUebAat5q/s1600/Baking_Labels_Avery-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Although only a small part of the label would be visible, the labels I had on hand at home were larger clear options.  So, I made the most of the area by adding a sweet little cupcake and a quote.  Super easy to design using the <a href="http://www.avery.com/avery/en_us/Templates-%26-Software/Software/Avery-Design--Print-Online.htm" target="_blank">Avery online label template</a>... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9J-fGYypHjnfkQb8bwMZGMzFiDvZTyRmEemvSBZ89chKBfcGblvutJbkZK6EMoF9f18v9K1u2NGTbOae5AXiuUDfXNHLuVpRYQKLIPjyUECvOByWl9IU33SpA3pKxBO-KVS8zIHyJG6C/s1600/Baking_Labels_Avery-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9J-fGYypHjnfkQb8bwMZGMzFiDvZTyRmEemvSBZ89chKBfcGblvutJbkZK6EMoF9f18v9K1u2NGTbOae5AXiuUDfXNHLuVpRYQKLIPjyUECvOByWl9IU33SpA3pKxBO-KVS8zIHyJG6C/s1600/Baking_Labels_Avery-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />I mean, totally adorable right?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR34HrYFqr_EG8yX8yPaTW8IBWmbAzOUnG4Ghm2NK79r3XYWOhluzqvw5xcsNKjQ8YGb5U4-bIU8SosWiUbF9GfFJulmZMX1sIT1IYqQls4IHsgypa6Dm3KGU4KE5Yz1Z46f_aBPlHxLud/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR34HrYFqr_EG8yX8yPaTW8IBWmbAzOUnG4Ghm2NK79r3XYWOhluzqvw5xcsNKjQ8YGb5U4-bIU8SosWiUbF9GfFJulmZMX1sIT1IYqQls4IHsgypa6Dm3KGU4KE5Yz1Z46f_aBPlHxLud/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_18.jpg" /></a></div><br />Big cupcake fans in this house.<br /><br />To make the most of the drawer, I decided to put many of our baking tools in with the mixes and essential powders.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmw8ANio_3rAN9Q7a6wO1AP8t-fnqbpPq-7H-b8I5PgnDqaKVTbuzYUwELXlu0OncvFv5yhzz5E88DFj3T82JDrs-HiNOk6vnbERr5iB5fZT_70lSoyyH38G2hfbLvPYSQt2f0KlzwB7Q/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmw8ANio_3rAN9Q7a6wO1AP8t-fnqbpPq-7H-b8I5PgnDqaKVTbuzYUwELXlu0OncvFv5yhzz5E88DFj3T82JDrs-HiNOk6vnbERr5iB5fZT_70lSoyyH38G2hfbLvPYSQt2f0KlzwB7Q/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_21.jpg" /></a></div><br />Again, the acrylic organizers are from our previous kitchen drawers, I just transplanted them here.  I love the idea of everything being in one single hot spot.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcPO4A0KOMamMZaS4k8nRDKW93wxaYEW7gNnX2FXzgbY5WHvfd2ESWCfCGPqKVvxIys9PWvVB4xB9TtpWwfvdfQkFr_tXPt9si2-81oZTYyBU4b3RdI2cxAuqg8p7Mk2edWPoMG9Ru5Vi/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcPO4A0KOMamMZaS4k8nRDKW93wxaYEW7gNnX2FXzgbY5WHvfd2ESWCfCGPqKVvxIys9PWvVB4xB9TtpWwfvdfQkFr_tXPt9si2-81oZTYyBU4b3RdI2cxAuqg8p7Mk2edWPoMG9Ru5Vi/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_25.jpg" /></a></div><br />The next shelf is where things we eat less frequently live.  Canned goods, rice, noodles, sauces, etc...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM5NEhDdTh7Al5uPHMgIr4PgXjYgqWUyCjH5S-v6g5H9knf6F0MrOyzQ09vfayLNT0reP5ZHca2_Rh5tfdLmKoWFduEWqUjoVNNCPXID9opZMf6DCjtsWvuBjDLRphyphenhyphen5k-TSQKJX_rK3Z/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM5NEhDdTh7Al5uPHMgIr4PgXjYgqWUyCjH5S-v6g5H9knf6F0MrOyzQ09vfayLNT0reP5ZHca2_Rh5tfdLmKoWFduEWqUjoVNNCPXID9opZMf6DCjtsWvuBjDLRphyphenhyphen5k-TSQKJX_rK3Z/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_22.jpg" /></a></div><br />Given the height, it didn't make sense to do another pull out drawer, or we would never be able to see/reach.  However, to be sure nothing is lost in the far back, I snagged one of <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/kitchen/cabinetOrganizers/upperCabinets?productId=10000696&N=185" target="_blank">these tiered organizers</a>.  I appreciate that it can be adjusted as our inventory changes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6J6yYExaHrduExtz9PWaR9AY0TAXYwcEP5nhZ36c2IqK8JGlU_Gd9LU0uCL4FLXZeTIGJizBP7dlvTPDJaHoO28ZVTqkbjFiU0v6HzP0vD_y0xRZ6ZpPFAajAOYK5G1zoKutsArZBpMpq/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6J6yYExaHrduExtz9PWaR9AY0TAXYwcEP5nhZ36c2IqK8JGlU_Gd9LU0uCL4FLXZeTIGJizBP7dlvTPDJaHoO28ZVTqkbjFiU0v6HzP0vD_y0xRZ6ZpPFAajAOYK5G1zoKutsArZBpMpq/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_23.jpg" /></a></div><br />As I was organizing and putting all of our canned goods away, I started to feel like I was verging on <i>Sleeping with the Enemy</i> territory.  Although, I know it won't take more than a couple of minutes for our fam to mess it up a bit.<br /><br />The top shelf is for any overflow, bulk items, etc... and it will also store a few of our favorite small appliances.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlR37NcZFCv_Ty8rP4s5EsF68M181laZkBhJo5KE2tHSi-lOw0tfojj6bgJXbhPXT0WVVV41ysYaIW3nOnB-Tv4jZadCEmmUyU8s1VCz_LGzLJP4_bgGan-8GIfY8tV_79YNDkb7_Gbvz/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlR37NcZFCv_Ty8rP4s5EsF68M181laZkBhJo5KE2tHSi-lOw0tfojj6bgJXbhPXT0WVVV41ysYaIW3nOnB-Tv4jZadCEmmUyU8s1VCz_LGzLJP4_bgGan-8GIfY8tV_79YNDkb7_Gbvz/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_2.jpg" /></a></div><br />And that completes the tour!  My kids were circling like sharks as I was taking the photos of the freshly stocked pantry, but even after they ransacked it, it was able to maintain a nice level of order.  Yahoo!<br /><br />I am so excited that we were able to condense an entire pantry, double wide cabinet <i>and</i> lunch cabinet from our previous setup, into a single floor to ceiling pantry in the new kitchen.  With a microwave too!  <br /><br />Feels good to scratch the organizing itch.  Now... back to installing the flooring in <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/04/one-room-challenge-week-1-iheart-living.html" target="_blank">the living area</a>...<br /><br /><br /><i>You can follow all of the kitchen progress <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/search/label/IHeart%20Kitchen%20Reno" target="_blank">here</a>.</i><br /><br /><i>P.S.  WE WON!  Last week we were notified that you all voted us as the <a href="http://www.bhg.com/blogs/better-homes-and-gardens-blogger-awards-/top-diy-blogs/" target="_blank">Better Homes & Garden's Top DIY blog</a>.  I owe you all an iHeart gratitude hug and so much more.  I know I say it frequently, but I couldn't believe it more, we have THE BEST readers ever!  You guys are always so supportive, encouraging and HELPFUL!  I truly learn so much from y'all and just hanging out with you each day is a dream.  Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the time to vote and for cheering us on as we work on this place we call home.  The other nominees are all superstar blogs and I highly recommend checking each one out for even more DIY love.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

IHeart Kitchen Reno: An Organized Pantry

Don't get me wrong, I have been loving this year's weekly Quick Tip series .  It has been fun focusing on bite size organizing to ge...

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Quick Tip Tuesday: Handy Pick-up Helpers

Because our boys have the freedom to relax and play throughout our entire home, there are days I could spend hours following behind them while picking up their slug-like clutter trails.  Fellow parents, raise your hands if you are with me!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAv8iujayJ5CFbK5BIqEY7IOlLkTbKNAlRr23K71SrWk7gV_Nah01zyrGj8Hep1UcykKTKJfyq9pc2hjeeu2klyDlSa67f-4rTHS3F7ikEDaBpMQXoKj6zPir9l1HAHWe_rCZJ3t5s26X/s1600/Kids_Pick_Up_Helper_Bins_Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAv8iujayJ5CFbK5BIqEY7IOlLkTbKNAlRr23K71SrWk7gV_Nah01zyrGj8Hep1UcykKTKJfyq9pc2hjeeu2klyDlSa67f-4rTHS3F7ikEDaBpMQXoKj6zPir9l1HAHWe_rCZJ3t5s26X/s1600/Kids_Pick_Up_Helper_Bins_Header.png" /></a></div><br />Kids and their energy!  Boy do I wish it was something they could easily transfer to me.  Their minds race a thousand and three miles per minute and it is easy to forget to pick up before moving on to the next task.  Whether it be bowls left on the table after breakfast or socks around every corner, what seems simple isn't necessarily a priority to a kiddo.  And with my boys, I know most of the time it is not intentional, they are just truly forgetful busy bodies.<br /><br />But forgetful things here and there times three boys and suddenly I feel like I am tripping over piles around every corner. <br /><br />We implemented something last summer that worked really well and although some days I just pick up after my kids without thinking much about it, I believe that the boys should recognize what items they leave out and be responsible for putting those items away.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwNSMTHdiwZphBhmIApupXMl2NoYa2Cbcxl4CSwQEjv_HvpSDni3Kg1iQHzkItIu4nTT7foy2Er6sJ_b3lDKxl61Klw_LBtE1CfDCTIoFa8rJwlbbghGTyiItaDtAbldA93KfD0yHMV5o/s1600/Kids_Pick_Up_Helper_Bins_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwNSMTHdiwZphBhmIApupXMl2NoYa2Cbcxl4CSwQEjv_HvpSDni3Kg1iQHzkItIu4nTT7foy2Er6sJ_b3lDKxl61Klw_LBtE1CfDCTIoFa8rJwlbbghGTyiItaDtAbldA93KfD0yHMV5o/s1600/Kids_Pick_Up_Helper_Bins_3.jpg" /></a></div><br />It is a habit of mine to pick up as I see things laying out, and sometimes it seems to enables their "forgetfulness".  That is where the handy pick-up helpers come in.  I purchased three small, <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/stripes-around-the-cube-bin/f12098" target="_blank">handled bins </a>(one for each boy), and now I toss their belongings into their personal bins throughout the day.  From there, it is <i>their</i> responsibility to empty the bins and put their items away. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-wHZluxW95s41qV7PjxNUYfAT8GEUh1Twue-e5YTxNMgWLM6-KJCu57lgQF-wFmbE3ZG5mIiulB1hRYVDx7xTQvWyChDLSVaK723AcYzAdo9yX8OsylQmBGSBZp1VHOD5Phvgxd_c6gw/s1600/Kids_Pick_Up_Helper_Bins_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-wHZluxW95s41qV7PjxNUYfAT8GEUh1Twue-e5YTxNMgWLM6-KJCu57lgQF-wFmbE3ZG5mIiulB1hRYVDx7xTQvWyChDLSVaK723AcYzAdo9yX8OsylQmBGSBZp1VHOD5Phvgxd_c6gw/s1600/Kids_Pick_Up_Helper_Bins_8.jpg" /></a></div><br />I'm not gonna lie, some days I am tempted to fill the bins with their dishes, snack wrappers and shoes.... but for sanitary reasons I keep it to personal items, clothing, school supplies, books and toys.  Sometimes we even make a game out of it and I take advantage of their competitive spirits; the boy with the least amount of items in their basket throughout the day wins a special prize.  <br /><br />This is definitely not rocket science, but something that is super helpful in our daily routine.  I initially tried some dollar store laundry baskets, but found they were really bulky and didn't tuck away in-between uses as well as these bins that I love now (<i>not sponsored, just sharing trial and error</i>).  Any basket/bin will do, but there were a few things I looked for to keep this process easy peasy for the whole family:<br /><br /><ul><li><span style="color: #a20067;"><b>Collapsible</b></span>:  There are times when I don't want the bins sitting out or taking up floor space.  These bins fold down and tuck away nice and neat.</li><li><span style="color: #0ba89f;"><b>Portable</b></span>:  I selected bins that are extremely light weight to keep it easy for even our youngest boy to carry the bin around the house while putting away his belongings.</li><li><span style="color: #3a9545;"><b>Durable</b></span>:  Because the bins are used, filled and toted around daily, they get dirty.  I went with bins that are easy to clean and can withstand daily abuse.</li><li><span style="color: #dd3c6e;"><b>Cute</b></span>:  The bins are playful, colorful and match our decor.  I don't mind if they are sitting out throughout the day because they are not visually obtrusive (yet again, can still tuck away when cleaning up for company).</li><li><span style="color: #004c6c;"><b>Roomie</b></span>:  They offer enough storage to fit multiple items over the course of a day or two (or five).</li></ul><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Qamqyw7kxp4f3onhBvjPB4ZLX8EsRkkRz0pbdiX1ssRMySX9220Dt4GgKxHd9C0QJ4NarsZLE9RIPls0O5ziedHMoJkUMlyTAPXRC5OkFmwucefSZrTh7eUqKD48zFb2Rjy3D5h9qNbs/s1600/Kids_Pick_Up_Helper_Bins_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Qamqyw7kxp4f3onhBvjPB4ZLX8EsRkkRz0pbdiX1ssRMySX9220Dt4GgKxHd9C0QJ4NarsZLE9RIPls0O5ziedHMoJkUMlyTAPXRC5OkFmwucefSZrTh7eUqKD48zFb2Rjy3D5h9qNbs/s1600/Kids_Pick_Up_Helper_Bins_5.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1dl5Ra1h_SSIvsfU1kpVe3gRV6IvUXu9o8Tc7uu1tjrjL9YzsvCC4kUldwpeVleHjeIE76rs-XmFvuMho-75oHgdig87OAxzm9XDHEC0Ewx8f0OBtC7WcY4FyEb7YaKbEZ6f8y2hZwon/s1600/Kids_Pick_Up_Helper_Bins_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1dl5Ra1h_SSIvsfU1kpVe3gRV6IvUXu9o8Tc7uu1tjrjL9YzsvCC4kUldwpeVleHjeIE76rs-XmFvuMho-75oHgdig87OAxzm9XDHEC0Ewx8f0OBtC7WcY4FyEb7YaKbEZ6f8y2hZwon/s1600/Kids_Pick_Up_Helper_Bins_7.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAK3gBqt_kRLf4wrybEkns3sNHOGc7ncjDD8Gxp6xEwl-fwyHaif_zV0RBTe7gaxPIsFl-9nv_tVrO5mUS38CYutM8u4f23kJKd3SmjlnT5fCziM5e12KeRiD2MOUDvZrhOcMwQCfUeL6/s1600/Kids_Pick_Up_Helper_Bins_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAK3gBqt_kRLf4wrybEkns3sNHOGc7ncjDD8Gxp6xEwl-fwyHaif_zV0RBTe7gaxPIsFl-9nv_tVrO5mUS38CYutM8u4f23kJKd3SmjlnT5fCziM5e12KeRiD2MOUDvZrhOcMwQCfUeL6/s1600/Kids_Pick_Up_Helper_Bins_6.jpg" /></a></div><br />Because the bins are each a different color, I didn't even need to create labels.  Each boy has a color and the process is painless for the entire family to maintain.  Sometimes, I think even they are surprised to see the impact their daily trails make.<br /><br /><br /><i>Looking for more quick tips?  Check out the entire series <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/p/quick-tip-gallery.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</i><br /><br /><br />

Quick Tip Tuesday: Handy Pick-up Helpers

Because our boys have the freedom to relax and play throughout our entire home, there are days I could spend hours following behind them whi...

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Quick Tip Tuesday: DIY Wall Pockets

We are a wall pocket family.  Anytime I try to fight it, it hits me right back in the face.  Wall pockets are an organizational system that we can all easily manage as a family, and we have found that we need to have important papers in a central location that is easy for all of us to access.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVx84W3Iyz-YPoljPJqgMjoVhHTmOo91TUSfW14A-Jx5gzLhDPbcR_s5JGQNYZiYboHblIimd1Xy8u7qatuKwIVJNlHDEGkeIYOe3dNY7BdgynM13r8dgeDuKD5GYk6Cj0s9v8QX5K1zN/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVx84W3Iyz-YPoljPJqgMjoVhHTmOo91TUSfW14A-Jx5gzLhDPbcR_s5JGQNYZiYboHblIimd1Xy8u7qatuKwIVJNlHDEGkeIYOe3dNY7BdgynM13r8dgeDuKD5GYk6Cj0s9v8QX5K1zN/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_Header.png" /></a></div><br />Many years ago I had DIY'd some wall pockets using decorative filing folders that I had on hand.  It was a simple project that got us by until I finally handed over some cash for a more permanent solution from Pottery Barn.  Don't get me wrong, our <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/daily-system-white/?pkey=e|white%2Bdaily%2Bsystem|7|best|0|1|48||1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules" target="_blank">Whtie Daily System</a> is probably one of my favorite organizational investments to date, however, it requires wall installation and that is something we don't have right now with the current kitchen renovation.  We are wall-less at the moment.<br /><br />So this past few weeks we have been shuffling papers, losing papers and feeling a little lost.  We definitely realized how much those babies get us by on a day-to-day basis.  So I decided to get back to my crafty roots and make some new wall pockets with materials I had on hand at home, until we can get our others installed again in the finished kitchen.  And because we all love a simple, free and effective organizational solution, I am sharing my little DIY wall pockets as this week's quick tip!<br /><br />Even if you don't have all of the materials on hand, purchasing them should be fairly inexpensive.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnd879mcs6wHHUvqmpHs1egLqZ7ALlJaAjs_5Sj1D6zC840-Dj1ftqlvoP6lwiRPSJUot8IxPM5gbZOuFH8kYbgtwUC6vU3oPtZO5Dd0yxU_0UhBNv4FzuLUTWKN6LpNckXPwLevndMzR/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnd879mcs6wHHUvqmpHs1egLqZ7ALlJaAjs_5Sj1D6zC840-Dj1ftqlvoP6lwiRPSJUot8IxPM5gbZOuFH8kYbgtwUC6vU3oPtZO5Dd0yxU_0UhBNv4FzuLUTWKN6LpNckXPwLevndMzR/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />Materials I used:<br /><ul><li>Plain manila filing folders (any style or color would do)</li><li>Pencil</li><li>Scissors</li><li>Glue Stick</li><li>Decorative Scrapbook Paper</li><li>Tape</li><li>Command Strips (or some sort of wall hanging product)</li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGq5LrxAlIZ9RIAeYua3weTwYWhgQywZRV_IFSAqPT-DCso9GzgtVl8q3bjfEInCswH1AudXYbmL7jpEn1PAIkZv-TT-zNeGU6TwvmpyPXPSzhsdvpaV6Qa67Wsr6MeHCdrV9iNCsFEhj/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGq5LrxAlIZ9RIAeYua3weTwYWhgQywZRV_IFSAqPT-DCso9GzgtVl8q3bjfEInCswH1AudXYbmL7jpEn1PAIkZv-TT-zNeGU6TwvmpyPXPSzhsdvpaV6Qa67Wsr6MeHCdrV9iNCsFEhj/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_3.jpg" /></a></div><br />The filing folders I had on hand were inexpensive, recycled options that were begging for a face lift.  I started by tracing the outline of the folder onto the decorative papers with a pencil.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyXLD78QKB8n4zmdMsJgVLmQQdTYVcF3o13P8tXoOpP2NJi45znWa1MxBLnGjV-IU3IGo5lWNG4kYN6oI5ftSS1_z6i5DI1Wwbk39DbEnozcnNDK9gLVAUxc0rakMqsPfujTS9fv4cp6p/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyXLD78QKB8n4zmdMsJgVLmQQdTYVcF3o13P8tXoOpP2NJi45znWa1MxBLnGjV-IU3IGo5lWNG4kYN6oI5ftSS1_z6i5DI1Wwbk39DbEnozcnNDK9gLVAUxc0rakMqsPfujTS9fv4cp6p/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_4.jpg" /></a></div><br />For projects like these, I like to use a small pair of scissors to give me a little more control with my cutting.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLB4NFktzVFKT569Cy4W3mZV7FoHMjvMXfs5_92tUcAJtaRz977UpkMHLgQRf3tw1as_C46SmqgTOiTvBcGLBRuSmX5ctd2tgablt3O7NSo7kQm8bG918LDtZ1SGVSwC11F52KgwIkD55S/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLB4NFktzVFKT569Cy4W3mZV7FoHMjvMXfs5_92tUcAJtaRz977UpkMHLgQRf3tw1as_C46SmqgTOiTvBcGLBRuSmX5ctd2tgablt3O7NSo7kQm8bG918LDtZ1SGVSwC11F52KgwIkD55S/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_2.jpg" /></a></div><br />I then cut out my traced edges.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8dqn-qImmR1ZQgH2dO5AtF6JLx2f8oIQhz7I1c0RU_oI4ylMIKJjlAg8zGN0RMcJoynGLD0wJS4YJl-2OS_tsL0QnC_rHYAS_t4LmJsKpgGpSIOGUwS2S-NL1KrrrC6452F5FqL0AGR8/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8dqn-qImmR1ZQgH2dO5AtF6JLx2f8oIQhz7I1c0RU_oI4ylMIKJjlAg8zGN0RMcJoynGLD0wJS4YJl-2OS_tsL0QnC_rHYAS_t4LmJsKpgGpSIOGUwS2S-NL1KrrrC6452F5FqL0AGR8/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_5.jpg" /></a></div><br />And used a glue stick to affix the solid paper to the inside of the folder first, smearing the glue right along all of the edges.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fM6X9QksUnJjfozfZR9zubHsPbDv968N6aMnq6XEBaSRVvOSq3JvbpSccjs8icG5IH2UD6xZGn19xPlpTzlm-nyd28_L9Mrr5nx0dwS08nJ-JGSSyRHvEGo9nzn3pzll5AAN2xwjDAQE/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fM6X9QksUnJjfozfZR9zubHsPbDv968N6aMnq6XEBaSRVvOSq3JvbpSccjs8icG5IH2UD6xZGn19xPlpTzlm-nyd28_L9Mrr5nx0dwS08nJ-JGSSyRHvEGo9nzn3pzll5AAN2xwjDAQE/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_6.jpg" /></a></div><br />Before affixing the paper to the outside of the folder, I used small pieces of tape to tape the folder shut.  This creates the pocket.  You could also use staples, but I prefer to maximize the amount of space available inside.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6Z6PkBxHEnma_6NAtgvymK-U18WvwSWc4JkAAWEFYW0f5OXCeQ5V176RM4F8z1mWfzbkU5hbg8XENTEI0_DQ14hsRJ2hO0P11OQQYdaLZXgJ5PjYCVGSXpAUR2FnSpPVkneGpeHi9NuM/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6Z6PkBxHEnma_6NAtgvymK-U18WvwSWc4JkAAWEFYW0f5OXCeQ5V176RM4F8z1mWfzbkU5hbg8XENTEI0_DQ14hsRJ2hO0P11OQQYdaLZXgJ5PjYCVGSXpAUR2FnSpPVkneGpeHi9NuM/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_7.jpg" /></a></div><br />Glue the second decorative paper to the front and you have yourself a darling little pocket!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjui1tyOa8n4ZKkmJODUWXf_vTJ1aYSTvKMzHPtjFbUT2gWSq2virHSWgvJ0LhEMzj6w-0e4Mthk9YgJM-sJxnwKnSHTck5CTwJ9r3aSTZs5INy7cDcn8Sm5GcYctwIUK0S_xLllImSlDVZ/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjui1tyOa8n4ZKkmJODUWXf_vTJ1aYSTvKMzHPtjFbUT2gWSq2virHSWgvJ0LhEMzj6w-0e4Mthk9YgJM-sJxnwKnSHTck5CTwJ9r3aSTZs5INy7cDcn8Sm5GcYctwIUK0S_xLllImSlDVZ/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_8.jpg" /></a></div><br />I made one for each boy to use to manage their school papers, so I printed their names with <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2013/07/labeling-101-label-maker.html" target="_blank">my label maker</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBHYFhqj04WLXu37DfpT6MlKCyWGJ_SveUzRlyjR3cE3V8e6peko1oF5YIpoRFSOlif2SXpkbt2iRXx_xYsk1-6zIP16ZT9spYB9MHK-YKiBpadBgsIiy1MxlcKHZwGC5-1fqBmfQro7C/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBHYFhqj04WLXu37DfpT6MlKCyWGJ_SveUzRlyjR3cE3V8e6peko1oF5YIpoRFSOlif2SXpkbt2iRXx_xYsk1-6zIP16ZT9spYB9MHK-YKiBpadBgsIiy1MxlcKHZwGC5-1fqBmfQro7C/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_10.jpg" /></a></div><br />FYI, I recently found that my label maker has the option to use <a href="http://amzn.to/1yodcAR" target="_blank">clear tape that prints in GOLD font</a>!  If you are a gold lover like me, you will know why this was an amazing discovery!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6TCOUCwrRnu5A8r4bIC6TW3HJyDKmYb2cWkJDvN76GP2sYWHPSRPDJlxmgNbZLbJ8aBs1-_DDDCiWdNmvC08a85KeoSo3j-TohkUwb51xU8FDOjUmsXX3q-OsiXpr_bQgUpFapGR8XFE/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6TCOUCwrRnu5A8r4bIC6TW3HJyDKmYb2cWkJDvN76GP2sYWHPSRPDJlxmgNbZLbJ8aBs1-_DDDCiWdNmvC08a85KeoSo3j-TohkUwb51xU8FDOjUmsXX3q-OsiXpr_bQgUpFapGR8XFE/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_11.jpg" /></a></div><br />Once the folders were labeled, I grabbed a few command strips to attach the temporary wall pockets to the wall.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit38m8NYj0GIdXI8P8bhnwLtkRcy-WSwJJMVMPFgAL_JtKyGmF-JmXWc9SFiAIJzJUoDjsFDk16hM6dsqh8v8FPJRpm7byxXD9KQ3ZHGeqDgmSeoeAFvn9tZOoRWoQ4JhaL55yCFHzfOMg/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit38m8NYj0GIdXI8P8bhnwLtkRcy-WSwJJMVMPFgAL_JtKyGmF-JmXWc9SFiAIJzJUoDjsFDk16hM6dsqh8v8FPJRpm7byxXD9KQ3ZHGeqDgmSeoeAFvn9tZOoRWoQ4JhaL55yCFHzfOMg/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_9.jpg" /></a></div><br />And now we have a temporary organizational system for the boy's paperwork!  Wahoo!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9JM36pp_aygCRIwC65pjEPsEQ-6HH4EyTmL3yKezQm339jn9mRVvouKF2ot2CIfpHBJpZyBjwogwLwKGxNGVRc8huegRbpAGVARQumU5rzCT7ic8Hu4M4PhxoC2bdO-fFF9VXyMr8BhJ/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9JM36pp_aygCRIwC65pjEPsEQ-6HH4EyTmL3yKezQm339jn9mRVvouKF2ot2CIfpHBJpZyBjwogwLwKGxNGVRc8huegRbpAGVARQumU5rzCT7ic8Hu4M4PhxoC2bdO-fFF9VXyMr8BhJ/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_15.jpg" /></a></div><br />And because I didn't staple the edges, the papers fit in the folder in either landscape or portrait orientation.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4bqkgub8IzLXR3q2-PP-Ac_0Ri02l7ik0DrUAgcyzWHKQ_4EeRuXA2FcbjLpLAorMXFmPbL4CG_iOLmt_a2998jUd7Odiouql3wSJPhBn9WfQKydoiZK2tcFBjYeo4YB3WECIwT6KmEg/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4bqkgub8IzLXR3q2-PP-Ac_0Ri02l7ik0DrUAgcyzWHKQ_4EeRuXA2FcbjLpLAorMXFmPbL4CG_iOLmt_a2998jUd7Odiouql3wSJPhBn9WfQKydoiZK2tcFBjYeo4YB3WECIwT6KmEg/s1600/DIY_Wall_Pocket_Organizer_12.jpg" /></a></div><br />Raise your hand if you are a lover of wall pockets!  And gold labels!  And simple yet effective solutions to everyday problems!  Happy Tuesday pals!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOaSDiQZrHRek6qrCPRLIIamHDV8G9DSFlKAdcxgK_fDeEeZhjQ-16hf_KDtJ4dGBQrs2-c2cnRkYy4xLlTd8-kO_H1Ox6t0b3j0FfuT8Wb0O4f7gxDZraKqZPTbtDy7f0RYZEuS5XVtF/s1600/BlogClosing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOaSDiQZrHRek6qrCPRLIIamHDV8G9DSFlKAdcxgK_fDeEeZhjQ-16hf_KDtJ4dGBQrs2-c2cnRkYy4xLlTd8-kO_H1Ox6t0b3j0FfuT8Wb0O4f7gxDZraKqZPTbtDy7f0RYZEuS5XVtF/s1600/BlogClosing.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><i>Looking for more quick tips?  Check out the entire series <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/p/quick-tip-gallery.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>

Quick Tip Tuesday: DIY Wall Pockets

We are a wall pocket family.  Anytime I try to fight it, it hits me right back in the face.  Wall pockets are an organizational system that ...

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Art attack

Firstly I wanted to thank everyone for your get-well wishes - you guys are so sweet. I'm feeling much better today, and I'm sure those couple of lazy days doing absolutely nothing have helped no end. So while I've quite enjoyed kicking back, watching dvds and catching up on reading, I do find it quite frustrating not to be working on my cabinet makeover - especially when it's sitting right in front of me! That's been set aside for when I can muster the energy, so in the meantime my thoughts have turned to painting.<br /><br />When it comes to my art, I probably have enough ideas to last a lifetime. This week has been great for giving me time to plan, refocus and potter around my studio - I've cleaned and tidied my desk (which was no mean feat!), finished a couple of orders, and started to pull together some bits and pieces for my next piece. I've also organised to frame this work my youngest daughter did at school recently:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQZf9FOaFLDuCPn8xW-QncV3R3LoprNcfTLXfEUBTDGuYeo4VCx8W2cEjIEpsrqsvK372CEnS8G8klIvmWH2g3i5-ndBwIvghiv15fbDYUeERJLYY4mFTMXUUQazpB57rvoF98GGYFgI/s1600/DSC03497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQZf9FOaFLDuCPn8xW-QncV3R3LoprNcfTLXfEUBTDGuYeo4VCx8W2cEjIEpsrqsvK372CEnS8G8klIvmWH2g3i5-ndBwIvghiv15fbDYUeERJLYY4mFTMXUUQazpB57rvoF98GGYFgI/s400/DSC03497.JPG" width="393" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />I love it, and the fact that she designed the whole thing herself is pretty impressive I think. Once it's framed, I'll hang it in my studio, alongside some other masterpieces by my older two.<br /><br />Right, now that I've spent most of this post bragging, I'll show you a few of the things I'll be using in some of my own works. I'm always on the lookout for really diverse bits and pieces, and my plan is to incorporate them into some mixed-media works that will soon be for sale. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZ7K9VDtsAsFpol1IeMQV-cLWU0ad9golMsdtEbOluSFEdB3sLL0T127UC7NiOsvRR6tn_Ya8-Fl80neCGDm6uPCheZwpEhY7Qd4ngkh_tCv60lEQcaxjRGc2DsBdsYSyKy5yEw92nXI/s1600/DSC03516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZ7K9VDtsAsFpol1IeMQV-cLWU0ad9golMsdtEbOluSFEdB3sLL0T127UC7NiOsvRR6tn_Ya8-Fl80neCGDm6uPCheZwpEhY7Qd4ngkh_tCv60lEQcaxjRGc2DsBdsYSyKy5yEw92nXI/s400/DSC03516.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Japanese paper, wood blocks, hand-made parchment, jute twine...mmm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZkMNPHO9ZVYxmuoSutSErqy4tKLcKdYj9jJJ5tqSmfm6gonqm3EHCTIvdBrfCdtF1iMtDCyw90L7SfGd4w9jalIJZfPtt_5LiUs9mfSAaxX7L5tNzEuG2gA9n71AAaE13uLOGcAqxRM/s1600/DSC03498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZkMNPHO9ZVYxmuoSutSErqy4tKLcKdYj9jJJ5tqSmfm6gonqm3EHCTIvdBrfCdtF1iMtDCyw90L7SfGd4w9jalIJZfPtt_5LiUs9mfSAaxX7L5tNzEuG2gA9n71AAaE13uLOGcAqxRM/s400/DSC03498.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm really keen to get started, so I'll catch you all soon!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>

Art attack

Firstly I wanted to thank everyone for your get-well wishes - you guys are so sweet. I'm feeling much better today, and I'm sure tho...

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