This post could also be entitled “I love you, Ikea.” Or, “I love you, Mod Podge.”
The challenge: organize the hall closet.
A few weeks ago I was visited by my wonderful and oh-so-easy-to-talk-to friend, Jen, from Feng Shui Jen’s Way. Jen, you inspired me to get my house’s rear in gear (which I guess means my own rear in gear). I hope this post makes you proud!
Here is the hallway- it’s quite long. I apologize in advance for the photo lighting- there are no windows, therefore not a lot of natural light going on. You can kind of see the closet on the right in this photo- it’s one of those old-school, folding door closets with narrow shelves that don’t hold anything very conveniently. Great for my type-A personality.
Here’s the closet “before” (embarassing, I know):
You may notice the white tubs with the lovely pink sticky notes on them. This was my half-a** attempt at organization. Downside to the sticky notes (aside from looking horrid) was that they fell off. Often. I don’t like baskets for things like this- they look nice for a while, then they collect dust, and then they fall apart. I needed and wanted tubs. Ikea rocks in the tub department- did you know?
Here are the tubs in their plain, boring format. The big ones are 5.99 and the little ones are 2.99. They are from the Slugis collection. See their specs here.
I wanted to beautify them a little and also make them impervious to label-fall-offage. So I went to my paper stash and picked some favorites.
I created a template and traced it on the back of the paper so I didn’t have to worry about marker showing through. I used a nice thick permanent marker so I could cut precisely.
Then I started the Mod Podge process. First I painted the face of the tub with a layer of MP. I used a matte finish for this project because I didn’t want to be troubled with glaring labels whilst trying to find something. Immediately after applying the first layer I put a piece of paper on top. Then I slathered it up with some MP and let it dry.
I had a little bit of fun doing this- they were just so much nicer to look at after they were papered up. Even Michael liked looking at them. Aren’t they purty?!
Then I made labels for them. I made them all 6 inches across to help them look uniform, and used the same font throughout. I MP’d the labels on and then covered them with a layer of MP to finish.
The finished closet:
Can I say that I am in organization heaven? I love opening this closet and knowing where everything is. And the best part is that I didn’t fill them all up, so as we need to, I can put more labels on some.
BTW, this is the very first project where Mod Podge did exactly what I wanted it to. The paper did not bubble, it went on nice and smooth- hooray!
I am so excited that this was featured on Amy’s Mod Podge Rocks Facebook page! Yee haw!
I’m also going to link up to It’s a Blog Party’s Show Me How Party. Yay for links!
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- Sharing your favorite posts | It's a Blog Party - [...] Organizing Tubs shared by Crafting Crazy [...]
- More Mod Podge Projects | Crafting Crazy - [...] you may have seen my post, Operation Organization, where I Mod Podged a bunch of tubs to help organize ...
- Operation Organization: Front Hall Closet, part 1 | Crafting Crazy - [...] long time ago I posted about our hallway closet. I love that closet. The rest of our closets, however, ...
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About Natalie
Life is crazy. Craft it well. Thanks for stopping by Crafting Crazy! I'm stumbling into a new sort of life after leaving a 12-year teaching career. More of a practical crafter, I'm trying to temper the perfection a bit. If I mess up, I’ll be sure to share- then we can laugh together. Here you'll find anything I like that makes my life better or fun. Crafts, of course, but also posts about food, home decor, exercise... whatever I'm dabbling in at the moment. I'm so glad you're here- thanks for stopping by! Ready to Rock?
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Wow, this looks awesome! -Mod Podge Amy
Ooh! This is FANTASTIC! Great job – and I never thought to use modge podge for something like this! Woot!
Great idea! I wish IKEA were closer
LOVE IT. But I really thought your closet was pretty organized when I first saw it. But now WOW! I have to use your idea for small cabniets I have by the washer and dryer. Thanks for Sharing the great idea.
Oh, you go right to the head of the organization class with this project, Girl!! Well done!!
awesome! and you totally have room for more shelves
It looks gorgeous! I love this idea, and I love organization. So awesome.
Great job! I love the consistent look of your baskets. I have a tendency to buy a lot of different storage organizatio: baskets, boxes, jars, etc., and then all they look like is more clutter rather than organization! Thanks for your creative inspiration!
I love how you “beautified” your closet. Just might have to copy you.
Great job! So pretty and inspiring!
What a beautiful idea! I’ve never thought to dedicate time to decorate while organizing home. Too lazy
I must follow your example. I live with my boyfriend in 35 squared meter flat, so organization is essential.
Being a foodblogger, I have some (too much) cookstuff. It’s really difficult to keep in order optimizing space. Any idea?
Hi Rossella- thanks for your comments, and I love your blog! We used to live in a very small apartment and I felt the same way about the kitchen- so hard to fit it all in. We had to prioritize our cookware and use only a few pots/pans that could do many things. And one rule I have for my entire house is that if it hasn’t been used/worn/loved/needed in the past year, then we don’t really need it. This doesn’t apply to memoirs or photos, but everything else is subject to recycling/repurposing/trash. In our kitchen we have pull-out drawers that help with pots and pans- they are old and falling apart, but they are helpful. I hope this helps!
i have a serious case of closet envy!
Wow, you have the prettiest closet ever! I’ll have to give thanks to the Mod Podge Rocks site on facebook for linking to your site! I want to go look for your other projects!
In the spirit of leaving comments! Heres to Moms who manage to fit in all our crafting!
From Jessica (Home for the Soul Blog)
OMG, girl these look AWESOME! Come organize my house? LOL. Seriously though, it is amazing what a difference those made. You are the crafting queen!!
Wow! That looks amazing. I wish I could find that motivation. If you have any left could you send it my way my closet could sure use some of that. Have a great night!
It looks great. Can you come do my closet next:-). Awesome work!!!!
How cute!
Thanks for linking up!
~Liz
What a huge difference. Isn’t it nice to know you can always find what you need?
Hi – I am certainly delighted to discover this. cool job!
Thanks! That was a favorite project- I hope to add more shelves soon- we are going to need them!