7 Fresh Organizing Ideas

The new year is the perfect time to pause, take stock of your stuff, and get organized. Part of tidying up means having a place for everything. Here are some colorful ways to corral some of the things you use every day. All craft materials available from Ben Franklin Crafts and Frames in Redmond.

1. Desk Organizer: Grab some glass jars and a plain wooden tray to make a desk organizer. Supplies: Mason Jars and glass jars of various sizes, a wooden tray and spray paint (this is Krylon Seaglass in Cornflower) and E-6000 glue.

Simply spray paint the jars and tray and let them dry. If desired, glue the jars to the tray. Fill with desktop staples.

2. Jewelry Holder: Liberate your baubles from the bathroom drawer with this DIY Jewelry Holder. Supplies: plain wood piece, acrylic paint (this is Indian Turquoise from DecoArt), hooks (these are Brass Plated Mug Hooks from Darice) and letter stickers.

Give the wood piece two coats of paint and twist the screws in. Finish by using letter stickers to spell out “Jewelry” on the top of the piece. Hang it on the wall so you can see what jewelry you have.

3. Scarf Jar: Here’s a quick solution to “Where did I put my scarf?” question. A large glass apothecary jar is a great place to stow scarves— plus you can always see exactly where they are. Add a chalkboard label to the jar.

4. Photo Boxes: Random images, drawings and mementos find a home in these brightly hued photo boxes. Supplies: photo boxes, washi tape, scrapbook paper.

Add a strip of washi tape to the box to add visual interest. Mount a picture of who’s treasures are inside on a small square of scrapbook paper and affix it to the outside of the box so you can sort stuff quickly.

5. Craft Supplies Caddy: Keep craft supplies neat and within reach by creating a designated spot for them. Supplies: wooden tray, small plastic bins and acrylic paint (this is Jack-O’-Lantern Orange from DecoArt).

Brighten the wooden tray a few swipes of paint. Place craft supplies inside the bins.

6. Mini Paint Can Organizer: If space is a challenge, think up instead of out. Supplies: mini paint cans, scrapbook paper, scissors or a paper trimmer, tape and ribbon.

Remove jar handles and pop off the lids. Cut strips of scrapbook paper 3” wide by 12” long. Tape paper strips to cans. Stack cans and secure with a piece of ribbon. Voila— a space saving storage solution.

7. Ribbon Organizer in a Jar: Keep ribbons from getting tangled with this easy organizer. Supplies: regular mouth Mason Jar, Daisy Lid Inserts by Transform Mason.

Remove the regular jar insert and replace with a daisy lid insert. String ribbon or twine through the openings and screw jar band on.