I found some shelves at a yard sale last summer that fit perfectly next to the kitchen table where my 6yo daughter likes to go through her tree-a-week in drawings and writings.
We never really set up any organization for it, though, and things just got thrown in there willy-nilly. For months, it’s been out of control. Olivia was always leaving paper and supplies on the kitchen table; dinnertime was really getting to be a hassle, me always having to call her over to put her stuff away.
I almost couldn’t blame her. After all, what if she couldn’t find it again? As you can see in the Before Photo, those piles look like they could just eat up a little girl’s project.
Before…
Once school was out, we finally set to work. It’s amazing how tiring organizing can be. Even though it only took us me a couple of hours.
At first Olivia was wanting to keep almost everything. She’d often get caught up examining a newly found item while I took the opportunity to squirrel some things away in the recycling bag.
After we went through everything once, we went back to the items she wanted to keep to organize them into piles:
- Finished Projects
- Unfinished Projects
- blank paper
- memo pads
- construction paper; etc.
As we went through it all again, she started throwing away more and more used paper. I was so proud of her.
Of course, we recycled what we could; but I forgot to take a picture of it.
She tells me, “Take a picture of me checking it out!” She loves her new set-up. Even her little brother, The Reluctant Drawer, has joined her at the table a couple of times.
After…
I still have some more labels to make, but otherwise it’s complete.
By the way, I love my label maker. Love, love, love. If you don’t have one you are sorely missing out.
It’s difficult for me to break down the cost of this project as I mostly re-used items we already had, or re-purposed items I had elsewhere in the house. The small shelves sitting on top, for instance, were something I had in my own room that I really wasn’t using. Plastic see-through shelves would actually make more sense for this type of project, but I prefer to re-purpose existing items when I can to save money.
And Olivia does love those little drawers. Her little brother, too. They house little crafty things like colored cotton balls and 3D stickers. It’s amazing how quickly the kids have memorized where each thing is. But I do plan on labeling them as well.
What few organizational items I did buy I picked up here and there at flea markets and yard sales.
- rolling shelving unit: $10
- memo basket: $1
- filing baskets: $3
Overall Cost: approximately $14
For more organizational projects go visit the Happy Housewife. 
Related posts:
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Of course it's alright if you don't do the whole 15 and it's even ok if you just accept the award. I do understand how these things are with blogging you know
A few of my fave blogs are giveaway blogs and I honestly don't expect them to make a post about the award.
Enjoy your day
[Reply]
I bet your daughter is LOVING this!!!
I have a couple of crafty ones—always looking for paper or things to make. I know it makes life easier for them–and me–to have it all in one place.
This is my first time to your blog. I look forward to checking it out.
[Reply]
I love that shelf! That's one of the hardest things for me…finding affordable furniture I can actually use in my space. — I love my label maker too!
[Reply]
Great job! My kids have the same problem, being able to get rid of their "art" and such. I really like how you organized everything with the bins, or mini shelves, or whatever they are called, lol!
Thanks for joining in!
Toni
[Reply]
Did I mention that I love your organizing work. Turned out pretty good.
[Reply]
I was thinking of picking up some organizing baskets at walmart soon, I want my little kitchen nook done. clean up. I'm anal about it but dh likes to put things everywhere!
p.s I have something for you. come see.
http://jamericanspice.blogspot.com/2009/06/i-appreciate-love.html
[Reply]