Friday, January 6, 2012

Some New Year's Organization

I have an addiction to magazines. There, I said it. I have a serious problem with all the wonderful, colorful, creative magazines. Can any of you relate? Well, I decided I needed to do something about all the craft magazine I had. All those projects; I was overwhelmed and I could never decide which ones to make. Besides, all those magazines were taking up valuable shelf space.

So this is what I did - I went through all the magazines, tearing out only the projects I knew I wanted to make, making sure I had the directions and patterns for each. Then I just put them in page protectors in a three ring binder.



I tried to keep seasonal projects together to make it easier to choose what to make.  I will probably keep the pattern pages even after making those projects. If I need a pattern for a flower or a bird I can probably find it somewhere in here.


Now when I want to make something I just flip through my binder. And since I can see how many projects I have waiting to be made, I can use a little discretion about new magazines. At least I will try:)

Our youngest son is packing up to go back to his dorm today.  After dropping him off at Purdue (a 10 minute drive!) I'm going to my favorite garden center to buy some seeds. They have a huge selection and it's very hard to limit myself. But there are certain perennials I start every year, like delphiniums, hollyhocks and foxgloves. And now that we have the greenhouse, I'm going to get more annual seeds to save money in the spring. 

So how is your new year's organizing going?

8 comments:

Kerin said...

Hi Cindy..
I had to smile... 'cause we are such kindred spirits.
I do the same thing with my magazines, catalogs, etc..
I have a binder labeled 'Good Eats', for recipes, 'Garden Goodness', and 'Decorate'.
It's wonderful to have a chance to organize and de-clutter.
I'm working on everything. Organizing, purging and labeling.

Have a great day!!

Sunny Simple Life said...

I share your addiction though I have cut back to just a couple now. Great way to organize what you want to keep at hand though.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I'm getting my house decluttered and clean! But I need to work on magazine pages, too! I put them in files but I have a drawer full now! Great idea! ♥

Nellie said...

Well, my "New Year's organization" could stand some improvement, since you asked, Cindy. But - it's a "work in progress." I, too, struggle with magazines, but my greatest problem is with my recipe collection! That's where I am concentrating at the moment.
It appears you are making some good progress yourself!

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

So funny! I'm working on some magazine organizing stuff today. The binder idea is a good one!

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

Great idea and space saver! blessings,Kathleen

Cheryl said...

I have done the very same thing! Now I have about 8 binders holding like things like: crochet, sewing, cute ideas.. etc... Often times I find just the inspiration by flipping through my "homemade magazines" lol

Helen Philipps said...

I have always been a magazine addict! I love getting new ones, and then I love looking through all the old ones too. Your ring binder idea is a very good one!
(Btw, so glad you enjoyed making a bunny from my book for you lovely little grandson, I was delighted to hear that in your comment today, thank you!)
Wishing you a happy day!
Helen x