Monday, June 24, 2024

3 DIY Projects That Will Help Keep Your Family Life Organized

If you are like most moms you probably spend a significant amount of time and effort trying to keep your family’s busy schedule organized. When your days are full of activities, meetings, and appointments, keeping track of them takes some serious logistical forethought.



Real life happens in your home, so you need an organizational tool that meets your family’s needs and compliments your home decor and style. Today, I am happy to provide three DIY projects you can make right now to help keep your family life organized. 



This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through a link I may receive a commission at no additional cost. For more information please see my disclaimer page. Thanks!

According to a recent home trend study, 68% of moms experience stress due to a disorganized messy home. Creating a family command center is a popular and customizable way to tame the clutter and keep life running smoothly.


Command centers and wall organizers serve many functions as a centralized place to collect mail, post lists, track dates for appointments, hold keys, and other useful household items. The possibilities vary depending on your family’s needs however building your own DIY customized command center or wall organizer is the easiest way to make the most of empty wall space transforming it into a functional area of your home. 




Custom DIY Projects To Maximize Organization


Repurposed Rustic Shutter Command Center


Add organization to your home with this farmhouse-style rustic shutter command center. Make it as wide or narrow as your space allows by adding additional shutters and then get creative accessorizing with various bins and baskets, a chalkboard, cork boards, and hooks.



  • Select two colors of stain or paint, one light and one dark. Brush on the lighter color stain all over two 5’ x 18” wood shutters then wipe it off, Next apply the darker stain on top and wipe it down to finish creating a weathered wood look. After the stain is dry attach the two wood shutters together at the top, middle, and bottom with metal mending plates. 

  • Frame a piece of chalkboard plywood cut to size to fit the inside of a wood frame. Attach the framed chalkboard to the shutter with wood glue and small finishing nails. Add a cup-shaped drawer pull upside down on the frame to hold chalk. 

  • Attach pre-cut cork circles or square pieces to the shutter with hot glue and small finishing nails.

  • Hammer a few evenly spaced nails through the shutters then hang small baskets or metal bins from the nails to hold mail or other important papers.

  • Lastly, add rustic-style hooks to the shutter along the edges or bottom.


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Minimalist Wall Hanging Pocket Organizer


The “less is more” minimalist approach to organization can be captured with this easy-to-make DIY project not only looks great but is the perfect way to help your family stay organized.


Make each person in your family their own individual wall-hanging pocket organizer to keep their important papers, lists, and supplies, and hang the individual organizers on a wall in a gallery-style layout to create a visually appealing design.


via: Burkatron


The pockets can be customized by using different colors of thin leather or sturdy canvas for each person’s individual organizer. 


  • Cut a piece of thin plywood into a 12” x 24” rectangle then sand the edges until smooth. Paint or stain the wood to match your home’s decor colors or leave the wood bare for a natural look. Drill two small holes at the top of the wood about 2” from the edge and 1” down then insert a leather cord or a string for hanging.

  • Measure and cut two pieces of thin leather or canvas fabric into two 10” x 8” rectangles, lay them on top of each other, and stitch around the perimeter leaving one long side open. Stitch a line down the center of the pocket to create two individual pockets. Spread strong glue on the backside of the pocket, center it a few inches below the drilled holes then press it down onto the wood board. Repeat these steps to make a second pocket. 

  • Consider adding a small strip of cork along the bottom edge of the wood by adding a bead of wood glue to the cork and then pressing it firmly down on the wood. 



Canvas Frame Command Center


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This gallery wall command center idea is a nice mix of style and function. It looks beautiful while being completely functional to keep the whole family organized.




These 8” x 10” canvas frames are a nice mix of style and function. Blank 8” x 10” canvas frames hold so much potential when grouped together to build a custom command center. The function of each canvas serves a specific purpose, becoming a complete operational command center once the individual frames are joined together.


Adjust the configuration of the individual canvas frames to fit your space, then once you find the right size permanently attach the canvases together by applying wood glue to adjacent sides, and metal brackets screwed into the backside of the frames. Here are some creative ways to customize each canvas to be used in your custom command center:


  • Create a pinboard by cutting a piece of cork to the same size as the front of your canvas then use wood glue or hot glue to adhere it to the front of the canvas. 

  • To create a chalkboard section for the command center, paint the canvas with two coats of chalkboard paint then let it dry completely before using. 

  • Magnetic paint can be applied to create a magnetic section. Apply three coats of magnetic paint to the canvas and once it is dry use magnets to organize your papers or to post lists.

  • Small storage cups or bins can help keep your space organized. Use tin snips to cut a small metal can in half vertically. Cover the outside of the can with decorative fabric or paper then use hot glue to secure the can to the front of the canvas to serve as a small storage cup for pens, chalk, and other miscellaneous necessities. 

  • Wrap strings of twine horizontally across the canvas at even intervals stapling each end of the twine to the back of the wood frame to create a space for to-do lists, pictures, or invitations. 

  • Easily create a framed chicken wire section out of a canvas frame. Cut out the fabric center of the frame then use Modge Podge to seal and glue the raw fabric edges to the inside. Insert chicken wire in the open frame and staple it securely all around the inside of the frame. Then use small wooden clothespins to attach special things like pictures or ticket stubs to the wire for safekeeping.

  • A fabric pocket is a handy place to tuck mail and other important papers. To make a fabric pocket measure and cut a piece of fabric that is two inches longer than the width of the canvas and the same length as the frame. Fold the fabric in half to create a long rectangle that covers half of the canvas frame. Staple the fabric along the sides and bottom of the canvas’s frame to create a storage pocket in the front of the canvas.




Sort through the areas in your home that would benefit the most from these DIY projects then pick the command center that will offer your family the best option to get organized. 



Sunday, June 9, 2024

DIY Wood American Flag Sign

Are you looking for a great way to show your patriotic spirit this year but aren’t sure how? There are so many great US Flag DIY craft projects you could make that will solve this problem. No matter your skill level, you can create an amazing stars and stripes project that you can proudly display for all to see. 



DIY MINI WOODEN AMERICAN FLAG SIGN

With the 4th of July holiday around the corner, I was looking for a patriotic craft project to make in preparation for the upcoming holiday. This mini wooden American flag craft is super easy to make and only requires a few supplies to make your own. Follow this quick and easy tutorial to build your own wooden American flag.


This is the perfect DIY project to do with kids too, but adult supervision is recommended. Also, make sure to gather up your supplies ahead of time before you get started.


 SUPPLIES NEEDED 

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS: 

  1. To get started paint 6 wood paint sticks red, and 5 wood paint sticks white. Let the paint dry completely. 

To lay out your American flag pattern place one red paint stick paint-side down on the top of a flat surface. Then put a white stick, paint-side down next to the first red stick. Continue alternating the red and white paint sticks using all 13 which will result in the rectangular flag body. Line up the short edges of the sticks on each side to make sure your flag is straight. 



  1. Stick a long piece of painter’s tape down the middle of the upside-down paint sticks starting with the top stick and ending at the last bottom stick to prevent the paint sticks from shifting.  




  1. You should have two unpainted paint stir sticks left. Take these two stir sticks and run a bead of wood glue down the center of each stir stick spreading the glue evenly with your finger. 

 

  1. Place the unpainted stir sticks, glue side down onto the back side of the flag body about three inches in from each edge. Set something heavy on top of the glue-coated paint sticks and allow the glue to thoroughly dry before flipping the flag body over.  


  1. Once the glue is dry, flip the flag body over so the red and white stripes are face up. Measure and lightly mark with a pencil a 4” (across) by 3” (long) rectangle on the top left side of the flag. Place the painter’s tape along the outside of the pencil marks pressing down to ensure the paint won’t seep under the tape.  


  1. Paint the taped-off box-shaped section with two coats of blue acrylic paint and let it dry completely. After the paint is dry use a pencil and lightly mark on the blue rectangle where you will want the stars to be placed. (This area will be too small to fit all 50 stars, so just do your best to make them look evenly distributed.) 




  1. Draw stars with the white acrylic paint marker on the marks you penciled in over the blue rectangle and let the paint dry.  


  1. To hang up your mini flag sign, cut a piece of twine 16” long and tie a knot at the end of both sides of the twine. Flip your flag body over and place one end of the twine over the glued-on paint stick. Staple the twine to the paint stick. Repeat this step on the other side to firmly secure the twine to the flag. (the staples shouldn’t poke through the front if you staple on the glued-on stir sticks)




  1. Optional Step – If you plan on hanging your wooden US Flag outside you will need to seal it so that the paint doesn’t wash off or fade from the outdoor elements. To do this take your flag outside or in a well-ventilated area and spray the entire front and back sides with a water-based spray sealer. 


Congratulations, you successfully completed this easy woodworking project and just made a pretty awesome American Flag! Now go show your patriotic spirit and proudly display it for all to see.

Monday, April 1, 2024

5 Fun & Easy Mental Exercises to Give Your Brain A Boost

Keeping your brain in tip-top shape can be challenging, especially for busy moms, but it is essential that we make sure that our whole body, including our brain, gets a good workout on a regular basis. Working out your brain doesn't have to be boring; this might become your favorite regular workout!




I will share with you 5 fun ideas on how to give your brain the regular exercise it needs to stay sharp. Don't worry it doesn't take a lot of time or expensive equipment to get a mental workout in every day. You only need a few minutes each day to flex your gray matter.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information please see my Disclaimer page. Thanks!


Mental Self-Care For Busy Moms

Self-care, especially for busy moms is so important. Taking a little time each day to focus on taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually will not only make you feel better but it will help you be a better mom. 

Exercising your brain can benefit you in so many ways like improved concentration and focus as well as other important cognitive functions. Here are a few more benefits from flexing your mental muscles:

  • boost your confidence & self-esteem
  • improve your memory & attention
  • make you smarter & sharper
  • improve decision-making ability
  • enhance positive mood & attitude
  • boost your creative energy
  • improve your communication skills

Everyone will benefit from a few minutes each day of active mental activities and exercises. Your quality of life as a busy mom depends on it! Here are 5 simple, budget-friendly games you can start doing today and get your brain in tip-top shape.


5 Fun & Easy Brain Games To Exercise Your Mommy Brain


WORD SEARCH

I find word search puzzles so relaxing! It is a great way to fill time when you are waiting for an appointment, sitting in the car pool line, or just taking a few moments to unwind after a long day. 

Whether you like the electronic versions or the printed softcover book style you can still give your brain a great mental workout! Word searches come in a variety of themes like Bible verses, vacation themes, science, and seasonal themes. There is almost no limit to the themes these kinds of puzzles offer. 



App Recommendation:
Word Search Explorer by PlaySimple Games (Google Play Store)

Classic word search puzzles with beautiful scenery to help you relax your mind. This app offers free to play word search puzzles that will help you grow your vocabulary as you solve the puzzles.


Printed Recommendation (softcover) : Large Print Bible Word Search Puzzle Book 

This puzzle book that you can purchase on Amazon has over 1,000+ hidden words! Each puzzle page contains a verse from the Bible with words selected within the verse that are hidden in the puzzle. Not only are you spending time exercising your brain but you also benefit from reading Scripture verses! This puzzle book makes a great gift for a senior friend or family member because of the large print size. Tuck this book into your bag, purse or tote to take along with you on vacation or to appointments. 


SUDOKO 

Sudoko is a great workout for your brain! This working-memory training activity, like chess, requires you to think three or four steps ahead to your next move. Fun and challenging games like sudoko will really work your gray matter.



App Recommendation: Sudoko-Classic Brain Puzzle by Shared Fun (Google Play Store) 

Beware, this is an addictive game that can help you train your brain!


Printed Recommendation (softcover): 1,000 + All Easy Sudoko Puzzle Book


MAZES

A maze puzzle not only challenges your brain but it helps with eye hand coordination too. These types of puzzles come in a variety of shapes and levels of difficulty too. A favorite puzzle for kids, mazes are also popular with adults. Completing a maze creates a sense of accomplishment while keeping your brain active and working in top condition. 




App Recommendation: Mazes & More (Google Play)


Printed Recommendation: The Amazing Book of Mazes (Amazon)

This book is full of handcrafted mazes for you to enjoy! Seventy-five fun mazes for you to solve.


CROSSWORD PUZZLES

A popular past time that has been around for decades, crossword puzzles are still a popular activity for people of any age. The benefits of working on a crossword puzzle offers more than just a challenging game. According to Harvard researchers crossword puzzle clues often force you to link concepts you hadn't pictures together. These features mean that crossword puzzles cause large areas of your cortex to be active, and stimulate new connections in your brain. So if you are looking for an easy way to relieve stress with a good mental workout I recommend that you try a crossword puzzle!




App Recommendation: Crossword Puzzles by Xpress Mobyte (Google Play Store) rated 4.5


Printed Recommendation: Amazing 2024: Easy Exciting Crossword Puzzles for Adults (Amazon)

This fun puzzle book has over 2400 words to decipher! 


BRAIN TEASER PUZZLES

Do you consider yourself a detail oriented person? If so, brain teaser puzzles that challenge you to spot the differences between two pictures or puzzles that you have to find hidden objects will be loads of fun for you. These puzzles can include anything from challenging math puzzles to visual challenges. Brain teaser puzzles are not only fun but they can help prevent short term memory loss. 



App Recommendation: Brain Test: Tricky Puzzles (Google Play Store)

New levels added every month! Rated 4.7


Printed Recommendation: The Fun and Relaxing Adult Activity Book (Amazon)

A collection of different fun activities that will keep you mentally sharp and entertained for hours!


WORD GRID PUZZLE (a.k.a Boggle Solitaire)

These types of puzzles are based on the Boggle board game. The goal of the game is to find as many words as you can with a given grid of letters but you can only make words for letters that touch each other and each letter can only be used once per word. Once you begin to master this type of puzzle set a time limit and see how fast you can complete it! 



App Recommendation: Boggle with Friends Word Game (Google Play Store)


Printed Recommendation: Boggle Your Mind (Amazon)


BONUS GAME - Boggle Solitaire Alternative!

Word Grid Puzzles (aka Boggle Solitaire) are based on the Boggle board game. In Word Grid, you’re given a grid of letters and must find as many words as you can.

The rules are simple: words must be made from letters that touch and each letter can only be used once per word. To make it more challenging, set a time limit!

Want to learn more? Check out How to Play Word Grid for a list of the rules, solving methods, and an example walkthrough. 




Your brain will thank you for all of these fun activities! Get your kids involved and make it a family fun night with a variety of brain teasers.

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

11 Brilliant Tips to Organize Craft Supplies

Has your crafting closet, cupboard, or bin gotten out of control? I have to admit that our family craft cupboard is out of control! It's a little scary when you have to open the door to get something because you don't know what might come falling out - scissors, pencils, stickers, or even an uncapped marker! Yikes!




Organizing the growing mess in my craft cupboard doesn't have to be such a big problem. I can whip this mess back into an organized useful space with a little thought, creativity, and an Amazon order or two.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information please see my Disclaimer page. Thanks!

Shop Fabric at Fat Quarter Shop 


  11 Useful Tips To Organize Your Craft Supplies

Organizing craft supplies is essential for a smooth and enjoyable crafting experience. Here are some tips to help you organize your craft supplies:




  1. Sort and Categorize: Start by sorting your craft supplies into categories. For example, group all paper products together, separate beads and jewelry-making supplies, and organize paints and brushes.

  1. Storage Containers:

    Invest in clear storage containers for each category of craft supplies. Transparent containers make it easy to see what's inside without having to open each one.


  2. Labels:

    Label each storage container with its contents. This makes it quick and easy to locate specific items when needed.


  3. Drawer Organizers:

    Consider using drawer organizers for smaller items like buttons, beads, and small tools. These can fit neatly in drawers or on shelves.

  1. Shelving Units:

    Install shelving units to store larger items or bins. Adjustable shelves allow you to customize the space based on the size of your craft supplies.


  2. Pegboards:

    Hang a pegboard on the wall to store tools such as scissors, rulers, and small baskets for frequently used items. This keeps them within reach and organized.


  3. Rolling Cart:

    Use a rolling cart with drawers or bins to store frequently used craft supplies. This allows you to move your supplies around as needed.

  1. Ziploc Bags or Small Containers:

  2. For items like buttons, beads, and small embellishments, use Ziploc bags or small containers to keep them organized within larger storage containers.


  3. Cubbies or Cubby Shelves:

    Cubbies are great for organizing larger items like yarn, fabric, or larger tools. Label each cubby for easy identification.


  4. Create a Craft Station:

    Designate a specific area or room as your craft station. This helps keep all your supplies in one place, making it easy to find everything you need when you're ready to craft.

  1. Declutter Regularly:

  2. Periodically go through your craft supplies to declutter. Donate or discard items you no longer need or use.

By following these tips, you can create a well-organized and functional space for your craft supplies, making it easier to unleash your creativity without the stress of searching for materials.