Creative Storage Containers
So we all have to store stuff. And I've been making an effort lately to try and store things in creative, aesthetic, cottage-style containers instead of just plastic bins.
I admit that when I first started trying to do this, I had a hard time. I kept forgetting that there was an option besides the obvious. But I just kept at it. Every time I'm at a thrift store, I always cruise the aisle with the baskets and such, looking for sizes that will work, like this picnic basket full of yarn.
Interestingly, I almost never find containers for specific uses when I need them. Sometimes I do. But mostly I just pick up things that seem good, and find a use for it when I get home. Sometimes it's an easy one, like the basket here.
Sometimes it's not so clear. Like this silverware tray that's my favorite. I saw it, I grabbed it, and then I carried it around with me for twenty minutes because I couldn't decide what I could possibly need with it. It's not even a very good thing--it's warped and split because it's made of pressboard insted of wood.
But I bought it anyway, and when I got home, finally, I got it. A thread rack!
So I have to ask, what about you? I'm genuinely curious. It seems so effortless for the rest of you brilliant people to come up with these kinds of "trash to treasures" ideas. Is it really?
Comments (16)
That first photo is very, very cool. :D
I don't think it's a GenX thing. Heh.
And I'm digging your thread rack. I picked up a similar thing (for tools) at a garage sale--the boy saw it and immediate snagged it. When I went upstairs to see what was up, he'd organized all his sewing thread in it. :D
Posted by Wende | May 19, 2007 10:07 AM
Posted on May 19, 2007 10:07
You are so creative. I think we all get ideas from others but you can actually do it when you see it. That is great, I admire your talent!
Donna
Posted by Donna | May 19, 2007 10:09 AM
Posted on May 19, 2007 10:09
I love creative containers! But at my house they are called dust magnets.
Posted by happy zombie | May 19, 2007 11:19 AM
Posted on May 19, 2007 11:19
Containers?? Are you suppose to actually put stuff in them?? lol What a unique idea! :)
I read your post on your UFO list. At least you have one. I can't seem to get started on anything. I guess my true colors are showing here. I'm the world's greatest procrastinator!
I can't wait to see all your finished quilts!
Posted by Hope | May 19, 2007 12:50 PM
Posted on May 19, 2007 12:50
I empathize! I'm very much the same way. When someone else does it, I get inspired, but struggle to get ideas like that myself.
LOVE your new thread holder. Great idea!
Posted by Jill | May 19, 2007 1:36 PM
Posted on May 19, 2007 13:36
Thanks for visiting my blog. I too am not too creative with coming up with the ideas. Which is why I visit blogs-to steal, I mean borrow ideas!
Posted by Chris | May 19, 2007 3:30 PM
Posted on May 19, 2007 15:30
This post has really got me thinking.... I think maybe I kinda do have creative containers. If I can manage a tidy up I might just post a few.
jodie
Posted by jodie | May 19, 2007 5:30 PM
Posted on May 19, 2007 17:30
I understand container envy. If I have to tote something - it's usually in a plastic grocery sack. So not cool. I'm trying to make sure my girls have plenty of cute totable totes, to get them in habit of using something cute to tote their totables. (Okay, sorry. I couldn't resist)
I have to admit, I come by it naturally - my mother wrapped our Christmas presents this year in plastic trash bags. Yes, that's right, plastic trash bags.
Posted by Michelle | May 19, 2007 7:33 PM
Posted on May 19, 2007 19:33
When you find out the answer to that question, let the rest of us know! LOL! That's a question I've asked many times as well. I think I'm quite creative --- and then I see someone elses REALLY creative idea and decide I'm not creative at all!
I love your thread holder container! Very inventive and cute!
LaTeaDah
Posted by LaTeaDah | May 19, 2007 8:55 PM
Posted on May 19, 2007 20:55
I'm collecting all kind of boxes to store projects in my sewingroom......and all over the house. Love your thread holder. Great idea.
Posted by May Britt | May 20, 2007 12:53 AM
Posted on May 20, 2007 00:53
I'm with you. I'm always trying to find containers for all my stuff that I wish were the least bit interesting. Sadly, if they are boring I revert back to my 14 year old self and cover them with cool stickers or paint or something. Old habits never die...:)
Posted by Michelle | May 20, 2007 6:36 PM
Posted on May 20, 2007 18:36
Hey, I like that thread shelf idea..I have a major problem with space so any good idea suits me fine
Posted by Jeanette Jackson | May 21, 2007 1:03 PM
Posted on May 21, 2007 13:03
I'm like you. I don't think these kinds of cool things up. But look, you did! I'm envious of your genius here. I want to do it too. I have a lot of thread to store.
Posted by Angelina | May 22, 2007 9:18 AM
Posted on May 22, 2007 09:18
What a great thread holder, I use the old printers drawers to hold some of my creative clutter, but had not thought of storing my threads in them...you are very creative. My family wishes I was like your Mum and have my art living with me inside, because then I would not need so much "creative clutter" around to inspire me....:)
Thanks for yet another wonderful post,
DianeL
Posted by Diane L | May 25, 2007 12:48 AM
Posted on May 25, 2007 00:48
What a great idea. I love "re-purposing" things too.
Posted by Lisa | January 9, 2008 7:44 AM
Posted on January 9, 2008 07:44
What a fabulous idea!!! It looks so cool, too!! I don't think I've used anything for other than it's intended purpose that I can think of, but now I might have to make that a mission. Make it a fun new goal to achieve.
Michele
luvkittysmeowmail@gmail.com
Posted by Michele | May 31, 2008 4:08 AM
Posted on May 31, 2008 04:08