one sock, two socks, red socks, blue socks.....

I had big plans to finish up some big projects in the twins room but that was sidelined with an illness Gaelan brought home. Soooo I had to work on a project that was super easy, quick and cheap. I decided it was time to get their sock drawer under control. More than likely you have seen the sock organizers they sell like this one. They usually cost around $9.

After looking at it for a time I really figured I could do the same thing with some posterboard, cardboard, or tagboard for all of our drawers. Normally their socks look like this in a drawer.

Since I had posterboard around the house, it was an obvious choice.

I measured the drawers width and depth. The boys and I cut the posterboard into strips according to the measurements.

We cut up halfway every 3.5 inches apart on all of the strips.

After cutting the strips, you can interlock them by sliding the cuts into one another.

Once they are interlocked, you can slide it in the drawer and you have

a nice little square to store the socks in.

Overall this turned out great for the price and it has made such a difference

with them putting all of their clothes away.

 So lets review my requirements for this project:

It must be super easy..... my 9 yr olds did most of the work.

It must be quick.....hmmm took maybe 10 minutes total.

It must be cheap..... cost less than a dollar!

Now I just need to make some more to organize the rest......

I am linking to these great DIY parties, be sure to check them out for more ideas!

 

 

My Drying Rack

I got my inspiration for a drying rack mounted on the wall a couple of years ago from a Martha Stewart magazine. I always intended to do it but actually forgot about it. Then I saw the one that Ballards Design offered. Oh my! I loved it but nearly choked on the price and to be honest they were just a tad too big for what little space I had. I do not have a laundry room but really more like a "closet". What a dilemma until I was cleaning out some things. I almost threw away a memo holder that was not serving its purpose any longer, when I thought about the frame. It hit me just then that it would be the right size to mount on the wall in the "laundry closet" as a drying rack. All I had to do was remove the separators, build an inner frame with dowels and I would have a drying rack. So this is how I did it. As you can see it was just a memo holder/corkboard originally.

Knocked out the center dividers, removed staples, filled holes and painted a primer coat on it.

Measured the inside of the frame to determine the size of the inner frame. Then cut 1x1 to the desired length. Next I measured, marked and drilled holes for the dowels. I decided to do 4 rungs on my rack but you can adjust it to your needs.

Assembled the inner frame with the dowels.

I had found these little letters for 20 cents ea to spell out "laundry" so I attached them to the outer frame at the top.

Cut a piece of white beadboard to go in the inner frame to cover all that ripped corkboard.
I gave everything a couple of coats of white paint and sealer. Attaching the inner frame to the outer was easily done with little hinges at the bottom. A hook and chain holds it open when in use. A little metal latch at the top keeps it closed when not in use.

I am so pleased with how this turned out. Most of the materials I had on hand from other projects. I spent around $10, so much better than $59.99 and $79.99 price for Ballards drying racks. Don't ya think? Here are a couple of other links to inspire you to make your own drying rack: http://www.marthastewart.com/good-things/make-a-foldout-drying-rack ,
http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2009/07/diy-laundry-room-drying-rack/
I can not wait to see the pics of the ones you create for your laundry rooms!
 I am linking up with these wonderful sites:
                                                                    Someday crafts