storing it pretty...

I don't know about you, but I am a visual person.  Most of my piles and messes are there because I like seeing my stuff...having flowers, ribbons and doo-dads right in front of me inspires me.  After a while, though, it goes into the realm of cluttery and then totally messy, which becomes frustrating and counter-productive to creating.

I found a great storage solution to display my vintage flower collection (which had been stored in a large tin in one of my armoires)...it's easily viewed but yet not cluttery and the flowers are protected from the dust that's inevitable when we spend a lot of time playing with paper.

It's an old-fashioned seed bin which is made of wood and glass and lifts open at the top.

How cool is that?

I bought mine at Mystic Paper but if you don't live in the Phoenix area, you can buy one here.

There are so many possibilities...I ended up decorating the front glass panels with white rub-ons from Basic Grey...that really dressed up the bin a lot, yet I can still see the flowers inside.

The box can be painted-think white, pink or aqua for a cottage look...or maybe black for a stunning, clean look.

Now I can enjoy seeing my vintage silk and paper flowers...pretty storage without the clutter.

Do you have some fun and creative ways to display your pretties...cool storage ideas that also inspire you?

Would love to hear your ideas...and if you want, include a link to your site so that all of us can see...after all, we're all about the visuals!

Happy Friday...hope you have a great day.

Comments

[Jeanette]

What a lovely piece! And such a fabulous idea. Hmmmm...should I or shouldn't I....oh such dilemmas when faced with pretty things to decorate and organize with. :)

[valerie myers]

I love this idea! As Kathie is always saying, it is all about the packaging! I have a cigar box collage class coming up that I am teaching. I scoured our big antique flea market at Alameda Point and found loads of old, interesting and fun vintage items.Next time you visit California, include a first Sunday of the month and the MDW gals and I will take you. Kathie wants me to package everything up in glassine and ribbon!
I have to tell you my exciting news. Artchix is publishing one of my inchies for use in there collage series! I couldn't believe it when I opened Helga's letter! Anyway, I had to share because you were one of the first ones to inspire me to take a risk with my creativity! Valerie

[Judy in Carefree]

So glad you bought one. I remember telling you about it the last time I saw you. I love mine too, but cracked one of the top pieces of glass so have to get that fixed.

[Kim J.]

Carol, As ususal, lovin' what you did with the seed bin!

[Jennifer]

Great idea Carol. I love what you did with the rub-ons, they're just the right touch!

[Brownpaperpackaging.blogspot.com]

I'll take 3! :) Beautiful find.

[shabbyVTchic]

What a sweet method of displaying something you treasure! I love the idea of painting it and dressing up with your favorite rub-ons. I'll have to ponder the idea a bit... think of what it is that I might want to display in one of my own!

[justlisa]

That is such a wonderful idea!! Love it - may have to get me one too!! I love your kits and hope to someday soon be able to purchase one!! You have soooo much beautiful talent!!

[Abby V]

That is a great way to store your stuff and still be able to look at it...now I must follow your link and see if I REALLY need these! You're such an enabler! But an enabler with good taste!

[gail friend]

Hi Carol,,, Just stopped by to say Hi! I love what you have done with the seed bins. What an awesome idea. Thanks for sharing..gail

[Lyn Meeker]

O.K. .. I don't have them .. yet .. because I have to figure out where on the walls I want them .. and that is going to need a total room makeover .. but...

http://www.lakeside.com/catalog.asp?TL=SEARCH&Ntt=fishbowl&x=0&y=0

These clear gallon wall mounted fishbowls will be perfect for buttons, boshers .. and just about anything else!