Pantry Organization Project #2

This was a simple project, but much needed.  We seem to have amassed a large collection of plastic grocery bags in the pantry.  I do already have some of the fabric hanger thingys (technical term) that you shove them in the top and pull out the bottom, but those were not enough! 

Then I sawTHIS.  

Lightbulb went off and wouldn't you know we finished the large can of coffee that day.  I used a LARGE coffee can...

I was prepared to spray paint it, but once I removed the label it looked lovely all in its shiny silver self.  Using the Silhouette Cameo I printed up some vinyl letters to match the previously done project #1.  

I did spray paint the lid black.  And SHOVED in the bags and poof!  A new bag holder to add to my collection.  

One more small step towards the Pantry/Mudroom redo.

I also need to mention Pinterest because this is where a lot of the inspiration and ideas are coming from.   Just don't tell fabulous husband, or he may ban me from the site.

A girl can dream...

Here are some of the ideas I've "pinned" for the pantry/mudroom renovation!

from BHG.com

I love the color of the above picture.  The shoe storage, coat rack and baskets are also really great.

Living in High Cotten Blog

This makes me WANT bead board walls!!!  

fm The Letter Cafe Blog

I can so do this with my Silhouette!  What a great idea.  Wonder if those containers EVER go on sale.

2012 Goal #1: Pantry Organization Project #1

Project # 1 involved using my Silhouette Cameo machine for vinyl printing labels for some of my bulk storage.  After playing around with how to print vinyl, picking out a color and then doing all the dirty work to print, remove vinyl scrap and then adhere to the containers, I think they came out great!

It wasn't too difficult to do and already looks better.  Now the fabulous husband will never question what is what.  I've had the Rubbermaid Containers for awhile and they work really well to keep things fresh.  It is also handy to see exactly what is in them.  But I wanted to experiment with the new Silhouette Cameo and the vinyl kit I had ordered, so inspiration hit and Poof!  Well, not so much poof, but didn't take me too long and I think they turned out really well.  As I get further into the pantry re-do I hope to add more for things like brown sugar, baking soda, pastry flour etc.  Which means more vinyl!

2012 Goal #1: Organize/Re-do Pantry

One of my goals for 2012 is to renovate our current pantry into a mudroom/pantry.  It's got great potential, but it needs A LOT of help.  As you can see in the pictures below, it isn't in the best condition.  The ceiling is contact paper, there is a "soft" spot in the floor, there is old vents and piping from when a former homeowner had their washer and dryer in there.  While functional, it tends to be a disaster.

Ideas:
1. Remove window and replace with a door.
2. Find someone who is redoing their kitchen and take some of the old cabinets and re purpose.  Already have someone who may be a good hookup.  Depending on size, condition etc I am thinking I may have to refinish them and add new hardware.
3. Replace the flooring.  This will involve fixing some of the sub flooring as well and I will most likely just go with a good vinyl rolled flooring as this will most likely turn out to be the entrance we would use to the house.
4. Paint the walls a much better color - something more inviting, shows less dirt and will compliment the cabinets (see #2 - no idea what they will be like).
5. Create a space for all our needs and all my wants.

Current Needs/Wants:
One of the most important things in planning this venture is to figure out exactly what we NEED, what I WANT and how to make it ALL work.

1. Food storage (obviously important that we are able to store all our pantry needs).  Rather than the current haphazard set up of food wherever it fits, and stuff just stuck on shelves, I'd like to have a system in place... all baking items, staples, cans, etc where they are easy to see and easy to just grab.
2. Shoe storage.  I envision a lower cabinet that we can open when we walk in and kick off our shoes into and also store them in there).
3. Pet Storage - A place for dog/cat food, treats, toys, bowls, and all the extras that come with them.  They've got a lot of STUFF.
4. Cookbook/Recipe Storage:  I have a lot of cookbooks and recipes.  I need a place to store/display them all.
5. Cleaning Supplies/Paper Goods: MUST come up with something good for storing paper towels, cleaning products and supplies.
6. Pot/Pan/Small Appliance Storage: Need a place to store all the extra items like the blender, kitchen aide etc.

I've been scouring Pininterest for ideas, among other sites.