includes flea market finds and homewares as well as creative projects. You too can make anything you see here.
I hope my blog will inspire your creativity. Every day!
Love Lella x
Showing posts with label creative storage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label creative storage. Show all posts
This delightful crate was a thank you gift from a friend. I had looked after her kitten for 3 weeks and, I must say, it was a pleasure to have a cat in the house again. However, the ever fabulous and fragrant Miss Heather is very thoughtful and she knows my love of old packaging and advertising items.
Lella Loves... Vintage Crates
It really is just too lovely for words! :)
Lella Loves... Vintage Crates
Dirt, dust, mud and rust. A few cobwebs don't bother me.
Lella Loves... Vintage Crates
I love this crate as it is quite small and makes a perfect little display unit when turned on its side.
Lella Loves... Vintage Crates
Mr Sit Still has been moved from the front door and he sits in quite nicely. I have included him in the display as a reminder that my kitty-sitting duties garnered the gift of the crate.
Lella Loves... Vintage Crates
And here it is! Books all in place. My friend is so thoughtful: the thank you card she bought me is a ginger tabby sitting in a box.
I will find this little display a cosy corner to sit in and I hope you enjoyed seeing it today.
Ok. I admit it. I am an earring addict. I love chandelier earrings and the bigger, the better. However, they do become tangled very easily so I decided to have a sort out.
Today, I will share with you a few ideas on how I store them.
Lella Loves... Chandelier Earrings
Be prepared! I love all earrings with drops and hoops. Please tell me I am not the only person with a crazy earring obsession.
Lella Loves... Storage
If your fashion jewellery drawers look like this then take a look at today's blog.
The bangles have now been rehoused - another blog for another day! - and my earrings are now in coloured sections.
Lella Loves... Storage
I have been collecting business card boxes for months as they make handy dividers.
Use baskets or little gift boxes if you cannot find business card boxes. Try using other clear containers. There are alternatives such as take-away boxes which you can purchase new in some high street pound stores.
Lella Loves... Chandelier Earrings
To start, I sorted all the earrings into colours and separated the pairs which were still on cards (unworn) and the pairs which I have worn.
Lella Loves... Chandelier Earrings
Taking the two halves of the business card boxes, I lined each drawer with as many as would fit.
Lella Loves... Chandelier Earrings
There was plenty of fun in arranging the earrings in to their sections. This is the pink and green drawer.
Lella Loves... Chandelier Earrings
This is the blue and silvertone drawer. If I need cheering up, I open the drawers and smile :)
Lella Loves... Chandelier Earrings
And last but not least, the autumnal colours. This drawer is orange, red and brown beaded earrings.
All my earrings are fashion jewellery and you can see that I don't tend to spend more than 4 or 5 euros/pounds on any one pair. I am a fan of reduced rails and I have paid just £1 for many of the Primark earrings.
Many other pairs are from Claire's, Wallis, Primark and good old Sainsbury's range, TU.
If you are inspired to sort your jewellery, look for storage containers which won't snag your beads and hoops. In my make-up storage blog, I used lovely bright pink baskets which were 20p each from a discount store.
Peeling back the hygiene seal on yet another fabulous Burt's Bees lip balm the other day made me wonder about the value of the contents of my make-up drawers.
I keep it all relatively tidy anyway but I couldn't resist the shocking-pink baskets which were only 20p each! How could I not purchase something so pink which would help me tame my blusher pots?
If you like the look of my drawers, why don't you gather a few similar items of varying sizes. Look out for little wicker baskets or woven gift boxes which might have held soap or a bath duo. They are perfect for nestling.
Lella Loves... Storage
I choose a long and wide wicker basket for all my make-up brushes. Some brushes and applicators can be £5 or £10 to replace.
If you buy just one or two make-up brushes, buy the best you can afford and look after the ones you have.
If your make-up drawer looks like this...
Lella Loves... Storage
...well, you are not alone.
Today I hope to inspire you to collect a few useful storage containers. Please beg and barter some wicker baskets or pop in to a bargain store and purchase a pack of pen/pencil baskets.
You could use anything as long as it sits below the level of the drawer.
Lella Loves... Storage
These bright pink pencil baskets are 20p each and the little box contained a fashion watch.
With a little determination and an hour's free-time, you can go from a drawer filled with random pencils, mascaras, loose cotton buds and too many eyeshadows, to this:
Lella Loves... Storage
Allowing for 5 or 6 drawers, I suggest you divide all your make-up into categories.
Blusher, Brushes and Applicators
Eyeshadows and Multi-coloured Eye Palettes
Mascara and False Eyelashes
Lipsticks and Lip Pencils
Foundation and Face Powders
Nail Polish, other make-up spares and unopened products
Start off by sorting all your items and decide which products you wish to keep. Divide and conquer the tidying by placing your make-up straight into their boxes and baskets.
Lella Loves... Storage
This allows you to see exactly what you have.
Here is a photo of various lipsticks which I seal with tape until I want to use one. The mascaras are new and I leave them in their packaging just in case a friend wants to swap one :)
Lella Loves... Storage
This is my eyeshadow drawer. I keep palettes and unopened items separate as I like to swap make-up with friends and used eyeshadows on a swap table are a bit of a poor show.
Lella Loves... Storage
New and unopened mascara and all my false eyelashes are stored together as I do not wear falsies everyday and I only use waterproof mascara for certain occasions.
Lella Loves... Storage
When I see a really lovely eye make-up advert, I tear it out and keep it in my eye drawer.
*Tip: Maybe you like to buy make-up books and 'How To' guides. If so, keep them with your make-up.
It sounds so obvious but a make-up book showing a light and fresh daytime look is not going to be followed when it is in another room on a bookshelf.
Lella Loves... Storage
I keep all my lip pencils and balms together as I use them everyday. This particular drawer I have as the top drawer simply because it is the most visited.
By keeping all your unused pencils in a clear bag, you can see what you have. Take advantage of store offers such as 'buy one, get one free' as unopened make-up can last for years!
If you are a lady who likes to wear glossy lips, keep a handful of tissues stored with your lip sticks as they are useful for blotting and better that loo roll.
Lella Loves... Storage
More spares! I traded the foundation with a make-up rep who had samples and we did a deal with no sterling involved.
Bartering and swapping items for product which would cost you money is a great way to save.
Lella Loves... Bees
I love things with bees on. The make-up compact is an enamelled compact for which you buy refills for. It is lovely to take on an evening out instead of carrying a half-used powder and a puffer.
The tiny little wooden pot with the bee lid contains stud earrings and is a useful place to pop a dress ring.
If you are a powder girl, why not treat yourself to an enamelled compact?
Lella Loves... Storage
The drawers I use are solid pine and I have painted them a few times over the years. The last coat of paint was about 6 years ago.
I only use a basic emulsion paint just like you would use on the wall.
You should look for a chest of drawers which would be kept solely for your make-up. This set is called a Wellington chest of drawers. It is tall and thin with 6 drawers.
Lella Loves... Storage
This is the sight which should greet you when you open your drawers. You will find that you can put your hand on any item - no more rummaging!
Please don't worry about painting or changing your furniture. Have fun with it and make your pieces work for you.
Have a lovely day and look after your make-up: it adds up to a pretty penny.
Today's project uses the wooden box I spoke about the other day. The lovely pine box you see here cost me £15 and I couldn't pay the dealer quickly enough.
Lella Loves... Old Pine Boxes
With the chilly nights creeping up on us, I intend to store fleece blankets and a throw in this box. Splinters are to be avoided so today's blog-make is a picture diary explaining how I lined it with some pretty paper.
The roses wrapping paper was already in hand as, years ago, I had made the mistake of folding the sheets of wrapping paper instead of rolling them. This meant I could no longer use the paper as gift wrapping because it looked like I had salvaged it from a received present. Not to worry, I thought, and so it sat, waiting for the perfect project.
If you wanted to try this for yourself, simply find a lovely wooden box and set aside an hour.
You will need:
Wrapping paper (You could use scented drawers liners if the fragrance was pleasing.)
Scissors
PVA glue.
Lella Loves... Old Pine Boxes
Find a suitable place to work and when you are ready to start, drizzle the PVA glue all over the bottom boards.
Lella Loves... Old Pine Boxes
Be generous with the glue. This is the only time you will put glue directly on to the wood.
Lella Loves... Old Pine Boxes
Take your paper and, cutting from the straight line at the top, measure out two pieces to fit across the base. If your box is wider than the wrapping paper, make sure you cut two of every piece so you can paste in a mirrored fashion at each end, working inwards.
Lella Loves... Old Pine Boxes
Continue to cut and paste the paper to fit each section (sides) of your box. Work with bigger pieces of paper at the bottom and overlap every piece, every time. If you choose a pretty print, there is margin for error as pattern is forgiving.
Lella Loves... Old Pine Boxes
Always glue the back of the paper and use the tips of your fingers to position the lining. I call it, 'tickling the mice'. Be gentle and, with the lightest touch, encourage the paper to slide into position.
Lella Loves... Old Pine Boxes
Work up from the base. When you get near the top of the box, take a straight edge of the paper and work downwards. Overlapping your lining paper by a few inches is better than a few centimetres.
Lella Loves... Old Pine Boxes
Continue to glue and line the box until you are satisfied. Use any left-overs to add another layer to the base. I lined mine twice as I wanted to build up a thicker, protective lining.
*Tip: Lining twice is better and it is much easier to line it all at the same time than it would be to reline in six months' time when your paper gets torn.
Lella Loves... Old Pine Boxes
It took me about an hour or so to cut out the paper, apply the glue and line the box completely, twice. I took photographs as I went along. The glue is ordinary, non-toxic PVA glue which I bought in Morrisons for £2. Use children's glue as it is safe, it is tacky within seconds and it dries clear within minutes.
Lella Loves... Old Pine Boxes
Ta...dah! Here is my finished box. Fabulous, isn't it?
I am really happy with the way the box turned out. It will be perfect for the living room and will store several blankets and a few extra DVDs.
Scented drawer liners would have been lovely if I were storing socks or smalls but are not appropriate for this project.
Lella Loves... Old Pine Boxes
If you enjoyed this post, please leave me a comment. I write this blog with ideas and creative projects which are easy and fun to do. Shopping on a budget and time spent being creative is something I am happy to share.
So, it is Sunday morning and you are wondering what to do today. If you asked me, I would say where else could you possibly go than to your local flea market or car boot?
Lella Loves... Flea Markets
Everybody loves a bargain and even though you might not be in need of anything in particular, I think it is good for the soul to be out and about, browsing the stalls and chatting to sellers about their items or the weather.
Falling in love with something you didn't even know existed when you woke up this morning: I love that! The joy of handing over £2 for a very special purchase. Fabulous!
Here is an old marmalade pot I bought last week for £1. It is a perfect pencil pot.
Lella Loves... Old Packaging
You can experience all the above if you go to a collectables market with an open mind.
Take lots of change, a bag of bags and if you meet a really lovely dealer who sells you a bargain, buy him a cup of tea.
*Tip: Sellers are there to make money! Most of them earn their living as traders. Be fair but please don't pay the first price they say.
Example: You see a large pine trunk with a broken lock. The ticket swinging in the breeze says £22 and, as you let the ticket fall and you stand up to look, the stall holder says, "It's yours for £18."
This is where I say to you, take off another 10% or 20% and propose your counter offer with, "Would £15 buy it?"
A friendly approach and a reasonable counter offer will secure your item 9 out of 10 times when haggling with a true dealer because the pine box scenario happened to me last week.
After I offered him £15, he did the inward whistle suck and laughed. I quickly followed my offer up with, "Oh... Go on! You know I'm lovely!" This made him smile and he couldn't say no and I went home with a very lovely, solid pine trunk for £15.
One-off day traders will spend 2 days pricing everything and they will be horrified at the thought of discounting their wares. Either walk away or pay the lady if she has something you want.
Most of all, have fun.
Lella Loves... Flea Markets
Lella Loves... Flea Markets
Lella Loves... Flea Markets
Please message me if you were inspired to go to a car boot and you found something amazing. Comments can be left at any time.
Today's post is short and sweet as these lovely drawers speak for themselves.
One of my favourite items of furniture must be these wooden drawers. They are solid oak, original brass cup handles and they were made to hold file cards for all the books in a library.
I am grateful for computers. Really, I am! They not only give me the ability to blog but if it wasn't for computers and their use in modern libraries, delightful storage such as these drawers would never have become available for around £40.
Lella Loves... Old Library Drawers
If you are wondering what I keep in my drawers, I will show you: they are perfect for storing candles or knitting needles.
Lella Loves... Old Library Drawers
Here is another idea for you if you like to burn incense. I keep similar sticks together and store a few of my notecards on top of the sealed packs of incense. The sticks infuse the notecards with their delicate scent and it is a lovely way to send people a reminder of you and your home.
Lella Loves... Old Library Drawers
Lella Loves... Old Library Drawers
If you would like to buy yourself a set of these, look out for larger antiques and collectables fairs as you will find dealers with furniture at bigger events. They are durable, meant to last and look fabulous.
Find a set of drawers like these and you will find a use for them.
Do let me know if you have a set and if so, what do you store in yours?
Having been a fan of old cases and leather trunks for years, I can never walk past one without asking its price. They are lovely to have around the house.
There are many uses for cases in the home as we all like extra storage and the cost of two or three can be less than a coffee table.
Here is my latest find.
Lella Loves... Vintage Cases
I bought this very large, very heavy, navy blue case for £8 at a flea market a few weeks back.
It was in need of a good clean but apart from cobwebs and mud, it is fabulous. The metal banding is a bit bashed but I always try and buy a case which is sturdy and solid.
Lella Loves... Vintage Cases
It doesn't matter if I have no idea what I am going to put in it as I usually find a use for a case!
To find your own antique and vintage cases, visit local garage sales and house clearance stores as they can be a great source of inspiration.
My Perfume Doll's House is the subject for today. Lovely, don't you think? I had a lot of joy in upcycling a well-loved yet unwanted toy and I now have a useful piece of furniture.
It is an unusual craft choice with a fabulous end result. This is one of my favourite projects and, if you like what you see, I am sure you will enjoy hunting out a perfect example to make yours with.
Lella Loves... Perfume Doll's House
The idea behind this storage concept was because I wanted to keep all my perfumes in one place. I had thought about buying a bathroom cupboard but that was too obvious a choice and far too boring!
Lella Loves... Perfume Doll's House
Most people own and wear perfume yet many do not realise that perfume should be kept in the dark as sunlight can affect the contents of the bottles.
Lella Loves... Perfume Doll's House
*Tip: Keep the box! Retain all the expensive packaging your perfumes are sold in as a box does serve a purpose - it keeps your perfume in a dark environment and in perfect condition.
The doll's house was bought off eBay by searching only items by location and selecting 'Nearest' in the drop-down search options. The doll's house you see was a sky blue with pen scribbles all over it. There is a broken window and the furniture was damaged. However, I knew I was going to strip it internally of any furniture, carpets, lighting etc. The only thing which remains is the wallpaper.
I cleaned the outside with a sponge and the water-based graffiti and crayon marks came off with no problems. Never worry about the outer condition as you are able to completely changed the look with a 99p sample tin of emulsion paint. Buy a sturdy house and all will be fine.
Lella Loves... Perfume Doll's House
The condition of the roof didn't both me as I think it adds to the overall charm. If your chimneys are missing, paint two cotton reels chocolate brown and glue on either side. The baskets were bought in Dunelm for the bargain-hunter price of £1.99 each and they fit perfectly.
You will need:
A doll's house
Storage containers - useful for tubes
Painting items
Perfume and scented body lotions
A reason to treat yourself to a new perfume :)
If you cannot find a slightly tatty, second-hand doll's house (with a broken window), you could buy a new flat-packed kit doll's house. Your best hunting grounds for a used doll's house will be an antiques and collectables fair.
I paid £25 for mine and I collected in person but have fun, enjoy the hunt and look around. You might even see a doll's house at a car boot. After all, you never know what you might find on a Sunday morning in a farmer's field!
The wicker storage units - the Perfume Doll's House is sitting on - were bought off the internet about 2 years ago but there are similar units available from The Cotswold Company. If you click on the link, search for drawers and look at their 'Farmhouse' range.
Have fun and do message me if you take up this challenge and make your own. I would love to see your photos. If you enjoyed today's project, please pop back soon.
