Challenge 9--Arts and Crafts Supplies

Week 9--Arts and Craft Supplies Challenge! I want to provide supplies, space and opportunity for my boys to create. I do not want to be overrun by glitter, glue, feathers and construction paper. Below are a few suggestions for keeping supplies close by without drowning in them!

Step 1--Keep like things together, in a stackable container with a lid. Uniform containers are very helpful, but not a must. I have found different sized totes and divided boxes and I make them work! Put all paint supplies in one box, all beaded crafts together, all play dough in one box, all crayons in a space saver with an attached lid, etc.

Step 2--Paper can be a challenge! Purchase a hanging file box with folders and organize sheets and scraps in rainbow order, followed by neutrals. Teach your kids to clean up after each project and leave a clean space behind. This will help to keep piles from overtaking!

Step 3--Feature one or two art projects/child on your fridge at one time. As new ones are created, file old ones in the boxes mentioned in week 7's challenge. Be sure to give some away to grandparents and special friends too!

Step 4--If possible, keep frequently used items at arms length, tucked into decorative baskets. I am able to keep most of my Creative Memories tools out where the boys (and my customers) can get to them.

Challenge 8--What to do with Shoes?

When we enter our front door, these steps lead up...since we outgrew our shoe basket, we decided to build a drawer right here...it is four feet deep, so it holds many pairs of shoes!

Week 8--Shoes, shoes and more shoes! If you are anything like me, you appreciate when folks remove their shoes before entering your home. I have visions of all the places I've walked and it gives me shivers to think of public restroom germs and etc. walking into my home. For many years, we simply placed a basket by our front door. The boys slipped off their shoes and left them in a contained spot. Recently, we saw an idea for a drawer that was built into a step. This is a perfect solution for us, as the stairs are inside our front door. If you are blessed with a mudroom, use cubicles that can also double as a place to sit while putting on shoes. Send me your ideas!

Challenge 7--Back to School Challenge

Week 7--Back to school challenge! I know so many moms who feel overwhelmed each week as the backpacks and binders come home, filled with important papers, fundraisers, menus, fee schedules, etc. Use steps below to stay on top and not UNDER the piles of paperwork!

Step 1--Purchase one large plastic container with a lid for each child. Store away special art projects, samples of school work (especially the subjects that child enjoys and/or excels in), report cards, etc. For bulkier items, it is easier to take a photo of projects and keep that. At the start of each new year, go through the box with your child, and determine if anything can be disposed of to make room for new treasures.

Step 2--Time sensitive paperwork needs to be kept near by, in a high traffic area. Use a basket, hanging organizer or other container to keep these papers close, but not right on a table or counter top.

Step 3--Post menus and schedules on your fridge so that your kids can refer to them as needed.

Step 4--Store backpacks and lunch boxes within reach of your children. This allows them to be part of the loading/unloading process. As soon as they walk in the door, ask them to unpack and present you with all the papers they have for that day/week. This is also a great time to look over school work, sign the papers that need your signature and get an idea of what assignments they have that evening.