Junk Drawer Overhaul: Jen's Message Center

Today's organizing know how comes from Jen of the ever fabulous Tatertots and Jello. Jen's blog is one of my favorite spots since its loaded with fun, whimsical projects you can use all over the house. Even looking at her blog header makes me smile. And its no surprise she takes organizes with a bit of fun as well. Take a look.

Hi I was so excited when Stefanie contacted me about possibly sharing a junk drawer transformation on her blog.

Let me tell you, there are quite a few junk drawers at my house -- it was hard to decide which one to work on...

I have a little corner in my kitchen that I originally set up to hold all of the kids' important school papers, directories, plus paper and pens for taking messages. Unfortunately that area became a dumping ground for all sorts of things -- catalogs, papers and odds and ends. And that area became so messy that phone messages would sometimes get lost!

I decided I needed a simpler way of keeping track of papers and messages.

The transformation started off with some vintage bread pans and jello molds I discovered at a thrift store. I used the jello molds to hold small items like tiny post-it notes, paper clips and clips.

Then I found a clear file folder holder at Target ($2.99) that could be hung on the wall -- freeing up valuable counter space.

I had some Martha Stewart laser-cut paper with a quatrefoil design.

I attached a sheet of it to the inside of the clear file folder rack.

I used some 3M Command strips to hang it so I wouldn't have to put any holes in my wall. I like these strips because when I want to remove them someday, they're easy to just pull them off and they won't damage the paint or finish.

Once I cleaned out the drawers, I put an Ikea tray in each drawer to corral the directories and other items that might slide around by themselves. I used a couple of the vintage bread pans to hold extra pens, pencils, scissors and other items that are used in the desk area.

I made a file folder for each person in the family to keep their current papers like permission slips, current homework and things that people need right away. I let everyone pick our a paper that they liked for their file folder. Then I traced the file folder onto the paper and cut it out.

And used spray adhesive to attach the paper to the file folder.

To finish the file folders, I printed out each person's name using printer labels.

And then I used my Silhouette machine to print out some label frames that I put on top of the labels.

Now I have a place to put everyone's school papers and other important to-do papers.
The last thing I did was brought a tray in to hold all of the desk materials.

I'm so happy with my new message station. I feel like I can find everything so much easier. It's a great way to start off a new year!!

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To see more of Jen's fabulous projects, stop over at Tatertots and Jello.