Sleek towel ladder makes a great tie rack and conversation piece

Have a lot of ties? Sometimes unconventional storage is the best option — if you have the space and the need. This towel ladder is a great way to turn your tie collection into a display piece. Best in a large bedroom or even a walk in closet, this display ladder could be the perfect way to neatly store and organize neck ties.

  • Sleek and modern design will complement any household.
  • Leans right against the wall for an attractive appearance.
  • Four bars provide space to hang ties.
  • Four notched side hooks allow you to hang up clothing.
  • Width can expand from 16 to 24 inches for versatile use.
  • Rubber banding keeps it stable while leaning on the wall.
  • One side is made from natural-finished solid beechwood.
  • Other side is constructed from white rubber coated steel.
  • Two tone design coordinates with most any home space.
  • Some simple assembly may be required upon arrival.

DIY ideas: Kids crafts organization and storage

Kids are fond of crafting. What’s great about them is that they enjoy every step along the way, rather than the end result. A lesson for parents, too. However, when kids get crafty, you soon find out you don’t know where to store all the finished projects. Here are a few storage and organization ideas for your kids’ crafts that you may fall in love with. Don’t miss out.

Wall storage

kidcrafts

Photo courtesy Wikipedia.org.

  • Go for bookshelves to store and display your kids’ masterpieces: Here go all pictures and drawings, postcards, magnets, carved or engraved wood pieces, etc etc etc. Additionally, you can place all other crafts that fit in.
  • Use hanging storage: For example, you can use gift wrap and craft storage hangers that have separate compartments and pouches, perfect for storing different sized projects.

As much as you want to, you can’t display all your children’s crafts, but it doesn’t mean you should get rid of them. Use these organization and storage ideas to keep everything in place. Get creative and who knows what you will come up with. It’s going to be fun for your kids, too.

Floor storage

  • Go with clean wood crates on wheels: Large and durable, crates make fantastic storage space. They come in different size and forms to fit your specific organizing needs. A couple of crates can hold not only your kids’ crafts, but also all necessary craft supplies.If you don’t want to buy a rolling crate, just glue or screw a few old boards down and add wheels. Want to know how to make one yourself? It can become your favorite vintage crate.
  • Opt for see-through plastic storage bins (with lids): Many smart parents use plastic storage bins to store their sons’ favorite Legos. However, you can store so much more in plastic storage bins. What’s great about them is that they are transparent and your kids can easily find their stuff without scattering all the contents across the floor. They also come in different sizes, so it’s easy to pick the one that meets your needs. A bin can hold wood craft match sticks, glitter, glue, buttons, mini clothespins, stretch magic, jewelry and other craft supplies as well as handmade crafts that will be easy to see. The best thing about plastic bins is that they can be placed on desks, shelves, on the floor and anywhere else in the room.
  • Use under-bed drawers/containers: Want those kids’ arts out of sight but still within easy reach? Use an old drawer or a bulky container that can fit in under your child’s bed. Feel free to decorate it to your small one’s liking. Place all crafts you can inside. The good thing is, since it’s going to be under your kid’s bed, it won’t mess around with the other stuff you store on shelves, desks or tables. Which means you’ll still have enough space to keep everything else organized.

Other storage ideas

  • Take advantage of desk space: If your children have a large desk, it can be converted into a storage area where they will put their recent crafts and – why not – their craft supplies. Considering that the desk is positioned near a wall, you can also use the wall space to hang some of their best craft projects. Use storage organizers, such as shelves, bins and baskets, drawers, containers, carts, holders, etc., to hold all items. You can find a variety of storage containers online and anywhere else in brick-and-mortar stores.
  • Use clean bags: This Hoopla project is another amazing idea to store your kids’ crafts but you will have to put some work into it. Make as many bags as necessary to hold and organize your children’s crafts and enjoy the beauty. They can be hung on a wall anywhere in the room.

As much as you want to, you can’t display all your children’s crafts, but it doesn’t mean you should get rid of them. Use these organization and storage ideas to keep everything in place. Get creative and who knows what you will come up with. It’s going to be fun for your kids, too.

Contributed thanks to Anna Aamone. Anna runs a small company called DeluxeCleaners SW5 and loves to write about parenting.

Shoe rack with umbrella stand keeps floors clean

This shoe rack  with umbrella stand works double duty. 

The rain keeps coming here in Michigan, and soon enough it will be snow. Now is the best time to prepare for muddy shoes and wet umbrellas in your home. Shoe racks are always a great way to protect your floors from the mud, salt, water and miscellaneous mess that gets tracked in every day.

Tidy up your foyer, mudroom or entryway with this two-in-one shoe rack and umbrella stand. Crafted from solid wood, this rack best stores between 8 – 12 pairs of shoes. Four slatted shelves are perfect for sneakers, heels, boots and more. Each shelf measures 18 inches wide and 11.5 inches deep.

The side bin features a bottom metal tray to collect water and other debris. Easily tuck away umbrellas, canes and more. This rack is perfect in front rooms or even tucked in closets underneath hanging coats.