Wednesday 19 September 2012

Summer to Autumn Wardrobe Declutter

As sad as it may be...Autumn is nearly here and Summer will become a distant memory.  Don't despair .... this is the perfect time to declutter your wardrobe!!

Here are a couple of steps on how to reorganise, get rid and get wearing your winter woolies again:

  1. Take out all Spring/Summer inspired clothing items/accessories from your wardrobe and lay them out on your bed or floor
  2. Create a yes, no, maybe pile of these items.  No items (such as things you haven't even worn this summer or items that you would be embarrassed to give to a friend can go to the charity shop or a clothing recycling point).  Be ruthless and try and decrease the items in the maybe pile
  3. With your 'yes' pile sort into categories like skirts, shorts, beachwear, dresses etc.  Set aside a vac pac bag (try these from http://www.lakeland.co.uk/p20960/Pack-Mate%C2%AE-Stack-%26-Vac-Bags from Lakeland) or plastic boxes (so many boxes to choose from http://www.plasticboxshop.co.uk/home-storage-109-c.asp) and fill each container with the same category. Make sure you label the bag or box
  4. Find some space to store your Summer clobber - perhaps you have some space under your bed, in another wardrobe, shelving or even the garage/loft (make sure the boxes/bags are completely sealed) and completely forget about these items....unless you plan to go away to an exotic location during our colder months!
  5. At this point you probably have so much more space available inside the wardrobe! Get out your winter warmers - jumpers, cardigans, scarves, tights, jeans etc.
  6. Try and hang everything up in category or colour to make your job easier in the morning when you can't quite figure out what to wear!
  7. Make sure accessories are easy to reach but neatly stored in storage boxes or drawers
  8. Sit back, relax, have a cuppa and admire your decluttered wardrobe :)

Hope this helps to get you organised...why don't you try and declutter your wardrobe this weekend?  Would love to hear from you if you do!

Until next time....

Olivia x

Sunday 9 September 2012

How to make a fabulous food cover!

Sam Vaughan-Stephens has kindly given some instructions to make a great food cover! Sam runs "Eclectic Avenue" where she sells Vintage, Retro, Restored and Handmade loveliness for you and your home. Check out and like her Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/Gotoeclecticavenue/info


Image 1. Ordinary Glass fruit bowls  
 

 


Image 2. Using masking tape mark the centre of the bowl with a pencil. This will be the guide for your drilling.
 
 

 

Image 3. Place the bowl (right way up) onto the surface of where you will drill, placing a block of wood under your bowl so as not to damage your table/surface. Using a diamond drill bit – Slowly and carefully begin to drill through the centre of your bowl, holding the drill steady. Whilst you are drilling be sure to keep the drill bit wet as this will keep it cool and prolong the use.  This process can be tricky so take your time.  
 
 

 

Image 4. Once you have drilled through your bowl – using a funky drawer pull of your choice, screw through the hole.
 
 

 

Image 5. You may find that the thread is too long on your drawer pull, and you don’t want it squishing into your cakes or cheeses!!  Very carefully you will need to saw off the excess thread using a hacksaw or angle grinder.  (Tip. When sawing keep the nut on the thread- once you have finished cutting unscrew the nut to re-set the thread)
 
 

 

Image 6. The Result- A Funky homemade food cover, teamed up with a pretty Vintage plate or chunky wooden chopping board. Will make a great conversation piece at any Vintage Tea Party!!
 
 
Hope you enjoy making the above - I think it looks great!
 
Olivia x