...would you rather live in this overcrowded, broken blue basket that frustrates Mummy because things fall out and it looks so untidy...
...or in this fancy fabric covered box that fits everything and looks so neat?
(I don't think poor little piglet understood the question!)
Because the kids are quickly accumulating a collection of little toys, the tin and basket they were thrown into were no longer doing the job. And while I love finding hippos under the couch, pigs in the kitchen drawers, people in my handbag and monkies in the ducts, when it's time to pack up, I wanted them to have a place to call their home that also made things look tidy (I live in hope!).
I loved the look and feel of the barns I made the kids for their birthday, so some thinking, planning, drawing, angsting, testing, fiddling and sewing produced these fabric covered boxes.
I used 3mm plywood, covered with a heavy denim and a cotton lining. The border around the top has a layer of pellon so it is soft to touch and will be a little more forgiving than uncovered plywood if accidently fallen on!
When deciding on the size, I made them to fit neatly into the shelves in the kids' room,
(look how neat they look.... sadly, this makes me happy!)
but they are also easy to grab to go out on the verandah for some serious playing!
23 comments:
Tha baskets are lovely - I hoe they encourage in the cleaning. Those barns were pretty darn cute too. So many nice things here for my first visit - I wil no doubt be back.
Yeah, I like the box. Really nice and creative.
Wow they look fantastic
Awesome storage there - you could rival IKEA - are the covers washable?, or was it only my kids who liked to keep broken bikkies and random crusts in with their toys?
I hereby dub you the DIY queen. So lovely, and so neat. You may as well make it look nice on the outside, even if the inside is chaos! So, did you have to wield a saw and hammer?
Oh that tidy scene makes me feel so happy too.
They are brilliant! Now you just gotta teach the little ones to pack up after they play.
Ohhhhhhh!! I LOVE them!!! you can come to my house & help solve storage issues here too!! You are so clever :)
Uncluttered house space makes for an uncluttered head space I think, and might possibly make me feel like I am a grown up again in my house not being surrounded by toys when i am 'relaxing'!! (not sure what that word means really) Love them. Peta
they look fabulous. that photo with them stored away in the shelving looks like a page out of a magazine 'in style' innovative toy boxes....just beautiful.
Those are so inspiring. That's craft at its best, I think: making something practical and beautiful that will make life better. (I like craft for non practical reasons, too, but I'm trying to be tidier). Very well done.
These are great Nikki, the pig will get it soon enough! I still have fabric and other supplies to make similar boxes for Miss G's room - I got them before she was born....
One day!
I completely understand why the neatness makes you happy!! I think it makes you feel a little more in control of the inevitable mess children seem to make without even trying! I have days where I just can't stand looking at messes a moment longer and all of a sudden I start planning how I can become more organised. It's usually when the rest of the family start to hide from me!!!
I've tackled all of my bathroom cupboards recently, which now look so much nicer all neatened up into their boxes. The playroom and study are a constant work in progress (I work and work and don't seem to make any progress) and I've started to organise both my recipes and crafty patterns into folders.
Now I've finished ranting... your boxes are gorgeous! Well done!
OOO, those are really cool!
My twins' toys live in messy overflowing plastic tubs which frustrate me daily. I think you've inspired (shamed) me into making something so much nicer. Those are way cool!
(I'm not showing my twins your blog - as soon as they learn to talk they'll complain that THOSE twins are our age and THEIR Mum makes them REALLY COOL barns and stuff! I just make them boring old clothes.)
Oooooh fantastic job!
I must bookmark this for making things for my sisters bubba (not due until Jan - I'm organised!)
Yay ! I love those boxes , clever girl !
Gee your a proactive little dynamite aren't you? Great job, and a great idea too, loved them.
Don't worry, it makes me happy too - I pick the fabric covered boxes - well done. I remember all those little bits and pieces.
I am sure all the little toys will say Thank you for giving them such great stylish boxes!They look very nice that is a great idea Nikki!
Like everyone else I am very impressed with the beautiful boxes. Love the choice of fabric and the practical padding on the edges. Very clever! (Maybe you should write a tutorial??)
And as someone who is frequently suffering the effects of standing on a bit of Lego or a matchbox car, I can totally see why toys sitting neatly in shelves would make you happy!!
I'm sure piggy is very happy in his awesome new home, even if he is a little slow...
How gorgeous do your little blondies look playing with the boxes! :)
*Clapping Loudly* Can you hear me clapping!!?? They look great and function perfectly!! 10 outa 10 Girl!!
xo Steph
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