Organize Stationery

I used to be one of those shoebox people.  You know – odds and ends all got sorted into shoeboxes.  It was the most unattractive system imaginable, and I usually hid everything in the closet.  Yet it worked.  It was also really easy to pick up and haul every time Martin and I moved.  But lately I’ve been dreaming about a beautiful and organized desk that includes zero shoeboxes.

I have a little desk in Germany.  (You’ve seen a few glances at it when I’ve made this and this.)  We put all our attention on the kitchen and creating Martin’s desk in the living room where we’d have guests.  I was okay with that.  And I’m completely fine with making a dining table my current desk in the suburbs.  Except next week when we head for the hills, I’d like to put together something more attractive.  (I’m also banning any access to those drop-dead amazing office spaces companies like Pottery Barn create in their catalogues.  Those images do nothing for my effort toward simple living.  Sooo beautiful!)

To begin organizing a more attractive workspace, the first thing I did was start sewing fabric boxes like I saw in a library book.  (The Sometimes Crafter also put together a wonderful tutorial for similar fabric boxes.)  My favorite new box holds stationery (my top shoebox item before).  It’s such an easy, stylish way to display my cards and envelopes.  And don’t they fit just perfectly?  Plus my letter writing has multiplied with such easy access to pretty cards.

stationery-organizer

How do you store your stationery?  I’m still trying to organize our envelopes and limited larger cards, so please share away!  We’d love to hear about the stationery situation at your house.

And did you notice?  I used the same fabric as my pencil holders from this tutorial.  Looking clever already, no?

(Image for Making This Home)