Organization - Get Creative with BreeLeeD

Welcome to my first endeavor into the world of doing features! I'm very interested in how people organize their things, what kinds of creative solutions they come up with, and what kind of creative environment they create for themselves. In this series, I am exploring creative and/or thrifty organization solutions.

Today's interview is with Bree, of BreeLeeD, who is a fellow Etsy artist who makes quality fabric headbands, adorable zippered pouches, and a variety of other tidbits.

1. Tell us about your creative or thrifty organization solution.



I enjoy making upcycled pencil holders out of old cans. They're very simple and fun to make! Just clean a can very well and dry it with a cloth. Set it aside for several days; this ensures that the food scents are completely gone. Next, get some pretty scrapbooking papers, ribbon, Mod Podge, E6000 glue, a paintbrush and a toothpick. Using a light coat of Mod Podge on the can, attach the paper. You'll need to hold the paper in place for a few minutes. Once the Mod Podge is dry, use a toothpick and E6000 glue to attach a ribbon around the can. If you'd like a bow, just glue one on the top of the ribbon. That's it! It's a very thrifty and beautiful way to make your workspace more organized.

2. What motivated you to use this solution? Function, price, artistic appeal, going green?
I first started making pencil holders out of cans when I was in kindergarten. However, I used to cover them with rocks, lol. My new upcycled pencil holders take that same idea, but the level of creativity has been taken up a notch. Today, craft stores have such a variety of lovely papers and ribbons, that the idea of replacing rocks with paper just popped into my head. Upcycled pencil holders are very functional, super inexpensive to make and help the environment at the same time!

3. How does this solution compliment your creative space? I have several upcycle pencil holders - one on my sewing table and one on my desk. I even switch them out every now and then. The one I have on my sewing table helps keep things really tidy, as it holds my pens, pencils, seam gauge, seam ripper, and any other little things I can fit in it. The one I have right now, matches my teacup pin cushion.


If you'd like to learn more about this artist, please visit her Etsy shop, blog, or Flickr account.

Do you have a creative or thrifty organization solution? I'd love to hear about it! Perhaps you found a great old cabinet at a flea market, made a table from an old door, or use old hardware promotional baskets for sorting your wares. Please leave a comment, and I'll send you my short interview.