Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Organization can be fun!

I am attempting to get financially organized. I have everything I need to do so. I have the tools, I have the know how, but there is one thing I am lacking, it's the willpower. So this week I have been working on putting all of the tools I have too good use. You see them all above. My planner/calendar where I have organized my bills by week. My receipt Organizer and my debit card tracker. I know that these tools will only work if I use them everyday. So now it's time for the fun, I needed to make my accessories cute and fun!! 
So I took this fabric that I bought out at Hannah Johnson's last week. 

It is a heavy weight fabric too, so it was nice and sturdy. 1st project in the book cover for the planner. 

My fabric is 12 x 22, I also cut a piece of heavy weigh interfacing and ironed it on to the back. Then fold in all the edges about 1/4 inch and iron. You will then fold in the flap edge hem another 1/4 inch and sew.  
Next fold the top and bottom edge in about 1 1/4 inches and iron in place. 

Next crease your fabric where the permanent fold will be, then fold the right sides together at the crease on each side like the photo above. Sew in one inch at each edge to tack it in place, but be sure to leave the side open so it will act as a removable book cover. Turn and press. 
Then simply add your book. 
Ok Planner is now cute. Time for the receipt holder. I simply opened mine up and used it as a pattern. I cut out 2 pieces of fabric and one of the interfacing. Iron the interfacing on the wrong side of outside fabric. 

Put the wrong sides together and sew all the way around leaving one tab side open for turning. Turn and press, then sew the open tab side closed. 
Fold and press it together, use a strong hold fabric glue to glue the tabs to the inside flaps. 

Ok I am all set to keep my receipts in one place, imagine that, they wont be shoved here and there all over my purse and wallet. Last but not least is my debit card tracker, same as a check book register, only smaller for debit card use, who writes checks anymore?? The question should be who accepts checks anymore! 
I made this one just like the larger book cover, but on a smaller scale. 

Make sure to add a pocket to keep the debit card in too, if it's with the register you will be more likely to write it down, right???? 

And just for fun, since I had some fabric left over, I made a clutch too. Now I am all set. 

10 comments:

The Autocrat: Haley said...

What a great idea! The trick to put everything in the right place! LOL Love the fabric.

Sueann said...

I too love the fabric!! Great ideas and now you will be so organized...you won't recognize yourself!!!!
Hugs
SueAnn

Sarah {The Student Knitter} said...

too cute! I hope it helps your motivation. I have the same problem with financial planning. ugh. :)

the thrifty ba said...

even if you cant stay organized, carry these around anyhow! they are too cute!

Valerie said...

I think I'll follow your example. Maybe having something(s) this cute will help me stay organized!

Unknown said...

I love the fabric! Good luck with your financial venture. I am sure you will stay very organized!
Maybe I should think about that someday??

MarthaVA said...

Great ideas, great solutions! Love the owls.
Good luck with sticking with this. :-)
Martha

Sheri@childmade.com said...

Well done! Great tute! I'll have to try that for my son's schoolbooks next time. Thanks for sharing ... I've posted a link.

Karen said...

Whooo could resist those darling owls?=) Have fun organizing!

Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence said...

Ok, don't know if I can go as far as to say organization is fun, but it certainly can be adorable! Thanks for linking up to Beyond the Picket Fence's Under $100 Linky Party