Spring cleaning can be an intimidating task, especially when it comes to your work space. There’s your craft closet where you just throw everything all winter long and your desk that is starting to look a bit messy. So let’s take a deep breath, download a cleaning checklist printable and take the opportunity to try a brand new DIY project. This hanging storage bag is the perfect organizer for paintbrushes, washi tape and everything you have on your desk.
Materials + Tools:
– fabric
– matching thread
– twine
– pins
– fabric scissors
– ruler
– wooden or plastic dowel
– sewing machine
Instructions:
1. Measure a rectangle that’s 17 x 23 inches, and cut it out.
2. Now cut out a rectangle that’s 6 x 18 inches and repeat to create two other large strips.
3. Take your strips and fold the top of the long edge over about 1/2 inch. Pin it in place and sew.
4. Repeat step 3, but this time fold the bottom edge over.
5. Place your strips over the big rectangle, and sew as shown below to create your pockets.
6. Turn the rectangle so that the back is facing you. Fold the left, bottom and right edges over about one inch. Pin and sew in place.
7. Fold over the top edge about two inches and sew again to create a loop for your plastic dowel.
8. Measure the center point of the organizer, and use your sewing machine to sew from top to bottom. Just be sure to leave the loop open.
9. Insert your dowel, and tie the twine.
First measure a rectangle that’s 17 x 23 inches, and cut it out. This will be the base of your organizer. Now, it’s time to think about the pockets. Cut out three rectangles that are 6 x 18 inches. Then, take your strips and fold the top of the long edge over about 1/2 inch to create a hem. Pin it in place and sew. Repeat with the bottom edge.
Now, place the pockets over the base rectangle and sew as shown above. Then, turn the rectangle so that the wrong side is facing you and fold the left, bottom and right edge over about one inch. Pin them in place, and sew using your sewing machine. Next fold over the top edge as well, and sew to create a loop that’s more or less two inches wide. This is where you’ll insert your plastic dowel.
Find and mark the center point of the organizer, and sew a straight line from top to bottom. Just be sure to leave the loop open. Finally insert the plastic dowel and tie the twine. Voilà ! You’re ready to hang the storage bag :)
The pockets are perfect for notebooks, pens and knick-knacks.
This post is kitty-cat approved :)
How are you updating your desk during spring cleaning this year? Follow us on Pinterest for more easy ways to refresh your space this spring.
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.