unfortunately, the beginning of 2010 has me battling an epic cold, so the first few diys are going to be simple, mellow projects that you can do on a sick day or in front of a movie. i know that resolutions are kind of overwhelming, but i find that taking the time to complete a couple organization projects early really helps things go easier throughout the year.
i purchased one of those grocery list pads one year and while it was very cute, i found problems with it. it had a lot of things i never buy and not enough space to add things i always buy (like soy sausage and earl grey tea). plus the pad was so heavy it ripped and fell of my fridge…bummer. so i thought it would be fun to make a personalized grocery planner that i will always want to use because it is specific to my needs. i made a menu format and a simple list format; i plan to try out both. the majority of time spent on this project was on the computer, typing up the right list. after that, the cute clipboard and matching pen box are a snap. the pen box also holds all grocery receipts to help with budgeting: an organizational bonus! here’s to a healthy organized 2010! (as i cough and blow my nose for the hundredth time…) have fun! -kate
*DOWNLOADABLE versions of kate’s lists have been added below!
CLICK HERE for the full how-to after the jump!
materials:
1. clipboard
2. magnetic pen box (available at office supply stores, or you can make one out of a tin soup can or tin spice box, etc.)
3. pretty paper (mine is from the paper source)
4. spray adhesive
5. exacto knife
6. scissors
7. adhesive magnet tape (these come in dots and rolls, i recommend the roll that you can cut)
cost:
(you probably have some of this stuff on hand)
clipboard: $5
paper: $2
magnet tape: $4
magnetic box: $2
spray adhesive: $7 (this stuff is pricey but it is very useful and a can will last you a while)
time:
1 hour (unless you obsess on the list making, like i did)
instructions:
for the grocery list:
1. plan out the most useful grocery list format for your lifestyle. do you need a menu planner section? do you buy the same stuff all the time and eat a lot of the same meals (that’s me)? do you have a list of weekly staples and like to keep the rest open? design a grocery list that makes sense for you and either hand write it or type it up. when you are happy with it, make a few copies.
DOWNLOAD KATE’S LISTS HERE:
-grocery list
-menu grocery list
-grocery list items
for the clipboard and pen box:
1. trace the back of your clipboard on the back of the paper. cut out the shape leaving a half inch border around the tracing lines.
2. spray the paper with a thin, even coat of spray adhesive and carefully smooth the paper glue side down onto the front of the clipboard. hold up the clip and smooth the paper underneath. then use the exacto blade to cut off the excess paper around the clip shape. if you mess up or rip the paper, you can cut a small patch out of your extra paper and glue it into place.
3. cut small slits in the corners of the paper that is hanging off the edges of the clipboard. this will allow the edges to fold down flatter around the corners. wrap the edges of the paper around the edges of the clipboard and press against the back to adhere. add a little glue if necessary.
4. wrap the magnetic box or tin can like a present so you can see how much paper you need, but don’t adhere it. cut that shape out of the paper and then spray the can or box with the spray adhesive.
5. re-wrap the box or can with the paper, making all seam neat and in the back of the box. trim any excess paper.
6. if you need to add a strip of magnetic tape to your pen container, cut a small strip form the magnet roll and peel off the paper backing to reveal the sticky adhesive side. press against the back of your container.
7. cut three or four strips of the magnet tape that are an inch shorter than the width of the clipboard. attach three strips near the top of the backside of the clipboard, and one strip near the bottom on the backside.you need multiple strips because the clipboard is too heavy for just one strip. four holds it quite firmly.
8. position your clipboard and box and clip in your grocery planner sheets.
YOU’RE DONE!
