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Friday Favorites::What’s in a Jar?

January 13, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Organize, Tips & Resources, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

Collecting Jar’s is nothing new to me!

I’ve got a lovely collection of vintage and new jars I use for decor as well as storage and display.

Jars, Infinity Jars

What is it about Jar’s that I love so much?

Large or small, old or new I love how glass jars capture the light. I love that while holding objects of adoration, you can see their contents and keep them safe. I use jars for flower arrangements and terrarium’s, leftovers and spices, and all kinds of kitchen goods.

Jars, infinity Jars

I keep all manner of collections in Jars, from butterflies and feathers to buttons and pins and I use them in practically every room of my home.

Jars, infinity jars jars, infinity jars

There’s practically nothing that can not be kept in a jar or at least displayed for a short period. But sometimes, the light that creates such a beautiful display can also harm the contents of the jar. Things like oils, herbs, and other organic matter can break down more quickly if exposed to air and light. Some of these same contents are too precious to trust to plastic containers. I’ve seen and used lovely colored glass jars and have read about how darker glass offers more UV protection than clear.

What's in a Jar?

Most of the dark jars I’ve found don’t have lids and probably are not the cleanest. I’m happy to look at them but probably wouldn’t want to store certain items in them.

What's in a Jar?

The darker the glass the better protection but until recently I hadn’t seen any contemporary glass makers creating black (or almost) jars.

Lucky for me, last year some beautiful black glass jars found their way to me! The Infinity Jar company got in touch with me and asked me if I had ever used their jars or if I would like to give them a try. While I did purchase some jars from them, in full disclosure I will share that they offered me a few to try for free!

As an organizer, I come across and use all kinds of containers and these jars are really pretty amazing.

I selected a variety of styles to use for kitchen, bath and other goods.

What's in a Jar?

These jars are thick and sturdy and appear to be black but when held up to the light you can see that they are a very dark blue, blocking the UVA rays (more about the science of these jars here).

Jars, Infinity Jars

Since I like to keep olive oil on my counter and handsoap on my sink, I used a couple of the jars (the spout and pump jars) in the kitchen.

What's in a Jar?

Since the bathroom is humid and the temperature fluctuates I decided on a few jars to store homemade herbal soak, scrub and room spray (essential oils). I formerly kept these items hidden away in a dark closet off the bathroom because I didn’t want the quality to degrade but now I can keep them conveniently right where I can use them daily.

What's in a Jar?

I’ve been using them now for a few months and I love them. They are more expensive than your average jar but if you have items that you’ve handmade and want to keep the contents fresh the are a valuable investment. If you want to display everyday items in beautiful style, check these jars out. There are so many sizes and styles to choose from. I even have a tiny spray bottle I keep in my purse for a quick energy spray to lift my mood. If you give them a try, or have already, please let me know what you think! Do you love a good jar as much as I do?What's in a Jar?

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Five Common Filing System Mistakes

January 9, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Digital Organizing, Organize, Paper management, Productivity, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources, Uncategorized 1 Comment

The first response I usually have when someone asks “what do you organize” is “Paperwork”. After working my way through hundreds of hours of paperwork these are the five common filing mistakes that I notice again and again.

common filing mistakes

If your files are digital you can apply the same process to your digital systems. 

The first mistake I notice is  have NO system at all, bags and/or boxes are a jumbled mess. There can be many reasons for not having a system, including lack of “office” space or some kind of interruption in physical health or home (moving, remodeling etc). Some people don’t need a whole filing cabinet but even the paperwork minimalist’s should have a small fire safe box of essential documents at minimum.

The second mistake (this one doesn’t apply to digital files so you can skip it!) some make because they don’t like the look of filing cabinets or don’t think they can afford the space in their homes. There are a ton of attractive file drawers, some made to look like furniture and in complete disguise. If you don’t end up needing a whole file cabinet, just a drawer or a box may do just fine. I did a round up of stylish filing cabinets here if you’re looking for some ideas.

The third mistake I see are overly complicated systems. Most people don’t need more than 10-20 over-arching categories (finance, vehicles, investments, medical, insurance etc) with sub-categories under each. In this way, it’ becomes easy to go to the “financial” section and find the specific bank or investment you’re looking for. Create a quick list of the paperwork you tend to keep and group them by category for an idea of what your system may need to include. This works equally well for digital files and sub-files.

The example below is beautifully labeled but the “Alphabetical” system is so detailed without broad categories that it may be impossible for anyone but the person who created it to find anything. That’s something to keep in mind, be sure other people using the system will also be able to understand it. Too much detail or too complicated=total frustration & a failed system!

common filing mistakes

The less you have, the less you have to maintain and the easier it is to find what you need when you need it.

The fourth mistake (similar to third) is systems that are too vague and don’t capture categories clearly. A box labeled “files” or paperwork is one such example, when you open it, you can’t find anything because there is no order to what you’re keeping. I go into more detail here about creating filing categories.

The fifth and final mistake I’ll mention is that some people may never become “filers”. For such folks, using a binder or other creative filing system may be the key. common filing mistakes

Striking the right balance when creating a filing system can be the key to maintaining it. There are a lot of different filing systems out there including tickler systems, the Freedom filer and more but in my experience, it’s finding the most simple system for the paperwork you need to keep that will work best for you. One category that everyone should keep on hand are vital documents. Check out my post that break’s down the essentials everyone needs to keep on hand and safe.

 

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Word of the Year::Acceptance

January 4, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Inspiration & Education, Planning & Goals, Wellness & Mindset

The word that has discovered me for 2017 is Acceptance.

“Acceptance is a virtue that doesn’t require any form of doing in the “physical sense” of the word, it’s a chosen way of being.”–The Power of Acceptance

After quite a few years of selecting a word of the year, the process has become more fluid. I use some of the tools I listed at the bottom of this post but I’ve come to discover my word by taking a meandering path, jotting down words that stand out to me and letting them sit with me for some time until my word for the year reveals it’self like a beacon. Over the past two years, I have noticed this is especially true. I have chosen words that are on the periphery, I dance around the edges until I can simplify the feeling that I’m trying to get to the truth of and voila, my word pop’s out to me while reading or talking to others. I write the word down, near all the others and continue to let it sink in. But I usually know it when I discover it, or really…my word discovers me!

[Read more…]

In The Studio:: 2016 Artist Studio Round Up

December 29, 2016 by Heather Filed Under: Art, Art & Design, In the Studio, Inspiration & Education, Organize Leave a Comment

A Look Back at 2016’s Artists and Their Studios

It would be no exaggeration to say that 2016 has been a roller coaster of surprising loops and turns at every corner. But, as always, in all the hubbub we can find organization among the chaos. Through the In The Studio Artist Interview Series we have been introduced to a spectrum of creatives in Charleston, Gatlinburg, New York and NC. These 15 artists work in a range of media from ceramics artists, painters, jewelry makers, and taxidermists to name only a handful. In every studio, we learn something new about the creative process through the eyes of the artists and their innovative, unconventional, or surprisingly conventional ways they craft the spaces they call home. Read on for some of this year’s highlights as you take a stroll through the 2016 Artist Studio Round Up.

“It’s a benefit of working from home, getting to be around things that inspire me, including my dogs and my collection of taxidermy and artwork.” – Becca Barnet 

2016 Artist Studio Round Up“I realized in my 30’s that I had been one my whole life.” – Joanne Davis-Woods on when she realized she was an artist

2016 Artist Studio Round Up“I feel as though an awakening has begun in me as an artist since the day I moved in. I wish I had known what playing well with others was like years ago.” – Stephen Elliott Webb on working at Redux

2016 Artist Studio Round Up“It all evolved organically, my new studio was so different than my past studio, so it did not influence my new space; a new vision, a new label, a new space – liberating!” – Leigh Magar

2016 Artist Studio Round Up“I do have a little altar and I keep several talismans which have meaning to me and tiny objects d’art I like, the green daughter goddess, Tara, and fabric patterns designed by William Morris.  I also hang quotes that represent concepts I want to digest.  It’s just a little corner but it has lots of meaning for me.  I keep fresh flowers around, too.” – Mary Carol Koester on the inspirational oddities in her studio

2016 Artist Studio Round Up“I have a lot of rocks and books and records, but this is part of my journey.  It’s my home so none of it overwhelms me.  I like to be reminded of my family and my past, even if it’s painful.” – Lala Abaddon

2016 Artist Studio Round Up“I didn’t know I was an artist until maybe last year. It’s always a question in my mind, but lately I stopped judging whether I am an artist based on my output and realized that it’s a state of mind and a permanent fixed part of my existence.” – Tim Hussey

2016 Artist Studio Round Up“Limitations and discipline are essential to success more in the outside world in terms of exhibiting. In the studio I have a pretty focused aesthetic so projects are paused immediately when I see them going a different direction than the original intent.” – Andrew Guenther on limitations to fuel the creative process

2016 Artist Studio Round Up“I use true classical dyes and processes that have been used to color fabric throughout history. The plants I use In my process are ones that have been proven over time to to age beautifully and with integrity. It is also important that the body of work I leave behind was made without harming the planet.” – Barbara Zaretsky on leaving behind a legacy

2016 Artist Studio Round Up“I felt like people saw me as an artist, or the guy who made art, from an early stage, but I didn’t fully embrace that until I went to Italy for the first time. It was a gut punch in a good way.” – Case Jernigan

2016 Artist Studio Round Up“Everything is in sight. I find materials to be very inspiring and having them in sight is important. In fact, when designing the space for the fiber studio at the college I teach at, I specifically requested yarn shelving that was visible and accessible from all locations of the room. ” – Amy Putansu on studio organization

2016 Artist Studio Round Up“I have always found comfort in objects, and that’s a huge part of why I make functional pottery. I collect vintage melamine dinnerware which I have in my studio and find constant inspiration in. I am a sucker for old rusted tin and metal objects. These objects have such an incredible embedded history through its weathered surface, a surface that I seek within my own work.” – Austin Riddle

2016 Artist Studio Round Up“I don’t like to limit myself to any certain material, but I typically work with a lot of paper, fabric, and other easily accessible and relatively inexpensive supplies. I try to be conscious of my footprint when I make, so I really enjoy reusing things and turning ordinary found objects into something a little extra-ordinary. ” – Emily Schubert

2016 Artist Studio Round Up“I like covering my working surfaces in butcher paper and then writing notes and lists on the paper. I can also section off pieces on different parts of the paper and write notes or sketch around the piece. ” – Maia Lepo on keeping the process in check

2016 Artist Studio Round Up“I do tend to wander for two or three days before getting to work when I have been away from the studio. I call it the “dog bed-making  process” – circling several times before settling in!” – Lese Corrigan on personal artistic rituals

2016 Artist Studio Round Up

Each studio visit leaves us with a new perspective and appreciation for artists and their work. As 2016 comes to a close it is wonderful to be able to look back at the wonderful artists who were so gracious with their time and space. This compassion and energy excites me for the studio visits to come in 2017.  Stay tuned for even more inspirational artists as we gear up for the In The Studio Artist Interview Series for 2017.

Know of an artist that you think should be featured in the new year? Perhaps it’s you! If so, drop me a line. And, of course, happy holidays and see you in the New Year!

 

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Festive Felicitations!

December 23, 2016 by Heather Filed Under: Uncategorized 2 Comments

Festive felicitations

I wish you Festive Felicitations in this season of sparkles, generosity and peace.

Festive felicitations

I just celebrated the solstice with a lovely little ritual I have come to love, releasing anything I feel is a burden, both physical and emotional by burning them in the solstice fire. I have burned old journals, tax returns, artwork/designs and thoughts that no longer serve me. Festive felicitations

When we release something, we open up space, in our homes and in our hearts!

Festive felicitations

Festive felicitations

I want to share not just a sense of celebration but congratulations to you in all that you have accomplished this year! I hope you have everything in order to bring you great peace and comfort over the coming holidays.

Festive felicitations

Festive felicitations

Let’s not forget the magic of the season, which lives in our hearts. It’s all about love & Joy!

Festive felicitations

All photo’s are from this year’s visit to the James Island County park Festival of Lights! Hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy capturing them! I love playing with light through my lens as if “painting with light”!

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