Friday, January 13, 2012

Utter Clutter...and my very first giveaway!

Winter has finally hit here; snow is on the ground, and swirling around the corners of the house. With the exception of a trip to the library, I'm cozying in and watching it out the windows of my sunroom. I think I'll make a cup of tea and grab one of those books I picked out this morning. Sounds like a relaxing way to spend the afternoon right? Well here's a picture of what my sunroom (which is also my craft/sewing room) looks like right now. 


There is no way I can relax in this room. Here's another angle:


I didn't move a thing for this picture. And here's a close up of my desk:


Have you ever seen such a disorganized mess?

So for 2012, I've chosen a theme word:

CREATE

And to start with, I'm going to create space. Peaceful space. Space where I can relax, think, read, sew and well...create!

Here's the book I've been reading since the beginning of the year. I read it for the first time years ago and thought it was motivating and inspiring, and boy do I need some motivation and inspiration right now.


To celebrate the start of a new year, I'm giving away a new copy of this book to one of you! To win, all you have to do is make a comment on this post. Where do you need to clear clutter in your home or life? My guess is we all have certain areas that continue to give us trouble! I'm starting in my sun room and will keep a count of how many things I throw/give away (and I'm starting with this book!). It's amazing how freeing it can be!

If you know someone else that might be motivated by this book, let them know to stop by and make a comment. I'll randomly draw the winning name next Friday, January 20. Be sure to leave an e-mail address so I can contact you if you're the winner. 

I'll update you on my progress as I create peaceful space in this room. I want to give it a complete makeover--on a budget of course! But for now, I'm going to ignore the clutter, grab that cup of tea and watch the snow fall.



43 comments:

camp and cottage living said...

Betsy
What a sweet creative space!
The place I need tp get rid of clutter is my loft. Everything seems to get carted up there!
I love your give away, but live in Canada. So good luck to one of the lucky ladies!

Unknown said...

Betsy,
I so can realte to this!!!! I am also redoing my room and getting rid of things, it feels so good to have the space. I see we both have the tin barn...I got mine after seeing it in the Farm CHicks Xmas book.....I LOVE your red/white polka dot oilcloth! Take it a bit at a time....you can get this done soon, I am sure of it! Have a great weekend! I love how sunny your room is! Thanks ofr the chance for the book, I would love to have it! Sandy

Unknown said...

Betsy,
Another thing...what is the paint color in your room? Just love it too! Sandy

Shirley Hatfield said...

I am struggling with trying to get organized and get the decorations for my daughter's wedding done. I've tried setting goals for the day, but lack of sleep is keeping me from having enough enthusiasm to follow-through. I just want to get things done with a minimum of tears! =D (mine...and a certain other who shall remain nameless.)

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

It's my craft room...study! I get so many projects started at the same time that I can't work on any of them! I have a quilt on the floor now...nice! heehee! I could really use the book! Love your cute chickies and all of the pretty things on your shelves! Thanks! ♥♥♥

Anonymous said...

So happy to happen upon your blog...love finding other Hoosiers!

The Cottage Market {Andrea} ♥ said...

it is my life long struggle! getting organized just doesn't seem to have been programmed into my dna!!!!!! i love your creative space and i wish you tons of fun doing your thing...now does that book come in a kicked up version? you know like throw out 1150 things...then we are talking!!! : ) lol!!! LOVE IT! thanks for sharing...a post from the heart...hugs

My Vintage Mending said...

Do not laugh...my OCD causes me to compulsively clean so I have the complete opposite problem. I rarely relax and just create without cleaning up first....smiles...Renee

donna said...

I totally understand. My sewing room is a mess. I keep trying to organize it and reorganize it to make room for more things. You lucky girl getting to relax and watch the snow fall.
Hugs
donna

Sarah said...

I like that Jack is in the first picture looking out the window.

Mecky said...

Your room is cute! I will have to check out the book! Looks good.
The place in my house that I need to declutter the most is my bedroom, starting with the closet. It's the first place I should start but always ends up last!

Shannon@Cozy Home Scenes said...

I sure wouldn't want to show any space in my house right now. My excuse is that I've been very busy and have gotten behind. We also have been rearranging some rooms and they are not finished. I really would love to own the book.-------- Shannon

M.L. @ The House of Whimsy said...

Hee-hee! I laughed out loud when I read your, "I'm not worthy"! :-D
Don't be fooled by that old photo of my garage. I could definitely use this book, as well.
Thanks for stopping by.
M.L.

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

Your room still looks like such a creative place, just look at all those goodies! My garage will always be the place that needs the most help. I keep the mess out there and it really shows! I need to read this book from cover to cover. Thanks so much for this fun giveaway.

Diane Mars said...

Ok Betsy.. I must admit the title sounds like just the perfect recipe for me... so if I do win I will keep the book for myself! LOL Diane

EllenaElizabeth said...

He he the sentiments of Throw Out Fifty Things is good but that's how I like my collections...cluttered. It's taken me years to build it up and it means too much. I only have the things around me I like anyhow.
I love the look of your room. Be interested to know which 50 things your throw out.

EllenaElizabeth said...

PS I forgot to add I can only work in a clean area. As soon as I finish a project like a quick card everything is put away and if something takes longer...say days, I still put it away when I am finished for the day. I cannot stand dis-order. I have a lot of things in my sewing/craft room but everything has a place and always goes back in the same place. I love the red and white polka dot side border on your blog...love spots!

Kris said...

Looks a lot like my sewing room right now! Know what you mean about the wallpaper thing! grrrrr!

retrorevival.biz said...

Well your space may be a bit cluttered, Betsy Anne, but it sure is pretty! Love the green walls and all the red & chicken accents ~ so happy!

~Cindy

magie said...

Enjoy your cup of tea :) It's always best to start with a good cup of tea, before tackling any job, I find.
I have been trying to tackle the odd job here and there around the house. The other day I managed to sort through my books and Dvd's and will donate some to the charity shop. My house is teeny tiny, so it doesn't take much for the clutter to get out of control :P
Keep us updated, and do show the room with it is finished :)

birdie blue said...

i'm sure you'll have that room whipped into shape in no time. spotted those little chickens on top of your cabinet, they're darling. did you know cath kidston has a new 'chicken range'? i think it might have your name written all over it.

xo
molly

Debi said...

I am like many I'm sure, as to where would I start decluttering. seems like I have good intentions but then I think I can surely use this someday. My husband saves stuff and he REALLY does use it. thanks for the give-a-way. Have a warm day.

Little Susie Home Maker said...

I love your words CREATE SPACE. That falls right in with me and my space. I never seem to have enough and crafting areas always tend to get very messy when I am working! Ha ha, you have such a pretty room, even with the clutter abound! Your little kitty is so adorable. I have a little yellow tabby that loves to watch me create, and then he likes to grab what he can steal for a new toy! He loved the pom poms I used at Christmas time!
Thank you for the peek into your creative space! And put me in for the drawing on the 50 things book! Sounds like great inspiration.
Many blessings,
Susie

Red Rose Alley said...

You think your craft/sewing room is messy and cluttered, but I think it is creative and wonderful. I have always wanted a crafting room. I have a spare bedroom, but I just use it as a guest bedroom. It would be so fun to have a place to do all my projects and crafts. I hope your room turns out bright and cheerful for you. Please show us when you're done.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

Ivy and Elephants said...

You've got the right idea. I need to declutter here as well, but for now I'd grab that cup of tea and count the snowflakes!
Patti

GardenOfDaisies said...

Just work on one little corner at a time and it will all get sorted out. Doesn't it feel great as you get rid of things and know you're making things clean enough to be creative! I need to work on my sewing room/office some more too. I already sorted quite a few things from the creative/sewing side last fall, but I have more to do on the office side.

Donna said...

Well, your sunroom is still adorable, even when cluttered. :)
I need to clean out my junk drawer!
hehehehehe
Donna

♥ my diary♥ said...

Nice post thanks for sharing...God bless you...

patchworkandlace said...

What a lovely blog you have ,im now a keen follower,thankyou for following me to and glad to have found you ,we have a lot in common x

♥ my diary♥ said...

thanks betsy for joining my blog im learning but your blog is beautiful and i can learn so much of it..glad with your friendship God bless you...loves soraya

Anonymous said...

Hi, I just found your blog,,, I LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE it :)

Carla said...

Yours looks better than my home office. I'm afraid of it. My cats are afraid of it too! But starting tomorrow, I will plow through it.

Lisa said...

I spent the week in between Christmas and New Year's cleaning out my kitchen cupboards! What a mess! I'm trying to work on a closet or cupboard a week. It's so rewarding when it's all organized and neat!

Elizabeth and Gary said...

Hi Betsy Anne,
Thank you so much for visiting me at "Home is Where the Heart is"
I love your blog and I see you love red like I do.
Gary and I have been cleaning closets and drawers and the dreaded garage! We hope to finish the garage this weekend.
I have enjoyed reading many of your posts and have become your newest followers.
Have a sweet day, Elizabeth

Marilyn said...

My daughter and her friend started to declutter for me over the holidays. Oh My! My life on the back of a trailer headed for the tip! They don't have the donate genes :) I could hardly bear to watch... soooo.. Ineed to declutter before they come back so that I know what I can part with..lol.
I need inspiration and motivation. :D
Count me in!
Marilyn

Erin said...

What a neat giveaway. I need to clear clutter in my 2 spare bedrooms.

Erin

Betsy said...

Hi everyone! Thanks for commenting and entering my giveaway. I noticed that some of you come up as no reply bloggers so I have no e-mail address or blog at which to reach you. If I draw your name I'll do my best to contact you. If you notice that you didn't provide an e-mail address, please feel free to comment again and include it.

Betsy

Christine Francke said...

What a great idea! I love your blog!
Best wishes from Christine in Denmark

Christine in Denmark said...

Hi, it's me again - if I am the lucky one my email address is
christine.francke@gmail.com

Fingers crossed!

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

I would love to win & could really use the book for motivation!

daylily777@gmail.com

Iowa Farmhouse Goods said...

Oh my, it's the office/craft room! For shame. Jan A. (iowafarmhousegoods@gmailDOTCOM

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