Scroll to the bottom of the page to access the free files!
Happy New Year! It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything on my blog and I thought an organization-related post would be a fun way to kick off the new year.
I have chosen two words/phrases this year to focus on, and they are ORGANIZE + BE PRESENT.
In terms of organizing, I’m trying to purge/organize one cupboard, drawer, closet, etc. a week until I’m finished with the entire house.
This week’s project was my spice drawer. It wasn’t super expensive, and I’m really pleased with how it turned out. Instead of purchasing labels on Etsy or Amazon, I designed my own and used my Silhouette machine (a die cut crafting machine) and love them! I shared the SVG files that will work if you have a Silhouette or Cricut. I used the Silhouette brand sticker paper that you can find on Amazon or at Hobby Lobby. If you don’t have a die cut machine, I included the PDF file. You can print out the file on sticker paper and cut it out with scissors or a paper cutter. Scroll to the bottom to find the files to download.
Here are the steps I took to transform my spice drawer. I have to say, every time I open it up it makes me so so happy!!
SUPPLY LIST:
- Clear glass spice jars (comes with a little funnel)
- Drawer liners
- Sticker paper
- Clear drawer organizer for spices
- Silhouette or Cricut (or traditional printer and straight-edge cutter).
- Downloaded files (find them below!)
Side note: I purchased a Silhouette when I was planning my wedding in 2016. To save money, I DIY’d place cards and signage and have used it so much more than I could ever imagined! If you are a crafty mom (or dad!), teacher, grandparent, host a lot of events, etc, I highly recommend it! You can get an idea of types of projects you can use it for on Pinterest. I have used it for everything from making personalized hats with heat transfer vinyl for a bachelorette party to cute tags for halloween treat bags. I don’t have a Cricut and have never used one, but it’s my understanding that they do pretty much the same thing. I will say that there is a slight learning curve, and you do have to learn to use the computer software. You can create your own designs or purchase them on Etsy if you prefer.
HOW TO ORGANIZE AND BEAUTIFY YOUR SPICE DRAWER
1. PURCHASE SUPPLIES: I purchased clear glass spice bottles on Amazon. Be sure to count how many spices you have so you purchase the correct number of glass jars. I didn’t buy enough the first time and had to stop mid-project while I waited for more jars.I think you could also reuse glass spice jars you already have if you cleaned them out and soaked the labels off in warm water.
Major hack: the generic spices at Walmart are very affordable and come in the same bottle as the ones I used. I was out of tarragon, so I added it to my Walmart grocery delivery and was so excited when the label easily peeled off, so all I had to do is put a new sticker on the bottle. I didn’t have to buy a separate bottle or dump spices out into the new bottle. I linked the Tarragon I got below!
2. MAKE SPICE JAR LABELS: I included download links to the labels I designed below. You can use the SVG file with your Silhouette or Cricut, or the PDF if you are using a regular printer. Be sure to buy white sticker paper.
3. DUMP EXPIRED SPICES: This step is third for a reason. If you plan on replacing your expired spices, you’re still going to want to create a label and have a jar for the spices you are tossing because you will be replacing them (either immediately or eventually). I emptied my spice drawer and dumped any expired spices or spices that were close to expiring.
4. SET A CALENDAR REMINDER: My plan is to dump all the jars out every January because fresh spices are way better than expired ones. Also, these jars don’t have expiration dates so I think this will be a good way to make sure nothing in my spice drawer is way past its prime. I set a calendar reminder one year out so that I would remember!
5. CLEAN OUT DRAWERS: I used my Dyson vacuum to suck out any crumbs in the drawer and then used a magic eraser to remove scuffs and stains. Then, I used a damp cloth with soap to really get them spotless.
6. CUT AND INSERT DRAWER LINERS: I like really plain ones that are clear or match the inside of the drawer. I used ones similar to these.
7. INSERT CLEAR SPICE ORGANIZER: If you don’t have a spice drawer, you could also get these clear spice racks for your pantry or you could use these acrylic shelves if you have the wall space. I love this option but just have no where to put them!
8. ATTACH LABEL TO GLASS BOTTLE AND ADD SPICE/SEASONING (REPEAT UNTIL COMPLETE): Instead of attaching all of the labels first and then going back and adding the spices, I encourage you to add each label then add each spice. That way, you’re not digging through 40+ bottles looking for “Oregano” (trust me on this one!) It’s much easier to just find and peel off the sticker for the corresponding spice.
9. POUR SPICES INTO GLASS JARS: The glass jar set I purchased came with a little funnel, but after using it a couple of times I stopped because I didn’t want to contaminate my spices with other spices and ruin the flavor i.e. pepper in the cinnamon. I found it was easy enough to just pour the spices into the jars. I did it over an old cardboard box to minimize the mess. You could also do it over your sink.
10. ADMIRE YOUR BEAUTIFUL SPICE DRAWER!
