Declutter DIY: Part One

"Can you try and clear off the kitchen table?" my husband asks for the eighth time this week. I look over at the mess -- five nail polishes, a bag of cotton balls, three mascaras, six lip balms, a curling iron, a can of hairspray, and two bottles of shower gel. Oh, and four fashion magazines.

OK. I'm woman enough to admit it: I have a beauty clutter problem. But it comes with the job. And while I love testing the latest beauty products, they unfortunately don't just disappear into thin air after I use them. They need to go somewhere. Right now, somewhere seems to be the kitchen table, which means hubby and I spend most nights eating dinner on our laps. So not ideal.

I would love to de-clutter, but whenever I think of organization, I imagine clear plastic bins with labels attached. I guess that works, but it's just so boring ... and ugly. Besides, some beauty products are actually fun to look at, like perfume bottles and colorful eyeshadow palettes. Why hide them in a drawer or in a bin under the bed?

But with my husband threatening to move out, I decide it's time to tackle this clutter problem. Luckily, there's a bunch of crafty people on the web who know a thing or two about stylish organization, whether it's for makeup, accessories, or hair tools. If I get started now, I think I might have the kitchen table cleaned up in an afternoon -- or, alright, more like a week. Ready to join me?

Over the following week, I'll be looking at some amazing decluttering methods and how to make it look great.  This is DIY-101.

Magnetic Makeup Board

Is your makeup strewn all across your bathroom counter? Do you spend 30 minutes digging in your vanity drawer for your favorite blush? If so, you'll love this magnetic makeup board. Not only does it keep your makeup organized, but it also looks super cute on your wall.

What You Need:
• old picture frame
• acrylic paint
• spray adhesive
• metal sheet or baking sheet
• piece of fabric
• mini magnets
• strong glue
• old, empty pill bottles

Instructions:
1. Find an old frame, and remove the glass. Paint the frame a fun color.
2. Take the frame to the local hardware store and ask them to cut a piece of metal to fit inside the frame, or use an old baking/cookie sheet if it already fits.
3. Cut a piece of fabric to the size of the metal sheet, and attach it to the metal sheet with some spray adhesive.
4. After the spray adhesive has dried, attach the metal sheet to the frame.
5. Line up all your makeup products -- blushes, bronzers, eyeshadows -- and attach a mini magnet to each item. Use a heavy duty glue to attach the magnets.
6. Take an old pill bottle and throw away the top. Paint the bottle. Once dry, attach a few magnets to one side of the bottle. Fill the old pill bottle with brushes, eyeliners, or mascaras.
7. Place each makeup product on the sheet, as well as the old pill bottle.

Stay tuned because tomorrow I'll be looking at decluttering your jewellery in style and a whole host of cute ideas to keep stuff tidy.