storage wars.

Yes, that's that show on TLC.  No, that's not at all what I'm dealing with.  But I do have a sense of fear creeping in...that I may be becoming a storage hoarder!!!

Granted, many of these empties have come from my parents {decaf coffee?  I don't think so} but still, I am the one holding on to them!  Ladies, when you don't know what to do, where do you turn?  Pinterest of course!  Here are some of the things I'm thinking of upcycling all of that junk...treasure...no, junk into:

Coffee Can: Organizers!  I only have 1 for now but wrapping it in pretty paper is super simple and it would be great for storing pointers or Morning Meeting supplies.

Pringles Cans:  I already have one in my art supplies that I use to hold my paintbrushes.  They never get smooshed and even if they get put a way a tiny bit damp, the water runs down & collects at the bottom. It's great.

I may have to save the rest of these for Christmas, though.  How adorable are they for holding cookies or homemade candy?!  And my hunt for the perfect kalidescope craft?  Over!  So cute.  {as is that sweet little munchkin!}

Cereal Boxes: I love the idea of these as magazine/file holders but I'm just not sure they're sturdy enough to stand up and hold it all without falling over.  Which makes this paper holder tutorial just genius.  I've already bought great wrapping paper to get started.  I also love the idea of turning them into notebooks.  But I would do it boring-side-out so the kids could decorate their own covers!  Perfect for taking outside as we explore this or that.  {technical content area names, obviously}

Egg Carton: I have more counting games than I know what to do with.  So...how about some crafting?!  The flower wreath is beautiful and I would've never thought those were cardboard.  But those apples!  How perfect for Back to School!

Plastic Jars: I think I'm definitely going to use the big ones to create Vocabulators {themed jars with words & toys to introduce a topic} because they are just too cool!  And if nothing else, I'll just modge podge some paper on them and use it for storage.  :)

I'd say that's a pretty good start.  And makes me feel better about my closet full of containers.  :)  I hope you find something to spark your creativity and let me know if you have an even better idea.  In the mean time, I better get a move on transforming it all!

And don't forget to enter my giveaway!  One of you will win my new literacy game just by following my blog & leaving a comment {on that post} that says you do so!  Super simple!