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Ideas For DIY

Getting Organized BEFORE The Holidays

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printablesforminiholidaybinder

Yes, it’s true, the “Holidays” are still a few months away.  However, if you have had a busy first half of the year like I have, then you know the last half will go by just as quickly.  It always seems to get busier, the closer it gets to those major holidays.

Today I wanted to share with you this fun link I found over at thirtyhandmadedays.com.  If you have a thing about being organized (like me), then you won’t want to miss out on her site.  This post is designed specifically for getting you organized BEFORE the holidays hit.  She has put together a 14 page printable kit of everything you need to keep things in order as your schedule gets busier.  Take a look and see what you think.

Find the downloads here: Holiday Mini Binders 

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Comments

  1. I am 65 and it seems I get more forgetful every day! Your organizational skills in creating these binders is just what I need. The school one is more for young wives raising families, but I wish I had one when I was raising our 3 kids. It looks like a real help! Thank you for your talent! You might consider a space for the vet for pets and maybe emergency numbers like Police, fire, ambulance, hospital, poison center etc. I know that would be a help to seniors too. Even a prescription list, allergies, and pharmacies. SO many things to keep track of these days. I was given a nice clear plastic sleeve at our senior center with a sheet where we can list our meds, Dr’s and emergency contacts. It has a magnet on the back so it can stay on the fridge in prominent location for any emergency. Great idea for all families not just seniors.
    Connie

Have you read?

Building with Nature: My Experience with Natural Birdhouses

If you’re someone who enjoys DIY woodworking projects and has a soft spot for garden wildlife, Natural Birdhouses by Maria and Amen Fisher is a must-read. I picked this book up recently and have been completely inspired by the earthy, sustainable approach it offers to building homes for birds, bats, and even beneficial bugs.

What really drew me in was the focus on using found wood and natural materials—think branches, logs, reclaimed boards, and other bits of nature you can often source from your own backyard or a nearby forest. Not only does this make the projects eco-friendly, but it also gives everything a beautiful, rustic feel that blends effortlessly into any garden or backyard setting.

The book includes 25 step-by-step projects, all clearly explained and illustrated, which makes it accessible for both beginner and seasoned crafters. Even if you don’t have a fully-equipped workshop, most of these can be tackled with just a few basic tools and a bit of patience.

I started with a simple birdhouse design, using some weathered fence boards I had stashed in the shed. The instructions were easy to follow, and I was surprised how quickly it came together. Within a couple of days of putting it out in the garden, a curious little sparrow showed up—talk about instant reward! I’ve since bookmarked the bat box project and one of the insect hotel builds for next weekend.

What I really love about this book is that it’s not just about crafting; it’s about encouraging wildlife and creating a more natural, welcoming habitat right in your own yard. It’s a great way to involve kids, too—mine were fascinated by the idea of building a bug hotel and couldn’t wait to help collect materials.

If you’re looking for nature-inspired DIY garden projects that not only look good but also serve a purpose, Natural Birdhouses is full of ideas that check all the boxes. It’s creative, environmentally conscious, and a great way to spend time outdoors while giving something back to the ecosystem.

I’d definitely recommend this to anyone into sustainable gardening, backyard birdwatching, or rustic outdoor décor. Let me know if you give it a try—I’d love to hear what you build!