Monday, January 12, 2015

Pantry makeover...

Our kitchen is a rather small galley design, and it has one built-in pantry cupboard.
The cupboard is just 18 inches wide with shelving of narrow depth, so a while ago we bought a separate free standing linen cupboard which serves as an extension of that pantry, but also stores plastics and kitchen appliances.

 Last week, as part of my Year of Gentle Domesticity, I decided to empty the small pantry and wash out the shelves...
...before laying some paper over them. 
Being that this is a rental home I could not use the adhesive kind, and with pennies tight it was important that this not cost us anything, so I dug out this large book of scrapbook papers which I'd purchased a long time ago for Blossom (before she quit scrapbooking)...
I took measurements for the various shelves, then cut and pasted the papers together to fit. 
I chose beachy scenes and flowers as Mr E and I grew up by the beach in Newcastle, NSW. These happy little scenes gave my 'home-sick' soul a lovely hug!

It's amazing how something so simple can lift your domestic heart isn't it?
The result was refreshing...
 When I surveyed my work afterwards I felt something else was needed.
A nice bright dispenser for our supply of grocery bags...
A few things that will continue to flow through this wonderful Year of Gentle Domesticity is 'making do' with what's on hand as much as possible, and re-acquainting myself with every nook and cranny in my home. 
It's also about looking for ways to add life and colour, and true satisfaction  in the work of my hands.

On Wednesday I'll share a tutorial for making one of those dispenser bags yourself!
Believe me, its so simple.

hugs

23 comments:

Kaisievic said...

The shelves look great, Jenny and I would love the tutorial for making the bag bag, mine is so old and tatty, I really, really, really need to make a new one.
Thx, Kaye

Unknown said...

Pues es una gran idea que utilices esos papeles le ha dado un aire muy refrescante y chip, me gusta tu blog y me quedo por aquĆ­ http://cosasdecosturadecarmele.blogspot.com,

besosss

Createology said...

Brilliant use of "scrapbooking" paper turned shelf liner. The bright cheerful bag holder and your clean organized pantry is truly an ode to Gentle Domesticity. Well done dear...

Pauline said...

Jenny, the idea of using scrapbooking paper is fabulous! You've just provided the perfect solution to me, for some shelves in my new (to me) fabric cupboard that need covering before I store my quilting fabric on them. Acid free and pretty too!

Unknown said...

Very pretty! I love your new look and theme for this year. I want to thank you for all of your free patterns as I am in a season of having to make due with what I already own. You have been very encouraging to me at time I really needed it.

Melody said...

Looks great Jenny - fresh and clean and inviting. Looking forward to the tutorial.

Christine M said...

Your pantry looks very pretty now with it's lovely liners, Jenny.

Christina said...

What a great idea to use scrapbook paper. I need to wipe out my cupboards too. I use a foam type of shelf liner. I really think that's what saved my kitchen last Sept. during the earthquake. Oh, your bag dispenser is so cheery and cute. Plastic bags have been banned in this area. I completely agree with making do with what's on hand. That is what we have been trying to do as well.

StitchinByTheLake said...

Jenny my son asked for one of those bag dispensers for Christmas - I was thrilled to be able to make him one but I wish I'd been able to wait for your tutorial. I made it up and it didn't end up exactly like I wanted. However, he was happy with it so I guess that's all that counts. :) blessings, marlene

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful idea, and very bright and cheerful! I love your linen closet pantry.

Ondrea said...

Love your new look pantry. I was going to make one of those bag dispensers years ago and bought the fabric for it. Guess what? Still not done! So, you have re inspired me now. Thankyou. Hugs.

Allie said...

Oh sweetheart if I ever get my little cottage, you're going to come and "Jennify" it for me - such a delightful year you've started!

Baa. xxx said...

The shelves look so happy and cheery in their new scrapbooking colours! Love it! And the bag holder just finishes it off!

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

That looks so good Jen , my parcel arrived today thank you so much x

Anonymous said...

Hi Jenny ,wow your cupboard looks awesome,it makes you smile when you see the pretty papers,love the way you make your house a home.xx

Unknown said...

I am truly enjoying your "year of domesticity." I recently finished a Master's degree and I realize that my house has truly been on the back burner. It is time to spend some quality time reacquainting myself with my wonderful home. I have ordered the book and have started my great sewing room clean and purge project. Thank you for your inspiration! Keep blogging - I am reading!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jenny. I just discovered your blog via your postings on Instagram. I am really enjoying your Year of Gentle Domesticity and what you refer to as "refreshing" rooms in your home. I've decided to take this Refreshing walk with you as my home and soul could really use this. So a great big Thank You and I look forward to the bag tutorial. My plastic bags, currently, live in a bigger plastic bag. Eww;(. Also, I'm getting ready to stitch month 1 of Vintage Kitchen embroidery....love it! Thanks again and have a lovely day. Denise

Anonymous said...

You are such an encouragement to me! I've been reading your blog about 4 years now, but never commented. You need to know how much I appreciate you!! Carol

TerriSue said...

I've been thinking of putting paper down on our cupboards too. Looking at the before and after pictures of yours has me convinced. When we bought this house 12 years ago it had the ugliest contact paper stuck on all of them and in all of the drawers. It took me forever to scrape it all off. But bare is bare. Yours look so cheerful. Like you I am looking at a money problem and no one in this family has ever done scrapbooking. I'm going to have to put on my thinking cap for this one.

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Carol, I am sending you the biggest hug! What a blessing to know you've been here all these years. And today we meet - that's so lovely. xx

Tammy said...

what a marvelous job...Love the splash of color on the shelves from the papers.And your bag dispenser is perfect...Love all the red. I need to make me a bag like that. I have been saying for a long time I would But to date I have not yet.

gibbygoo56 said...

We need a bag for our bags! I can hardly wait to see how its done. thank you! God bless!

Nancy said...

Terri Sue, I have often used wallpaper for my shelf paper. I usually can find a stray roll at a thrift store or just have some on hand. It works great too.