Suann is living her dream as the owner of SIMPLESONG Design, a boutique design and letterpress studio located in Old Town, Alexandria, just outside of Washington, DC. She is also the editor of two blogs, SIMPLESONG (a daily creative/lifestyle blog) and Hip Hip Hooray! (all things for stylish, approachable kids’ celebrations). In both her blogs and her work, you’ll see the love for simple (but functional) designs, sometimes with a touch of vintage whimsy.
Once the holiday season comes to an end and the New Year starts, I get a major itch to start the year fresh and as organized as possible. If you’ve seen a little bit of my work or blog, you know that I like simple. I’m drawn to clean lines, white space and fresh designs. That being said, I like simple but functional — an aesthetic reflected in a lot of my favorite items on Etsy.
[Clockwise from top: 2011 laurel denise planner by laurel denise; Chalkboard Wall Calendar with Memo by SimpleShapes; chalkboard calendar by something's hiding here]
Planners + Organizers
I have used this Laurel Denise planner for two years and it is by far my favorite planner. This little thing is key to my organization and I can’t recommend it enough. I also like to keep something very visible at home for the entire family to see. These chalkboard calendars by Something’s Hiding in Here or Simple Shapes are perfect for that.
[Clockwise from top left: Vintage Rustic Wood Crate from Haven Vintage; Large Vintage Desk Paper Clip from hattie's house; Antique Apothecary Lab Jars from Bird In Hand; Mini porcelain cups from Mademoiselle Chipotte; Vintage Metal Basket Store Display from southrosewindow]
Vintage Organizers
I love to use vintage containers to organize various things around the house and office. One of my keys to organization is to have a place for everything. Vintage goodies like these help bring a little texture to the room but are also super helpful in keeping things organized.
[Clockwise from top left: Pencil Case by Made by Anna; Custom Wood Handle Address Stamp by Note Trunk; Make-A-List To Do Stamp by The Small Object; Letterpress Address Card File by 1canoe2]
Organizational Tools
To me, organizational tools are all about making your life a bit more efficient. I love items that are well-designed but also very handy, like this pencil case by Made by Anna. Rubber stamps are another example of efficiency, whether it be a return address stamp like this one from Note Trunk or the Make-A-List stamp by The Small Object. The address card file by 1canone2 is great way to organize all of your contacts.
How are you organizing for the New Year? What’s your resolution? Tell us in the comments.
Organizing Blog Posts | Into the Great Beyond Series | Search for Items Tagged “Organization”
129 comments
Sign in to add your ownjewelrybyallison says:
Very inspiring article, thank you!
1 year ago
VivaGailBeads says:
love that chalk board calendar!
1 year ago
percyhandmade says:
Oh I love the chalk board wall calendar with memo... It would solve all of my problems! Very interesting article! Im off to get organized!
1 year ago
AvianInspirations says:
This is very inspirational (and beautiful!) to someone (me) who is generally rather poor at organization. Maybe it'll motivate me to be better in 2011...
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
Me too! Great collection of items, thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
Suann ~ you have wonderful products! I'm so glad you did this article. Now I have another favorite website bookmarked! :)
1 year ago
oguerrero says:
Love the simple things. They are the best :)
1 year ago
itbaus says:
Would love to be more organized!!!!
1 year ago
yellowfield7 says:
thank you for the inspiration!! Now I will go and organize my hat studio. Great way to start the new year:) b
1 year ago
birdie1 says:
Wonderful post. I need all the organizing help I can get! Thanks for including my antique apothecary jars here.
1 year ago
mykobocek says:
I really need help organizing!:)
1 year ago
batzy says:
great post, love the items!
1 year ago
CarryTheWord says:
Great organizing ideas!
1 year ago
paramountvintage says:
great article. i love the wooden crate. i use them all throughout my house for storage and decorating.
1 year ago
hattieshouse says:
great thoughts on something that I strive to do on a daily basis but most days fail miserably! I love all of those vintage organization items!!!
1 year ago
NicoAndMooMoo says:
my resolutions: keep my Etsy shop updated, be an A student, take a burlesque class (heheh), and post more photos on my blog (wanna have a look? http://upgemini.blogspot.com/) It will be a long and interesting year... don't you think? ;)
1 year ago
outofline says:
I love that planner, thanks!
1 year ago
ikabags says:
Simple and useful , thanks :)
1 year ago
Mclovebuddy says:
perfect timing. thanks for great picks. :)
1 year ago
southernladysvintage says:
Great picks!
1 year ago
beliz82 says:
Love being organized :) Thank you for sharing
1 year ago
TinfenaStudio says:
I love this style: so pure and simple as well as practical.
1 year ago
rarebeasts says:
Good ideas!
1 year ago
BubbleGumAndButtons says:
Always looking for way to be more organized and I LoVe the chalk board calendar! ~You know it is from "Bubble Gum and Buttons" when you find the button!~
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Great picks! I love those chalkboards, I'm definitely planning on doing a stocktake for the new year!
1 year ago
MissHildebrandt says:
Thank you, love vintage stationary/organizational stuff!
1 year ago
theroyal says:
truly truly truly outrageous
1 year ago
pamwares says:
great collection. i'll take one of each!
1 year ago
MapleShadeKids says:
Great collection!
1 year ago
Floreal says:
Life Saver!!!
1 year ago
ChrissiesRibbons says:
A beautiful collection. I think I have a secret stationery fettish!
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
What a great collection of items! Thanks for sharing =)
1 year ago
AZCreativeStudio says:
Amazing picks!!!!!!!!
1 year ago
Asianexpressions says:
Wonderful!
1 year ago
thecareerscrapper says:
awesome!
1 year ago
LuRuUniques says:
Fantastic picks!!!! Love the chalkboard.
1 year ago
SavoyFaire says:
After things got totally but controllably out of control creating during the holidays I too looked forward to getting things back in check. Bought my new desk blotter this week and can track many things later all in one place is great!
1 year ago
AWishForYou says:
Great things here - and needed. I am hooked on storage. I am at my most creative when I can see what I have - and get at it !! However organizing my time - that I could use help with.
1 year ago
JudiPaintedit says:
Im one of those people that has an "In bin" and a "file bin"... That works for me till I have time to file.
1 year ago
simplesongdesigns says:
Thanks everyone for your kind words! Happy new year + happy organizing!
1 year ago
daydreamjewels says:
I like getting organized! Thanks for the great ideas :)
1 year ago
polkadotshop says:
Great article! I continue to be a huge fan!
1 year ago
JulieMeyer says:
Thanks for inspiring me to organize a bit more. I love using old tins to stash my sewing things.
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
Inspirational picks. Inspirational work. Enjoyed Old Town, Alexandria this past summer. Happy New Year.
1 year ago
TheVinylChalkboard says:
Great Article! I love anything organizational! Thanks for the wonderful tips!
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Thank you for your organizing ideas!
1 year ago
vintageprecious says:
thanks, organization is so rejuvenating!
1 year ago
TenderLetters says:
Organization helps me to think--I need an organized, calm space to get anything creative done! Thanks for the ideas! Best, Gina
1 year ago
HulaGirl1922 says:
getting organized..is like a gift we give ourselves... lovely and inspirational ... thanks ♥
1 year ago
HadaraTLV says:
Being organized is so important. Thanks a lot!
1 year ago
handbagsworkroom says:
That is what I need to do! I mean to learn. Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
frenchtoastfriday says:
I'm always making lists and the stamp from the small object is perfect. I'm also loving laurel denise's planner. Thank you for the tips. (How I wished there was a letterpress studio in Malaysia).
1 year ago
Ornamelle says:
Oh, I love all the products that Suann's chosen! And I realized I desperately need a monthly planner...
1 year ago
grimmlynn says:
Inspiring! And just in time to help motivate me with my New Year's resolve to get organized!
1 year ago
khobkhuncraft says:
cool !!... luv ya
1 year ago
felicitycrew says:
Very inspiring!
1 year ago
StudioConestoga says:
After reading your article I really need to get organized! Thanks for the clever tips. Already ventured to your fab blog
1 year ago
NsewFabrics says:
Definitely MORE organization Great article...sometimes we all need a little motivation !!!! Great Tips Thanks
1 year ago
EllaJewelry says:
Thanks a lot!
1 year ago
MooreMagnets says:
Love all of the organizing things that can be found on Etsy!
1 year ago
wearaddiction says:
I love to keep myself organized. Helps you work better, not missing anything, work faster & when you look at done "to do lists" you have the reward feeling
1 year ago
DalkullanJewelry says:
One of my New Year's resolutions is to transfer more of my jewelry designs from my imagination into reality. My favorite organizational aid is a beautiful hand-turned wooden vase, which I keep on my jeweler's bench and use to store some of my stone setting tools. I bought it from the nicest gentleman at a craft's fair.
1 year ago
LaAlicia says:
great ideas and love the picks! feels great to look at a to-do list and realize it's DONE! ;)
1 year ago
CoolStuffByDesign says:
Great article! Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
madifry says:
love it! i'm still a paper girl when it comes to planners!
1 year ago
GraceHouseDesigns says:
Oh wow - great date book and wall calendar! I just love organizing in clean and simple ways! The beginning of each new year is like the first day of school all over again...new organizers, new calendars, new ideas, new opportunities, new friends! Thank you for the continued inspiration to be organized!
1 year ago
andramatta says:
Cute and useful, the best qualities together!
1 year ago
ohbabydotcom says:
great items!
1 year ago
nightowlcraftworks says:
Wonderful items! The chalk calendar wall is a great idea!
1 year ago
CelebrateToday says:
I love organizing and you've linked some great items! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
doveandflower says:
My Dream. To be organized. Thanks for getting me one step closer. :)
1 year ago
Shadowpuppets says:
This is all very true. Thank you! Good ideas how to organize your time, work and life.
1 year ago
TashinaFalene says:
Thanks for sharing this! Definitely needed in my life. :)
1 year ago
LoveBeachDays says:
I loved all of the items in this article. Simple and functional Thanks! :)
1 year ago
TheBargainBabe says:
love the clothespin!
1 year ago
HouseOfMoss says:
Thanks for sharing these! I love that list stamp by thesmallobject especially.
1 year ago
SouthStudio says:
I'm scouring organization blogs to get inspired to make my studio more workable and found some great ideas here. Love the crate!
1 year ago
DirtyDeedsSoaps says:
Im pretty excited about getting things more organized and ready for the new year. Christmas rush hit us hard and it was a strain to keep up, but we did and learned many lessons in the process. heres to not losing things among the mess, keeping the mess confined to at least one room/area, and making it look fabulous all at the same time.
1 year ago
noodlenthread says:
wonderful organizers there! thanks for sharing, suann. :-) i'd love to have a few of those items myself. <3 organizing!
1 year ago
ErinSurp says:
So in love with Suann - Way to go etsy for choosing such a wonderful guest!
1 year ago
roseglen says:
love the chalk calender.
1 year ago
pinkbijou says:
Love it!
1 year ago
TubaMavituna says:
I was just collecting the baskets around the house to organize the pantry, god knows when :) you gave me the push I needed, to do it tomorrow, thanks!
1 year ago
BambuEarth says:
I think I have to buy the chalkboard wall... ♡
1 year ago
denises72 says:
Thank you for getting me started! You gave me wonderful ideas and I find that one can get so much more done if one is organized! Thanks again. I love the chalk board idea!
1 year ago
woolies says:
I need someone to come organize me. Between day job, 2 etsy shops, animals, home, how to get dinner on the table.....I need way more than a chalkboard. although I might need that too. help.
1 year ago
inthehammockvintage says:
I love the clothespin!
1 year ago
LaPetitePlume says:
Happy New Year! I found this article on facebook and I love love love it! I am now on my way to purchasing the address file box! I just read that anthropology is now carrying it too, and I am an Anthropology addict:))
1 year ago
TheRusticBarn says:
thanks for the ideas... I am just starting out and they were very inspiring
1 year ago
tinyearsjewelry says:
I really like the classic look to your stuff. very nice. Casey @ tin years
1 year ago
JaneCooney says:
Great article...now need to get myself organized!
1 year ago
TownCountryJewelry says:
love that chalkboard!
1 year ago
CarlasFunkyArt says:
This is my big "resolution" for the New Year, thanks for the tips! I really need to take your advice and get something out in the open so I can SEE it to remind me!!! :)
1 year ago
DestinyAccessory says:
Love your shop!!!
1 year ago
margotheart says:
great stuff! very inspiring to start fresh for this new year!
1 year ago
iheartkidart says:
this year, organization is on the top of my list! now, if only i could find that list...
1 year ago
GlitzyGirl58 says:
What a great article....one of my resolutions this year is to ORGANIZE my beading supplies!! Thanks...
1 year ago
sunnymothernature says:
I absolutely love the vintage organizers! I love antique objects, so that is an awesome idea. I do always use a planner. This way I always know exactly what needs to be done. However, I do want to get more organized in other ways this year-and this post really kick started me! Thanks! :)
1 year ago
SeedFactory says:
Very inspiring for getting organize in the new year! The planner looks like something I need asap! Thanks : )
1 year ago
Stellaoils says:
I love anything "organize". I am an addict! I plan to re-organize my kitchen this year! SO EXCITED too! I love the chalk board.
1 year ago
MarysHandmadeGifts says:
I love some of your ideas. A person can have more time for crafting when they are organized. I need some help with organizing.
1 year ago
artworksbycarol says:
Do you all have a bad cluter problem like me? I have a hard time letting go of "stuff I might use"!!!
1 year ago
SweetlyFallen says:
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
andralynn says:
Now is a great time to get organized and start the year right! Thanks for the ideas. :)
1 year ago
PlantingJoy says:
I loved this - everything is not only useful but beautiful too - just as everything in our lives should be!
1 year ago
tuckooandmoocow says:
How timely is this article! When living in one room with another person, organization is vital in both bookkeeping and work space. I feel like the last few weeks have been spent finding ways to reevaluate a small workspace and become organized within it. Really enjoyed this. Lovely too!
1 year ago
adamfonos says:
The art of simplicity is to be organized.Great work!
1 year ago
VillaPernilla says:
Lot's of good ideas!Specially the one about letting your family see your schedule.other people need to kno about yourplans too!
1 year ago
thesittingtree says:
I was thrilled to be featured on her blog last winter and always look forward to peeking at her collections!
1 year ago
LulusCreations1 says:
After the craziness of the holidays, I always have great plans to get organized in January. I hope I can do it this year. Thanks for the great ideas!
1 year ago
PlanetCalamari says:
Great article and ideas. I love the chalkboard idea. We recently painted our kitchen wall with chalkboard paint to leave notes and inspirational quotes.
1 year ago
sparkleandstorm says:
I'm still pretty new to Etsy. My goal this year is to try to post a new item to my shop once a week! (previously I've posted 4 or 5 at once and then nothing for awhile). I think it will help me to have a consistent schedule. Thanks for the great ideas :)
1 year ago
krystleandchloe says:
staying organized is key. my stuff is disorganized organize, if that make since. im working on getting my craft supplies in order right now. i love my dry erase calender. i look at it everyday to see what i have to do :)
1 year ago
AMSkrafts says:
I too get the itch to start the new year organized (though to stay organized gets harder and harder as the year progresses). I love the chalkboard calendar! It's nice to see something a little old school come back, since nowadays schools use power point presentations and dry erase boards to teach.
1 year ago
MyPricelessCreations says:
Thank you for a Great article and such Neatness!! my goal for 2011.
1 year ago
justmonkeyingaround says:
Being organized is my greatest challenge!!! I like the rubber stamp idea and plan to order one today!
1 year ago
SeeSpace says:
I want a kitchen organization makeover! Or a twin kids toy organization system. Thanks for some great ideas.
1 year ago
prendasbyenid says:
"The simple the better" > Love it! One of my resolution is definitely organization in the simple way! Thank for the inspiration! Enid
1 year ago
retroreclaim says:
Being organized is hard when your so busy..but I would probably be less "crazy" busy if I were more organized... Thx for showing there's ways to do it ;)
1 year ago
eiderdown says:
Being organized comes from within. You need to be a minimalist at heart to begin with in order to keep things under control.
1 year ago
ClayLickCreekPottery says:
I would like to add to create small "to do" lists. Small lists created the night before with many small tasks that can be reasonably finished. After procrastinating for the past few days, I followed my own advice, finished the list and had enough time to do a few more.
1 year ago
lauraprentice says:
I just ordered a new weekly planner and I am very excited for it to come in the mail. Each year, I make a quilt installation in of my calendar. It helps me reflect on my year, even the little appointments and details. See 2008: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lauraprentice/3198389912/in/set-72157611255854551/
1 year ago
BustlingBlossoms says:
oh how I wish I were a more organized person :) Great blog thanks!
1 year ago
brienna says:
Disorganization is the artist's worst enemy. When you can organize your external environment, the internal one reflects the same sense of understanding and calm. And more time saved by organizing your day means more art. Go you!
1 year ago
MadebyLinLin says:
Love your stuff very cool! Being organized is very a bad thing! Good luck!
1 year ago
RenataUniqueGifts says:
Everything HAS to have own place! A mess is created if "a Thing" does not have own home. Thank you for this reminder!
1 year ago
BlissfulHangings says:
Love this blog! I like clean, neat, and simple too! Great ideas! Thanks!
1 year ago
collectiblesatoz says:
Great information for one that has to work at being organized. Really liked the vintage organizers. Thanks.
1 year ago
collectiblesatoz says:
Great information for one that has to work at being organized. Really liked the vintage organizers. Thanks.
1 year ago