Buckets & Bins & a Giveaway

Lots of rain and wind here this weekend and a crazy outage where the main fiber optic cable

that serves the area was damaged and cut in half during one of the storms.
No cellphones.
No internet.
  Very few landlines that worked.
It was kind of insane but with no internet and blogging for a bit
I had some extra time to delve into some magazines and books for inspirations
 for upcoming projects as well as work on getting some organizing done.
(apologies for the dark rainy day photos!)

I have been in organizing and de-clutter mode lately
Sorting through closets & making separate piles for
donations, for selling and for keeping.

One of the areas that needed some organization is the office.

 I store a lot of project stuff & treasures in that room
 Bolts of fabric, sewing supplies, paints, hardware for around the house, various treasures,etc.

One of my favorite places for storage is inside antique armoires.

I love the muted original old chalky color, details, and size of this one.

Since this armoire was originally intended for clothing~ 

we put several shelves inside the large 2 door area to be able to use it for storage

and went to my favorite hardware store :) Lowes to find the perfect storage containers

to put all the random bits and pieces in.

There are so many fantastic closet and organizing ideas at Lowes in their closet section-

Shelving units, baskets, drawers on rollers, etc.

I wanted something fun, something vintage inspired-ish, something that would

be easy to get into and find what I was looking for...

Yes...it's true...
 I have a thing for galvanized bins and buckets.

They are charming and practical at the same time especially for hardware and crafts
 so I was super excited to find a section of galvanized buckets and bins in various sizes.

I picked up several of these 12 quart sized buckets first- they are fantastic and just $6.57 each.

I loved that they had nice sized handles on them  

which makes it easy to pick them up and take them
(and all the stuff you need for your project)

 with you to wherever you are working.

 I added a couple of chalk painted tags for labeling them -

 super easy to find just what I need now

I also picked up 2 of these oval 5.5 gallon sized bins ($13.58 each)

I love the longer length for storing some of those bigger items.
and they fit perfectly on the shelves.

Then I found my favorite bin...

 & I knew what it would be used for...
or so I thought ;)

 I have several bolts and large folded pieces of fabric that I like to keep out for 

inspiration or for easy access for a quick project.
This huge tub is perfect for stacking and storing the fabric in
 and makes it easy to find what I am looking for.

But, 

 it's also a perfect size to use for laundry and sorting clothes- 

which I am loving the idea of using it for.

Add a name tag for each person and voila-  a heavy duty laundry basket!

It would also be great for storing wood for the fire  or to use as a party tub for cold drinks on occasion.

I loved the price at Lowes too- $18.98

I've seen this same brand and size bin at other hardware stores for twice that.

The other thing I did to organize my armoire involved a little cork board.
Remember those cork squares that  I used with my Thanksgiving table?

 Using that same style cork, I lined the inside of one of the armoire doors

It's perfect for storing inspirations & magazine clippings 

and keeping it clutter free when the door is closed.

I am excited about my new storage containers and organized armoire

but here is something that  you can get excited about.

 Lowes is generously offering a fantastic giveaway to one lucky

 French Country Cottage reader!

How does a 

$100 Lowes gift card

sound?

Whoo whoo!!

:D

To be entered to win- here's all you have to do.

1. Be a follower of French Country Cottage -

(the Google Friend Connect button is on my sidebar 

at the top of my blog)

& 

leave a comment on this post!

For extra entries- 

2. 'Like' the Lowes Creative Ideas page on FB and leave a comment on this post

3. Share the giveaway on your blog, fb or twitter and leave a comment on this post

The winner will be picked by Random Number Generator next week

Good luck!!

I have always loved shopping at Lowes and finding the next inspiring element

for fixing up our home or the next project while my husband loads up on lumber

though, yes, I do like to shop for lumber! ;)

There are a ton of ideas for projects at the Lowes Creative Ideas website

& on their Facebook page and they also offer a free magazine you can sign up for as well.

I was compensated for this post as a member of the
 Lowes Creative Ideas Network of Creators and Influencers but the designs and opinions are my own.

Sharing at 

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