Thursday, April 1, 2010

The Sock Exchange

Let me ask you a more personal question. Do you have this problem at your house?




You know, the one where all of your socks go into the laundry with a mate, but come out alone? Okay, well what about this slightly more embarrassing problem??



Well, at my house, both of these unsightly situations have been a real bummer. Our poor laundry room had become home to every spare piece of unused junk, the dogs crate, golf clubs or just about anything you could name. As the laundry continued to pile up and more and more socks found their way into no-mans land, I decided it was time to come up with a solution. And so was created, "the sock exchange."



Many years ago while one vacation in North Carolina, my husband and I saw something similar to solve the lost sock problem. Each little clip had a cut out of a sock decorated differently on it. I loved the idea, but wasn't about to pay $50.00 for it. So, with a 2x4, some left over paint and clothes pins, I just made my own.


First, I painted the 2x4 with one of my favorite Martha Stewart colors, anjou pear. Then I used regular old acrylic paint to "distress" the wood.


Next, I added the word's I wanted using Erin's transfer technique that she shared for her $1 Welcome sign, here. It worked quickly and beautifully, and I have to say I was pleased with how clear the results were!



Once I painted the words on with black acrylic paint, I simply hot glued updated clothespins (numbered and painted with acrylic paint) to the end of my 2x4.



I was very pleased with the end result, which I mounted above my washer and dryer. It serves to purposes; manages those pesky socks AND covers the ugly wire shelf that holds my laundry baskets.


Now, I have a lot more fun in my laundry room. We can finally use the back door again and fold clothes in there. I realize its not overly stylish like the gorgeous ones I have seen around lately, but it does what I need it too finally! One day I am going to force my husband into helping me paint it!




I'll be linking to these great parties. Stop by and see what everyone is up too!

65 comments:

Beth April 1, 2010 at 5:44 AM  

That is such a cute idea! And your laundry room looks great! Can you tell us how you mounted the sign to the wire shelf? Enquiring minds would like to know! Thanks!

Tiffany April 1, 2010 at 7:24 AM  

Okay, I am totally in love with your sock exchange sign. I love that it has your name on it to make it completely personal to your laundry room. What an adorable idea! Your laundry room looks simple and happy, just the way I like it! Great job, Patrice and thanks for sharing this! Now if only I had a laundry room...

Alyssa April 1, 2010 at 7:34 AM  

Okay - I have laundry room envy. Ours is just in the midst of the unfinished portion of our basement. Much less cheery and cute looking. I made an "odd sock sack" for our socks just after we got married. Unfortunately, the dryer still "eats" socks around here.

Patrice April 1, 2010 at 8:08 AM  

Thanks guys!

To mount the sign, I just put picture hooks on the back like I used for the Book Art a few posts back. Then, I used picture wire and wrapped it around both the hooks and the wire shelf. It simply hangs there as opposed to being mounted, so if we took it down you wouldn't know it was gone!

M.O.T.B April 1, 2010 at 8:08 AM  

The sock exchange is adorable and yes I have that problem!!!

helenabelle April 1, 2010 at 8:11 AM  

Of course, I too have that nasty sock problem but I just love your rememdy!! Thanks for sharing. :)

TBonesMom April 1, 2010 at 9:56 AM  

Love it...my favorite part is the numbered clothespins!

One Cheap B*tch April 1, 2010 at 11:39 AM  

Lol! What a great solution to a very common problem in the OCB household!

Jeanine

Patti @ Pandoras Box April 1, 2010 at 1:28 PM  

Can't say that I have this problem, but you have certainly come up with a great solution!!

Erin A April 1, 2010 at 7:19 PM  

It looks so great!! I love the simple sign too. You have a really cute laundry room!

Jessica April 1, 2010 at 9:16 PM  

Patrice! I love this idea...as soon as I get mine in order I am creating one for myself! I love your laundry room. So clean and welcoming.. I think it makes me want to do laundry..did I just say that?!

TidyMom April 1, 2010 at 11:16 PM  

LOL What a GREAT idea!! so cute!!

Thanks for linking up to I'm Lovin' It!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Jen April 1, 2010 at 11:18 PM  

I LOVE this idea! I have recently remodeled my laundry room, and this would be a great addition. Thanks for the inspiration!

Anonymous April 1, 2010 at 11:26 PM  

I love it! You did such a great job! I am so not crafty. :( I need that in my life though!

Nice to meet you! :)

shannon April 2, 2010 at 12:44 AM  

Such a great idea! I love it! I would love for you to come by next week and link up a spring related project.

Red Door Home April 2, 2010 at 6:39 AM  

Very clever and cute!

Leslie April 2, 2010 at 8:42 AM  

Your laundry room is so bright and pretty! I'm inspired to at least clean mine up!

Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife April 2, 2010 at 9:25 AM  

This is such a brilliant idea!! I love it. I will have to do this!

Jenn April 2, 2010 at 9:29 AM  

found your link on Remodelaholic. Brilliant!

Ann Marie @ Twice Lovely April 2, 2010 at 9:35 AM  

I cam from Remodelaholic as well. The laundry room turned out fantastic! I recently did my laundry room as well. Anything to make laundry a little more bearable, right? We're having a giveaway to celebrate hitting the 100 follower mark. I'd love it if you stop by and check it out! :) Happy Easter.

Jane April 2, 2010 at 11:00 AM  

So charming and practical. What a combination!

pamela April 2, 2010 at 1:22 PM  

Very clever. I need one of these. :)
Coming from Remodelaholic
Pam @ Becolorful

pamela April 2, 2010 at 1:25 PM  

Very clever. I need one of these.
Coming here from Remodelaholic
Pamela @ Becolorful

Rachelle April 2, 2010 at 8:00 PM  

Such a good idea!!!

Unknown April 2, 2010 at 10:37 PM  

I've been thinking about making something like this, but I wasn't sure where to hang it. I've got a shelf just like that. Thanks for the idea!

carolyn April 3, 2010 at 8:59 AM  

What a cute idea! I just shove the lost socks into a basket but recently my 18 year old son found them and likes wearing the unmatched socks. This has caused an even bigger problem because the singles are now in constant circulation and rarely find their pair. I guess I should be happy that they are being worn. I think your laundry room looks great btw.

Connie April 3, 2010 at 10:35 AM  

What a great idea! I normally just throw the spare socks away.

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com April 3, 2010 at 2:35 PM  

That is just the cutest idea! Except I would need about twice as long of a board - lol! I have way too many mismatched socks!

XOXO
Jen

Ali @ Honey and Maple Syrup April 3, 2010 at 7:45 PM  

Ooo, I might just have to use that idea for my son's socks!

Vivobello April 3, 2010 at 8:36 PM  

Great idea!!!

Kaysi April 4, 2010 at 10:56 PM  

Cute idea!!

Atticmag April 5, 2010 at 7:55 AM  

Very clever laundry room project and it looks like an antique. So well done. Hope you'll come by Atticmag for our really useful giveaway. -- Jane F.

Ruth H. April 5, 2010 at 8:12 AM  

I've seen similar projects, but never one that really looks like it would work. Yours is not only darling, but it looks completely useful! I love the colors you used and your placement. Very handy! Thanks for sharing such a great project.

Sarah April 5, 2010 at 12:25 PM  

I loved it! Thanks for sharing!
I have a great interview with a savvy blogger on my blog right now with great tips on how to help your blog grow.
Come check it out http://bloggerchixdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/04/aprils-featured-interview-april.html
Also a giveaway for a Trendy Diaper Changing Pad if your interested :-)

Megan Gunyan April 5, 2010 at 2:54 PM  

That looks great. I wish we even had a finished laundry room to play with! I think all of your improvements are amazing.

I would love for you to check out my site for a spring block giveaway! Have a great day!
alittleknickknack.blogspot.com

Unknown April 5, 2010 at 7:05 PM  

AHHH!! That is so funny!! I wanna make that. Thanks for sharing!!!

Amy Kinser April 5, 2010 at 8:25 PM  

Very cute and fun idea.

Come over for a visit. I'm partying with you tonight.

Heather Henderson April 5, 2010 at 10:00 PM  

what a great idea! it is so cute too. i love when things are functional and beautiful :)

Wendy (The Local Cook) April 6, 2010 at 7:39 AM  

that is super adorable! Although, It's just me and DH so I'd have to exchange with myself ;-)

Anonymous April 6, 2010 at 9:13 AM  

What a wonderful and functional idea! Thank you for sharing.

Debbiedoos April 6, 2010 at 9:12 PM  

OMgoodness being of MOM of two boys, YES I have this problems, I am totally stealing this idea, it is awesome!~

Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence April 6, 2010 at 9:20 PM  

Brilliant--although I think I would need many more clothespins. Yesterday I had 12 black ankle socks in my hand, no matches!

Lisa Nelsen-Woods April 6, 2010 at 9:33 PM  

How cute! useful too.

Anonymous April 6, 2010 at 9:59 PM  

I'm just stunned - that is the cutest phrase ever!!!

Sweet European Dreams April 6, 2010 at 11:04 PM  

creative, cute & USEFULL! kudos on a great idea!

Kasey April 7, 2010 at 11:39 AM  

That is such a great idea! I love it.

Stacie April 7, 2010 at 1:02 PM  

What a Fun idea! I featured this on my blog The CrEaTiVe CraTe. Thanks so much for sharing!

BTW...love that clock face too!!

http://thecreativecrate.blogspot.com/2010/04/sock-exchange-board.html

Crystal April 7, 2010 at 2:40 PM  

love this idea! hopped on over from blue cricket and am glad i did! this is problem in my house too and the basket we throw them in is just not cutting it....i am almost to the point where i don't even CARE if they match or not! lol! will definitely give this a try! hugs!

Stacey @ Fun to Craft April 7, 2010 at 3:30 PM  

This is so cute! What a great idea too. I know I have a few socks laying around that could use this!! Thanks for sharing at the Spring has Spring Party at Fun to Craft.

sweetjeanette April 7, 2010 at 5:07 PM  

That is just too adorable!!! I love it! Thanks for sharing!

jeanette from www.sweetjeanette.com

sweetjeanette April 7, 2010 at 5:08 PM  

That is just too adorable!!! I love it! Thanks for sharing!

jeanette from www.sweetjeanette.com

Tauni April 7, 2010 at 5:18 PM  

This is absolutely darling and efficient too...

Julie Bagamary April 7, 2010 at 6:20 PM  

What a clever, fun and cute way to deal with sock challenges.

Mary Beth @ Live. Laugh. Make Something April 7, 2010 at 7:54 PM  

absolutely delightful! I love this! Hope to see you back at my place again. until later...

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking April 8, 2010 at 12:29 AM  

What sheer brilliance! It's adorable and yet absolutely a practical organization idea... LOVE IT!

Cherie Nelson April 8, 2010 at 1:58 AM  

I absolutely love this and I'm sure you will make my top 13 favorite ideas of the week for next Thursday! LOVE it!

Carolyn @ My Backyard Eden April 8, 2010 at 11:48 AM  

That is such a clever fun idea! I definitely need to make one of these. Your laundry room is looking great too!

Thanks for linking up to Make it Yours Day!

Sawdust Girl April 8, 2010 at 10:06 PM  

Cute, I totally need a sock exchange. I am jealous of your laundry room, it looks huge.

Erin April 10, 2010 at 12:14 AM  

Very cute idea...

Cherie Nelson April 19, 2010 at 1:52 AM  

And this is too cute! Much cuter than what I had planned for the laundry room! Can't wait to make it! Thanks for sharing!!!

I linked you up! http://pinklittlenotebook.blogspot.com/2010/04/thursday-thirteen-inspiration-few-days.html

Brenda April 22, 2010 at 8:43 PM  

CUTE idea--LOVE iT!

Tara May 30, 2010 at 12:31 PM  

Great Idea! I have this problem always with 6 of us. I need to make a permanent SOCK ONLY hamper! LOL

Tara May 30, 2010 at 12:31 PM  

Great Idea! I have this problem always with 6 of us. I need to make a permanent SOCK ONLY hamper! LOL

Amanda June 29, 2010 at 12:05 PM  

I LOVE THIS! I am going to go make one asap!
Thanks for sharing. we would love for ya'll to stop by sometime!
-Amanda@ thepaisleycupcake.blogspot.com

Mom24boys August 1, 2010 at 3:09 AM  

This is great to do in my laundry "closet". I posted it in my idea wishlist on my blog.
4growingboys.blogspot.
thanks for sharing!

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