I have been in here.............

..........for two weeks. If you had ever told me I would spend large amounts of time in my hall coat closet and enjoy it I would have said you were absolutely crazy. But, I have had a lot of fun the last two weeks in this closet and also learned alot that I am really excited about.

About 3 weeks ago I was blog surfing and checked on an old friend through another friend's blog. If the name Cami G. from Greenfield means anything to you then check out her blog for my inspiration. If it doesn't, it doesn't matter other than that I give Cami credit for this inspiring idea. Because of the layout of our house we don't have an option for a "mud room" or anything. I have struggled to find the right, clean, organized system for jackets, shoes, backpacks, etc. I have tried several different things to no avail. I believe I have found the answer.

The Coat Closet Before

The coat closet After

Something Cami said on her blog really hit me. "Schools have hooks for a reason." It is so true! Can you imagine 20 little children trying to hang up their coats on hangers every day? And besides, I will let you in on a little secret.........I am more likely to use a hook too. So often I hang my jacket on the end of the banister because it is "easier" than taking two more step to pick up a hanger and hang it up. Now you know how lazy I really am! Cami removed her shelf. But, I need that shelf and want another one above it because the ceiling goes on forever (another project for another day).

And, yes I realize I don't have upper hooks. The ones I bought are too tall. But, I have had lots of you waiting to see this so I am putting it up now. I am so excited to be done and get all the jackets off the floor. I think I am also going to get an over the door shoe organizer.

Things I learned on this project: ***how to properly countersink a screw

** use a table saw (still scares me to death though--think what it looks like when your child puts something in the oven for the first time in their life and that is about what it looks like to watch me use the table saw)

*** I measured and purchased everything for the project without help from Scott

*** learned how to properly use wood filler--you can definitely tell where I used it first and thought it was good enough, then later where I really learned. I bet you can't guess how many pieces of wood actually make up the support board under the shelf at the back of the closet!

I have told the kids that there will be absolutely no excuse now for not hanging up their jackets and backpacks and there will be severe consequences. But, I haven't thought of a consequence.

Any ideas?