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Wednesday, September 19, 2012

123

Organizing Paint, a Silhouette Promo & a GIVEAWAY!

I mentioned earlier this week I am on "Mission Paint Organization".  I am doing a few things around the abode to get our paint supplies in order to make our DIY life a little less chaotic, so you get a few bonus posts this week.  I started out by organizing our paint bins, and today I thought I would share how we are organizing our actual paint!

We store our gallons of paint on a shelf in our utility room {furnace, water heater, sump pump, etc... room}.  I don't keep our paint in the garage due to the fact it should be stored at regular temps and we are far from regular here in Wisconsin.  Our utility room is quite small, holds all of our other storage items and is our dumping ground when we are working on projects.  That means it is nearly impossible to rummage through old paint cans with a smile on your face, when it comes time to work on a project or do a quick touch up. 


Thanks to Pinterest and the www. the genius idea of storing paint in mason jars was born.  Why didn't I think of that?  So so smart.  Still allowing me to keep the larger paint gallons in the utility room, I could store small jars of touch up paint in our laundry room with the rest of my paint supplies.  I already feel less stressed just thinking about it.

I actually emptied the remaining contents of a quart of paint into a larger mason jar awhile back, just to give the idea a whirl, and the paint stayed so nice and fresh.  The jars do a great job of sealing things up, and are also super simple to clean should some paint drip out.   So, off to the store I went to purchase two packages of pretty little mason jars.


I could have labeled these in a few ways, but when I heard that my Silhouette has a "cut and print" feature, I couldn't wait to try it, and knew this was the perfect project!  The other awesome thing is that not only can Silhouette print and cut, they recently just came out with sticker paper, making this labeling job easy peasy!

I started out by creating some cutie patootie labels in my Silhouette Studio.


I picked something with pretty edges and different fonts, to give it a more finished look.  I included the brand of the paint, the color name and the sheen.  The key to using this feature with the Silhouette is to show your registration marks.  Then, just print it onto the sticker paper.


The Silhouette can read the registration marks and knows exactly where to cut out the labels.


Once the labels are cut out, they peel up nice and easy and all sticker like!


So while I printed, cut and labeled, my kind husband set up a little paint station and did the pouring.



Once we were all done, I had a permagrin that still hasn't worn off!


What is not to love about this project?!  It was easy.  It is cute.  And it will make it much easier for me to find paint in an instant, in a little cabinet in our laundry room.  Oh happy day!


The jars are small enough to easily carry around and will ensure the paint inside is always fresh, and the labels make it super simple to find exactly what I am looking for.  No more rummaging or digging!


{UPDATE:  Many of you commented on the paint number and swatch missing from the jar, here is my solution to that}

And happy day for you too!  It is Silhouette promo time, and they are letting me offer you all a great deal on the Silhouette CAMEO and the specialty media bundle which includes one package of sticker paper, one package of printable gold foil, and one package of printable silver foil for $269.99!  Just go here enter ORGANIZING at checkout.  Already have the CAMEO and want to try out the new printable papers and stickers?  You can grab those on discount as well using the same link and code.

But wait!!  There is more!  Today, Silhouette is giving away one of these bundles to YOU!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Who else is on the mason jar paint organizing train?  Are you as excited as I am!?

123 comments:

  1. seen this before on another blog, but you somehow made it even cuter!

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  2. Oh, I hope I win this! *fingers and toes crossed*

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  3. Wow I really like this tip, because I have both a bunch of mason jars and remnants of paints. Crossing all fingers and toes for this one!! Fantastic giveaway!!
    cathyplus5.blogspot.com

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  4. i keep meaning to do this with at least the small sample cans i have. such a good idea & so much easier to deal with even if it is glass. i think i would then put the glass containers in a plastic lidded bin so i could keep the corralled up & for fear of dropping them (i'm pretty clumsy). seems i always have spare mason jars from preserves family & friends give me so a great way to use those up too!

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  5. I'm using mason jars for centerpieces at my wedding. This will be a great idea for an extra use for them after the wedding. THANKS!!

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  6. We just did the same thing with our extra paint and mason jars leftover from a craft project! I love being able to see the color inside and we added a sample drop on the lid to see the color dry (in case we want to use it on another project aside from touch ups). But ours could definitely stand an upgrade from some super cute labels like yours! Love how cute and colorful they are! You are definitely inspiring a paint organization mission in this house!

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  7. I've been dying for a silhouette of my own for almost three years now. It's just too big of an expense for me to justify, so I enter giveaways in the hopes I'll be lucky enough to win. I LOVE your idea for paint in little mason jars.

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  8. Hoping to be moving next month - can't wait to get crafty and organize everything in the new place. Thanks for the great ideas. I NEED a Cameo!!

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  9. Love this idea for organizing paint! Super excited about this giveaway, too!

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  10. I'm impressed with all the colors you own! So many choices!
    shilohstaste.com

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  11. Oh my goodness, I FREAKING LOVE this! My husband gets so annoyed by our paint cupboard! The colors look so pretty in those little jars too! :)

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  12. Do you keep a master list of where you've used the different colors (e.g., guest bedroom walls)? I'm surprised that's not on your labels.

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    1. I do have a plan for that too {since I often times use my paint colors for multiple projects}! :) Stay tuned!

      xo,
      Jen

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    2. This was my concern as well. So my jars have the room name on them as well. Love it!

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  13. omg... i.flippin.love.this.idea. GENIUS!! thanks so much for sharing... will definitely be copying:)

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  14. Love your blog! You have such great ideas, that now I'm into organizing! Thanks for the chance to win the great giveaway!

    Misty
    mistyolsen79@gmail.com

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  15. Now that is just too cute of an idea. Makes me want to go out and buy some paint so that I can store it. :-)

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  16. Omg I would love to win this! I just moved and this would help so much with my new place! Thanks for such a great giveaway

    Erika
    Erikaw05@gmail.com

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  17. We live in MN and face the same storage conditions - too many gallons in too small a space. A couple years ago (like 4!) my husband decided enough was enough. We realized that in all likelihood we would not need the entire gallon. We saved spaghetti sauce jars and he transferred enough paint to fit in those. Then he wrote all the "ingredient numbers" from the paint mixture on the jar and which room the paint was used in. We thought it might be overkill, but fast-forward four years and we needed more touch-up paint. They no longer made the exact paint color we had, but because he had written down the formula, the store was able to make the mixture and it was perfect. I love the labels - they are super cute - but maybe adding that extra bit of info on your bottles will help in the future too!

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    1. I also take the mixture "recipe" off the original jar and tape it on a smaller jar, like from pickles or spaghetti sauce. Again, Ive never needed more than that amount for touch ups!

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    2. That is awesome, I am so happy to hear it has been working well for you!

      I have a plan for the number/room references too {since I often times use my paint colors for multiple projects}! :) Stay tuned!

      xo,
      Jen

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  18. Super Cute! Can you keep using the paint in the mason jar and still have it stay fresh, or does it only stay fresh if it stays with the original seal?

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  19. Too cute!!! I wonder if the plastic canning/freezer jars would work also? I need to try this.
    Raquel

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    Replies
    1. Hi Raquel!

      I am not sure. I considered those, however, I like the ease of cleanup and longevity that I know the glass will provide.

      xo!
      Jen

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  20. :-( I tried clicking the link to buy it but it says it's unavailable. Any idea when they will be back in stock??

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    Replies
    1. Hi Debra!

      I just tried and didn't have any problems. Hopefully you can give it another shot.

      xo!
      Jen

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  21. I would LOVE a silhouette. I eye the cricket every time I'm in JoAnn Fabrics, but I just can't see it being as versatile as the Silhouette! Crossing my fingers!

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  22. Love the mason jar paint organization! Fabulous idea! I would also love the chance to win the Silhouette! Thanks Jen!

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  23. :D I love that Idea!!!! I love how the Mason Jars makes them so darn pretty!! The Labels too!!!
    Sweet cute project for Organizing!!! Love it!!
    Aloha,
    Shar

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  24. Just did this with my massive paint can collection, sure makes a difference. I keep the top of the lid for the formula and the color just in case I have to get it again. Good labels help too.!

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  25. This is so neat and makes the dreaded paint cans look so blah! I can't wait for a chance to try Silhouette! I love the idea !

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  26. I live for my silhouette. I have mastered most of it's mNy fantastic uses and have made a business out of the rhinestone function by cutting my own rhinestone appliance. Would love to offer a give-away to your readers even though my business is not really orgonization oriented It is silhouette oriented all the way. either way you are fantastic and I look forward to your blog every day. XO beth

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  27. Great idea for leftover paint!!
    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  28. Only you can make paint look amazing. LOVE. And that Cameo. Dang it. Now I want one. What will I do with my other Silhouette??? Hmmm.

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  29. Hi Jen, could you erase my name from this giveaway? I´m not from the USA. Sorry for complications. Alice

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  30. Does anyone know what the life of paint is? I am always on the prowl at Lowes and Home Depot to find Oops paint from the bins there. Super cheap. But, I don't always use all of it quickly on one project.

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  31. Oh would love to snag that bag!

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  32. Hey Jen, did you use your regular printer to print it, and then put it in the cameo to cut? Or did the cameo print it? Thanks! I am trying to figure all of this out!!!

    Margy

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    1. You print using your existing printer than put the paper into the Silhouette to cut.

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    2. Thanks Trina! That is correct, you print it out with the registration marks via your home printer, and then the CAMEO recognizes the markings and cuts it.

      xo!
      Jen

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  33. I love this idea. I think I would also include what room I used the paint for. Thanks for keeping me motivated to always be improving.

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    1. Hi Trina!

      I have a plan for that too {since I often times use my paint colors for multiple projects}! :) Stay tuned!

      xo,
      Jen

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  34. Love this idea. Need to keep it in mind for when I'm ready to organize my paint :)

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  35. So hard to choose one. One that comes to mind is my newborn daughter being held by her 2 year old sister and she is looking up at her with such amazement. She still looks at her like that at 4 years old.

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  36. Perfect timing! I have lots of paint to organize and I love this idea. THANKS!

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  37. Jen, your blog really is one-stop shopping. You really have an idea (or have done the research for us) for every single household organizing and beautifying need! Once in a while, I see the title of your post and think, "Aw shucks, this one isn't quite relavent for me today." Then I read on and realize it almost always is. I love that!! Today, I first wondered how many ways one can really sort and organize their paint, and being a renter, painting is not lately on my radar. And yet, I still came away from this post with such great inspiration for later! Pretty mason jars for easy touch-ups, brilliant!!!
    Anita Y. in southern California

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    1. Thanks Anita! That is so kind of you to say! :) You totally made my day!

      xo,
      Jen

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  38. I use these jars for storing all kinds of things, never for canning! Love your idea. I remember seeing something years ago about jars (not necessarily mason jars) being used for nails and screws. Nail a lid to the basement ceiling or a stud, fill a jar with a certain size nails or screws, then screw the jar onto the lid and there it is ready to see and use whenever you need it.

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  39. "That means it is nearly imposable to rummage through old paint cans with a smile on your face, when it comes time to work on a project or do a quick touch up."

    'Imposable'? Really? Check your spelling AND your pronunciation, the word is "impossible."

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    1. don't be a hater, she has three kids and a successful blog, spelling mistakes happen get over it!

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    2. Seriously - go troll on some other blog.

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    3. Oh my! Somebody needs a cup of coffee! This is a funny thing to criticize. And I don't mean "haha" funny.

      p.s. You have a comma splice at the end of your little rant. When you have two independent clauses you need to put a semicolon rather than a comma, or make it two different sentences.

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  40. Where did you find such pretty mason jars? I have the plain ones from Target but they aren't as pretty! Also, Thank you so much for doing these give a ways!! :)

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    1. Hi Lauren!

      I think I grabbed these ones from Home Depot. I actually purchased them awhile back and am finally got around to the project this week. I have also seen a bigger selection of canning jars at Walmart and Fleet Farm.

      xo!
      Jen

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    2. These jars she used are the crystal jelly jars. They come in 2 different sizes I think, pint and half pint. I use them at the holidays for jams and applesauce and hand out to family for gifts.

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  41. I LOVE all of your ideas and get so excited when I see you pop up on my email! I actually did that once but it is still not labeled. Oops. I love this idea and have a perfect spot for them. (I just cleaned out a section of cupboard in my "laundry room". I will keep my fingers crossed! Happy Day!
    Michele :)

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  42. My favororite photogramph right now is one of my son and I taken this last Easter at the Lakes of Las Vegas... It is special because it was our first Easter that he really understood what Easter was about, he had a blast that day despite it being the first time we celebrated just us two.

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  43. Love this! How smart and cute! Girl you can make even the dullest project seem fun! Thanks for the great content...it just keeps coming and coming!

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  44. I wish I just had little amounts left over of paint for the cute jar idea! I mix oops paint to make my colors so have quite a bit- hey maybe I should look around for those big gallon jars! :)

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  45. I've been trying to win one of these forever! Maybe someday I'll be able to afford to just buy one. So many fantastic ideas of things to make!! :D

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  46. Love this idea! We moved into our house this past year, and we now have a TON of different shades of left over paint from the various rooms we painted. I'll have to work on condensing the mass of paint cans before I buy any more! And, of course, a Cameo would definitely help! ;-)

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  47. I keep seeing this idea all over Pinterest as well! I am in the process of re-doing my laundry room and this will definitely come in handy. Did you keep the formulas for the paint somewhere since I didn't see that on the label? I don't know how much you really need them, but I know sometimes it can help to have the paints mixed perfectly!

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    1. I have a plan for the numbers & room references too {since I often times use my paint colors for multiple projects, I didn't want them on the jars}! :) Stay tuned!

      xo,
      Jen

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  48. Silly question but did you use a special adhesive backed paper or just card stock? Cute idea love your blog. I have serious organization envy!

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    1. It is actually a special "sticker" paper. :) Worked great for labeling!

      xo!
      Jen

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  49. WHY didn't you post this before we moved?? had to get rid of so much paint because it was in containers that were too big. I won't forget next time!

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  50. I am very excited to try storing paint in mason jars. I had heard of it before, but I always assumed I would try it when I was down to the very end of a can of paint. Preemptively putting paint in jars to use for touch ups is genius!

    My paint labeling system is nowhere near as lovely as yours, but one suggestion I do have is to include on the label what rooms or surfaces the paint is used for. We have a couple of similar, but not quite the same colors in our house and it is good to be able to quickly identify the can for the kitchen cabinets and know that you are not accidentally grabbing the not-quite-matching color for the bathroom ceiling!

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    1. Thanks Sarah!
      I have a plan for the numbers & room references too {since I often times use my paint colors for multiple projects, I didn't want them on the jars}! :) Stay tuned!

      xo,
      Jen

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  51. Excellent post!
    I would LOVE to win this bag! I have been in search for the perfect camera bag and your recommendation was excellent!!!

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  52. Love this and I don't even paint (we rent) haha ...SUPER cute

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  53. Great idea! Searching for the right paint color is NO fun!

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  54. Great idea! Searching for the right paint color is NO fun!

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  55. This is a fantastic idea. The labels look amazing!

    Also, great giveaway. I'm crossing my fingers! I was just looking at Silhouettes today wondering how I might be able to scrounge up the funds and justify buying one!

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  56. My favorite photograph of all time is me in a hammock on the beach in Vietnam with my 6mos. old daughter who I finally met in person and gained custody of the day before sleeping on my chest. We both look so calm and serene. Clearly meant to be. rwtschida@msn.com

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  57. My favorite photograph is one of my daughter at our wedding. It's a close up and she's staring intently up and my maid of honor's yellow dress serves as a backdrop. The pop of her blue eyes is just stunning and I can't get enough of it!

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  58. Where did you find such pretty mason jars??

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  59. I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to see this giveaway!! I'm rather smitten with the Cameo, and just can't afford anymore expensive toys. How long is the coupon code good, do you know! Hoping it will still be good after the results of the giveaway post...?

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  60. *sigh* It would be so fabulous if one day Silhouette would open the competition to overseas' entries. I know the shipping is pricier but I don't think a single one of us would complain about waiting a month for it to show up!

    BTW, I love the paint idea. Will remember it from when we own our own home. Don't need it right now with the one single 250ml can of paint we own!! :-)

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  61. Hello,
    I just can't enought of your ideas.
    I hope I could be pick I am currently out of work so I can't afford to purchase much at this time. Please pick me.
    Thank you,
    Inez

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  62. Love this idea! Cameo makes it that much better!

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  63. awesome. idea. { great giveaway! }

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  64. Great idea! I hope I win the Cameo and organize my messy apartment... Promise to send you the before and after pictures, too :)
    Mel from Atl

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  65. I am so excited! I have been admiring ALL of the awesome things that you have done with the Cameo. I hope I win. Husband and kids beware- I might label you too! LOL.

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  66. Oh my! Somebody needs a cup of coffee! This is a funny thing to criticize. And I don't mean "haha" funny.

    p.s. You have a comma splice at the end of your little rant. When you have two independent clauses you need to put a semicolon rather than a comma, or make it two different sentences.

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    1. Oops! This was intended as a reply to a rude comment left above.

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  67. This is seriously brilliant. I've GOT to get my hands on a Cameo! Been trying to save for months, but life keeps getting in the way :(

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  68. I LOVE this idea! I need to figure out how to print on my Cameo... and also, where do you get the vinyl that stays on the paper for transfer?? Or do you just print it backwords or something? I think you should post some Silhouette tutorials :-)

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  69. LOVE LOVE LOVE. I'm also excited to see your upcoming room tracking idea and I hope you include a free downloadable because we just moved into new house, painted almost every room a different color, and I don't want to lose track.

    One note on the mason jar idea (that I love!) a paint pro told me to be careful with that because the paint doesn't keep nearly as well for nearly as long. So I think just a caution to your readers would be wise that it's great in small amounts like you intend for touch up stash, but don't put ALL your left-over paint into mason jars unless you want to risk shortening it's shelf life dramatically. *disclaim, that was just one paint pro so I don't know how true it is. Just wanted to share.

    love!

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  70. One tip, make sure to copy the formula information from the original paint can as well (if you can read it). This will help if the manufacturer retires the name of your color. Paint centers can use the formulas and create a new batch for you.

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  71. My favorite photo is of me and my daughter at the butterfly garden at Brookfield Zoo about 10 years ago. I think we just look so beautiful in that photo with beautiful surroundings.

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  72. Gah!!! how do you do it?!?!?! you make all the mundane look so stinking cute! i think i'm the only person in blog land with none of that cutting equipment. I need those jar labels!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  73. Did you use a shape from the Silhouette online store or design your own? I've been trying to find a suitable print and cut shape without much luck.

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  74. BRILLIANT idea! I love when organization meets cute. ^_^ Awesome giveaway, would be a dream come true to win!

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  75. I used behr gulf winds for our bedroom! :) We just did a month ago, so I'm still quite proud of it - if you want to see it you can check it out here - http://www.breezypinkdaisies.blogspot.com/2012/09/house-tour-master-bedroom.html. What room did you use it for?

    Brie @ Breezy Pink Daisies

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  76. I LOVE this! I have way too many half empty paint cans stacked up in the garage. I love that you can see all the colors in the jars. Sort of makes me want to do this and put them on display! Thanks for the inspiration.

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  77. this is a great idea. i would love to do it with the bigger cans too. i always have a hard time opening and resealing the gallons without making a mess!

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  78. wow that is great-
    Tonya in Texas

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  79. what a giveaway, I hope I win! I like this idea, especially the chart one. we love mason jars for storage - we keep berries in them and they last forever in the fridge and make me happy everytime I see them.

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  80. Amazing! Just yesterday I was looking through all my paint cans and it was bugging me immensely! Thank you for the fab idea! Hoping I win the Silhouette!!!!!!!!

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  81. please please let me win! what a great giveaway. thanks for all the great ideas!

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  82. Great idea. Except not having the actual paint color on the lid would drive me crazy. At least have the colored labels be in the realm of the actual color, like the blue label used for blue shades of paint, red label for red/pink/orange shades, etc.

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    Replies
    1. I actually covered that concern here: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-paint-color-references.html

      xo!
      Jen

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  83. This giveaway sounds great. I have a cricut and use it here and there since I can't get their online craft room to work on my computer and they are of no help. This Cameo would be a great step up for me since I can't justify that big of an expense right now. Almost time to start making my christmas cards and this would be a great help!

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  84. What a great giveaway, love your blog!

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  85. That is so much better than the nasty old rusty paint cans we have sitting in a corner in the garage. Great idea!

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  86. Is there anywhere that you announce the winner on your blog, or just email them? Because I had used an old email that was associated with my Twitter account, not knowing it wasn't activated and when they just reactivated it today, they had cleared out my entire inbox. -Erin Kelley

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    1. Hi Erin!

      We do email the winner, and our winner for this giveaway has replied to confirm their winnings.

      Thanks so much!

      xo,
      Jen

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  87. I'm so on a mission this weekend....had to come revisit your cleverness!

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  88. Can you tell me where you purchased your mason jars? The ones I have found look like jelly jars, they are not elegant at all.

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    Replies
    1. Hmmm, I want to say I found those at Home Depot. Another place to check might be a Farm & Fleet or Fleet Farm.

      xo!
      Jen

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