Storage Tin for Seeds
Posted By FarmerJ on April 27, 2011
Sometimes you just need to take a break from everything for a few minutes and do something to refresh your mind, right? I needed that break yesterday.
In all the sorting, rearranging and declunking around the ol’ barn house, I came to realize that I needed a new storage solution for our many packets of seeds. For the past three years, I’ve been using a slender plastic ‘utility’ tray from either a refrigerator or upper freezer compartment. Who knows where I picked it up over the years, but it really has served its purpose for the seed packets quite well.
It is just the right width for most seed packets to stand up, so I’ve been able to keep all the packets lined up ~ alphabetically…by type…also alphabetically. Of course. I can’t help myself. My OCD won’t allow me to do it any other way. It’s been really convenient to just flip through the packets [think good old fashioned library card catalog here] and pull out the appropriate seeds when it’s time to start seedlings or just plant the seeds in the ground.
So, why fix something if it’s not broken? Well, because while the utility tray worked great, I started thinking a tin would be better. It will help keep the packets more secure being in something with a tight sealing lid, and I’d been neglecting the fact I should be keeping the seeds in a cool dark place. An open tray on top of the dryer in the laundry closet probably isn’t the most ideal seed storage locale.
We have several of these tins that originally held caramel popcorn. While I’m a huge Nascar fan ~ Jeff Gordon, even ~ it just wasn’t suiting my fancy for something ‘homey’ I wanted to store our precious seeds in, you know? It’s probably a crazy thing to get hung up on, but then, I’ve never claimed to be sane. Much, anyway.
I briefly contemplated spray painting the tin with my most favorite paint ever, Rustoleum Bronze Hammered Metal, but decided I didn’t want to waste it on this particular project. Plus it was raining outside, and I didn’t want to get in trouble for spray painting in the house again, so I decided to use some of the umpteen sheets of scrapbook paper I have had in the cupboard for…ever. I just measured [or rather, mis-measured by about 1/4 inch] the height of the tin, cut the paper, and rolled it around the tin. Three pieces of Scotch tape, and it’s completely secured.
Then, I decided to use a graphic I’d previously created and just change the label to say ‘Seeds’. I know, rather ingenious, ain’t it? Two minutes later, the label was printed and I was cutting it with a pair of pinking shears. I peeled the backing off the label and slapped that bad boy on the side of the tin. Viola!
Granted, the packets don’t appear to be as orderly as they were when they were lined up soldier-like in the utility tray, but I assure you, the packets are still in alphabetical order according to type. ‘Tomatoes’ start the row that is off to the side, followed by the ‘Watermelons’, followed by ‘Flowers’. I know ‘f’ comes before ‘w’, but I have all of our food seeds first. So, see! I guess you can say there is another area of disorder in my life! Squeeeeeeeeeee!
It’s certainly not anything spectacular. But, it was a fun, extremely quick, mindless little project that prettified the storage tin for our beloved seeds. And, now I won’t get confused when this tin gets placed on one of the pantry shelves as to whether it’s caramel popcorn or seeds, yes?
What little refreshing projects have you done lately? ♥
About The Author
Hi My Love! I do believe your OCD is working very well…do you ever sleep or rest? I can see your Husbie shake his head in wonder at you! And my Grandson…to say “Oh Mom”! You used to say to me “Well Mom”! ha, ha…
My projects? Well, praying for warm weather so I can get out of this house and do gardening and yard work and, of course, to do my spring painting, as the winter really raises havoc on my little house…it’s snowing and about 35…May just a few days away! Till later, I love you all !
Husbie has learned over the years it’s better to just let me be when I have my OCD spells. There are times he just has to walk away, giggling because he knows it’s just who I am ~ but there are times when he actually really appreciates it. Heehee!
I think it’s been at least a couple months now since my brain has slept.
Ahhh yes, my mother who paints her house and her white picket fence with a 1-inch paintbrush. Hang in there! Those days will eventually come. It is, after all, only the first of May. Spring where you live doesn’t arrive until June…only to have winter on its heels again in October.
Love you!