A-Tisket, A-Tasket, I've Got Some Brand New Baskets

I love getting mail.

L.O.V.E.

As in, run to the mailbox when I see the postman has been there, really need a hobby or a few more friends to distract me, love.

And even better than mail??

Packages!

The mere word sends shivers up my spine. Or not, but it still makes me supremely happy.

And I? Just got some packages! Four, to be exact. They all contained...

West Elm's Braided Storage Bins!

I love these and can't wait to use them to hide store all my kids' toys. They're a great size, made of renewable bankuan grasses, and I love the handles. Also, they're on sale right now (along with several other pieces in the Braided Storage Collection) plus they ship for free. After I used a gift certificate that I still had laying around from my wedding six years ago (!!), they were almost free!

Why did I buy four of these bins, you may ask? For my version of IKEA's Hemnes sofa table, of course.

Source

Yep, I decided to just make it myself (with some help from my table saw-wielding contractor brother-in-law.) I've made the plan and he's assured me that it won't topple over or fold in on itself or anything crazy like that, and I can't wait to build it and share the plan with all of you! We'll be sofa table making fools!

(Update: You can get the plans for my version of this table here: part 1 and part 2)

Between the packages and the plans, I'm all sorts of giddy. I better calm down before I pick up any power tools.

P.S. Speaking of West Elm, I was looking through my catalog again and noticed this:

See that little red asterisk by the art? They're scattered throughout the catalog to showcase etsy artisans! I think it's a fabulous idea and right in line with the big handmade movement that is going on. You can also check out west elm's etsy collaborations at their website!

P.P.S. Sorry about the bad photo-of-a-photo thing goin' on in that last picture.

P.P.P.S. I need this. And I think it might need me, too.

P.P.P.P.S. Sorry about all the P.S.'s today.