A Rainbow on a Very Gray Day

 Today is a very rainy gray day here in Portland, Oregon.

It was the perfect day to organize pipe cleaners (or chenille craft stems as they are called on alot of the old packaging) in my studio.  Yes, pipe cleaners.  I had them in about four different areas and they were begging to be organized by color.

I have way too many of them.  I pick them up whenever I find the old ones at estate sales.  I am a pipe cleaner snob and they just don't make them the same anymore.  The color and texture of the old ones just don't compare to their modern day counterparts. 

Of course, I am also drawn to the old graphics on the packages.

I love the ones that are multicolored patterns or stripes.

I have a whole container that are JUST the old traditional white pipe cleaners.

The directions that came with some of the old packages are a hoot.  Here are some projects that are suggested:

Cover salt and pepper shakers.  Smoothing face powder.  Curtain tie backs.  Make a child's hat.  Wrapping coat hangers.  Setting your hair into curls.  Jewelry.

These are just a shorter version of the pipe cleaners (in the turquoise jar).

I didn't need to organize these as they are in the original boxes of 100 each.

Once I got them sorted into old cans and canisters it was amazing how many variations of each color there are.  I was giddy with color overload.

Pinks and reds, yellows, greens, blues and violets...all nice and neat. I do love a tidy studio.

A perfect cheery project on a very gray day.  And as I head out of the studio for the day, what should appear, but a rainbow!

 

 

Comments

[Elizabeth Holcombe]

A ha! Now I know why your hair is so curly...pipe cleaners!~~~Great collection, you pipe cleaner snob you!~~~XXOO, Beth

[georgiapeachez]

The perfect rainbow! xo, suzy

[barbara]

I love the rainbow! (you were having fun again, weren't you?) Organizing pipe cleaners sounds like a good time, especially when you've got that many to organize!

[Carol]

You're a riot! I love any excuse to see your studio. It's so bright and cheery! Now I'm off to go make my daughter a hat out of pipe cleaners. Or maybe a nice big ring...

[Kim]

I am so, so in love with the fact that you have enough pipe cleaners to organize...so wonderfully you!

[Mermaid Debbie]

I think you are just delightfully awesome! I was enjoying reading your post and looking at your pictures and totally relating to pipe cleaners not being the same as they used to, and wishing I still had a bunch of the old ones. I bought some at Michaels yesterday for an art project and I am always kind of disapointed in the selection. I also love to organize my studio and did a bit of that yesterday. And then... with much anticipation of your upcoming rainbow photo... I scrolled down and laughed outloud! I love it!