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Post by cannmom on Jul 8, 2015 20:05:35 GMT
What do you struggle with keeping organized? For me its the photos. I feel like I have stacks of them just laying around with no dates and completely in a disarray. I am not a chronological scrapper. I like to be able to scrap what I'm in the mood for; but I have to get a better handle on my photos. Do you have anything in particular that you can't get or keep organized?
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Post by jenr on Jul 8, 2015 20:49:20 GMT
For me, it's the little collections of embellishments - the cute little groupings of MME buttons/chipboard tags that all go together, or random arrows, banners, tags, etc. Stuff that I can't sort by style or color because it needs to stay with its "family", or stuff that is just completely for random use. Drives me nuts!  |
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Post by redshoes on Jul 8, 2015 21:04:15 GMT
I struggled similarly with pictures and embellishments until I found what has been working great (for me anyway).
A shoebox and index cards saved my picture organization! I just stack the pics and stand an index card on end as a divider for each event. If I know I won't be scrapping the events for awhile, I label the end of the index card with the date and event. Once I use those pics, I put a line through the label and reuse the card.
I bought some plastic 12x 12 envelopes that keep coordinating paper and embellishments together in one place. I got them at Michaels. Love this system because I can have 1 Folder for Halloween, 1 Valentines, etc for all of my themes or even just paper lines.
I know you didn't ask for solutions, but I wanted to offer this up since it helped me so much. I still have issues with embellishments that don't fit a specific theme or paper line...they are kind of scattered all over in various places.
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Post by cannmom on Jul 8, 2015 21:32:56 GMT
I struggled similarly with pictures and embellishments until I found what has been working great (for me anyway). A shoebox and index cards saved my picture organization! I just stack the pics and stand an index card on end as a divider for each event. If I know I won't be scrapping the events for awhile, I label the end of the index card with the date and event. Once I use those pics, I put a line through the label and reuse the card. I bought some plastic 12x 12 envelopes that keep coordinating paper and embellishments together in one place. I got them at Michaels. Love this system because I can have 1 Folder for Halloween, 1 Valentines, etc for all of my themes or even just paper lines. I know you didn't ask for solutions, but I wanted to offer this up since it helped me so much. I still have issues with embellishments that don't fit a specific theme or paper line...they are kind of scattered all over in various places. Thank you for the suggestions. That's where I would love for this thread to go .. a sharing of what we struggle with and ideas from others on how they deal with that problem. I also keep papers and embellishments together that match. I use Iris boxes to store things in themes. For example, all of my Disney stuff is in one box. Smaller collections I keep everything in the 12x12 envelopes until I have used enough of it that I either mix it in with my general supplies or I toss it. |
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Post by cannmom on Jul 8, 2015 21:37:25 GMT
For me, it's the little collections of embellishments - the cute little groupings of MME buttons/chipboard tags that all go together, or random arrows, banners, tags, etc. Stuff that I can't sort by style or color because it needs to stay with its "family", or stuff that is just completely for random use. Drives me nuts! If it goes with a collection paper I keep it together in a 12x12 envelope. Just random stuff I have in a couple of little containers that I keep in a basket and I dig through them when I need something. I don't even attempt to sort them. If they go with a certain theme I keep them in a Iris container that has everything for that theme. |
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Post by alittleintrepid on Jul 8, 2015 21:51:37 GMT
For me, it's the little collections of embellishments - the cute little groupings of MME buttons/chipboard tags that all go together, or random arrows, banners, tags, etc. Stuff that I can't sort by style or color because it needs to stay with its "family", or stuff that is just completely for random use. Drives me nuts! Have you seen how Jen Schow does it? If you've ever seen her You-tube videos, she has the small Iris boxes which I think are intended for photo organization organized by collection/manufacturer. It is really a great idea because they are clear so you have a sense of what you have without having to open the box. |
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jul 8, 2015 23:42:09 GMT
i would agree that it is my photos.
I just have so many.
I have them from my past, especially from when I was a baby & before I was born, and I have no idea about dates or reasons the pic was taken.
I have so many pics that I take, and I usually have a reason for wanting it printed, and then sometimes I forget the idea I had in mind.
And other than event photos, I have a hard time remembering the exact date a pic was taken. I've been giving myself leniency and writing only the month & year if I don't know the date. I leave just a little room between month & year just in case I come across the date so that I can write it in.
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Post by 950nancy on Jul 9, 2015 1:31:02 GMT
I can honestly say that organization is my forte. I spend more time organizing and finding the perfect container than I actually do scrapbooking. If I have more than three of something is is organized! Thankfully I have my pictures 2000-2009 in boxes in order. I have all of the items that are larger from that year in large envelops in Iris boxes. Sometimes I will buy something and it won't have a home for a week or two so I toss it in my IKEA cart until it is properly homed. The other day I spent 7 hours updating my tools/inks lists. I should add I am recently retired and am loving it.
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Post by alittleintrepid on Jul 9, 2015 1:36:44 GMT
I can honestly say that organization is my forte. I spend more time organizing and finding the perfect container than I actually do scrapbooking. If I have more than three of something is is organized! Thankfully I have my pictures 2000-2009 in boxes in order. I have all of the items that are larger from that year in large envelops in Iris boxes. Sometimes I will buy something and it won't have a home for a week or two so I toss it in my IKEA cart until it is properly homed. The other day I spent 7 hours updating my tools/inks lists. I should add I am recently retired and am loving it. I think this calls for some detailed photos, and maybe a you-tube scraproom tour! |
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Post by LisaDV on Jul 9, 2015 1:37:40 GMT
I too struggle with pre-digital photos are horrible. I should really try to get a handle on them.
I also struggle with ephemera. I always want to include the arm bracelet from the day at XYZ park, the maps, tickets, etc. But I've never came up with an organization system to get them on the page. By the time I get to the scrapbooking part, the item is lost or out of memory. I set aside half of one of my filing cabinet drawers in the latest room reorganization just for this purpose.
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Post by 950nancy on Jul 9, 2015 2:32:59 GMT
I can honestly say that organization is my forte. I spend more time organizing and finding the perfect container than I actually do scrapbooking. If I have more than three of something is is organized! Thankfully I have my pictures 2000-2009 in boxes in order. I have all of the items that are larger from that year in large envelops in Iris boxes. Sometimes I will buy something and it won't have a home for a week or two so I toss it in my IKEA cart until it is properly homed. The other day I spent 7 hours updating my tools/inks lists. I should add I am recently retired and am loving it. I think this calls for some detailed photos, and maybe a you-tube scraproom tour! Totally organized but horribly challenged with videos. I have my room with 2009 organization on sb.com. (I use my same name.) I now have a six foot/six ringed Clip it Up and have it stuffed. But you are right. I need to update. |
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Post by alissa103 on Jul 9, 2015 3:15:23 GMT
Embellishments that don't go with a collection (I keep those with the paper they go with) or aren't a theme or aren't a certain color for me as well.
My solution that mostly works is to keep them in a little basket on my desk and then I tend to dig though that basket and my "new stuff" basket when I scrap, looking for the perfect this or that. It helps to use them to the point where I can break them up into my color bins.
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Post by alittleintrepid on Jul 9, 2015 3:19:37 GMT
950nancy, I will look for pics on SB.com ! I love when everything is organized....it makes it so much easier to play!
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Post by cannmom on Jul 9, 2015 3:22:56 GMT
I can honestly say that organization is my forte. I spend more time organizing and finding the perfect container than I actually do scrapbooking. If I have more than three of something is is organized! Thankfully I have my pictures 2000-2009 in boxes in order. I have all of the items that are larger from that year in large envelops in Iris boxes. Sometimes I will buy something and it won't have a home for a week or two so I toss it in my IKEA cart until it is properly homed. The other day I spent 7 hours updating my tools/inks lists. I should add I am recently retired and am loving it. I think this calls for some detailed photos, and maybe a you-tube scraproom tour!  I would love to see that! |
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Post by alissa103 on Jul 9, 2015 3:40:26 GMT
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Post by cannmom on Jul 9, 2015 5:39:54 GMT
Thanks so much for linking that alissa103. Love your room 950nancy.It's so pretty and that view. Not to mention cutest dog ever!!! |
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oaksong
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,164 
Location: LA Suburbia
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 6:24:29 GMT
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Post by oaksong on Jul 9, 2015 6:31:47 GMT
Lots of great organization inspiration in your space, 950nancy! I know who to ask when I need help! You have some really creative solutions. |
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Chinagirl828
Drama Llama
Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 6,495
Jun 28, 2014 6:28:53 GMT
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Post by Chinagirl828 on Jul 9, 2015 10:21:37 GMT
I too struggle with pre-digital photos are horrible. I should really try to get a handle on them. I also struggle with ephemera. I always want to include the arm bracelet from the day at XYZ park, the maps, tickets, etc. But I've never came up with an organization system to get them on the page. By the time I get to the scrapbooking part, the item is lost or out of memory. I set aside half of one of my filing cabinet drawers in the latest room reorganization just for this purpose. I mostly suck at including ephemera because inevitably I make the page and then much later I come across the ephemera.
My latest attempt to include it only works on albums that are significantly done. I've got all the photos sorted into page protectors in the album of where they will live and I've just added the ephemera in with them. Since I have to pull the album out to get the photos I have no way of forgetting the other stuff.
I'm yet to find something that works for my digi stuff (maybe scanning it in advance and saving it with the photos?) and paper projects that are not yet at the stage of having all the to-be-scrapped photos stored in the album.
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Chinagirl828
Drama Llama
Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 6,495
Jun 28, 2014 6:28:53 GMT
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Post by Chinagirl828 on Jul 9, 2015 10:26:14 GMT
Embellishments that don't go with a collection (I keep those with the paper they go with) or aren't a theme or aren't a certain color for me as well. My solution that mostly works is to keep them in a little basket on my desk and then I tend to dig though that basket and my "new stuff" basket when I scrap, looking for the perfect this or that. It helps to use them to the point where I can break them up into my color bins. I do this too. I should mention though that once I've used some of my new supplies (and find that I'm no longer reaching for them for every project) I cut sticker sheets apart and store the individual pieces in a drawer on my desk. I toss all my stickers, die cuts, and other similar pieces in there together. Sorting by colour didn't work for me but I like having a pile of similar things that could work all together, and I've used up lots of bits I would never have reached for if they weren't stored like this. |
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Post by LisaDV on Jul 9, 2015 13:49:07 GMT
Thanks for sharing this. I found many gems that might work in my space too. Nancy's space is just beautiful. |
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Post by LisaDV on Jul 9, 2015 13:53:40 GMT
My latest attempt to include it only works on albums that are significantly done. I've got all the photos sorted into page protectors in the album of where they will live and I've just added the ephemera in with them. Since I have to pull the album out to get the photos I have no way of forgetting the other stuff.
Karen, This is a terrific idea! Wouldn't work for me as I only print photos as I'm moved to scrap with them, but I keep my albums mostly chronological. If I were better at printing and putting them in the albums they would live in, I'd definitely be using this method of ephemera storage, makes so much sense.
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Post by mikklynn on Jul 9, 2015 14:33:42 GMT
When I print my photos, I sort them into 9"x11" manila envelopes. I write on the envelope what the item is and for which scrapbook. For example "Cade, hockey camp, 7/2015". Then, if I have memorabilia, such as tickets or programs, I tuck those in the envelope, too.
I simply cross off the markings after I scrap the photos and re-use the envelope. I bought a big box for little money at Costco.
I stand the envelopes up in magazine holders.
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Post by scraphappyinjax on Jul 9, 2015 17:29:19 GMT
My desk! I'm notorious for not putting away items after using them so piles and piles form all over. Once I don't have any open space anymore or my piles are too high and stuff keeps falling over I know it's time to finally clean up. Hahaha!!
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Post by threegirls on Jul 9, 2015 20:03:01 GMT
The hardest thing for me to keep organized? My mind! Sometimes I sit down with pictures and I have an idea for a page and then I change my mind, then again and again! Finally, I put the pictures away for another day. If I let them sit for a while and then go back to them I usually have a clear vision for what the page will look like.
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Post by checkwheelsdown on Jul 9, 2015 22:06:49 GMT
I too struggle with pre-digital photos are horrible. I should really try to get a handle on them. I also struggle with ephemera. I always want to include the arm bracelet from the day at XYZ park, the maps, tickets, etc. But I've never came up with an organization system to get them on the page. By the time I get to the scrapbooking part, the item is lost or out of memory. I set aside half of one of my filing cabinet drawers in the latest room reorganization just for this purpose. I mostly suck at including ephemera because inevitably I make the page and then much later I come across the ephemera.
My latest attempt to include it only works on albums that are significantly done. I've got all the photos sorted into page protectors in the album of where they will live and I've just added the ephemera in with them. Since I have to pull the album out to get the photos I have no way of forgetting the other stuff.
I'm yet to find something that works for my digi stuff (maybe scanning it in advance and saving it with the photos?) and paper projects that are not yet at the stage of having all the to-be-scrapped photos stored in the album.
Ephemera is my downfall too...I have tote bags full of my kids school work, soccer schedules, vacation bits and bobs, girl scout/boy scout stuff, etc. It's a jumbled mess. I'm better about new stuff, like our 30th anniversary cruise ephemera, I collected it all and put it in a Ziploc bag. So it sits waiting in another tote for me to download and print the pictures to scrap. At least it's all together in a "2013 tote."
What I really need to do is just go through the other dang totes and separate everything by month and year and Ziploc those too. Now if I could hire an organizer to do that...I can dream!  |
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Post by myboysnme on Jul 9, 2015 23:43:25 GMT
I cannot organize my things that don't meet a theme, like embellishments that could be used with anything. I organize in bins by theme so I end up with piles of uncategorizable items.
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Post by LisaDV on Jul 10, 2015 1:14:10 GMT
The hardest thing for me to keep organized? My mind! Sometimes I sit down with pictures and I have an idea for a page and then I change my mind, then again and again! Finally, I put the pictures away for another day. If I let them sit for a while and then go back to them I usually have a clear vision for what the page will look like. oh, yeah! I didn't even think about going there!!!!! Of course, if it sits too long, then I just forget it. Um, do you remember what we were doing here?  |
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Post by LisaDV on Jul 10, 2015 1:15:20 GMT
I too struggle with pre-digital photos are horrible. I should really try to get a handle on them. I also struggle with ephemera. I always want to include the arm bracelet from the day at XYZ park, the maps, tickets, etc. But I've never came up with an organization system to get them on the page. By the time I get to the scrapbooking part, the item is lost or out of memory. I set aside half of one of my filing cabinet drawers in the latest room reorganization just for this purpose. I mostly suck at including ephemera because inevitably I make the page and then much later I come across the ephemera.
My latest attempt to include it only works on albums that are significantly done. I've got all the photos sorted into page protectors in the album of where they will live and I've just added the ephemera in with them. Since I have to pull the album out to get the photos I have no way of forgetting the other stuff.
I'm yet to find something that works for my digi stuff (maybe scanning it in advance and saving it with the photos?) and paper projects that are not yet at the stage of having all the to-be-scrapped photos stored in the album.
Ephemera is my downfall too...I have tote bags full of my kids school work, soccer schedules, vacation bits and bobs, girl scout/boy scout stuff, etc. It's a jumbled mess. I'm better about new stuff, like our 30th anniversary cruise ephemera, I collected it all and put it in a Ziploc bag. So it sits waiting in another tote for me to download and print the pictures to scrap. At least it's all together in a "2013 tote."
What I really need to do is just go through the other dang totes and separate everything by month and year and Ziploc those too. Now if I could hire an organizer to do that...I can dream! With three of us, we might have a small support group!  Of course, I can't start another group until at least January. - busy, busy, busy. |
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oaksong
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,164
Location: LA Suburbia
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 6:24:29 GMT
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Post by oaksong on Jul 10, 2015 2:48:08 GMT
Add me to the ephemera club! I have several stashes that need to find their purpose.
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mjmone
Full Member
Posts: 441
Jul 3, 2014 2:58:29 GMT
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Post by mjmone on Jul 10, 2015 14:06:06 GMT
die cuts! I buy oodles of the packages of die cuts and find I don't really have organization for them.
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I would love to see that!
Of course, I can't start another group until at least January. - busy, busy, busy.