artbabe
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,407 
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Post by artbabe on Aug 7, 2019 15:33:39 GMT
I've been through a lot of organization phases through the years. I remember a time when everyone was storing all of their paper and embellishments by color. I went to the trouble to sort all of my stuff out into colors and after awhile realizing that I didn't scrap that way at all. So I wasted all of that time and then more time while I mixed everything back. I used to separate my paper by color and by type (dots, stripes, etc.) and then came 2 sided scrap book paper and that system didn't work well.
The best method I have found is to sort my supplies into collections or kits and putting them into a 2 gallon ziplock bag. It is so easy to find stuff that matches and to take things to crops/retreats. The downside of this is that the bags get bulky by the time the embellishments are added and they take up quite a bit of room to store.
If I have a bunch of a certain theme (Christmas, autumn, beach, etc.) I've been using the 12x12 Iris cases. That was I can mix and match collections so it gives me more options. I also store all of my Maggie Holmes in one case, Paige Evans in one case, etc. because all of their collections are similar in color palette the paper from one line goes with the embellishments from another.
I keep enamel dots, wood shapes, washi tape, etc. in a set of drawers because I use them on all kinds of layouts- they don't stay in one collection.
That being said, I would love to find new ways to organize stuff. I keep trying to find a method that goes well with the way I scrap and doesn't overtake my house.
I'd love to hear about different methods. How do you organize your stash? Any tips?
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 25, 2024 0:50:50 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2019 16:15:24 GMT
Following. I walked into my scrap space and walked right out the other day because I am overwhelmed.  |
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breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,591
Location: PNW
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Post by breetheflea on Aug 7, 2019 16:18:29 GMT
If you figure it out, let me know...
I have most of my paper in Iris cases by theme but then there are the paper pads, the non-themed paper, the 6 by 6 pads and the scraps...
I can't decide how I look for embellishments... they are currently sorted by type. I'm not sure if this is really efficient since I then have to go through all of it when I decide I want something red. But I don't always decide I need something with a certain color, so sorting by color doesn't work either. GAH!
Then I might make a page kit, and put a roll of washi or something in the kit, then I tear apart my scrapspace looking for it because I forget it's in there.
I'm a mess.
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Post by janamke on Aug 7, 2019 16:42:53 GMT
I've got a system that I think is finally working for me. I scrap by collection for the most part, so it really only works for people who keep collections together.
12x12 paper is stored vertically in cropper hopper paper holder on their sides. I recently went through the process of labeling them all using printer paper and a tab. Now most of my patterned paper is store by brand, then by collection. Embellishments that match those collections are stored in Iris containers in the 6 drawer cart that holds the Iris boxes. I'm generally pretty good at remembering if I have matching embellishments but I to put a post-it note on the printer paper denoting the collection to remind myself to look for embellishments.
I have some themed papers in Iris bins, Christmas, Heritage, Halloween, Camping. I don't love the Iris bins for storing paper. Hope to integrate these into my other system.
I do have one Iris container devoted to embellishments by color, mostly from past SC, AE kits and older lines that I've used up most of the paper. So far this has been working great. I'm not a "scrap by color" person but it's been great to have a few embellishments sorted by color when I need them. I sort and store the items into 3x3 clear drawer organizers . My other more neutral embellishments are stored by type (wood veneer, enamel dots, etc).
I have one tote of "kits", some SC some I've made up on my own. When it's full, I stop making kits and use what I have. When I have room I pull photos and papers to make more.
Hope this made sense.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 25, 2024 0:50:50 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2019 16:56:19 GMT
Then I might make a page kit, and put a roll of washi or something in the kit, then I tear apart my scrapspace looking for it because I forget it's in there. I'm a mess. This this this!!! I tried so hard to make page kits and now I have no flippin' idea where anything is. |
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Post by Embri on Aug 7, 2019 20:43:10 GMT
There are only two secrets to organization that works; store the way you work, and make it easier to put things away than leave them out.
Store the Way you Work
Crafting is a creative process, and there is no one right way to do it. That said, when you go to create what do you start with? What do you know, versus what do you struggle with? If it's "I know what I want to put where, but I can't figure out how to make things look good together", you want to organize your stuff into matching kits. If it's "I know what colour scheme I want to work with" then you sort by colour. If it's "I need X type of item next", then you sort by supply/design. And if you're one of the mavericks that goes "I'll know it when I see it!" then maybe just putting everything into a box at random will work for you!
Lazy Clean Up
Whatever method you pick to organize, make it as simple as possible to clean up. That means a minimum of steps between getting each item off your workspace and back where it belongs. Bins are good. 'Open this drawer, move over two boxes, take out a third box, open lid, open this bag, pull out a tray, put item in, reverse all previous steps' is not. The harder you make cleanup, the less likely you are to use things and put them away. Most used items go closest at hand. Ideally everything you use for your projects should be at arm's length, and take no more than a few seconds to get to. That's not possible for everyone depending on how much space they have and how big their stash, but it's something to aim for. If your space isn't serving you, you're serving your space!
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Post by 950nancy on Aug 7, 2019 20:48:08 GMT
Then I might make a page kit, and put a roll of washi or something in the kit, then I tear apart my scrapspace looking for it because I forget it's in there. I'm a mess. This this this!!! I tried so hard to make page kits and now I have no flippin' idea where anything is. I keep most of my paper in baggies by line. If I have stickers, chipboard, washi, etc. that go with the kit, I put a green circle sticker on the baggie. That way when I go to pull it, I know I have matching stuff stored elsewhere. I could easily put an "s" or "w" on the sticker so I know what to look for, but I generally remember. I have about 14 feet of paper in bags, so I have to do something to help me keep it all straight. |
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,625
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Post by kitbop on Aug 7, 2019 21:20:35 GMT
The biggest addition to my storage this year was my "just purchased" area - vertical 12x12 paper holder with recent papers, stickers, and embellies, and it's the first place I look. After I use a collection a couple of times, or a sticker sheet or whatever, it moves into my normal storage. There was a video series this summer - Janet from RTS? - and she does the same thing, which gave me a chuckle
Enjoying this so far!
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Post by Linda on Aug 7, 2019 21:32:51 GMT
I look for paper/cardstock by colour and most everything else by theme (occasionally type) so that's how MY stuff is organised. I'm also lazy so my stuff is all within arms reach when I'm sitting at my scrapbook table.
I mix paper and cardstock together and sort by colour on 3 recollections cubes (with the shelves - 4 spaces/cube). I have some bigger themes in drawers above the cubes (Christmas, Navy, Military, Girl Scout...) as well as box for my alphasand those are paper and embellishments. Most of the rest of my embellishments are in hanging folders by theme in an open file box under my desk. I have a smaller 3 drawer unit for little things - brads, eyelets, etc... and an open box for my alphas....and right now a small pile of stuff that I bought but haven't put away yet and the first two EP collections kits
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Aug 7, 2019 21:39:32 GMT
Stickers, embellishments, frames, word die cuts, etc... Sorted by theme using 12 x 12 plastic envelopes(I have about 30-ish various themes). (Travel, birthday, going out/entertainment, outdoors, Christmas, etc...) What (sheets of multiple theme stickers) doesn't have a specific category, goes into a binder filled with sheet protectors. I have two binders full. Alphabet.... stickers, chipboard or cut outs. Stored by color in hanging files. Multiple colors on sheet/in a package go into a binder full of sheet protectors. Paper: Sorted by color using 12 x 12 plastic envelopes. Multiple color paper is sub-categorized by categories (watercolor, flowered, grunge, stripes-polka dot-checked-etc..., brand(if it's a coordinating set), misc, etc..). The 12 x 12 plastic envelopes are stored in a rolling file cart, that has a shelf underneath that holds the binders. I can roll over to my table when I am scrapbooking. The cart I use: My original plan was all in a row facing shorter side, but the "hanging file" ledge prevented that. I made it work >> I have the majority facing long side and a few in at an angle in the leftover area. www.target.com/p/lorell-174-vertical-filing-cabinet-mobile-cart-mesh-steel-black/-/A-51446221I have another rolling shelves cart, that holds my paper cutter, basket of adhesive, box with "photo in progress" waiting to be scrapbooked, small tray with scissors, tweezers, etc... |
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Post by aj2hall on Aug 7, 2019 22:11:51 GMT
I’m in the same boat as you. I scrap by collection and until recently, stored everything that way. But, it’s really bulky and I was running out of room. So, I pulled out the embellishments except for 12 x 12 stickers and chipboard. We’ll see how it works.
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Post by refugeepea on Aug 8, 2019 5:01:54 GMT
I don't think my tips will be too helpful. I organize my paper and embellishments by theme and if they don't seem to fit anything, I sort by colors.
It works for me because I always start with a photo. If I have a Halloween photo of my daughter dressed as Nancy Drew, I go to my heritage/retro stuff. If I have a photo where my child is wearing an outfit that has "camping colors" I go to that theme.
I use 12x12 cases for categories when I have a lot of items. I use file folder label stickers I bought at Dollar Tree. I use them for labeling my plastic 12x12 paper holders too. I use an ultra fine point Sharpie marker.
The one thing I have used since I started scrapbooking is plastic bags in all different sizes. As things grow or decrease, I move it to another bag. I get overwhelmed if there's a pile of things to sort through.
I have a 2x4 expedit and expedit entertainment center in my living room. I'm able to fit my ZipeMate, Sidekick, and Tim Holtz stamping platform in one rattan basket. Papers, albums, and smaller categories of themed embellishments are stored there.
I have an old dresser with a hutch/shelves? I'll try posting a picture in the next couple of days. It's an odd assortment of containers I've used.
My Cricut cartridges fit perfectly in the top right hand drawer of the dresser. I think I have around ten. This website has been a lifesaver if I'm looking for images.
Mini albums are in a metal tub, sorted by gallon ziploc bags. My stamps are also in another metal tub. I don't own many, but I did stamp them and organize them by theme in a binder.
I still have a few more containers of stuff I need to go through. It's not many things.
I know where most things are, but it's generic embellishments I forget to use the most. I think that's more because of my scrapping style.
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Post by refugeepea on Aug 8, 2019 5:09:20 GMT
Then I might make a page kit, and put a roll of washi or something in the kit, then I tear apart my scrapspace looking for it because I forget it's in there. I can't do page kits! I don't have enough embellishments! I get why it works for others. |
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Post by refugeepea on Aug 8, 2019 5:20:22 GMT
There are only two secrets to organization that works; store the way you work, and make it easier to put things away than leave them out. I should have read your post before typing out my long winded one!
I love the lazy clean up part! I have a basket for throwing paper scraps into. When it gets too full, I organize them all at once. I throw them into sheet protectors or gallon bags. Once they get too full, I throw away some paper.
I put one of these directly in front of me when I scrap as a garbage can. I dump it when I'm done.
I do not have my own room, so I rarely scrap an entire page in one sitting. One day would be organizing photos into sheet protectors, next day finding sketches, next day choosing pattern paper and cardstock, next day stamping, next day using Cricut,...
SO, you are getting very little out each day. At least that's the plan. 
ETA: HOW could I forget Post it Notes? I know myself enough that I do forget my ideas frequently! Throw the idea on a post it note, stick it inside the protector and I surprise myself sometimes!
My favorite size for scrapping!
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Post by refugeepea on Aug 9, 2019 13:15:03 GMT
I apologize for the huge photos I'm posting! I didn't get a good picture of the third shelf with all the drawer units. Stickles, ink pads, acrylic blocks, adhesive and blade refills, and some of my most used punches. There are doors that go to this cabinet, but my child broke the glass in one of them.
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Post by refugeepea on Aug 9, 2019 13:16:43 GMT
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Post by refugeepea on Aug 9, 2019 13:17:23 GMT
Ignore the book, it's put up high away from little hands
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Post by refugeepea on Aug 9, 2019 13:18:15 GMT
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Post by refugeepea on Aug 9, 2019 13:19:37 GMT
That black thing above the steel rule dies is a fold up keyboard. |
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Post by refugeepea on Aug 9, 2019 13:26:20 GMT
The scrap cardstock and pattern paper are in magazine holders I got from Dollar Tree. I didn't realize how the overhang on each one takes up a lot of extra space. I plan on buying more 12x12 plastic holders for those and for storing additional paper.
I like using the file folder sticker labels on the holders because as storage grows or shrinks, I can easily relabel. Sometimes they can peel off or get beat up quick, but it's an easy fix.
There is 12x12 cardstock on the top two shelves with the pattern paper.
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Post by refugeepea on Aug 9, 2019 13:30:57 GMT
I have 12 Iris Cases on top of the Expedit entertainment center.
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Post by refugeepea on Aug 9, 2019 13:33:27 GMT
The corner of shame, where I used to store the Iris Cases, perfectly tucked away and out of sight, but very annoying to stack and unstack. The basket holds paper scraps that need to be filed and extra plastic bags. The white and green container has rolodex items. One Coke crate hold items I put aside for my niece and nephew, and the other one is random items.
The shopping basket (bought from a yard sale!) holds memorabilia. The mat belongs to my daughter.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 25, 2024 0:50:50 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 9, 2019 14:46:51 GMT
If it makes you feel any better, all 4 corners of my scraproom are "of shame" lol  |
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Post by scrapcat on Aug 9, 2019 15:49:27 GMT
I def go through phases with organization too. I think I used to spend more time on it and have tried to let go of that in order just to use my time to create. For paper, I used to always organize by color and that worked for a while. Then as I changed my scrapping style a bit, I would buy specific paper/kits/themes for certain photos. Now, I sort of have a hybrid system, which probably seems a little hectic, but it works for me. I still have older, basic paper sorted by color (dots, stripes, etc) then I have collections that I sort by theme. There are also single sheets I buy for specific projects sorted with the themes too. Very useful collections that I pull out often I keep on shelf closer to my scrap area too. I have two of these handy iris cases, that I like for portability. Iris handy scrapbook carrierWhen going to a crop I will often clear one out and fill the other in with product that will support what I am going to work on. Right now, one is more scrapbooking and one is more card making. The themes that work for me are: boy/school summer/beach travel home/food fall/halloween everyday/words christmas - i keep all my Christmas stuff in a regular iris case and store it away when not using it Then for other color pattern paper I sort by neutral, warm or cool, instead of individual colors. I do this with all of my alpha stickers and other embellishments too. This tends to work for me bcz I like to use complimentary colors and sometimes it's easier to determine if something is warm or cool versus blue or purple. One thing I finally figured out after years was that I need everything stored in clear cases or plastic envelopes or folders, whatever it is, it's always clear. Then I need everything to be put away either behind cabinet, drawers, closet door or under my table cart. I use these envelopes from container store and also found a cheaper version on amazon: transparent snap envelopeThe snap design works well, they can hold a pretty lot. Sometimes I use them to store items for a layout in, they also work great for 8.5x11 paper. I use them a lot. I use smaller envelopes for embellishments and small sheets of alphas and stickers. My 3d embellishments (brads, flowers, buttons, sequins) are all stored in one drawer in divided small cases I got from the $1 store years ago, sorted by color. This still works for me and I don't use a ton of it often, so I feel like it will last forever. Any tools or things like inks, paints are all stored categorically in different drawers. Sometimes it still feels like I'm always looking for something, but I think I kind of like the hunt too! In retrospect, it all works pretty well considering it's a lot of small stuff to store. |
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Post by deekaye on Aug 9, 2019 16:15:46 GMT
Through the years, as my scrapbooking "taste" changed/evolved, so did my organization. Currently I organize cardstock by color because that's the first thing I grab to start (well after the pics, of course). My patterned paper is stored by theme because the next thing I think is something like "hmmm, I could use a bit of striped paper here". My embellies are in a Raskog cart that stays right beside my desk.
My brightest idea was to always store things out in the open. I store in clear containers on shelves or in open containers on my workbench or desk. I find for me, that out-of-sight, out-of-mind, is so true!
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Post by lasteve1 on Aug 9, 2019 17:29:07 GMT
I have devised an organizational system that works great for me, but it took years of tweaking. We are moving soon though so I'm guessing I will need to modify it a bit to adjust to the new space, but I'm excited about the challenge... I love organization. Before we move I hope to film an office tour for instagram stories but I don't really ever share videos so not sure if I will... if I do I will post here. But I'll try to share a description of my system/some of my tips in case it helps anyone. First a disclaimer--I scrap primarily pocket pages in weekly project life, then traditional spreads various sizes 6x8 through 12x12, then mini albums. I do other crafts like sewing, etc. and my craft space has room for those activities as well, but the focus is definitely on scrapbooking. + To me, it is important to have things reachable rather than stashed away, or I won't use them. So I have my desk in a U-shape with supplies on 3 sides of me and then I have a rolling 3-tier cart that I pull up behind me while creating so I literally have supplies all around me. Despite having supplies everywhere, I have a huge desk space that is left almost entirely clear so I have room to work. + I can't say enough good things about www.stampnstorage.com/. Their products are pricey, but they are solidly made and created with scrapbookers in mind so everything fits just perfectly. In addition to their storage items, I use a lot of ikea furniture and organizers. + I use 3 ikea dining room tables to create my desk. These are cheap but deeper than most desks so you have more space to spread out or include desktop storage while still having adequate storage space. + I love ikea alex drawers for my current kits. I have a wide set of alex drawers under one of my desks in easy reach. The top 3 drawers hold the 3 most recent months' worth of kits (top is oldest of the 3). This is my first spot to look when reaching for supplies because I want to use the current kits as much as possibly. When the 4th set of kits comes in, I rotate all kits up one drawer and mix the oldest ones into my stash. The next 2 drawers of this alex hold current special projects I am working on (e.g. December daily, WITL) and the bottom drawer holds paper scraps. + I use the project life card organizers from stamp n storage for my project life cards (after 3 months staying with the kit) and for my 4x6 and 3x4 stamps. Stamps are organized by manufacturer and I have a whole cataloging system that is still in process. PL cards are organized by type (journaling, filler, pattern), then sub categories for theme and then within themes they are in rainbow order. + Most of my embellishments that have backing (chipboard, stickers, etc.) are in dragan organizers from ikea based on type and then in rainbow order. + Most of my loose embellishments are in embellishment trays in one of these units. They also sell the tray organizers. + My most used 12x12 papers are in a paper organizer also from stamp n storage and my inks are also in an ink organizer from stamp n storage. These units are all stored in a 4 cube ikea kallax on top of one of my desks. |
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Aug 9, 2019 17:52:40 GMT
Then I might make a page kit, and put a roll of washi or something in the kit, then I tear apart my scrapspace looking for it because I forget it's in there. I'm a mess. This this this!!! I tried so hard to make page kits and now I have no flippin' idea where anything is. would it help if you just took off a bit of the washi and stuck it onto an index card? put that index card in with your kit, and keep the actual ROLL of washi in your regular inventory. That way it's still available for anything else, but you'll know you want to use it for that kit when you see the index card. My organization--Paper:
I'm trying to change up the way I store my paper. I scrap more by 'mood' than anything else, so I decided to sift through ALL my paper and decide 'what category would I call this' ?? I ended up with something like 10-12 different themes: distressed background; woodgrain/ledger; travel/nautical; pet; love/romantic; other holiday-specific; etc. The paper IN each of the categories is then loosely arranged in rainbow order with white/cream at the beginning and brown, gray, & black at the end. I came up with a couple odd categories that sort of go with the way I pick papers to use them: every once in a while I want a multi-colored stripe (SG sketches call for them sometimes) so I made a 'multi-colored stripe/pattern' category. A lot of times I want a particular color of paper that is a tone-on-tone (basically, a B-side) pattern-- so one category is 'tone-on-tone' (again, the paper in that category is arranged in rainbow order just to make it easier to find something). The other categories area bit more vague: 'historical vintage' (G45-type patterns); 'homey/retro' (October Afternoon); and bright/cheery (basically all the white-based patterns-- florals, geometrics, etc.) I also wrote myself a list of what I decided each of those categories would include, and stuck that list on the wall, lol. Right now all of my 12x12 paper is stored together (in those different categories) in Totally Tiffany paper keeper files on a bookshelf RIGHT behind my workspace. I even put all my 12x12 paper pads into those categories, just keeping each paper pad together. Dimensional embellishments:
As far as dimensional embellishments, I choose them by what TYPE of thing I want rather than by choosing a color. (It helps that I don't have a ton of stuff to store, too.) So all my wood veneers, brads, paperclips, flair, etc. are stored in 4x6 iris cases; I know if I want wood veneer, I go to that one 4x6 box. If I want enamel dots, I go to that particular box. etc. My washi and ribbon are all stored in one of those washi boxes from Michaels, so it's pretty easy to find something in there. Flat embellishments:
I changed my storage for stickers, die cuts, and chipboard ALL around based on the way Janet from RTS stores her supplies. The stickers, die cuts, and chipboard are all stuck to waxed paper that's been glued to 8.5x11 pages and the pages are stored in 3-ring binders. That way I can flip through the binder to look for something instead of shuffling through die cuts in a bag or envelope. It's made it much easier to see what I have!! (and to see how MUCH stuff I have, lol) I stored them by what theme/category I would choose: I have one 3-ring binder for words and phrases, and then I have my other stickers & dies arranged into categories that I would choose from: hearts/romantic; random shapes; frames & tags; travel; pets & animals (fishing, hunting, etc); and a category for my 12-inch borders. It's taken quite a while to make that particular switch, but I think it will work a lot easier when I'm choosing supplies. We'll see how well this system works when I actually get some time to MAKE a scrapbook page rather than just organizing my supplies- hopefully this weekend!! Basically, the short answer is what Embri already said: you need to organize your supplies for how YOU work, not just how they look good, or what looks cute in a photograph. The 'easier to put away' part has always been an ongoing struggle for me, too. |
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Post by Embri on Aug 9, 2019 18:37:17 GMT
The stickers, die cuts, and chipboard are all stuck to waxed paper that's been glued to 8.5x11 pages and the pages are stored in 3-ring binders. If you find the old style album inserts with the clear top page over a tacky (usually off-white) surface, those are perfect for holding stickers - apply directly to the top sheet. Have used them for my sticker albums since I was a child. As a bonus, you can also tuck non-sticky things into the same pages by putting them underneath.  |
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Aug 9, 2019 19:21:21 GMT
that is a GREAT idea! I see those old-school 'magnetic' page albums at the Goodwill stores ALL the time. I actually think they still sell them in the craft stores, too- which I couldn't believe, when I saw it. That would certainly have saved me a lot of time, too- cutting waxed paper to size and gluing the pieces to both sides of a piece of cardstock isn't exactly a quick process, lol. But I think it will TOTALLY be a game-changer for the way I scrap-- I had literally NO idea about how many stickers and die cuts I had, or what exactly was in all of those little packages. Now that I can see it all, I'm enthused about using it on my pages.
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Post by refugeepea on Aug 9, 2019 20:42:21 GMT
If you find the old style album inserts with the clear top page over a tacky (usually off-white) surface, those are perfect for holding stickers - apply directly to the top sheet. Have used them for my sticker albums since I was a child. As a bonus, you can also tuck non-sticky things into the same pages by putting them underneath. They don't lose their stickiness when you peel them off? |
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