Ryann
Pearl Clutcher
Love is Inclusive
Posts: 2,643
Location: PNW
May 31, 2021 3:14:17 GMT
|
Post by Ryann on May 5, 2023 17:14:42 GMT
My question for you all: As your stamp collection grows, how do you remember what you have? Many times I know I have a certain sentiment, but I can't find it. Sometimes they are one stamp in a full stamp set! I started buying stamp sets that are just sentiments. I just bought two from Honey Bee Stamps for the insides of the cards - Inside Birthday and Snarky Birthday. I use the ColorMyLife app to keep track of crafty supplies. In addition to theme tags I also add tags for the exact sentiments included in each stamp set. That way I can do a general search for "birthday" and any sentiment that includes that tag will show up - either because it's "birthday" themed OR the word birthday is actually in the sentiment ("happy birthday to you"). The app includes a field for "item is stored here" so you can list where it's located in your space. This app has saved me from making duplicate purchases a few times now. They have a monthly price and an annual price, but I believe those are going up soon (June??). I've found the app owners to be responsive to suggestions. When I first started using it there wasn't a category that included stamps/dies/stencils/hot foil plates as a combo. I sent them an email asking if it could be added and they responded the next day saying it was now there for me to select in the app. I've seen others say they use Airtable and Evernote for digitally cataloging their collections. Others that prefer using a method of physically stamped images sorted by theme in a binder, etc. I hope you find a method that works for you!
|
|
Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,241
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
|
Post by Shakti on May 5, 2023 17:36:38 GMT
I never answered the question about scraps. Right now, I'm saving virtually everything. I have some glitter paper shapes that were the insides of letters in word dies, but they're abstract and sparkly and I am telling myself they will be great embellishments. I am probably completely mad. Mine are sorted in 2 little 3-drawer fiberboard units.
MY VERY RQOTD: What does it mean to have used something? I am keeping my new "unused" products in a separate bin and trying not to shop when it's full. If I stamp, color, and die cut a focal image, but don't incorporate it into a card, does that set get out "unused jail"? Same with stenciling a background and not making a full card. If I use a sentiment from a sentiments-only set on a card, that's clearly use, so into the active files it goes. But what if it's a sentiment in a mainly image set? Is that enough to consider that I've "used" the set?
I realize this is a really subjective question and it can really be whatever I think it is. I guess I'm looking for different perspectives on how to think about it.
|
|
GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,503
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
|
Post by GiantsFan on May 5, 2023 20:02:09 GMT
MichyM - Folders like these but from the dollar store. And of course one color. I couldn't sleep at night if they were all different!
|
|
|
Post by freeatlast on May 5, 2023 20:25:46 GMT
What does it mean to have used something?
My "unused jail" is a 8x8x4 fridge bin (or 2 if shopping vs. crafting is really out of balance). For me, as long as some part of the set (stamp, die or stencil) sees ink or a die cutting machine, it's get of of jail free time for all!
|
|
Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,241
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
|
Post by Shakti on May 5, 2023 20:35:52 GMT
Thanks, freeatlast. I am starting to lean that way, since even if an image or background hasn't made it to a card, I've clearly engaged with the set, which should count for something! But I'd love to "hear" other perspectives.
|
|
|
Post by MichyM on May 9, 2023 17:38:42 GMT
Today's RQOTD:
Where do you buy mini-slim envelopes? I enjoy making this size card. I've been buying the envelopes from Taylored Expressions, but at $4 for 10, that feels a bit pricey to me. Any suggestions of other places to look? Thanks a bunch!
|
|
|
Post by MichyM on May 9, 2023 17:43:09 GMT
Regarding your question about used items Shakti. For me, I'll put my goods into "regular stock" after I've used them enough to (hopefully) remember that I have them. What that usually means for me is that I have used them for at least a couple of different projects. For example, I have sentiment sets that I bought several months ago in my new products bin, as I haven't used them enough to have them imprint on my brain yet. I have several kits from C+CD that are not put away yet as I've only used them for those projects so far. Kinda vague, but that's my criteria. I have been shopping like a madwoman since mid-February, so my new bin is pretty darned full right now.
|
|
Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,241
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
|
Post by Shakti on May 9, 2023 17:49:46 GMT
Thanks, MichyM , that's right about where I am with my new bin, too. I am not at all a fan of Amazon, but that is where I've been buying mini slim envelopes. The usual suspects, like OfficeSupply.com and Clear Bags don't carry them. Someone here sent me a link to a colored assortment, but I think I only bought white: link
|
|
|
Post by MichyM on May 9, 2023 17:58:30 GMT
Thanks, MichyM , that's right about where I am with my new bin, too. I am not at all a fan of Amazon, but that is where I've been buying mini slim envelopes. The usual suspects, like OfficeSupply.com and Clear Bags don't carry them. Someone here sent me a link to a colored assortment, but I think I only bought white: linkThank you. I'm not a big fan of the envelopes that open on the end. I think for an elderly person it might be difficult to get the card out. Especially since cards made with the TE triple slim stencils are 3.5" wide (same width as the envelope). And the other ones I've found on Amazon and office supply shops (so far) look cheap to me, are thin, and sometimes have light blue pattern (to help mask what's inside) imprinted on the paper :/
|
|
|
Post by scrapperal on May 9, 2023 18:09:21 GMT
Scraps No scrap is too small (unfortunately). If the paper is a favorite color or pattern, I will keep the scrap, no matter how small. Scraps are kept with the full sheets or paper collection. If they are one offs, they are in a scrap folder.
Used Anything that is taken out of its packaging is used in my world, even if I haven't done anything with it.
|
|
|
Post by kkrenn on May 9, 2023 19:01:56 GMT
Thanks, MichyM , that's right about where I am with my new bin, too. I am not at all a fan of Amazon, but that is where I've been buying mini slim envelopes. The usual suspects, like OfficeSupply.com and Clear Bags don't carry them. Someone here sent me a link to a colored assortment, but I think I only bought white: linkThank you. I'm not a big fan of the envelopes that open on the end. I think for an elderly person it might be difficult to get the card out. Especially since cards made with the TE triple slim stencils are 3.5" wide (same width as the envelope). And the other ones I've found on Amazon and office supply shops (so far) look cheap to me, are thin, and sometimes have light blue pattern (to help mask what's inside) imprinted on the paper :/ I realize this won't be the popular answer but I make the envelopes for my mini slimline cards. I haven't any pre-made ones that good enough. They are either too pricey or not good quality.
|
|
Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,241
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
|
Post by Shakti on May 9, 2023 19:04:22 GMT
Especially since cards made with the TE triple slim stencils are 3.5" wide (same width as the envelope). You could trim the stencil panels and card bases ever so slightly.... I will say the Amazon envelopes are a sturdy weight and attractively plain/not too business-y. Even the dies I see for mini slimline have the short end opening. EtA: HoneyBee has a die set with either flap option.
|
|
GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,503
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
|
Post by GiantsFan on May 9, 2023 21:01:44 GMT
RE: Mini Slimline envelopes - Spellbinders has a pack of 25 for $7.99. White only. Currently sold out though.
I dislike envelopes with the opening on the end.
|
|
lindas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,305
Jun 26, 2014 5:46:37 GMT
|
Post by lindas on May 10, 2023 1:59:08 GMT
Thank you. I'm not a big fan of the envelopes that open on the end. I think for an elderly person it might be difficult to get the card out. Especially since cards made with the TE triple slim stencils are 3.5" wide (same width as the envelope). And the other ones I've found on Amazon and office supply shops (so far) look cheap to me, are thin, and sometimes have light blue pattern (to help mask what's inside) imprinted on the paper :/ I realize this won't be the popular answer but I make the envelopes for my mini slimline cards. I haven't any pre-made ones that good enough. They are either too pricey or not good quality. I also make my envelopes for regular and mini slimline cards. Sizzix had a die for A2 size envelopes and I’ve been making those too. Good way to use up that not so great cardstock.
|
|
|
Post by mbanda on May 10, 2023 13:50:15 GMT
|
|
|
Post by joblackford on May 10, 2023 20:24:54 GMT
Today's RQOTD:
Where do you buy mini-slim envelopes? I enjoy making this size card. I've been buying the envelopes from Taylored Expressions, but at $4 for 10, that feels a bit pricey to me. Any suggestions of other places to look? Thanks a bunch! Not the answer I imagine you want but… I bought these from Staples. They also have security tinted or self seal options but these are plain white and normal business envelope thin. I’m not a fan of the short end closure at all and since most of my cards were going to be donated anyway I figured these were good enough. I would prefer something a little weightier but in the end I just decided to stop making that size card (for the most part). They also aren’t accepted by all charities and don’t fit as nicely into flat rate boxes so that influenced my decision. www.staples.com/Staples-Gummed-6-3-4-Standard-Business-Envelopes-500-Box-187005-19252/product_187005
|
|
|
Post by joblackford on May 10, 2023 20:30:41 GMT
What does it mean to have used something? My "unused jail" is a 8x8x4 fridge bin (or 2 if shopping vs. crafting is really out of balance). For me, as long as some part of the set (stamp, die or stencil) sees ink or a die cutting machine, it's get of of jail free time for all! Shakti sorry I think I quoted the wrong comment ;P To me it’s more of a feeling - have I used the thing enough that I will remember I own it? Enough that I remember why I was excited to buy it? Will it occur to me to go looking for it? I assume that’s why you have an unused thing jail. I might sit down and stamp all the bits and die cut from some scraps and put them in my folder of leftovers and call that good enough. At least then I will see them when I go looking for ready to go sentiments or images and it might spark a desire to play more. But ideally I will try to use it enough that it feels like it’s mine.
|
|
Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,241
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
|
Post by Shakti on May 10, 2023 21:18:50 GMT
The mini-slims I've been making are 3.25 x 6.25, so the Amazon ones are a better size. My mother, who so far as been the recipient of all that I've made in this size, says the short end opening is a little awkward/less attractive. As an official "old person" though, she doesn't think they're a significant problem. joblackford, I like the idea if I stamped/colored/die cut/blended images and those images are in my random WIP stash, that's good enough to not totally forget I have them. As you say, I'll run into those pieces when I am trying to put cards together. Also like the idea of "feeling like it's mine" -- sounds fuzzy, but I know exactly what you mean.
|
|
PaperAngel
Prolific Pea
Posts: 7,994
Jun 27, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
|
Post by PaperAngel on May 10, 2023 23:21:50 GMT
[Disclaimer: I exclusively scrapbook & am not a cardmaker.] 1. Do you precut card bases and card fronts? N/A 2. How small is too small a paper scrap to keep? White CS? Colored CS? Patterned paper? I only purchase paper that I like, fits my style, & will use...eventually, so I keep small scraps. I toss them in a bowl until it's full, then I batch stamp/punch/diecut them into circles, stars, labels, tabs, etc. & store the shapes in a divided Artbin Solutions Box that I consult first when adding basic elements to future layouts. 3. If you use the clear plastic bins (like M-design and I-design) for stamp and or die storage, what have you found works for dividers? I'm having a heck of a time finding any that are 5.5" wide and my handmade ones from last year made of CS are looking pretty bedraggled. The ones used for comic books would be so ideal, but they are too wide. I organize by manufacturer & use clear iDesign fridge bins to store my modest inventory of both photopolymer stamps & non-Quickutz dies. Since I only need a few dividers per bin, I created my own dividers using the WRMK Tab Punch Board. Perhaps consider the SB.com Tabbed Dividers with Labels that measure 5 1/2" x 8 3/8" (with tab). 4. As your stamp collection grows, how do you remember what you have? My (preferred) wood-mounted rubber stamps are stored, one layer per drawer, in wide/shallow drawers of my (discontinued) Pottery Barn Bedford 5-Drawer Cabinet with photopolymer sets housed in a clear iDesign fridge bin that sits on top. Each drawer has two label holders & the fridge bin has labeled dividers. I can easily open the drawers to glance or quickly flip through the bin to view my options. No memory required! 5. What does it mean to have used something? N/A, since I don't store new(er) supplies separately. 6. Where do you buy mini-slim envelopes? N/A
|
|
|
Post by MichyM on May 10, 2023 23:40:18 GMT
Today's RQOTD:
Where do you buy mini-slim envelopes? I enjoy making this size card. I've been buying the envelopes from Taylored Expressions, but at $4 for 10, that feels a bit pricey to me. Any suggestions of other places to look? Thanks a bunch! Not the answer I imagine you want but… I bought these from Staples. They also have security tinted or self seal options but these are plain white and normal business envelope thin. I’m not a fan of the short end closure at all and since most of my cards were going to be donated anyway I figured these were good enough. I would prefer something a little weightier but in the end I just decided to stop making that size card (for the most part). They also aren’t accepted by all charities and don’t fit as nicely into flat rate boxes so that influenced my decision. www.staples.com/Staples-Gummed-6-3-4-Standard-Business-Envelopes-500-Box-187005-19252/product_187005Well I love the price! .05 per envelope vs .40 per envelope. But I don't make enough mini-slims to use up 500 in my lifetime! If you ever see a quantity less than 100 (50 would be lovely) PLMK!
|
|
|
Post by MichyM on May 10, 2023 23:42:05 GMT
The mini-slims I've been making are 3.25 x 6.25, so the Amazon ones are a better size. My mother, who so far as been the recipient of all that I've made in this size, says the short end opening is a little awkward/less attractive. As an official "old person" though, she doesn't think they're a significant problem. Can we just call this side opening preference a quirk of mine and call it good?
|
|
Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,241
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
|
Post by Shakti on May 11, 2023 1:00:32 GMT
Can we just call this side opening preference a quirk of mine and call it good? We could, except that it seems you're not alone; many posters seem to agree with you!
|
|
|
Post by mbanda on May 11, 2023 15:32:23 GMT
|
|
|
Post by MichyM on May 11, 2023 17:16:12 GMT
Thank you. The quantity is ideal. Unfortunately the blue security interior turns it into a "business" envelope to me.
|
|
|
Post by joblackford on May 11, 2023 17:45:25 GMT
Not the answer I imagine you want but… I bought these from Staples. They also have security tinted or self seal options but these are plain white and normal business envelope thin. I’m not a fan of the short end closure at all and since most of my cards were going to be donated anyway I figured these were good enough. I would prefer something a little weightier but in the end I just decided to stop making that size card (for the most part). They also aren’t accepted by all charities and don’t fit as nicely into flat rate boxes so that influenced my decision. www.staples.com/Staples-Gummed-6-3-4-Standard-Business-Envelopes-500-Box-187005-19252/product_187005Well I love the price! .05 per envelope vs .40 per envelope. But I don't make enough mini-slims to use up 500 in my lifetime! If you ever see a quantity less than 100 (50 would be lovely) PLMK! In store I bought them in a 125 pack (maybe 2 years ago?). Not sure if you have easy access to a Staples store though. I've heard that some dollar stores and similar carry similar ones but you don't have a lot of those nearby either.
|
|
|
Post by joblackford on May 11, 2023 17:49:32 GMT
BTW for cheap dividers in my drawer I add tabs to the back covers of 6x6 paper pads when I'm finished them. The cardstock is pretty sturdy. They're obvs not tall enough to be used for stamps and dies but they work really well to divide precut cardstock and card bases. I also save the covers of paper pads for adding dimension in place of foam tape.
|
|
Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,241
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
|
Post by Shakti on May 11, 2023 18:03:33 GMT
|
|
|
Post by mbanda on May 11, 2023 18:45:20 GMT
MichyM if you do a search for #6 3/4 Envelopes you can probably find some that don't have the blue inside. To me, it wasn't that noticeable on the 100 pack I bought.
|
|
|
Post by MichyM on May 11, 2023 21:54:19 GMT
Unfortunately I got this message from the website when I entered my zip code to check availability: We're sorry but this item is not currently available for this location.I wonder which locations is it available for? It's not like I live out in the middle of nowhere or something...?
|
|
|
Post by marg on May 11, 2023 21:56:10 GMT
Finally, last year when I was at the Container Store in the US I found DVD dividers and bought a pack of those to use instead. They're a translucent-ish plastic and very sturdy. Are these about 6-3/16" x 8-1/4" and pre-labeled A-Z? If so, do just over-label the tabs? Yes, those are them. I just put a label over the letters.
|
|