Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Feb 14, 2024 14:16:01 GMT
I just stumbled across a Pinterest post on scrap storage which I found attractive -- much better than what I'm doing now. On the other hand, I'm feeling pretty cruddy about how moving from one storage furniture piece to another seems to be rendering ALL of the storage containers I've been using obsolete and how many new containers I find myself buying.
Maybe some of you have some clever solution I can execute with the many, many, many "spare" containers now sitting around here. Please share your solutions!
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Post by mikklynn on Feb 14, 2024 14:28:43 GMT
Mine are in a plastic 3 drawer storage unit. It's for solid cardstock only. It's easy to dig through.
PP scraps get tucked in a letter size page protector in with the collection or theme they started in.
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Post by Linda on Feb 14, 2024 14:33:25 GMT
I bought a pack of plastic envelopes from Amazon - and cut the flaps off. They store in one of my Kallax cubes and are easy to grab the right colour and most importantly - easy to put scraps INto. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RFJF828/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1some colours I separate out cardstock from PP (green, blue, black/grey, brown) and others they are mixed (red, orange/yellow, pink, purple) - based strictly on how many scraps I tend to accumulate. When the envelopes get overfull, I weed through them |
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breetheflea
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Posts: 6,582 
Location: PNW
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Post by breetheflea on Feb 14, 2024 14:39:06 GMT
I have a vertical cart with drawers. The more popular colors get the bigger bottom drawers (blue, green), some share (yellow and orange), and purple doesn't have a drawer (I needed it for brown.) I like that I can toss scraps in (even cardstock) without thinking too much, but sometimes I'd rather have vertical storage where I could flip through easier... I usually take the drawer out, and put it on my desk when I'm digging for something.
I am too cheap to throw out my scraps, although sometimes I do go through and toss stuff if the bin gets too overwhelming.
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JRock
Full Member
Posts: 115
Jan 2, 2019 13:53:33 GMT
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Post by JRock on Feb 14, 2024 15:08:09 GMT
Ooooh I have a system I am really happy with! I store all my paper in pretty much the same way.
12x12 paper makes up most of what I own/buy:
I have paper grouped by color, style, or theme, whatever makes the most sense to me. It is then stored in record sleeves, with scraps in the front. Those are then stood up in Cropper Hopper style paper holders. It works for loose papers and pads. I keep things grouped based on how I would think I want to find something- do I want orange? Modern distressed? Vintage? Halloween? etc. This way I can sift through the smaller scraps first to see if there is anything that works, or go for the full sheets if not. I also just try to be realistic about if a scrap is actually big enough to warrant saving, that has helped cut down on the teeny tiny scraps that will forever go unseen/unused.
For 8.5x11:
Same system, only job ticket holders from Amazon stored in plastic magazine holders.
This system doesn't really work for paper pages smaller than that, but I own very few and buy them rarely. For those I just stick the scraps in the front of the pad and store them upside down so they don't fall out as much.
This allows me to keep and then use really small pieces of white cardstock which is great for testing colors of ink/pen/whatever or testing stamps. Black and white are the one type having teeny tiny scraps is worthwhile for me, and this way they are easy to grab and use.
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,449
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Post by scrapnnana on Feb 14, 2024 15:10:38 GMT
Well, I apparently have a crappy system, although it works for me. I sort them by color and store the different colors of solid color card stock scraps in ziplock bags, then put those in Iris bins or plastic shoe boxes, depending on the size of the bags of scraps. I try to grab scrap pieces instead of full sheets for die cutting, especially if I am making cards rather than scrapbooking, but it doesn’t always happen. Patterned paper scraps are kept in Iris bins. I value patterned paper more than card stock, especially if it’s a design and color that I love.
However, I don’t live near any LSS. I am an older gal who was the last, fifth child of older parents. They lived through the Depression. They didn’t waste things, so I have a hard time throwing away even paper scraps, especially since it is surprising how you can use up even minimal scraps with some of the smaller card making dies.
If I get an overabundance, though, sometimes I rebel against my frugal upbringing and just start throwing them away.
If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to save and use the scraps, especially if you don’t live near any LSS. Otherwise, give yourself permission to toss them into the circular file. They can multiply like rabbits.
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Feb 14, 2024 15:22:33 GMT
Thanks, all!
For folks who have drawers, what is the area/footprint of them?
The solution I saw was A4-sized document boxes, less than an inch deep, lined up on a shelf. They looked very beautiful, but they are pricey! The benefit over envelopes is that it's easier to shuffle through without dumping the whole thing out. But envelopes are way cheaper! But I really hate the idea of running out and buying yet more plastic storage without trying much harder to reuse something I have here or finding a way to make my current system more attractive.
Mine are currently in two little three-drawer units made of a paperboard sort of material. I don't mind that they're not translucent or even that I have only 6 drawers -- I'm ok with yellow/orange/red and blue/green being mixed. The small size of each drawer -- 6 x 10 or so -- was a bit of a disadvantage at first, but it's really bugging me lately. When I started, wrapping an 11" or 12" strip around the edge of a drawer worked fine, but as they get more full, it's less workable.
I think the best solution would be to convince myself that as a card maker, rather than a scrapbook, it's most likely JUST FINE to trim those strips in half or so. I don't put borders on page layouts.
This rarely happens here, but I think you all have helped me really that this is just an instance of "Shiny!" I don't need this now, I may not need it ever, and if I really, really outgrow my current solution, there are many, many options that are cheaper and easier! You anti-enabled!
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Post by mbanda on Feb 14, 2024 15:27:09 GMT
I use 12x12 page protectors that I don't care to use in my books. I like using the Echo Park page protectors in my scrapbooks so these are the ones that usually come with my 3 ring binder books & I know I'm not going to use them.
I have a 12x12 sheet of solid cardstock in the PP and solid scraps go on one side of the sheet and pattern paper on the other side. I tend to file my pattern paper by whatever I feel is the dominant color. Each color has it's own page protector. I keep all of these page protectors in a fabric bin from Target inside my Kallax unit. It is within arms reach of my desk so if I need a color I can look here first before cutting into a full sheet.
If I still have a lot of a particular collection I will keep my scraps with the collection until I feel I have used up what I can. Then I'll file the rest in my color coded system.
Christmas scraps are separate with my Christmas papers in an Iris container.
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Post by janamke on Feb 14, 2024 15:31:45 GMT
2 of these from Container Store The smallest size. I sort by ROYGBIV. Colors are divided by manilla folders. Patterned scraps go inside the folders. I don't have a ton of patterned scraps because I tend to keep scraps with their collections. It's not a ton of storage, but it keeps me on top of scraps and recycling what doesn't get used.
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GiantsFan
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Posts: 8,501
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Feb 14, 2024 16:15:47 GMT
I have tried many ways to store (and use!) scraps. Accordion files, zip bags, file folders, storage bins and more.
I use JM's "job ticket folder method" for storing solid paper. What works for me is putting the scrap back in the same job ticket folder that it came out of. So, if I pull a piece of black cardstock, I put the leftovers back in the same folder. I store my 6x6 paper pads in the 6 3/4" x 9" stamp pockets (I cut the tops off to make them square) and put the scraps back in with each paper pad.
Same with card bases. For card base 110# or 120# paper, I have "in basket" type trays. I put the left overs back. And if I'm bored and cut and score bases ahead of time I store them back in the tray.
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breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,582
Location: PNW
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Post by breetheflea on Feb 14, 2024 16:15:54 GMT
Thanks, all! For folks who have drawers, what is the area/footprint of them? The solution I saw was A4-sized document boxes, less than an inch deep, lined up on a shelf. They looked very beautiful, but they are pricey! The benefit over envelopes is that it's easier to shuffle through without dumping the whole thing out. But envelopes are way cheaper! But I really hate the idea of running out and buying yet more plastic storage without trying much harder to reuse something I have here or finding a way to make my current system more attractive. Mine are currently in two little three-drawer units made of a paperboard sort of material. I don't mind that they're not translucent or even that I have only 6 drawers -- I'm ok with yellow/orange/red and blue/green being mixed. The small size of each drawer -- 6 x 10 or so -- was a bit of a disadvantage at first, but it's really bugging me lately. When I started, wrapping an 11" or 12" strip around the edge of a drawer worked fine, but as they get more full, it's less workable. I think the best solution would be to convince myself that as a card maker, rather than a scrapbook, it's most likely JUST FINE to trim those strips in half or so. I don't put borders on page layouts. This rarely happens here, but I think you all have helped me really that this is just an instance of "Shiny!" I don't need this now, I may not need it ever, and if I really, really outgrow my current solution, there are many, many options that are cheaper and easier! You anti-enabled! The one I have is kind of like this one. The cart is 14ish by 12, but the drawers are about an inch too narrow to hold a full 12 by 12 piece of paper, they are probably about 11 by 13, but it works for scraps... |
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Post by grammadee on Feb 14, 2024 16:42:09 GMT
I have mine sorted by colour in a wood magazine rack I got from M's years ago. The rack (part of a Better Homes & Gardens storage cube system) sits on the end of my scrap counter. There are drawers at the bottom for tools and pens. The scraps look messy, but they are at my fingertips, and I can find what I want fairly quickly.
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pinklady
Drama Llama
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Post by pinklady on Feb 14, 2024 16:46:04 GMT
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thriftyjenny
Junior Member
Posts: 63
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Post by thriftyjenny on Feb 14, 2024 17:33:09 GMT
I keep my scraps mostly split between three 3 Ring binders filled with 8.5x11 page protectors (shout out Sam's Club for their 250 page protectors box for way cheap). 1 binder is warm colors, 1 is cools, one is black, white, brown, and multi colors.
-The page protectors keep the different main colors separated, so reds + pinks, oranges, and yellows each have their own set of protectors.
-The sets are split into first acid free and origins unknown (possibly acid free, but always good to know I don't know)
-Amongst those splits, each of those has subsets of pockets for rectangles, die-cuts/shapes, and the true chunks cut out of 'em raggedy scraps. The specialty papers get their own section. I don't generally buy specialty papers, or scrap them out so I just know they're all of unclear origins.
All scraps beyond the 8.5x11 footprint get sorted into reused print shop envelopes for 8x10s in the same warms, cools, bw+brown separations. It takes up a bit of space on my desk, probably a 12x18 footprint, but as an apartment dweller with a craft-guest-computer-library room, there aren't a lot of places else they could go.
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Post by mom on Feb 14, 2024 18:19:25 GMT
I store my scraps in 12x12 page protectors. Then those page protectors are with my uncut card stock so when I go to grab a sheet to cut something I see the scraps. I try to grab the scraps first before cutting into a new card stock paper. Its not fancy, but it works the best for me.
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Post by papersilly on Feb 14, 2024 18:21:12 GMT
my dilemma is that i shouldn't even be keeping my scraps. i have enough paper to last a lifetime and i have multiples of designs that i like. right now, i keep them on a box on my desk. when the box starts to overflow, i bag almost all of it and donate it to a craft co-op not too far from me.
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Post by breakfastattiffanys on Feb 14, 2024 18:29:06 GMT
You all are so organized! My scraps stay in a pile by my trimmer, sad to say. I save anything that is 6x12 or bigger with the collection it goes with, but anything smaller stays in a pile. I have one 12x12 cardboard mailer box that I threw scraps in, plus the pile by the trimmer.
I took time this weekend and made some 3x4 pockets, hidden paperclips and other random embellishments from the scrap pile but will probably start tossing the rest. It gets so overwhelming and I hate digging through tiny scraps.
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Post by 950nancy on Feb 14, 2024 19:15:38 GMT
Part of the fun of scrapping and collecting is the updating the storage. I have 1- 12. x 14 clear bin that I put scraps in. I keep all of my collections in separate baggies, so I only keep scraps larger than 4 x 6 in this bin and they have to be solids. Otherwise they go back in the baggie with the line. I am pretty good about tossing my scraps.
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Feb 14, 2024 20:10:08 GMT
My paper is stored in 13 x 13 plastic envelopes, by pattern or color......scraps included.
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,730
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on Feb 14, 2024 20:23:52 GMT
I use 12x12 page protectors that I don't care to use in my books. I like using the Echo Park page protectors in my scrapbooks so these are the ones that usually come with my 3 ring binder books & I know I'm not going to use them. I have a 12x12 sheet of solid cardstock in the PP and solid scraps go on one side of the sheet and pattern paper on the other side. I tend to file my pattern paper by whatever I feel is the dominant color. Each color has it's own page protector. I keep all of these page protectors in a fabric bin from Target inside my Kallax unit. It is within arms reach of my desk so if I need a color I can look here first before cutting into a full sheet. If I still have a lot of a particular collection I will keep my scraps with the collection until I feel I have used up what I can. Then I'll file the rest in my color coded system. Christmas scraps are separate with my Christmas papers in an Iris container. Exactly this. I've had it like this for a decade and works perfectly for me. |
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Post by steakgoddess on Feb 14, 2024 21:43:07 GMT
youtube.com/shorts/Gi1BCMLXPIQ?si=oppIKRli69m_eEyySimple answer: I don’t. Longer answer: I do keep LARGE scraps in a storage envelope next to me while I scrapbook. I then use those scraps to create layouts. If they don’t get used, they get tossed. Some Christmas scraps get saved and stored in a page protector with the Christmas stuff because my December Project is always 6x8. And some Disney scraps get saved and stored the same way because. Well. Disney.
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Post by BSideCrafter on Feb 14, 2024 22:14:09 GMT
I have a 4x6 card box that I cut on the Silhouette and it holds any scraps I keep. (I don't know how to share a Silhouette store cut. It's the "4X6 LIFE CARD MAGAZINE HOLDER by Lori Whitlock)
I had to stop keeping scraps. It was becoming overwhelming. If it's still at least 8.5x11 or 6x8 those get cut down to that size and stored with paper in that size.
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Post by Embri on Feb 15, 2024 0:18:04 GMT
Cardstock sits in vertical hanging folders and bins, scraps are in a duotang (paper binder that takes three hole punched stuff). I use 3x3 trading card pockets for the small scraps and report covers for the bigger stuff, sorted by colour. No such thing as too small a scrap for the kind of stuff I like to make, so it all gets used.
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lindas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,305
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Post by lindas on Feb 15, 2024 2:21:07 GMT
I bought a pack of plastic envelopes from Amazon - and cut the flaps off. They store in one of my Kallax cubes and are easy to grab the right colour and most importantly - easy to put scraps INto. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RFJF828/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1some colours I separate out cardstock from PP (green, blue, black/grey, brown) and others they are mixed (red, orange/yellow, pink, purple) - based strictly on how many scraps I tend to accumulate. When the envelopes get overfull, I weed through them This is the system I use too which pretty much the same color separation. After trying a bunch of different storage systems I found this worked to best. |
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PaperAngel
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Posts: 7,994
Jun 27, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
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Post by PaperAngel on Feb 15, 2024 4:13:38 GMT
For over a decade, I've used two white stackable Pottery Barn letter trays to corral scraps - one for solids & the other for pattern/speciality scraps. Small scraps are corralled in a bowl until its overflowing, then I batch stamp/punch/diecut them into labels, tabs, stars, circles, etc. that are stored in a divided Artbin Solutions Box. Unwanted scraps are gathered in a designated bin in my craft room & donated once full, most recently to an after school art program for at-risk youth, to encourage/support others’ creativity.
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Post by artisticscrapper on Feb 15, 2024 4:53:04 GMT
All my papers are stored in Storage Studio upright plastic containers. I have one just for scraps. I store by color and they’re sectioned off with dividers. The containers fit nicely on my Kallax.
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Feb 15, 2024 12:33:30 GMT
I did go through four of the six drawers and cut down the long strips of the regular solid card stock and patterned paper scraps.
The last two drawers are neutrals and specialty (glitter, etc). I'm debating whether they're sorted correctly. Should glitter stock go into the appropriate ROYGBIV category? If so, should I sort the PP the same way? That would give me more drawers for the color categories.
Also right now my Neenah solar white scraps have their own open tray, while any random unidentified white stock is in the neutral drawer. Not sure about that.
I did close the tabs with the Pinterest article and the Amazon product she used. Remove temptation!
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Post by boymom5 on Feb 15, 2024 13:31:44 GMT
I have two sets (so 6 drawers) of sterile three drawer organizer (about 8.5x 11). I sort according to color. I’ve tried other things before but I didn’t use the scraps. With this I easily find and use them fairly often.
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Post by teacherlisa on Feb 15, 2024 13:44:54 GMT
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Feb 15, 2024 15:13:34 GMT
I have two sets (so 6 drawers) of sterile three drawer organizer (about 8.5x 11). I sort according to color. I’ve tried other things before but I didn’t use the scraps. With this I easily find and use them fairly often. Patterns in with the solids by dominant color in the pattern? That's not what I've done, but it's a change I'm considering.... |
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