kate
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,517 
Location: The city that doesn't sleep
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Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on Feb 3, 2016 4:09:15 GMT
I think they are remnants from the days I used to go into Big Lots and buy those huge scrapbooking packs that had random things in them. Hi, I'm Kate, and I buy packages of random scrapbook stuff...  I have a bunch of stuff I got from random bags like that, or swag bags from scrappy events, or goodies from friends' purges. I actually like it - I have been pleasantly surprised at some of the "I would NEVER buy that" stuff that has been useful. OTOH, there are things on which I've spent my own heard-earned $$$ that have been languishing for too many years in my stash, unlikely to see the light of day unless I have another child (HA HA HA). As much as I love my big stash, I do think it's time for a bit of a purge - or at least a reorganization. I did CTMH for years, so my whole organization system is set up around their stuff. Now that I've been out of the business for a couple of years (still love the products!), my stash has diversified, and my organization system doesn't make as much sense. When I sit down to scrap, I start with an idea and a small range of materials. I don't shop my entire stash every time I scrap. If I get a "brilliant idea" in the middle of a project, I can be pretty sure to find whatever I need already at home - no need to run to the craft store. When I shop, I buy stuff that I like AND that I think I will use. I'm no longer a complete slave to discounted prices, though - even if something's 90% off, I won't bring it home if it duplicates what I've already got. |
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Post by myboysnme on Feb 3, 2016 13:43:53 GMT
I answered above that I like my stash, and I do. But this morning (before work) I got the idea to pick up a large bin I have had on my bedroom floor when my stash overflowed into there, and see what's in it.
I almost started to cry and not in a good way. That bin was FILLED to the top with paper I have NEVER seen before. Down at the bottom was a photo and a roster from probably 10 years ago? There was some awesome, fabulous paper in there and then a lot of paper that is mediocre but perfect for when scrapbook paper is a distant memory - like when I'm scrapping grandkids I don't even have.
With this one bin I realized I am probably never going to get a handle on my stash and I am never going to be organized the way I want to be. I remember when everything I owned it into a Cropper Hopper plastic tote.
I seriously need some scrapper friends who love me to come over and just sit and organize, and no one loves me that much, lol! It is so depressing and yet the thought of getting rid of it is even more so.
I think it is more depressing knowing that I am a full blown scrap hoarder.
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tiffanytwisted
Pearl Clutcher
you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave
Posts: 4,538
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Post by tiffanytwisted on Feb 3, 2016 15:55:33 GMT
I answered above that I like my stash, and I do. But this morning (before work) I got the idea to pick up a large bin I have had on my bedroom floor when my stash overflowed into there, and see what's in it. I almost started to cry and not in a good way. That bin was FILLED to the top with paper I have NEVER seen before. Down at the bottom was a photo and a roster from probably 10 years ago? There was some awesome, fabulous paper in there and then a lot of paper that is mediocre but perfect for when scrapbook paper is a distant memory - like when I'm scrapping grandkids I don't even have. With this one bin I realized I am probably never going to get a handle on my stash and I am never going to be organized the way I want to be. I remember when everything I owned it into a Cropper Hopper plastic tote. I seriously need some scrapper friends who love me to come over and just sit and organize, and no one loves me that much, lol! It is so depressing and yet the thought of getting rid of it is even more so. I think it is more depressing knowing that I am a full blown scrap hoarder. Yes, you will. Baby steps. Take one bin at a time (like you did today) and go thru it. Like my beloved Flylady says, you didn't create the chaos in a day, it will take more than a day to get it under control. Breathe. You can do this. You will not let having too big a stash take away your love for you hobby. It's all good. A few years ago I re-organized my scrappy closet using WookieMouse's system. I think she was/is a Pea. It really helped me.  As to the OP, I love my stash for all the reasons mentioned. I like knowing that when I sit down to create, I will have what I need or I can create it w/all the goodies I have. |
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tiffanytwisted
Pearl Clutcher
you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave
Posts: 4,538
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Post by tiffanytwisted on Feb 3, 2016 16:01:11 GMT
Almost forgot! As far as shopping, I go thru phases. I have enough stuff, so I could really freeze my spending and be OK for a really long time. But then I'll do a layout and realize I don't have a lot of say, birthday stuff, so I'll make that a priority when I get sucked into browsing a website or pass by a big box store. And then I'll not shop for a while. And then, I'll get sucked into HSN's deal of the day and I fall back into the abyss, lol. mjmone, I think that way too! In my fantasy world, someday he'll retire (I'm a SAHM to 2 teens) and we'll be off to Maine and while I'm snowbound, I'll need something to do other than watch all the TV series I have on DVD.  My stash will get me thru those beautiful snowy winters! |
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Post by myboysnme on Feb 3, 2016 17:08:22 GMT
I answered above that I like my stash, and I do. But this morning (before work) I got the idea to pick up a large bin I have had on my bedroom floor when my stash overflowed into there, and see what's in it. I almost started to cry and not in a good way. That bin was FILLED to the top with paper I have NEVER seen before. Down at the bottom was a photo and a roster from probably 10 years ago? There was some awesome, fabulous paper in there and then a lot of paper that is mediocre but perfect for when scrapbook paper is a distant memory - like when I'm scrapping grandkids I don't even have. With this one bin I realized I am probably never going to get a handle on my stash and I am never going to be organized the way I want to be. I remember when everything I owned it into a Cropper Hopper plastic tote. I seriously need some scrapper friends who love me to come over and just sit and organize, and no one loves me that much, lol! It is so depressing and yet the thought of getting rid of it is even more so. I think it is more depressing knowing that I am a full blown scrap hoarder. Yes, you will. Baby steps. Take one bin at a time (like you did today) and go thru it. Like my beloved Flylady says, you didn't create the chaos in a day, it will take more than a day to get it under control. Breathe. You can do this. You will not let having too big a stash take away your love for you hobby. It's all good. A few years ago I re-organized my scrappy closet using WookieMouse's system. I think she was/is a Pea. It really helped me. As to the OP, I love my stash for all the reasons mentioned. I like knowing that when I sit down to create, I will have what I need or I can create it w/all the goodies I have. Have I told you lately that I love you? Did I tell you I need friends to love me back and help me organize? lol!  |
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Post by danimakesgood on Feb 3, 2016 17:16:38 GMT
I love my stash, but I keep it very trim. Too much stuff just overwhelms me, and honestly, as long as I have a few basics (and some printer ink!) I could keep scrapping simple and be happy. Actually, what I have now will take me a long time to use!
I am trying to focus on getting good stuff that has more than one use as well, like stamps.
We travel a lot and I scrap small. I like being able to put most of my supplies in a tote bag (because I always want something I didn't bring if I don't) and go.
That said... I love shopping. I don't always buy the stuff, once I talk myself through what I actually need and will use, but I looooove spending time online just shopping.
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tiffanytwisted
Pearl Clutcher
you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave
Posts: 4,538
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Post by tiffanytwisted on Feb 3, 2016 19:21:23 GMT
Right back at ya, myboysnme! I wish we lived closer. I would love to help you organize. It's always easier to do it for someone else than it is to do it for yourself. And I know this from experience. I recently did my scrappy closet (again!), so it's looking pretty good, but let's not talk about my laundry room. Or my back porch. Or the guest room. Or the boys' room. |
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Post by mikklynn on Feb 3, 2016 20:12:09 GMT
I answered above that I like my stash, and I do. But this morning (before work) I got the idea to pick up a large bin I have had on my bedroom floor when my stash overflowed into there, and see what's in it. I almost started to cry and not in a good way. That bin was FILLED to the top with paper I have NEVER seen before. Down at the bottom was a photo and a roster from probably 10 years ago? There was some awesome, fabulous paper in there and then a lot of paper that is mediocre but perfect for when scrapbook paper is a distant memory - like when I'm scrapping grandkids I don't even have. With this one bin I realized I am probably never going to get a handle on my stash and I am never going to be organized the way I want to be. I remember when everything I owned it into a Cropper Hopper plastic tote. I seriously need some scrapper friends who love me to come over and just sit and organize, and no one loves me that much, lol! It is so depressing and yet the thought of getting rid of it is even more so. I think it is more depressing knowing that I am a full blown scrap hoarder. I'd come over and help you, if you lived in MN.
Just do a little at a time. You can do it.
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Post by myboysnme on Feb 3, 2016 20:22:56 GMT
I answered above that I like my stash, and I do. But this morning (before work) I got the idea to pick up a large bin I have had on my bedroom floor when my stash overflowed into there, and see what's in it. I almost started to cry and not in a good way. That bin was FILLED to the top with paper I have NEVER seen before. Down at the bottom was a photo and a roster from probably 10 years ago? There was some awesome, fabulous paper in there and then a lot of paper that is mediocre but perfect for when scrapbook paper is a distant memory - like when I'm scrapping grandkids I don't even have. With this one bin I realized I am probably never going to get a handle on my stash and I am never going to be organized the way I want to be. I remember when everything I owned it into a Cropper Hopper plastic tote. I seriously need some scrapper friends who love me to come over and just sit and organize, and no one loves me that much, lol! It is so depressing and yet the thought of getting rid of it is even more so. I think it is more depressing knowing that I am a full blown scrap hoarder. I'd come over and help you, if you lived in MN.
Just do a little at a time. You can do it.
Aw, thank you! Just the encouragement makes me feel a bit better.... |
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Post by cannmom on Feb 3, 2016 20:43:12 GMT
I answered above that I like my stash, and I do. But this morning (before work) I got the idea to pick up a large bin I have had on my bedroom floor when my stash overflowed into there, and see what's in it. I almost started to cry and not in a good way. That bin was FILLED to the top with paper I have NEVER seen before. Down at the bottom was a photo and a roster from probably 10 years ago? There was some awesome, fabulous paper in there and then a lot of paper that is mediocre but perfect for when scrapbook paper is a distant memory - like when I'm scrapping grandkids I don't even have. With this one bin I realized I am probably never going to get a handle on my stash and I am never going to be organized the way I want to be. I remember when everything I owned it into a Cropper Hopper plastic tote. I seriously need some scrapper friends who love me to come over and just sit and organize, and no one loves me that much, lol! It is so depressing and yet the thought of getting rid of it is even more so. I think it is more depressing knowing that I am a full blown scrap hoarder. I'm sorry you are feeling overwhelmed. Look at it this way .... new paper! That just magically appeared! You can do the organizing part. I know you can. Like others have said, a little bit at a time. Also, it doesn't have to be perfect. My paper is not sorted into neat and organized categories, but I have figured out a system that works for me. I think that really is the key in organizing figuring out how to make things work for you and the space you have. Good luck! |
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Post by myboysnme on Feb 3, 2016 21:19:19 GMT
I answered above that I like my stash, and I do. But this morning (before work) I got the idea to pick up a large bin I have had on my bedroom floor when my stash overflowed into there, and see what's in it. I almost started to cry and not in a good way. That bin was FILLED to the top with paper I have NEVER seen before. Down at the bottom was a photo and a roster from probably 10 years ago? There was some awesome, fabulous paper in there and then a lot of paper that is mediocre but perfect for when scrapbook paper is a distant memory - like when I'm scrapping grandkids I don't even have. With this one bin I realized I am probably never going to get a handle on my stash and I am never going to be organized the way I want to be. I remember when everything I owned it into a Cropper Hopper plastic tote. I seriously need some scrapper friends who love me to come over and just sit and organize, and no one loves me that much, lol! It is so depressing and yet the thought of getting rid of it is even more so. I think it is more depressing knowing that I am a full blown scrap hoarder. I'm sorry you are feeling overwhelmed. Look at it this way .... new paper! That just magically appeared! You can do the organizing part. I know you can. Like others have said, a little bit at a time. Also, it doesn't have to be perfect. My paper is not sorted into neat and organized categories, but I have figured out a system that works for me. I think that really is the key in organizing figuring out how to make things work for you and the space you have. Good luck! Thank you! Can you share what your paper organizing system is? I'm open to anything! |
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Post by mikklynn on Feb 3, 2016 21:29:47 GMT
I keep most of my paper in these 12x12 envelopes. linkI store them vertically. I have a label on each to identify the theme...autumn, birthday, boy, etc. And don't worry, I have more than one envelope for many of the themes. I also put entire collections in the them and label accordingly. Once I have used most of the collection, I peel off the label and put those papers in with appropriate theme. I also have a couple Iris boxes for papers that don't have a theme. I just dig through them for scrapbooking everyday things. |
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Post by cannmom on Feb 4, 2016 2:58:26 GMT
I'm sorry you are feeling overwhelmed. Look at it this way .... new paper! That just magically appeared! You can do the organizing part. I know you can. Like others have said, a little bit at a time. Also, it doesn't have to be perfect. My paper is not sorted into neat and organized categories, but I have figured out a system that works for me. I think that really is the key in organizing figuring out how to make things work for you and the space you have. Good luck! Thank you! Can you share what your paper organizing system is? I'm open to anything! I store my patterned paper in a few different ways. Paper pads are in a divided Jetmax cube. I don't have a ton of paper pads so they all fit in one cube. 6x6 pads are in a drawer. Loose sheets of pp are either in poly 12x12 envelopes or a Cropper Hopper paper storage thing. It looks like a magazine holder with plastic inserts and dividers that fit in it. I keep paper collections in the envelopes and I keep paper that I have made into kits in the Cropper Hopper. I don't label anything. The envelopes are clear so I can tell what's in it. The Cropper Hopper sits on my desk and is easy to reach and look through. I will leave some of the envelopes piled up against it and store the rest of them close by. Now, when I say made into kits that just means I have gathered a group of paper together that I think matches and is something that I would use together on a layout. It does not mean I know what photos I would use or really anything other than " I like these papers together". When I go to use that paper I may not use all of it and I may grab something else also. Honestly, what I think makes it really work for me is I don't feel as if I have to look at every piece of paper I own to make a layout. I grab an envelope and go. If I feel like I need something else it's easy to thumb through the Cropper Hopper or my paper pads. I would rather spend my time scrapping instead of looking through my paper, so I make a decision and go. I also like coordinating papers so I make a point to buy several patterns that I like when I buy paper. I almost never buy a single sheet of paper unless it is in a color that I know will work with other papers I have. Except for things like ledger paper or grids that go with practically everything. Every so often I sit down and quickly look through the Cropper Hopper and see if any of it needs to be mixed in with other papers. Really, it's not a terribly super organized or complicated system, but it works for me. I think the key thing is to know how you work to create a layout. If you scrap usually by theme then keep your paper together that way. I don't have much themed paper so that doesn't work for me. If you are still reading this rather long-winded post hope it helps some. Good luck with your organizing. |
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Deleted
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May 20, 2024 10:20:23 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2016 8:13:30 GMT
I love my stash. I am so grateful for it. I see so many people in the craft stores buying all their items at once and they just look ill about it. I overhear the conversations about how expensive it is for this one project. Those people are right if I had to buy it all at once I wouldn't want to craft anything. I have built up my stash over the years from clearance sales & great coupons. I only buy things that I love and are inspiring to me. I just finished decluttering my room last night. I barely got rid of anything. Not because I am a hoarder.  Trust me on this I am not. If I didn't have a craft room I live in one of those tiny homes. I love being able to do a project at two in the morning and I have everything ready to go. I love that feeling when I need that little something and I find it in my stash. I do get those looks when I am shopping and somebody asks me what I am making and I say "I am just stash shopping." It's like they don't understand quite what I am doing. |
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Post by mikklynn on Feb 4, 2016 15:29:40 GMT
@amayalylac I love the description "stash shopping". I do that, too. I will pick up cardstock on sale or at TM. I'll buy a collection I love, with no particular plan for it.
I just have to back off for now, lol.
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Post by katieanna on Feb 4, 2016 16:04:11 GMT
I love my stash, I used to think I had WAAAAY too much paper. I learned today though, that I have such a hard time with finishing touches on pages because I have hardly any die cuts, stickers, and embellies! So I think it's good to have a lot to choose from, and now I don't feel bad about how much paper I have. Shoot, I might go buy more!   |
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Post by meridon on Feb 9, 2016 1:40:43 GMT
I have a very small stash because I hate taking forever to decide what to put together. I work almost exclusively from page kits. I subscribe to a kit club and then kill kits by making new ones out of a mix of what's left and what I have in my stash from older kit leftovers. I also get things from Tuesday Morning regularly and from J's or M's or HL, but that's rare. I'd rather get older "good" stuff from TM than Recollections or Paper Studio stuff, as a general rule.
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tiffanytwisted
Pearl Clutcher
you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave
Posts: 4,538
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Post by tiffanytwisted on Feb 9, 2016 15:34:34 GMT
Thank you! Can you share what your paper organizing system is? I'm open to anything! I store my patterned paper in a few different ways. Paper pads are in a divided Jetmax cube. I don't have a ton of paper pads so they all fit in one cube. 6x6 pads are in a drawer. Loose sheets of pp are either in poly 12x12 envelopes or a Cropper Hopper paper storage thing. It looks like a magazine holder with plastic inserts and dividers that fit in it. I keep paper collections in the envelopes and I keep paper that I have made into kits in the Cropper Hopper. I don't label anything. The envelopes are clear so I can tell what's in it. The Cropper Hopper sits on my desk and is easy to reach and look through. I will leave some of the envelopes piled up against it and store the rest of them close by. Now, when I say made into kits that just means I have gathered a group of paper together that I think matches and is something that I would use together on a layout. It does not mean I know what photos I would use or really anything other than " I like these papers together". When I go to use that paper I may not use all of it and I may grab something else also. Honestly, what I think makes it really work for me is I don't feel as if I have to look at every piece of paper I own to make a layout. I grab an envelope and go. If I feel like I need something else it's easy to thumb through the Cropper Hopper or my paper pads. I would rather spend my time scrapping instead of looking through my paper, so I make a decision and go. I also like coordinating papers so I make a point to buy several patterns that I like when I buy paper. I almost never buy a single sheet of paper unless it is in a color that I know will work with other papers I have. Except for things like ledger paper or grids that go with practically everything. Every so often I sit down and quickly look through the Cropper Hopper and see if any of it needs to be mixed in with other papers. Really, it's not a terribly super organized or complicated system, but it works for me. I think the key thing is to know how you work to create a layout. If you scrap usually by theme then keep your paper together that way. I don't have much themed paper so that doesn't work for me. If you are still reading this rather long-winded post hope it helps some. Good luck with your organizing. I completely agree. I am a theme-y scrapper. I have all my supplies (papers, stickers, etc.) organized by theme, where it applies. Things like buttons, ribbon, etc. that don't have a theme are all grouped together. For someone who doesn't scrap this way, my system would be useless. But it works great for me. There are those who know the manufacturer of every piece of paper they own. Sorting their paper that way makes sense for them. I'm clueless in that department, so that wouldn't work for me. And while I tend to be matchy-matchy w/my photo colors & my paper, embellishments, etc., I find that if I need a brad, a piece of washi won't do, so I tend to organize my embellishments by type, not color. But for many, sorting by color is works for them. You have to figure out how you scrap and organize from there. And because your post wasn't long-winded enough, I had to ramble on the end of it, lol. |
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Sarah*H
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,979
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Post by Sarah*H on Feb 9, 2016 16:08:52 GMT
My attitude about my stash changed on the day of the Basic Grey announcement. I know I'm going to want to paper scrap my grandchildren and even my great-grandchildren if I'm lucky enough to be in that position. Twenty years from now I don't want to look around and discover that no one is making 12x12 cardstock anymore and I've used up everything I had or that I can't find an enamel dot to save my life. A few years ago I bought enough albums to last forever (hopefully) and now I'm looking at my stash the same way - even if every company goes out of business, I'll still be able to scrap until the apocalypse!
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My stash will get me thru those beautiful snowy winters!
Trust me on this I am not. If I didn't have a craft room I live in one of those tiny homes. 
