Storing Those Scraps

Happy New Year!  It's that time when we all want to get organized, right?  So, I figured I'd share with you how I organize my scraps of card stock.  As an SU demo, I always seem to have a lot of scraps left over after cutting projects for Stamp Club or a class, but I really can't stand to part with them. 

I love the idea of hanging files or neat boxes with lids etc, but I'm so visual that I need to SEE what I have. So, I use a Sterilite Show Off box that measures 14 1/4"L x 9 1/2"W x 6 7/8"H, which can be bought at Target or Walmart.  I've discarded the lid and have it open on my desk at all times.

Firstly, I sort the scraps into color groups and a neutrals pile (greys, black etc).  You'll notice that Chocolate Chip cardstock has its very own pile because it's the color I seem to use the most.  I include in my color scraps all the old Stampin' Up! In Colors, even if they are retired because I need to use them up.  But that's a personal choice for each demo.

Any pieces that are smaller than 1" x 1" are tossed, so is anything that is damaged.  Before filing I trim up the scraps to a square or rectangle shaped - no odd shapes or ripped edges.  And if a piece measures more than 5.5" long, I trim it to either 5.5" or 4.25".  This is because I'm a card maker and not a scrapbooker.  If I scrapbooked, then I'd probably leave longer strips in my scrap box for layouts.

The dividers were created from the card stock at the back of Designer Series Paper packages.  They measure 7.75" x 5.5".

You can see from the picture that I store full card fronts at the front of the scraps box.

I had a little fun decorating the outside of the box with the scraps from a retired Simply Scrappin' kit.

My scraps of vanilla and white card stock are stored in a separate little basket.

Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing cards that use up all these scraps.  Come back again soon!

Comments

[Mary Dinucci]

Thank you for the great ideas! Cutting to card size on even one dimension is a fabulous hint to save space and create order. If you could see my scraps.......... Ugh! Never! I save EVERYTHING. But things are gonna change!

[Shar B]

Ohhh, very pretty storage! Nicely organized.

[Doris]

My rule for scraps is "nothing smaller than a business card." Thanks for the idea that I'm calling a "rainbow box" which I plan to follow as soon as I get some Sterilite boxes. Please visit my blog for my series on using scraps!

[jo capper-sandon]

I'm floored at how organised you are. My method is picking scraps of paper up off the floor or table lol

[Gabriela]

Ali, what a wonderful post! One of my biggest issues in my studio is the scrap pile. Thank you SO much for the idea and inspiration.

[Susan Raihala]

Oh, how organized! You must get lots of scraps from classes...I don't have that many and use a Cropper Hopper accordion file for them.

Can't wait to see what you do with all those neatly organized scraps!

[elina]

oh boy you are really organised!!! you should see my scrap box... it's a mess!!