New England Stamper

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!

Stamp Room Envy

Okay, so I have stamp room envy!  Michele Force wrote a wonderful blog post a couple of days ago about how she organizes her stamp room with plenty of photos.  I really recommend you check it out.  She has loads of great ideas, which I plan to steal.  Follow this link.

Organizing Tips

Many of you have seen my stamp room and on the whole it works well for me. I know where most things are, but keeping it organized is a constant struggle for me.  So, I’m not going to profess to be an organizing expert and will only share a few tips that work for me. And then I'm going to give you some resources you might enjoy if 'organizing my craft stuff' is on your list of New Year's resolutions.

1. Get Rid of Stuff

This might sound crazy from the person who sells you half of the stuff, but you need to be honest with yourself. If you bought 4 pieces of scrapbook paper with wood grain on it (yes, I did) and you haven't used them in 5 years, it's time to let them go. You don't have to throw things away.  You can donate them, sell them or swap with a friend.

2. Develop Your Own System

Organize using a system that makes sense to you. Books, magazines and blogs are full of wonderful ideas, but one person's method of organizing her craft supplies isn't necessarily the right one for you. Experiment with different systems and find the one that works for YOU. I’m always tweaking mine.

3. Store Rarely Used Items

This includes holiday stamps, paper, embellishments etc. Put them away until you really need them, so they won't clutter up your space. Are you really going to stamp your Christmas cards in July?

4. Keep Everyday Tools Nearby

Figure out the tools you use most often and keep them grouped together in one container. When you find those precious few minutes to stamp, you don't spend them hunting for your tools.

5. Store Things Correctly

I know it would be a little scary to add up all we have spent on our inventory of stamps, tools, paper etc, but it's fair to say it's a pretty hefty investment. To protect your investment, store your things correctly. Here are some examples:

·       Don't store anything in extreme temperatures (Don't leave stamps in the car!)

·       Store paper and cardstock out of sunlight to stop fading.

·       Store Stazon, Versamark and Stampin' Spots upside down to keep them inked. If you're unsure about another brand, get clarification from the manufacturer. This doesn’t apply to full size SU pads because they are already designed to store the pad upside down.

·       Clean your stamps. If you use Stampin' Mist, it will condition stamps too and to stop them drying/cracking over time.

·       Store markers and blender pens horizontally - not in a cup.

6. Break It Down

If you’re doing a major overhaul, don't plan to re-organize your whole craft area or supply stash all in one go. It's too overwhelming and frustrating. Break down the whole project into smaller bites.

7. Clean Up

I have that annoying song our kids sang at pre-school "clean up, clean up, everybody clean up" running through my head! At the end of each stamping session, take ten minutes to put everything back where it belongs. You'll be able to hit the ground running when you start your next stamping session.

8. Buy Containers Last

We’ve all done it! You’re in Target and see these great storage containers (usually on sale), buy them and when you get them home, you realize they just don't fit your needs. Sort and evaluate all your things BEFORE you decide what containers will work best in your system.

9. Play

Don't spend all your time organizing. Once you've completed the organizing task you set for yourself, reward yourself with some stamping. Then you won't lose sight of why you're doing this in the first place.

10. I can't think of a number 10 - I guess I can't be that organized!

Stampin' Up!'s offers a few storage items, which are specifically designed to hold their products. If you're a newsletter subscriber, you'll get 10% off all of them in January. I have a few of them on my wish list myself. You can find them all on Page 193 of the new catalogue.

Go the Organizing Tips on the right for a list of interesting organizing links.