Organize Your Stuff Challenge - Week 23

Good moooooorning, scrappers! Hope you all can take a quick break from your ghosts and goblins to join me in organizing your templates this week! This should be a relatively laid back week, since templates don't come in too many shapes or sizes, which limits their storage options. And chances are, you probably have a setup that works for you now - in some form or another. This will probably be more of a "tweak" week than a total reorganization.

First off - HOW to organize your templates. By type is one of the most logical - brass with brass, plastic with plastic, etc. Another easy way is by theme - journaling, baby, etc, with all your template types mixed in. Either way is valid - go with how you scrap, and that will help guide your decision.

Now, let's get those templates organized! Once you've decided on your method, let's find a good home. Please note that the links I posted are intended to give you a visual idea of what it is I'm talking about - it doesn't mean I endorse the product or the store.

Brass/small templates:
In clear CD cases (NOT slimline)
Stacked by theme in clear plastic shoeboxes or photo boxes
Zip N Flip: http://store.scrapbooking-warehouse.com/278904.html
In hanging zip-top bags
On jump rings
In a multi-drawer chest
In a mini photo album
PSB or baseball card sleeves

Larger plastic templates:
In 3-ring binders
Stacked in magazine holders
In hanging zip-top bags
On jump rings
In a multi-drawer chest

For my templates, I decided to organize them by type - mainly because I know what I have. My smaller brass templates are in a Cropper Hopper zip n flip system in a 3-ring binder:


For my larger templates, they go in a 3-ring binder as well. If they don't have holes to fit the rings, then I just slide them into a sheet protector.

Promised you this week would be short and sweet!

In closing, I want to add my 10 rules for organizing. I'm going to post these at the end of every challenge, because I think they are very, very important. I want you to keep them in mind as you tackle each of these projects - they will make your life easier and the task less daunting.

1. Label your containers.

2. Be consistent in your methods.

3. Don't be too specific - your search for your items within your space should be short and simple.

4. Your organizational method should be easy to take out AND put away.

5. When organizing, break any large piles into smaller groupings. Have a 2 foot tall stack of paper to sort? Do it in 1" high chunks, it will be easier to handle mentally.

6. If it's something that you use on almost every project, then keep it within reach of your main scrap area.

7. Don't stress your containers. Get a new system or purge your stash.

8. For most items, product packaging adds bulk. Toss it. One exception - rub ons.

9. Repurpose when you can - almost anything can be painted or covered in paper/fabric.

10. THE GOLDEN RULE - FIRST choose an organizational method, THEN choose a container that fits your space and style. Always shop for containers with a list in hand - a beautiful container is simply clutter if it doesn't have a dedicated purpose in your space!

Your templates are now happy in their new homes! Congrats! Meet me back here next week, same time, same channel, and we'll work on storing memorabilia. See you then!

Stacy

Organize Your Stuff Challenge - Week 22

Hello, ladies! Are you still having fun? I hope so - because we only have 8 more weeks to go! You should be seeing some major, major progress by now. Keep in there, you're doing great!

This week we're going to focus on something BIG - dies for die cutting machines. And I say BIG because the oh-so-creative-but-not-so-kind die cut machine designers wanted to make sure that their dies are never, ever confused with eachother, which means us lucky consumers have to find storage systems for a gazillion different types of dies. Thanks, scrapbooking industry! Thankfully, a lot of companies have recognized this and put out storage methods for their own products, which DOES help, but it also means if you have multiple die cutters, chances are, you're going to have multiple storage systems as well. Which means more work for you this week.

There are 2 different ways of organizing your dies - by manufacturer or by type. I would love to organize by type - have all my shapes together, themes together, etc - but it would really be a nightmare to find a storage solution for. How can you store Quickutz with Big Shots dies? And then adding Cricut carts to the mix - what a mess! So I suggest you store by manufacturer and create an inventory book or Rolodex that you can group your dies together by theme in. So you can turn to a page and see all your dog dies from all your different companies, and then go to the appropriate manufacturer to take out the one you want. It seems the most logical way to go.

I know there are a lot of different systems on the market, so I'll try to break them down into one general category first with options for many different types of dies, then tackle specific systems and solutions I've found for the different die systems on the market. If I missed a die system, it's because I couldn't find solutions! So please - help me out here and if you've found a solution that works for YOUR system, post it to benefit everyone.

As always, the links I posted are intended to give you a visual idea of what it is I'm talking about - it doesn't mean I endorse the product or the store.

General storage ideas for any/all die systems:

Photo storage boxes

Clear plastic shoeboxes

Divided hardware storage drawer units

Divided plastic boxes

Cricut:

Over-the-door tape racks: http://craftski.multiply.com/photos/album/180/My_Craft_Room_Latest_Photos

Ribbon holders: http://www.splatpat.com/archives/category/my-crafty-spot

Wall storage and 2 portable methods: http://www.obsessedwithscrapbooking.com/2009/01/cricut-storage.html

Sizzix/Big Shot dies:

Narrow drawer units: http://craftski.multiply.com/photos/album/180/My_Craft_Room_Latest_Photos

In bins or boxes: http://www.scrapjazz.com/topics/Organization/Scrap_Rooms/1596.php

Sizzix towers - no longer being produced, but you can find them on Ebay

Nestabilities:

On magnetic sheets: http://craftski.multiply.com/photos/album/85/Nestabilities_Organizer

In metal tins: http://blog.ginakdesigns.com/2008/03/28/using-nestabilites-in-your-cuttlebug.aspx

Die carry case: http://spellbinderspaperarts.com/die-carry-case.html

In clear CD cases: http://embellished-dreams.blogspot.com/2008/04/keeping-my-spellbinders-dies-organzied.html or http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/952552

Quickutz storage binder:

http://ritaslittlecorner.blogspot.com/2008/08/my-nestabilities-storage.html

On a clip-it-up type system: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1166432?cat=500&ppuser=173723

On the inside of cabinet doors (or on any flat wall surface): http://wickedlywonderfulcreations.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-nesties-now-what.html

Quickutz:

Magpie tins: http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Magpie-Nesting-Scrapbook-Storage-Tins-Pack-of-3/3191176/product.html coupled with an indexing system: http://craftystorage.blogspot.com/2007/09/quickutz-dies-by-angela-urbano.html or http://craftystorage.blogspot.com/2008/02/valerie-shadlyns-storage-idea.html

Slide storage sheets in a 3-ring binder: http://www.archivalusa.com/2x220hb100.html

Cuttlebug:

In baskets: http://starlitstudio.blogspot.com/2007/01/cuttlebug-die-storage.html or http://sewdelish.blogspot.com/2009/06/cuttlebug-die-and-embossing-folders.html

In divided plastic boxes

Cuttlebug storage binder: http://www.amazon.com/Provo-Craft-37-1575-Cuttlebug-Storage/dp/B0015KCV92

Hopefully one (or more) of those methods will work for your stash! Here's some solutions I've come up with for my die collection:

Sizzix - I keep all my Big Shot dies in a cheap white photo storage box from Hobby Lobby, nothing fancy. My border dies (the long ones) are kept in plastic ruler cases from the school supply section of most mass retailers like Target or WalMart. The Sizzlits dies are kept in baseball card holders in 3-ring binders - I can get 2 alphabet sets per binder:

My regular Sizzix dies are stored in Sizzix towers:

For my Cuttlebug dies, I found a divided plastic storage case that I could customize for the long versus short dies. My embossing templates (the square ones) go into a photo storage box.

My Quickutz are in the Magpie tins. I love this system! A lot of places have them on clearance now, I saw them for $20 at Big Lots. My Revolution dies fit well in the bottom drawers of the units.

In closing, I want to add my 10 rules for organizing. I'm going to post these at the end of every challenge, because I think they are very, very important. I want you to keep them in mind as you tackle each of these projects - they will make your life easier and the task less daunting.

1. Label your containers.
2. Be consistent in your methods.
3. Don't be too specific - your search for your items within your space should be short and simple.
4. Your organizational method should be easy to take out AND put away.
5. When organizing, break any large piles into smaller groupings. Have a 2 foot tall stack of paper to sort? Do it in 1" high chunks, it will be easier to handle mentally.
6. If it's something that you use on almost every project, then keep it within reach of your main scrap area.
7. Don't stress your containers. Get a new system or purge your stash.
8. For most items, product packaging adds bulk. Toss it. One exception - rub ons.
9. Repurpose when you can - almost anything can be painted or covered in paper/fabric.
10. THE GOLDEN RULE - FIRST choose an organizational method, THEN choose a container that fits your space and style. Always shop for containers with a list in hand - a beautiful container is simply clutter if it doesn't have a dedicated purpose in your space!

Your dies are all neat and organized and snug in their beds. Let them join the rest of the party going on in your scrap space, and I'll see you back here for Week 23.

Stacy

Organize Your Stuff Challenge - Week 21

Helllooo Monday! Glad to see everyone so bright and chipper and ready to organize! This week will be an easy one, so grab yourself a nice hot cup of coffee and relax - we're going to get all your pens and pencils in order. If sticking them all in a large bin works for you, then see ya later. If you want them a little more refined, then read on.

Let me get straight to the point here - it's pens. And pencils. And markers. It's not rocket science. You either organize by type, or by color. And I think type works best for most people - if you want a red pen, you don't go digging through a box of 30 red pens, markers and pencils. Unless you're psychotic, then that's ok, there are meds for that. So go gather all your beloved writing tools and let's find a good way to store them.

Bonus, that will add some time on this week but will be worth it in the end: Take some time this week to get your writing instruments in shape. Make sure all your pencils are sharp. Go through your pens and make sure they all work - toss any that don't. We don't hang on to things like this for sentimental reasons. Unless you want to be known as the "pen lady."

Ok, on to the storage methods. Please note that the links I posted are intended to give you a visual idea of what it is I'm talking about - it doesn't mean I endorse the product or the store.

Stored upright, in jars - best for pencils, not so great for pens (which should be horizontal). Put a layer of beans in the bottom to help keep the pencils separated to get them out easier.
Stored horizontal in a wine rack: http://craftystorage.blogspot.com/2008/02/mk-julias-pen-storage-idea.html
Keep them in the cases they came in (Prisma, Zig Twins for example)
Use a pen holder from an office supply store: http://www.amazon.com/Eldon-Shelf-Savers-trade-X-Cube/dp/B00006IAMW
Crop In Style Pen Caddy: http://www.save-on-crafts.com/cropinstylpe.html
Multi-drawer storage chest
Photo storage box or clear shoe box
Tackle box
Revolving kitchen organizer or tool organizer (best for most-used pens and pencils)
Colorful mugs or small tin pails
Pencil box
Empty paint cans painted and stacked together on their sides
Silverware drawer organizer
Plaid Creative Gear Pen and Marker Holder: http://www.thesavvyscrapper.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=28&products_id=431&osCsid=446961a8cdf56056a
Artbin Prism 6-slot box: http://www.crafttownhobbylandusa.com/proddetail.php?prod=1106AB
For copic markers: http://trudee.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/category/craft-organization/
Zippered pencil cases: http://www.dickblick.com/products/global-classic-leather-pencil-cases/, great for crops

Hopefully you've found something in the links that works with your stash AND your space. Here's how I tackled this storage dilemma - multiple solutions! I have a decent sized stash, mostly because all my journaling pens and Prismas are leftovers from design school - who would have thought they'd be so handy down the road? First, my Zig twins are in the cases they came in, I just stacked them in a cabinet. I use the x-boxes by Rubbermaid from Office Depot for all my gel pens and journaling pens:

For my Prisma pencils, I use the zippered pencil case from Dick Blick art supply. My Prisma markers I just keep in a photo storage box.

In closing, I want to add my 10 rules for organizing. I'm going to post these at the end of every challenge, because I think they are very, very important. I want you to keep them in mind as you tackle each of these projects - they will make your life easier and the task less daunting.

1. Label your containers.
2. Be consistent in your methods.
3. Don't be too specific - your search for your items within your space should be short and simple.
4. Your organizational method should be easy to take out AND put away.
5. When organizing, break any large piles into smaller groupings. Have a 2 foot tall stack of paper to sort? Do it in 1" high chunks, it will be easier to handle mentally.
6. If it's something that you use on almost every project, then keep it within reach of your main scrap area.
7. Don't stress your containers. Get a new system or purge your stash.
8. For most items, product packaging adds bulk. Toss it. One exception - rub ons.
9. Repurpose when you can - almost anything can be painted or covered in paper/fabric.
10. THE GOLDEN RULE - FIRST choose an organizational method, THEN choose a container that fits your space and style. Always shop for containers with a list in hand - a beautiful container is simply clutter if it doesn't have a dedicated purpose in your space!

Your pens and pencils are now ready to be used as tools of creativity and not weapons of desperation. Congratulations! Now go drag out that old coloring book for some fun and meet me back here for Week 22.

Stacy

Organize Your Stuff Challenge - Week 20

Good morning, scrappers galore! This week we're going to focus on organizing a mess that has probably been the bane of my scrapping existence for quite some time - die cuts! There are so many shapes, sizes, colors and themes, it's a nightmare to try to find a system that works. But we WILL tame that mess this week!

First off - HOW are you going to organize your die cuts? This will depend on how you scrap and how you organize your other embellishments as well. You can organize by theme (ie, baby, Christmas, quotations, etc), by color (which works well for things like blank tags), by type (borders, tags, frames), or by manufacturer (which is a good option if you sort your paper in this method - you can keep sets together easily). You don't have to choose one category - you can have a mix if it works better for you, as long as you know where your stuff is! You also need to decide if you want to take them out of their original home (whether it be sheets or boxes), or leave them attached as is. If you choose to separate them, it'll be easier to organize by theme or color. If you leave them attached, it'll be easier to separate by manufacturer. The choice is yours.

Now that we have an idea of how to divide up those piles, let's look at WHERE you can put them. Please note that the links I posted are intended to give you a visual idea of what it is I'm talking about - it doesn't mean I endorse the product or the store.

In Crop In Style Paper Sticker Binders (PSBs) or 3-ring binders with divided page protectors: http://www.createforless.com/Crop+In+Style+Paper+Sticker+Binder+PSB+Navy+and+Black/pid69700.aspx?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=cse or http://www.c-lineproducts.com/product_detail.php?product_id=848
In zip top bags, hanging on a clip it up or pants hanger, or stacked in baskets or bins
In shallow drawers or a multi-drawer chest
In acid free envelopes in a photo box (for smaller die cuts)
In clear plastic shoe boxes or photo boxes
In Craft Keepers: http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat2051&PRODID=prd35270&cm_mmc=Google%20Base-_-Comparison%20Site-_-Web%20Site-_-Craft%20Keeper%2012''x12''%20Poly%20Envelope%20-%20Clear
Tilt bins (for smaller die cuts)
Hanging file folders
Expandable organizers
Over-the-door organizers
In a mini photo album
In clear CD cases or DVD cases

Now you have some options, I'll share the system that works for me and how I scrap - but it did take a while to find. I combined 2 methods of sorting - by theme and by color. The vast majority of my die cuts are in an Iris cart (I removed the wheels and stacked 1.5 together) - they fit nicely under my main work table:


In this stack are all my die cuts by theme. I have a box for baby die cuts, boys, stars, journaling blocks, floral, swirls, animal/nature, etc. If it's too% theme-related, it goes in here.

My second method (not pictured) is identical to my box storage for my alpha sets, it's just located on the other side of my work table. Using the cheap white photo boxes from Hobby Lobby, I have one box per color and all my "blank" die cuts (ie, not theme oriented) go in here. So if I'm looking for a purple tag, I go to my purple box and I likely have one in there. If I'm looking for a purple tag with a puppy on it, I go to my animal box instead. These are easy to kid proof as well - one strip of masking tape per side won't damage the box at all and the toddler gives up pretty easy.

In closing, I want to add my 10 rules for organizing. I'm going to post these at the end of every challenge, because I think they are very, very important. I want you to keep them in mind as you tackle each of these projects - they will make your life easier and the task less daunting.

1. Label your containers.
2. Be consistent in your methods.
3. Don't be too specific - your search for your items within your space should be short and simple.
4. Your organizational method should be easy to take out AND put away.
5. When organizing, break any large piles into smaller groupings. Have a 2 foot tall stack of paper to sort? Do it in 1" high chunks, it will be easier to handle mentally.
6. If it's something that you use on almost every project, then keep it within reach of your main scrap area.
7. Don't stress your containers. Get a new system or purge your stash.
8. For most items, product packaging adds bulk. Toss it. One exception - rub ons.
9. Repurpose when you can - almost anything can be painted or covered in paper/fabric.
10. THE GOLDEN RULE - FIRST choose an organizational method, THEN choose a container that fits your space and style. Always shop for containers with a list in hand - a beautiful container is simply clutter if it doesn't have a dedicated purpose in your space!

Your die cuts are now easy to find and you no longer have to threaten them with the paper shredder. See you all back here for Week 21.

Stacy