Monday, August 31, 2009

Organize Your Stuff Challenge Week 15

Good morning, scrappers! YOU DID IT! We are officially past the halfway mark now. Ok, so go get your lovely picture (you know, the one you took in week 2 of your room, not the one of David Duchovny in a speedo). Bring it to your space. See a difference? I'm hoping this will get you through to the end - look at how far you've come and how much you've accomplished! And if your actual space and your photo look the same....well, time to get started, right?

This week we're going to focus on ink pads and embossing supplies. These little suckers are tricky to store because we tend to have a LOT of them, and they're not easy to stack. So let's get down to ideas.
Thankfully, there are a lot of products on the market specifically designed to hold ink pads. That will make our reorganization a little easier. Here's what I've come across in my search for ideas - remember, 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 old cassette tape holders
In clear plastic shoeboxes
Multi-drawer chests
Tilt bins (for small ink pads)
Photo storage boxes
Glass jars (for small ink pads)
Dauber case (for ink daubers): http://columbiaart.net/2012.html
Ikea Fira drawers
Crop In Style cube drawers
Hardware bin units (for small ink pads)
In Scrap N Cube units: http://www.scrapncube.com/
Ebay is also a great source - items vary daily, and there are a lot of reputable sellers on there.
I got my storage system off of Ebay years ago - I've made sure it had a home in my space because it's just awesome. It holds all my larger ink pads on the sides, and the entire unit turns. On the top, I have my liquid inks as well as my smaller inkpads. The unit sits enclosed in a cabinet - so just because you don't have the counter space, don't rule out a desktop spinner! And as a bonus - my kids can't get near this thing. I can only imagine the damage they could do.
For my smaller ink pads, like the Cats Eye, I have some small bins (they're just drawers from another unit, but they were the perfect size) that sit on top of the holder and the inks are just tossed in there. Not as neat and pretty as my larger pads, but it doesn't take me much time to find what I need in there.
EMBOSSING:
Keep the powder in salt and pepper shakers or spice jars, and store on spice racks.
In clear plastic shoeboxes
In a multi-drawer chest
Photo storage boxes
Ikea Fira drawers
Crop In Style cubes
In boxes or bins
I don't have a lot of embossing supplies - I emboss every now and then, but I tend to stick with the basics. I've been able to keep everything in a wooden planter box that sits on a shelf in my room. It's out of the way, and when I need anything embossing-related, I just grab my box. If someone has a lot of supplies and has come across a good way to store them, I'd love to see photos!
I wanted to add one more link from another Organizational Goddess I stalk (and she's a Pea too!) - Patter Cross has an awesome way of labeling her inks. Check it out! http://triplethescraps.blogspot.com/2009/04/organizational-friday.html

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. With once 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 ink pads are now beautifully organized and back in your space. Congratulations! Summer's just about done, so go get in one last run through the sprinkler and I'll see you back here for Week 16.
Stacy
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Monday, August 24, 2009

Organize Your Stuff Challenge - Week 14

Hellooooo, ladies! Welcome to Week 14, this week will be a cakewalk compared to the past few, so it'll be a good time to play catch up. We're going to focus on your cropping supplies this week. This Challenge will be short and sweet.

I admit that I don't go to crops nearly as often as I like, so I don't have a detailed system for organizing crop gear. I do know 2 things, however:

1. If you crop a LOT - store your tools in a portable caddy that can also be used on your desktop, or invest in a second set of basic tools that can be left in your crop bag at all times.

And...

2. Don't bring your entire scrap space with you. Like ANY trip, you need to plan what you pack. I only bring page kits with me - just the basics and the photos that go with them. I take a few days to put these together - if you plan enough of them, all you have to do at crop time is grab a few bags and you're ready to go! I also like to catch up on journaling during crops - I have a few themed albums (especially photo album scrapbooks) set aside for this purpose alone, and have found that crops are a GREAT way to catch up on any Project 365 albums as well.

I did come across some interesting links on how other scrappers pack for crops - check them out and see if any of their tips might work for you!

http://organizedscrapbooks.com/article69.html
http://www.memoryworkshop.ca/index.php?p=12
http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:AKzWQW2Xcz8J:www.croppincorner.com/scrapbooking/organize.doc+packing+for+a+crop&cd=9&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

So - this week, I want you to figure out the best way to pack for your crops, and set up your supply bag as needed - including page kits. Next time a crop comes up, you'll be ready!

That's it for today - I need my daily cupcake fix, so we'll meet back here next Monday and get all your inks and embossing supplies organized. See you then!

Stacy
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Monday, August 17, 2009

Organize Your Stuff Challenge - Week 13

Calling all organizers! Good morning! Are you ready for a new Challenge? This is going to be another big week - we're going to corral all of your stamps. And I mean ALL of them. The key with stamps is that if you don't remember what you have, you likely won't use them. So you need to either have them stored in a way that you can see them, or have a good inventory system that you can reference. I'm going to cover foam, acrylic, rubber - images and alphabets, mounted and unmounted, as well as some suggestions for inventories.

The first order to organizing is to see what you have, what you want to keep, and how you'd like to store them. Go get your stamp box - yes, the one that's been sitting in the hallway for months now and has been annoying the daylights out of your husband. This is a great time to purge if you haven't done so already - the less product you have, the fewer things to sort! Now see what's left in your box. How's it working for you (gosh, Dr. Phil has SUCH great lines)? Are you ok with having several different storage methods for your stamps, or do you want them all in one place? Are you ok with wood mounts, or would you prefer them all to be cling? Do you go for stamps by theme or by manufacturer? Are there some stamps you LOVE but are a hassle to use - why is that? And what can fix that problem? Finally, stamp sets - do you want to keep these together or break them up? Start jotting down some answers to these questions (ie, keep wood mounted stamps as-is, separate alphas from non-alphas, keep sets together) - when you start looking at storage options, you're going to need to accommodate ALL of these categories you come up with. Which may mean only ONE storage method if you have a few stamps, or multiple if you have a good variety.

There is one option I'm going to mention at this point, which I know a lot of scrappers and stampers have done, and that's going to a complete cling system. Yes, that means un-mounting your wood stamps. Now, before I get hate mail, I LOVE wood stamps. I love how they sit on a shelf, I love the feel in my hand, but I DON'T love how they take up so much room and it's so hard to find what I'm looking for! I know a lot of you are in the same boat. So, about 5 years ago, I un-mounted ALL my wood stamps and put them onto EZ Mount (which has one side sticky to hold the rubber, the other side is cling like on the back of acrylic stamps). I have not once regretted my decision. I am now able to store ALL my stamps in one location, and it put it short - that rocks! Un-mounting is easy to do - here are a few tutorials in case you want to read some more before making a decision:

http://picasaweb.google.com/gbutterfly26/UnmountedStamps#
http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to/video/how-to-unmount-stampin-up-stamps-173480/
http://scrapbookingwithjerosha.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-to-unmount-rubber-stamps.html
http://www.scrapbook.com/tips/doc/4849/31.html

I have a pretty good number of stamps, but I was able to unmount them all in a weekend. It really doesn't take a lot of time (even though it looks daunting!) - great results for a small effort!

Now you have a good idea in your head of your inventory, let's talk storage. I'm going to post quite a few options in each category - mounted, acrylic (this includes unmounted rubber as well - anything that clings (except toddlers and needy husbands)), and foam. Check them out, and find which one(s) will work best for you. 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.

ACRYLIC:

In their original packaging in bins, baskets or boxes: http://www.scrapjazz.com/topics/Organization/Scrap_Rooms/1596.php
http://mariehelenescrap.canalblog.com/archives/2009/05/20/13778625.html#comments
In DVD tins: http://craftaholicsanonymous.blogspot.com/search/label/Organizational%20Ideas or DVD cases: http://craftystorage.blogspot.com/2008/05/another-clever-clear-stamp-storage-by.html
On plastic sheets in a 3-ring binder: http://craftystorage.blogspot.com/2008/10/maja-kaui-stamp-storage-process.html or http://nicholmagouirk.typepad.com/things_that_really_matter/2007/03/storage_for_cle.html or http://jennifermcguireink.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/07/how-to-video-clear-stamp-storage.html - you could also use baseball card pages or business card sleeves as well.
In binder boxes: http://www.lisahetrickdesign.com/live_create_share/2009/03/unmounted-stamp-storage.html - here's her source: http://www.univenture.com/acatalog/mini.html
In a storage box by category: http://www.paperwishes.com/products/7268940000
In a travel binder, great for crops! http://www.paperwishes.com/products/4001325
Making Memories stamp storage binder: http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/browse/processRequest.do?demandPrefix=12&sku=65/85180&prodCatId=377489&mode=Browsing&erec=2&Ne=90000&sp=true&Ntk=all&Ntx=mode%2bmatchallpartial&N=377489&tabId=2&requestURI=processProductsCatalog&sd=Making+Memories%26%23174%3B+Stamp+Storage+Binder+%26amp%3B+Folders
Little Monkeys storage system: http://storemorestamps.com/OurProducts.php
Clear CD storage cases: http://tayloredexpressions.blogspot.com/search/label/Organization If you go this route, make sure to get the ORIGINAL CD storage cases, not the "slimline" ones.
In the original packaging, on a Clip It Up
7 Gypsies revolving stamp holder: http://www.capaper.com/product/7434?meta=FRG&utm_source=GBASE&utm_medium=CPC&utm_content=&utm_campaign=
Clear file folders: http://www.paperwishes.com/products/4001709
In document boxes - Target used to have these in the $1 Spot, but I've seen some green ones in the scrapbooking aisle (and NOT for $1!). I've heard some people have found them at import stores as well: http://www.createmykeepsake.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=15223 I found some similar ones at Office Max - they're thicker with a better clasp.
In their original packaging, in a recipe box.
For CTMH My Acrylix stamps - the CTMH organizer box
EZ Mount Stamp N Store panels: http://store.scrapbook.com/gb-ss12.html
Tim Holtz stamp binder: http://www.ohmycrafts.com/advantusunmountedstampbinderbytimholtz.aspx
Stampendous Perfectly Clear tote: http://celestialscrapbooksupplies.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=60&zenid=57373e98ee4c83259aee67d0cbdbced5
Technique Tuesday stamp portfolio: http://celestialscrapbooksupplies.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=539&zenid=57373e98ee4c83259aee67d0cbdbced5 Cropper Hopper Zip n Flip sheets: http://store.scrapbooking-warehouse.com/297701.html
Blockhead Stamps has some cases and binders as well: http://www.blockheadstamps.com/cushion.html

FOAM:

Backed with velcro or magnets on boards/walls: http://craftystorage.blogspot.com/2008/01/debby-de-wilde-foam-stamps.html
In $1 boxes from Target
In glass jars, by letter, font or theme
In stackable trays
In ziploc bags, stacked or hanging
Back with foam core and store in vertical paper holders or magazine files

WOOD MOUNTED:

In plastic envelopes: http://craftystorage.blogspot.com/2008/02/kim-reygates-studio.html
Wood storage unit, like a printers chest or map drawers: http://craftystorage.blogspot.com/2008/05/lisa-itatini-rubber-stamp-storage.html
On shelves: http://ournestof3.blogspot.com/2008/11/photos-of-stamp-organization.html
Stacked in acrylic photo frames: http://papergoddess.typepad.com/we_will_always_have_paris/2007/08/rubber-stamp-st.html
In stamp storage boxes:
http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/browse/processRequest.do?demandPrefix=12&sku=65/85153&prodCatId=377489&mode=Browsing&erec=1&Ipp=16&No=16&Ne=90000&sp=true&Ntk=all&Ntx=mode%2bmatchallpartial&N=377489&tabId=2&requestURI=processProductsCatalog&sd=3+Medium+Hinged+Stamp+Storage+Boxes In shallow plastic drawer units - good for a few stamps, your unit will sag and the drawers will stick or derail if you overload it!
Stacked in clear shoe boxes - again, good for a few, ideally you don't want to stack your stamps
Crop In Style punch pal - designed for punches, but would work great for stamps! http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/1470672641059524861GHxWPl
Mimi stamp case: http://store.scrapbook.com/mi-m1002.html - you can also use ammo boxes for the small wooden stamps
Crop In Style Stamp Store: http://scrapbooking.com/article/3011
In a tackle box, great for a small stash or for crops!
Craft Locker Wheel and Handle storage: http://www.littlescrapbookshop.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&manufacturers_id=161&products_id=6513
Cube Kit G from Mini Stackables: http://bestscrapbookshelf.com/?action=view_catalog&Join_ID=111572
In pizza boxes
Scrap N Cube has a wooden shelf system, add the optional drawers and you have a great setup: http://www.scrapncube.com/Products/QB6--6-shelf-cube__QB6.aspx

So, there you go - figure out which solution will work best for YOUR stash and YOUR space, then start dividing those stamps into the proper locations. I wouldn't put them away just yet tho - you're going to want to do an inventory of them, which I'll get to in a minute. First, I want to show you my storage system, which I've been thrilled with. I have 2 systems for ALL my stamps - they're either alpha stamps or non-alpha stamps. For my NON-alpha stamps, I use the document boxes from Target. They take up the top shelf on 4 of my cabinets - I'm on the taller side so I can reach them fairly easily. They're all labeled on the spine, from 1 to 24 (some numbers have multiple boxes):


Inside, I am able to cling my stamps to both surfaces of the box. The boxes are also thick enough to accommodate foam stamps WITH acrylics on both sides! I recently found out my wood-mounted Unity stamps will also fit well, without having to unmount them. I have one theme per box, and each theme gets a number as well. So 1 is florals, 2 is punctuation, 3 is boy, 4 is winter/Christmas, 5 is travel, 6 is journaling....you get the idea.


I label the outside as well, so it's easy to see what theme each box holds.



Now, to keep track of what I have (especially since I break up some sets), I came up with an inventory system on a Rolodex. I like the Rolodex because it's easy to take out cards - if I purge a stamp, or if I want to toss in a card into a page kit to remember to use that stamp with that set. Very easy to put back, and very easy to flip through. Each of my categories is in the Rolodex, numbered from 1 to 24, and I have the stamped image of that stamp from that box in the Rolodex. I either stamp the image, or cut it out from product packaging and tape it to the Rolodex page. Each image is labeled with the manufacturer and set name. So under tab 1 (Florals) in my Rolodex, I have a cut out of an Autumn Leaves floral stamp from the package and taped on there, and the actual stamp is in my #1 document box on my shelf (also labeled "Floral"). When I need to find a daisy stamp, I flip through my Rolodex to see if I have one I want. If it's there, I grab the #1 box(es) and get it. If not, I log on to 2Peas and buy one. ;)



I use this same inventory system for my alpha stamps, with a second Rolodex:


Now, I store my alpha stamps a little bit differently. My main method is using CD cases - not the slimline, the ones with the black insert that you can pop out. I found that about 85% of my alphas will fit into a CD case. For the ones that are larger, I just use a document box and store them on a shelf below my non-alpha stamps.


The CD cases are numbered, starting at 1. They are not numerical in my Rolodex - I found that really doesn't matter, since I just flip through there until I find the set I want. Then I see the number assigned to that set and go to my CD storage boxes, which are up on a shelf. All the CD cases in those boxes are labeled on the spine for easy viewing and ARE in numerical order:


The boxes themselves are also labeled to show which sets they contain, which makes it easy to grab the right box off the shelf!



That's my system, in a nutshell. The only thing I left off is my stamping wheels - I just keep those in a drawer with my stamp cleaner and my acrylic mounting blocks. I have the images inventoried in my Rolodex under the correct theme, however - I just make sure that it's labeled as a wheel.

I want to share one more non-traditional method for storing sets, which I used to do before breaking mine up. I found these awesome garden hangers at Hobby Lobby in their summer clearance. They are great for holding the Studio G sets and sets that come in tins (like Gelatins). Another option on the Studio G sets - I know a lot of Peas store them in baseball card pages in a binder or they fit perfect in an ATC holder. Brilliant!


I know there are a gazillion stamp storage options out there, so if you've found one that works for you - please post it!

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 that 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 lovely stamps are now all organized. Whoo hoo! Now go take care of all those chores you put off while surfing websites, and come join me for Week 14 next week, when a-cropping we will go!

Stacy
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Monday, August 10, 2009

Organize Your Stuff Challenge - Week 12

Good Monday morning (if there is such a thing!) - everybody ready to play? Today we're going to tackle another toughie - ribbons and fibers. You may not be able to complete this Challenge in one week. And again, that's ok - as long as you have a system in place in your head and know where you're going, that's what counts!

So let's cut the chit-chat and get started on HOW to organize your ribbon. You can organize by type (ie, grosgrain vs sheer), width, color, or by packaging. Once again, follow your scrapping cues here. You can also mix and match - it's easy to group all your red grosgrain ribbon together, for example.
Now let's take a look at WHAT to store your ribbon in. I'm not a big fan of ribbon packaging - I've found that once you take it out of it's neat and pretty little package, it never goes back in quite the same. So I immediately pull off all my ribbon - off cards, spools, bobbins, you name it. It brings me happiness to see a puddle of fibers. Aaaahhhh. Anyways, I have found oodles and oodles of ways to store ribbons. One of these methods surely will work for you and your stash! 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.

Stacked spools: http://craftystorage.blogspot.com/2008/08/giulia-ribbon-storage-idea.html or Pottery Barn used to have a nice one, it's been discontinued but you may be able to find one on Ebay or Craigslist. Oriental Trading also has one: http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/search/processRequest.do?Ntt=ribbon+organizer&requestURI=searchMain&Ntk=all&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&N=0
In Cropper Hopper boxes - this shows it in a drawer - http://triplethescraps.blogspot.com/2009/03/organizational-friday-save-space-get.html, but those little boxes fit beautifully in the Cropper Hopper embellishment case as well
This method isn't realistic for most of us, but it gives you another beyond-cool option: http://craftystorage.blogspot.com/2008/03/donna-downey-new-storage-idea.html
In page protectors (like the kind for slides or baseball cards, one strand per pocket) in a 3-ring binder
Combined with a tool or stamp organizer: http://www.stampinthings.com/
On floss cards in floss boxes
On spools, stacked on dowels inside jars
In ziploc baggies, in boxes or hanging
Cropper Hopper ribbon spool drawer: http://store.scrapbook.com/ch-ch92410.html
On the spool on a tension rod - you can put this in any open space, between furniture, in the open shelves of an Expedit, even in a window or door frame! http://www.littlebit.com/storage/ribbon-storage.htm

Now, if you couldn't find a working solution in one of those links, you're helpless. Seriously. Just chuck your ribbon out the window and have it done with. Just kidding - send it to me instead!

My solutions have evolved over the years. I first started out with ribbon in the Cropper Hopper embellishment boxes. Problem is, if your ribbon is over 3/8" wide, it won't fit.
So, I had my wider ribbon on ribbon cards from Magistical Memories in a large ArtBin box.

I loved this system, but the Artbin boxes take up a LOT of room. My third system was on dowels on a pegboard. I took everything off the spools when I reorganized and used my pegboard rack for tape instead:

I was really getting tired of looking in 3 places for one ribbon. So I combined them all into the card system, but using clear plastic shoeboxes instead. One color per box, it's sooo easy to find what I'm looking for:

Some of the cards are from Magistical Memories - the others I just made myself from cheap chipboard I've hoarded. Each ribbon is secured with a glass-head straight pin.


So that's how all my "true" ribbon is stored. For fibers and floss, I use the floss cards in floss boxes, divided up into multiple colors per box:



My felt "ribbons" that come on rolls (or that can be made into rolls!) is stored in a Pottery Barn craft center. I don't know if they still make these, I purchase mine at an outlet. My paper "frills" are in here too:

I keep all my colored twine in rolls in a metal basket. Basket is from Hobby Lobby.


My Scrappers Floss is in a basket as well - also from Hobby Lobby (yes, I love their baskets - I like even more that they frequently have them on sale for half off!).

One more basket (do you see a theme here?) - my Magic Mesh and the like also go in my ribbon cabinet. If I forget to put away one of my baskets, no big deal, they're just as pretty sitting on the countertop.

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 ribbons are no longer a tangled mess - you did it! Go get some cheesecake (the good kind with the gooey strawberry sauce) and get ready for next week - it's stamping time!

Stacy


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Monday, August 3, 2009

Organize Your Stuff Challenge - Week 11

Hellllllooooo, scrappers! Welcome to Week 11 - now that we have your alphas all neat and tidy, we're going to work on getting those NON-ALPHA stickers and rub ons organized. This Challenge should be pretty quick and easy - even for those of you who are swimming in stickers.

First off - this is a great, and I repeat - GREAT time to purge. I'm sure you have some Sandylion sheets from 1984 lying in your stash somewhere. Give them to the kids, let them decorate the dog. Are you really going to use those fuzzy "Princess" stickers on ANY of your layouts for your 4 boys? Give them to a friend. Remember - the fewer stickers you have, the fewer you'll have to put away (or sort through looking for the right one!).

Once again, I'm combining stickers and rub ons in the same category. Because I feel they're essentially the same thing. There's only a few ways to organize them - by theme, manufacturer, or design element (ie, accents, journaling, borders, etc). Go with how your creative mind works when you scrap - do you look for a journaling box or a princess crown? Once you figure that out, then you can move on to WHAT to store them in.

Below is my link list for the week of storage options for stickers and rub ons. 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.

Acid free envelopes
Magazine or paper files
On hooks on pegboard or slatwall
3-ring notebook with page protectors
Clip-It-Up: http://www.clipitup.com/ They have the original, plus some new variations released at CHA. One of the best tips, tho - if you Google "homemade clip it up" you will find hundreds, if not thousands, of web pages from crafty scrapbookers who have devised their own systems, from spinning racks to wall-mounted rods. If you like things hanging from hooks, where you can see your entire stash, this is a great solution. You can also use rings instead of clip hooks, I love this solution: http://pinkpaislee.wordpress.com/2009/03/16/alphabet-storage/ and this one too: http://outtathisfunk.blogspot.com/2008/01/sticker-gripper.html
Hanging file folders
Expandable file
Stacked in baskets or bins

Whichever method you go with - make sure it accommodates your current AND future stash, makes sense with your scrapping methods, protects your stickers and rub ons, and is easy to flip through to get what you want!
My solution has worked for me for about 10 years now, I haven't had a need to change it. I use good ol' PSBs, with my stickers and rub-ons divided up by themes - such as boy, baby, nature, celebrations, etc. If there is no true theme, then I file it under accents. I just keep the PSBs in a cabinet with the spines labeled with small tags. The interiors are further divided up by labeled dividers if I have more than one theme in a binder.


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. With once 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 sticker and rub on collection is no longer in a heap on the floor. Yay! Now go de-sticker the poor dog and I'll see you back here for Week 12, it's ribbon time!
Stacy
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Monday, July 27, 2009

Organize Your Stuff Challenge - Week 10

Welcome back, my die-hard organizers! Feeling better yet? I hope so! This week we're going to focus on ALPHAS - I'm talking stickers, Thickers, rub-ons, metal, chipboard, acrylic, you name it. If it's a letter, we're going to find a place for it this week.

What I've come across here is that there are really 2 different animals - there are stickers and rub ons, which are pretty uniform in size and stackability, and then 3-D letters (metals, chipboard, etc) which really have to be stored in a different manner. Because you're not going to be able to cram a can of KI Soup alphas in a filing cabinet with your Thickers. It just isn't going to work very well.

So let's see HOW to store the alphas first (both categories can work here). You can sort by color - which I find the easiest method for stickers/rub ons. You can sort by material type - which may be the way to go with the 3D alphas. You can sort by manufacturer. Or you can sort by letter for the 3D alphas. It's really up to you and the way you scrap. Systems can be mixed and matched as well - all my sticker and rub on alphas are stored by color, my "sets" of 3D alphas are stored by color, and the remaining 3D alphas are stored by letter. It works for me!

So WHERE to store your alphas? Let's tackle stickers/rub ons first. To me, any alpha set that is attached to a flat sheet is a sticker. So the Basic Grey chipboard sheets are stickers in my book - even though they are made of chipboard. If I can't easily remove them to store on their own, then it's a sticker. So here is my mega-list of links, please check them out and see if you can find a solution that will work for you and your space. 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.

Clip-It-Up: http://www.clipitup.com/ They have the original, plus some new variations released at CHA. One of the best tips, tho - if you Google "homemade clip it up" you will find hundreds, if not thousands, of web pages from crafty scrapbookers who have devised their own systems, from spinning racks to wall-mounted rods. If you like things hanging from hooks, where you can see your entire stash, this is a great solution. You can also use rings instead of clip hooks, I love this solution: http://pinkpaislee.wordpress.com/2009/03/16/alphabet-storage/ and this one too: http://outtathisfunk.blogspot.com/2008/01/sticker-gripper.html
3-ring notebook or a Crop-In-Style Paper/Sticker Binder: http://store.scrapbook.com/psbbinblac.html
Vertical paper or magazine holders
On hooks in pegboard or slatwall
12x12 multi-drawer chests: http://www.stacksandstacks.com/iris-3-drawer-tabletop-plastic-chest/
Expandable files - great for crops!
Hanging file folders in a rolling cart or a file drawer
Stacked in a bin, basket or box - this works great for the "books" of alphas, like Making Memories rub ons
Cropper Hopper divided storage box: http://www.cropperhopper.com/dividedstoragebox-7x10.aspx

For 3D alphas, you need to figure out how you want to store your alphas - by color, set, letter, material. This will help you decide on what kind of storage you need and what size. Options include:

Zip top bags on clip it ups
Small jars in 3-drawer chests
Hardware cabinets: http://hand-tools.hardwarestore.com/70-420-storage-cabinets-small/storage-cabinet-603483.aspx?utm_source=nextag&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=603483&utm_campaign=nextag
In bags in photo boxes
Tilt bins: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000J07R8E
Floss organizers: http://www.amazon.com/Floss-Caddy-Compartment-7-x10-1-x1-1/dp/B000ZDME1A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1244335028&sr=1-3
IKEA Fira drawers: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80073304
Muffin tins - this one is for buttons, but I've seen alphas organized by letter this way too: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wychbury/3193942747/
Spice jars or open bowls
Zip N Flip: http://store.scrapbooking-warehouse.com/278904.htm
Tackle box
Labeled envelopes - I've seen these glued to an address book by letter as well, but I think it could get bulky pretty fast

So now you know some options, here are the systems I found that worked for me.

I have a serious addiction to letter stickers (to the point that I really should have an intervention). I have found a working solution tho - I have 2 file drawers dedicated to stickers and rub ons. These hold all my non-book style alphas - I have them behind plastic divider tabs, sorted by color:


For my multi-colored alphas (meaning there are multiple colors on the alphas themselves or on the sheets), I ran out of room in my file drawers (oops!) and started stacking them in nice baskets (purchased at Hobby Lobby) on my shelf:







I also keep any insanely-large monograms up on the shelf there as well.

For my booklets of rub ons (this does NOT include my AC Mini Marks, I think those are flat enough to go in my file drawers), I found this beautiful carved wooden planter in the garden section of Hobby Lobby in their summer clearance:


So those are my sticker/rub on solutions. For my 3D alphas, I sort first by set. If they come in a complete matching color and font set (like Chip Chatter or the Making Memories tiles), then I put the sets into zip top baggies (jewelry section of Hobby Lobby) and store the baggies by color in cheap photo boxes:


Each box holds one color, so I can grab it fast and not have to sort through it. These are also great kid-proof options - my baby loved teething on these bags! Then it got to the point where I'd come in the room and find 7-8 boxes opened, baggies everywhere - they're now taped shut with 2 short pieces of masking tape. He can't budge it, and I just need to remove one piece of tape to flip open the top.




Now, for my alphas that either aren't in sets (like most of the KI lines (with the exception of the Soups), which have the same font but the patterns don't match at all), or my naked chipboard, I divide those up by letter. I started with the hardware bin about 15 years ago, then moved on to the IKEA Fira drawers about 7 years ago, and in my new space have the Crop-In-Style type cubes (from Target). Simply because I needed the room!

Each alpha has it's own drawer. All types of materials are mixed in here.




I would advise against breaking up sets if you submit layouts for publishing a lot - unless you have a really good memory of what's what.


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 alphas are now tidy and snug in their new little beds. Congratulations! Now go drool on your pretty organized Thickers (you know you want to) and meet me back here (sans drool) for Week 11.
Stacy
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Monday, July 20, 2009

Organize Your Stuff Challenge - Week 9

I won't lie to you. This week is not going to be nearly as much fun as last week. It's going to be time consuming, involve a lot of curse words as tiny objects fall from your grasp for the thousandth time, and will require a lot of decisions. But it will be oh-so-worth-it in the end. We're talking embellishments this week. Get your Challenge hats on, this one will be a doozy.

I think the biggest issue with embellishments is that there are SO many - different colors, types, uses, you name it. It's nearly impossible to find one single solution that fits everything. Which means that in this case, it's ok to mix and match. What works for your Primas may not work for your buttons. They don't have to. As long as you know WHERE to get what you need, and HOW to get it, then all is good. That's what organization is all about - finding your supplies.

First off - HOW are you going to organize your embellishments? This depends on how you scrap - your main choices are by color or by type. When you're looking for an embellie, do you think "I need something red over here?" COLOR sorting may be the way to go - all your red embellies go in one bin, green in another, etc. If you're looking for an embellie and think "A button would look great in the corner," then sorting by TYPE may work best for you. Make a decision, and that will guide your storage options.

I think the best way to tackle storage is by giving you all a lot of storage options and then showing what I've come up with for each type of embellishment. I'll try to tackle it embellishment by embellishment, so if I leave something off, please let me know - I'll be more than happy to add it to the list. And if you have found a great solution, PLEASE post it - the more the merrier!! Keep in mind your stash as well - a few brads will easily fit in a tackle box. If you hoard, you'll need to move up to jars. As before, 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.

General storage for all kinds of little goodies:
Cropper Hopper Embellishment Boxes: http://www.scrapbook.com/gallery/image/scraproom/1226601.html
Glass or plastic jars in drawers: http://www.containerandpackaging.com/itemlist.asp?itemtype=Clear_Jars
Small ziptop baggies (look in the jewelry section of stores like Hobby Lobby)
Empty film cannisters
Spice jars on spice racks - revolving or magnetic/wall mounted
Multi-drawer chest
Photo storage box
Making Memories Embellishment Storage Box: http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/making-memories--embellishment-storage-box--white You could also use a jewelry box!
Magpie tins - originally for Quikutz, but really are versatile: http://www.scrapbookexpress.com/qumaneti.html
Pegboard or slat wall with hanging bins

By Embellishment:

Brads: I have 3 systems for my brads.

First system: my general, run-of-the-mill brads are divided by color and shape into the multi-compartment containers from the Container Store. I keep them labeled and stacked in a drawer. If I need a brad, I use a pair of craft tweezers to get the one I want out:




Second system: my large brads go in large glass cannister jars. These are from the glass storage section at Hobby Lobby.

Finally - fancy brads are divided up by type (velvet, fabric, stripes, etc) into small plastic containers from Container and Packaging (link is above). The jars are thick clear plastic and are slightly shorter than 3" - which means they sit beautifully in the 3-drawer units from Sterilite! I used to house them in those drawers, I now have them in a single drawer in my scrap space:

Notice that I store them upside down - makes it easy to see what's in each container, no?

A unique idea I found, I've never seen this before! Very clever. http://creatingkeepsakesblog.com/2009/03/10/storage-solution-brad-boards/

Primas:

I know these little flowers give people fits! I think they'd be easy to store if they didn't come in such pretty packaging - you want to keep the jars, but it's hard to find anything in those mixes. My solution - first, sort by color. ALL the flowers. Then divide up by size within the colors - my larger flowers go into these beautiful glass cookie jars from Hobby Lobby:


My smaller flowers go into the original Prima jars, but this time - by color!

For packaged flowers - like Petaloo, or the fancy Prima flowers - I keep them in the original packaging, stacked on end in my drawer. Nothing special, but it works. You could easily do this in a pretty bin or basket as well.
For smaller stashes, a clip-it-up type system might work great: http://sarahs-scrap-book.blogspot.com/2008/05/blossom-and-ribbon-storage.html

Dew drops/Skittles: I keep these in their original containers as well. I found a pretty fabric-lined basket and just keep it in a drawer with my packaged flowers. It's easy to sort through the basket to find the right color.

Eyelets: Stored in the same Container Store boxes as my brads in a different drawer. Sorted by size first, then by shape and then by color.

Buttons:
I LOVE buttons. I love seeing them almost as much as using them! I think they add fun to a space. I have mine stored in glass cookie jars from Hobby Lobby, sorted by color:


For my fancier buttons (shaped, wooden, etc), I store them in the same small jars as my brads in a shallow drawer:


I have also seen them stored in shallow bowls or baskets, which is really cute. If you go to crops, re-using tins may be a good alternative: http://triplethescraps.blogspot.com/2009/03/organizational-friday-buttons-dew-drops.html

Rhinestones:
These are tricky, since some are stickers technically, some are not. I have my loose ones in the containers from the Container Store. I store that container - along with my packaged rhinestones - in a small milkcrate of sorts from Hobby Lobby. The crate goes on a shelf:

Miscellaneous STUFF:

All those little things that really don't fit into any categories. Wooden pieces, photo corners, metals, sequins, acrylic pieces, glass slides. I use the same small containers as the fancy buttons in the Sterilite drawers - but I removed those drawers from the main unit and stack them in my drawers instead.

Now, I just gave you a lot of information. A LOT. I don't want you to zone out on me here, and get overloaded. If you feel overwhelmed, go get your original list - your what works/what doesn't, and your brainstorming list. Now check those against the solutions I've offered here. You can probably immediately cross a ton of options off your list based on things you've tried before and didn't work, or your stash size, or because things that spin scare you. Go to crops a lot? Cross off any system that won't travel well.

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. With once 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!

Congratulations, you're no longer sucking up gallons of brads and eyelets every time you vacuum! Tell Mr. Duchovny it's time for your massage and we'll meet back here for Week 10 - it's alphabet time!

Stacy
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