Organize Your Stuff Challenge - Week 19

Welcome back, happy and organized scrappers! This week we're going to focus on chipboard - the bare naked variety. This should be a good week - great results with minimal effort!

First off - let's talk about HOW to organize your chipboard. You need to decide whether to keep them in their packages (and often this means for the sheet variety like Fancy Pants, whether or not to leave them attached to the sheet), or to break them off into their individual pieces. This really is a matter of personal choice and may even be dictated by your space - sheets are going to need a good 12x12" space for storage, while if you have smaller pieces of chipboard, they could go into smaller containers that could stack. So keep that in mind. If you know your manufacturers, or have a small amount of chipboard, storing on the sheets is very feasible. But if you have a large amount and can't remember who makes what - you just want a large chipboard daisy! - then breaking up your sets may be a way to go.

A second issue is how to categorize them - by manufacturer or theme. Follow your paper on this one. If you know who makes what, then sort by manufacturer. But if you are looking for a chipboard frame with a star on it, then sort by theme. It will make your life easier to have all your like pieces together. Some themes include frames, seasons, brackets, scrolls, floral, hearts, stars, etc. Go through what you have and see what you have a lot of - start grouping them, and that will help to dictate what categories you need (and how many boxes to buy!).

Now, alphas are another story entirely. You can choose to store them with your chipboard here, or with your other alphas. I think it makes more sense to store them with your alphas - unless you are a fan of keeping all your manufacturers together, then store like with like.

Finally, let's talk blank sheets. I know every scrapper hoards chipboard from any place imaginable! The best solution I've found to store it is to treat it like you do your paper. So if you use the vertical paper files, dedicate one to chipboard. Chipboard is also nice in that it can stack upright on a shelf without bending - just a bookend is all that's needed. File cabinets are yet another option.

Now that you have an idea of HOW to organize your chipboard, let's talk about what to store it in! Here are some solutions I've found - keep in mind which route you decided to take. If you're keeping original packaging, then you need to accommodate the bulk of chipboard and the 12x12" nature of it. Some options - like hanging zip top bags - may not be strong enough to hold. Most unpackaged chipboard sorted by piece can fit into much smaller containers. You will need as many containers as themes or manufacturers, and plan for future purchases as well.

Clear plastic shoe boxes
Hanging zip-top bags, on clip-it up style rails or pants hangers
Page protectors in a 3-ring binder
Multi-drawer chests
Over-the-door organizers
Photo storage boxes
Crop-In-Style cubes

My main storage method (in addition to the shelf and paper holder shown above) is an Iris cart with the snap top boxes, wheels removed:

I actually have one and a half of these carts - each drawer unit comes apart and can stack on top of eachother! So I have one and a half under each side of my standing work table. I have my chipboard broken down by themes, one theme per box, and each box is labeled.

It's worked out very well for me - prior to this method, I used the 3-drawer Sterilite drawers, but this was prior to the huge pieces of chipboard coming out (and then prior to Sterilite coming out with 12x12 drawers!). Those are both good options that worked for me, tho.

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, your chipboard is now easy to find when you need it! Meet me back here next week, same time, same place, and we'll deal with all kinds of pretty die cuts.

Stacy

Organize Your Stuff Challenge - Week 18

Lovely morning, scrappers! Can you believe we only have 11 weeks left? You guys that are sticking with me - I'm in awe. Good job, keep it up!

The Challenge this week is to organize our tools. This is going to be a very individual task, since everyone has a different set of must-haves (heck, trimmers alone must come in 8 different sizes!), and tools can be small, sleek, bulky, heavy, you name it. So I'll offer up some suggestions for storage, and I'll leave it up to you to figure out the best method for YOUR stash. There are really 3 ways of basic organizing on tools - sort by frequency of use, function or size. You also need to decide 2 things:

First - are you going to keep your tools with all your other tools, or with the products that you use them with? For example - your heat gun. Decide whether to keep it with your tools or your embossing supplies. Do what makes sense to you, and stick with it. Also, in grouping tools, decide whether to keep ALL your tools together, or put some of your less-often used tools out of the way. By splitting tools up, you can gain a lot of workspace, but you also risk forgetting what you have.

Second - if you go to crops a lot, now is a good time to figure out how to make your life easier. Decide to invest in a second set of tools that will be packed and ready to go for your crops, or find a good tool storage solution that's also portable.

Here are a few ideas I came across for storing tools. 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 recycled cans or canisters: http://bymonkeybean.blogspot.com/2007/09/organized-prettiness.html

Over-the-door organizers

Tilt bins

Clear plastic shoeboxes

Crop In Style scissor caddy: http://www.save-on-crafts.com/cropinstylsc.html

Multi-drawer chest

Craftlocker: http://www.craftlocker.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=2

Photo storage boxes

Tool caddys: http://www.unbeatablesale.com/armd211.html?srccode=cii_11138&cpncode=22-23767156-2

Tackle box

Desktop spinner: http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/browse/processRequest.do?demandPrefix=12&sku=65/85103&prodCatId=377489&mode=Browsing&erec=3&Ne=90000&sp=true&Ntk=all&Ntx=mode%2bmatchallpartial&N=377489&tabId=2&requestURI=processProductsCatalog&sd=Round+Desktop+Supply+Organizer Pampered Chef has these, as well as Making Memories. You can also pair it with a lazy susan for even more storage: http://craftystorage.blogspot.com/2008/06/combining-elements.html

Hanging on a wall (no pegboard needed): http://www.paperwishes.com/products/4001966

Pegboard: http://craftystorage.blogspot.com/2008/02/amanda-walker-studio-ideas.html

For my setup - I have my tools sorted by frequency of use. My less-frequently used tools are in a lazy susan in a cabinet:

I repurposed a cute garden tote to hold my scissors. ALL my blades are in here - I love my Exacto knife, so I keep my spare blades in a film canister. I also have a second canister out with a slit cut in the top to hold all my spent blades. When the canister is full, I tape over the top and toss the whole thing in the trash - no loose blades to injure someone!

This is actually a photo of my old tool storage. I currently have the Making Memories desktop carousel: http://www.makingmemories.com/Products/detail/Desktop-Carousel This setup did work for me for a while tho - those are just garden planters, another Hobby Lobby find. I found that I needed a little bit more structure (ie, compartments) tho.

So go gather up those tools, make your decisions, and sort and store!

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, your tools are all happy and content in their new home! Go do a happy dance and meet me back here for week 19, when we'll tame your wild hordes of raw chipboard.

Stacy

Organize Your Stuff Challenge - Week 17

Good morning, ladies! Welcome to Week 17 of the Challenge - time to get your punches in order! This week should be relatively painless - there are only a few ways of storing punches. What's likely to be most time consuming is getting an inventory together. But at least that's something you can do while watching evening tv.

First, figure out the best spot in your room for your punches - shelf, wall, box, bin, etc. If you have an inventory, then you don't necessarily have to have them on display and they can be tucked away out of sight. Then choose a storage method that works for your space (AND your style!). Keep in mind one thing - punches are HEAVY. So keep that in mind when choosing storage - if you go with something like the Sterilite drawer units, any more than 5-7 medium punches will bog down the drawers and they'll fall out of the tracks. Large punches will strain delicate storage options and be a bear to move around. So if you have a lot of punches, make sure to go with sturdy storage and only a FEW punches per box (or mix in your heavy punches with some light ones as well). Because of their weight, they'll take up a lot more space than you realize. On to the links! Once again, 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.


On a rod on pegboard: http://stampinat6213.blogspot.com/2007/08/pegboard-organization.html
On a magnetic wall strip: http://makingmemories.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451fa2269e2010536bace9c970c-pi
In shallow drawers: http://www.stacksandstacks.com/sterilite-3-drawer-storage-chest-20238004/ or without the drawers themselves: http://craftystorage.blogspot.com/2007/08/punches-by-janette.html
Clear plastic shoeboxes: http://paperfections.typepad.com/paperfections/2007/06/paper_punch_sto.html
Photo boxes
Punch N Go Tote: http://www.paperwishes.com/products/7267580000
Over-the-door shoe organizer: http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/pg.asp?cmd=display&layout_id=1158922
Crop In Style Punch Organizer (scroll down): http://www.1stopsquare.com/cropinstyle.html or in use: http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/1470672641059524861GHxWPl
On a pot rack: http://melstampz.blogspot.com/2009/02/punch-storage-misc-craft-room.html
Towel rails on a wall: http://stampnsparkle.blogspot.com/2008/01/punch-storage-solution.html
CD rack: http://colorfulom.blogspot.com/2008/01/like-many-stampers-im-trying-to-get.html
Toolbox/tackle box: http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/pg.asp?cmd=display&layout_id=852830
Tilt bins
Matchbox car containers
Steel drawer units - not cheap, but sagging problem eliminated! http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40107872
Hanging on curtain rods:
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/462314
Custom-built shelving, if you're handy: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/574015&cat=3376
Clear acrylic photo frames stacked in shallow drawers
Rotating desktop units: http://www.stampinthings.com/
Craft Locker: http://www.craftlocker.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=2

Lots of options to choose from, hopefully one will work for your stash! My method isn't the most clean and neat, but it works for me. I just throw them all into a drawer! Well, not literally. :) The drawer is about the size of a filing cabinet, and I've taken out the plastic drawers from a 3-drawer Sterilite unit and stacked them in there, so I can have many rows of punches. There's a wire frame (meant for hanging files) that the lip of the drawers sit on - which gives me additional room to stack punches below.

I'm able to find what I want pretty quickly because I know my punches well (ie, if I'm looking for my small corner rounder, I know it's the green one with the black lever). I also use a punch inventory - here's the printout I use for mine:

http://organizedscrapbooks.com/punch-inventory

Just use scrap paper and do a quick punch before putting it in it's final place. Then when you need one for a project, you can flip through your inventory to see if it will work or not before going to get it. It's also handy to have when shopping. I just did a 3-hole punch and put it in a small binder. Super easy to store and to keep updated.

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 punch problem has now been solved. Congratulations! Time for a cupcake break, go gorge yourself on some buttercream and I'll see you back here for Week 18!

Stacy

Organize Your Stuff Challenge - Week 16

Is it Monday already? Can we go back to Saturday???? Please? Oh well, let's make the most of it - let's get our buns in gear and organize our paints, glitters and Stickles! Because I know you hoard them, they're just too yummy. So let's make them easy to find and use.

These are one item that if you have just a few, you can toss in a pretty bin and say you're done. It's not hard to sort through 5-10 Stickles to find the right one. But if you have many, you really need them organized in a way that enables you to find the color you need and quickly. The easiest way is obviously by color - just set them up like a rainbow and it'll be easy to find what you're looking for. I'm really going to focus mainly on paints and Stickles here - depending on the shape of your containers, you can store your glitter like your embossing supplies (if it's in a shallow cannister) or like your paints and Stickles (if it's in an upright container).

So, here's my monster list of links for this week. As you search, keep in mind your storage space (wall-mounted, countertop, drawers, etc) - and immediately knock any option off your list that won't work in your space, no matter how pretty it is. 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.

Upright in shallow drawers, Ikea Fira drawers, multi-drawer units, or Crop In Style cubes
Cropper Hopper vertical drawers (for dabbers): http://craftystorage.blogspot.com/2008/01/acrylic-dabbers-idea.html
In shelf organizers: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22350465 or http://lauravegas.typepad.com/photos/my_studio_in_detail/28_studio.html
How about upside down? Scroll down on this page: http://going-buggy.blogspot.com/2009/01/ta-da-here-is-my-new-crafty-space.html Brilliant!!! And you thought you didn't have room!
On velcro on a wall (no shelf needed): http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/userblogpost.asp?id=39838 or an acrylic frame: http://www.scrapbook.com/gallery/image/layout/1793069.html
In metal cutlery trays, in a drawer or on the wall: http://ucc4success.blogspot.com/
On a tiered lazy susan: http://www.stacksandstacks.com/dual-level-lazy-susan-turntable/?id=176&sku=10752&utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase
Tim Holtz case: http://store.scrapbook.com/ch-th92379.html
Plastic flip-top box, great for crops! http://www.scrapbook.com/gallery/image/scraproom/1774033.html
In spice racks
In an over-the-door organizer
Clear plastic shoeboxes
Photo storage boxes
Tilt bins
Tiered racks: http://cardstockheadquarters.com/Organizers-glitterstairs.htm

My method is very simple but effective - I have an entire drawer devoted to my Stickles and paints. All I have to do is open it up and pick a color. I try to keep them in order, but that doesn't always happen. Every now and then I get bit by the cleaning bug and put them back in their proper places.


Once again, I have another link from Patter Cross - this time for keeping track of your Stickles colors. http://triplethescraps.blogspot.com/2008/12/organizational-friday.html Too smart!!!

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 paint and Stickles dilemma has now been solved. Congratulations! Go pester the kids about their homework and I'll see you back here next week.

Stacy

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 wall-mounted ink racks: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5628111

In portable ink racks: http://www.bestscrapbookshelf.com/?action=view_catalog&Join_ID=135113

For small ink pads - in acrylic drawers: http://craftystorage.blogspot.com/2008/02/small-ink-pads-storage.html

In desktop spinning racks: http://www.stampinthings.com/ or http://www.suink.net/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=79&zenid=3e5a1ec1fa80ecf6d718b498e7a0da14 or http://www.dekdevelopment.net/1472840.html or http://www.wistampsupplies.com/

In old cassette tape holders

Stampin Up! Color Caddy: http://www.stampinup.com/us/enu/10854.asp

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/

Craft Locker: http://www.craftlocker.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=8

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:

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

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

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

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