Tag Archive | Organization

More Organization to the Rescue

Ok, I know I promised photos and papers in my last post, but as I was preparing the post, I thought perhaps I put the horse before the cart so to speak. If you start gathering all these things, you’ll need a place to all of it.

On Feb 21st, I wrote a post outlining numerous organizational ideas, but I’d like to add some with this post then we should just about have this topic covered and you can start scrappin. I just want you to have options. Side bar: I heard on Family Feud the other night that people store things in their trunk that they don’t want others to find. I digress but I did think of my scrapbooking supplies if I ever needed to hide anything. LOL.

So,  let’s start with my own stash organization.  I purchased this via Amazon.  scrapbook storage 4It’s original purpose is to hold all the nuts and bolts in the garage, but it’s perfect for me to store all my little embellishments like brads, buttons, clips, bling, etc.  You can see through the little drawers so it’s a time saver for me.  Because it holds so much it’s a space saver as well.

Next, aside from the crate files that hold “to be scrapbooked photos”, I purchased these at Michaels. I would NOT buy them at full price.  Scrapbook storage 3They are way too much (to me anyway) but wait until they have one of their big sales.  I got mine at $2.49 each.  I purchased several.   I use these if I’m collecting a LOT of photos and/or souvenirs.  As you can see, I have mine labeled (crude labels but they work) LOL.  I have a box for my retirement, my daughters wedding, etc.  When I find paper or embellishments that I know I’ll want to use with the photos, I just put them in the box with the rest of the stuff.  Everything is right there when I’m ready to create my book.

The next 2 items I saw in Michaels the other day.

The first is a great idea that I would definitely use if I had the wall space.  Scrapbook storage 2It’s the same concept that you see in many garages. Mount a pegboard then use hooks or baskets to hold all your supplies.  Of course Michaels sells the whole system and it can be configured any way you desire.  What I like about it is that everything is very visible and easy to reach.  I wish I had the room for it.

………….and finally

This is a handy little cart if you have to move your supplies around a lot. Scrapbook Storage I know many of you don’t have a dedicated scrapbooking space.  It’s on wheels so you can move it easily.  My only issue is the limited capacity of it.  I know everyone NOT is a scrapbooking hog like me.

LOL.  I must keep reminding you though….I’ve been at this a LONG time……before “scrapbooking” was a real hobby.

I think I have it covered.  Obviously there are other things out there, but this gives you a taste.

I promise photos will be next followed by paper.   So, stay with me.  If you just can’t wait, I do have a page in my menu discussing some photo tips to get you started.

Debra Armstrong

Thanks for reading.  Comments, ideas, thoughts?

Storage and Organization

Since I was an Accountant by trade, the need to be organized (or as my kids say slightly OCD) is important to me.  I know some artists have stuff everywhere (and at this point, I’m not saying that I don’t).  When I moved, my space became smaller so I am struggling  to fit everything in.  It’s still a work in progress.  However, I want to share some things that I found helpful.

Pots – found them at the Dollar Store and use them to keep markers and pens.

Flower Pots

Flower pots

Jars – can be recycled ones but they’re good for buttons.  Don’t forget those extra buttons you get on new clothes.

Baskets – again, can be found in Dollar Store.  Use for ribbon scraps.

Box top – I use Xerox box tops to save scraps of paper from layouts.  I go through this stash often.

Hanging Jewelry keeper –  I bought a couple of these when they were 1/2 off.  I guess people didn’t like the patterns, but my stamps don’t care.  I can see the stamps through the pockets and they hang so they’re out of the way.

Jewlery holder

Jewlery keeper

Tool Box – normally men have these in the garage for their screws and bolts, but I love them for small embellishments.  Again, I can see through the drawers and everything is in one place.

Pill Box – purchased at Dollar Store, can be used for small embellishments especially if you like to go to crops and scrapbook with other people.  Just take the supplies you need.

My normal scrapbooks are 12 x 12 so I have tons (and I mean TONS) of paper.  I started out using the Sterilite 12 x 12 boxes (and still like/use them) but I also purchased stackable racks.

Plastic rack

Plastic stackable rack

Most people can get by with the boxes or even magazine holders for paper but remember I’ve been collecting for MANY moons!!!

Notebooks w/ plastic inserts – I use these to hold my stencils.  They are inexpensive at an office supply store.  The supply store will also have the plastic inserts.

Notebook

Notebook w/inserts

CD rack – If you saw my ribbon page, you saw the CD rack.  When the shelves are slanted to the back, the ribbons stay in place.

Dowel / broom handle on 2 hooks or Paper towel holder – can also be used for ribbons as well if you’re not out of control like I am.   It’s hard for me to pass up $1 ribbon.

Crate file or you could simply use a box – I use a crate with hanging file folders to gather items for books.  I put the developed photos in, papers I want to use, relevant embellishments and brochures or memorabilia.  I label the file and just pull everything out when I’m ready to assemble the book.  I’m just a TAD behind on my own scrapbooking.  LOL.  I make too many gift books I guess.

Last but not least, Small plastic bags that buttons come in on new clothes.  Once you take the button out and use it on your layout, use the bag for ink/chalk blending pads or small embellishments.

Look around the house.  So many things can be used.  Some people like to make their storage fancy and decorative but I care more about function than how it looks.  Just MY personal opinion but I’d rather do a page than decorate my Xerox box top for scrap paper.

Perhaps an unorganized mind is more creative, but I can’t work in chaos.  Everyone is wired differently.  So, do whatever works for you but I hope you gathered some ideas.

 

by Debbi founder of ScrapbookingForAnyone.com

Thanks for reading. Please leave a comment.