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

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 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 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 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

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