Ideas for Storing Scrap Booking Supplies
I have recently taken on the project of scrap booking all of my photos and memento's of special events in my family's life. Now this took some learning on my part. I am not what you call a 'crafty' person and I did not think that I could do this. However, after going on the Internet and surfing tons of sights, I was willing to give it a try.
To my amazement, I am doing a pretty good job! I don't have a lot of extra time, so I have to do it in what I call, baby steps. It may be a month of pictures at a time, but it always makes me wish I could go on and I look forward to my next little time period that I can escape to memories.
I now have tons of supplies at my disposal and am always adding more. When I see something that I think that I can use for scrap booking, I put it in a file and add it to my collection when I am working on it. I have managed to accumulate some really cute things, but now I had another problem, where and how to store it.
I am one of these people that if I do not know something I ask questions, lots of questions! I go to every store that has a scrap booking section, look at things they have to offer and drive the sales clerks nut's with all of the questions that I have. However, I have learned a lot and if I do say so myself, I have a very organized scrap booking system.
These are some of the things, that I do, that may be a help to you.
Storing Photos before Scrap booking
- Place in a Ziploc bag or manila folder, along with the negatives and
- a paper with the description of the photo, the event and the date
- any related things such as brochures, postcards, information, business cards etc.
- Label the bag with the event and the date
Using Binders for Organizing your Supplies
- Purchase a binder, dividers for labeling and inserts for storing die cuts, stickers, punch outs etc.
- Invest in plastic sheets that you use to cover papers (sheet protectors), baseball cardholder sheets and business card holder sheets; you will find that these are the perfect size for storing items.
- Using the binder method, everything will be in one location and organized according to the item you need.
- PLUS, if you want to transport your scrap booking materials, it will be handy for you to pack and take along.
- I have gone so far as to set up extra binders that I use for Christmas, Easter, Birthdays, Thanksgiving etc.
- Binders are also the perfect storage container for templates. Just insert the template into a sheet protector, label according to subject, color or whatever your preference and you are organized.
- Keep all of your tips and hints in a binder according to theme. Do not waste space storing all of those magazines; Make yourself an organized place to keep them. Don't forget to add a few pieces of binder paper for those tips that you have made up! Write down your hints and tips and color code the paper so you can find the ones that you made yourself.
Storing die cuts
- I not only purchase some die cuts, but also make my own out of material, construction paper, poster board and various other materials. Be creative and think outside-the-box, using a variety of items that you may be using for other things.
Storing punch-out's and stickers
- You will find that the baseball cardholders and business card holders are the perfect size for these small pieces and they are easy to get out of the containers.
Storing sequins and lace
- I have found that nothing works better than to use old medicine bottles, baby food jars and film containers for this purpose. I take a small piece and glue it to the outside of the container so I know what is inside. They are airtight, do not open easily when moving them from place to place and keep everything clean.
Storing Paper
My favorite is the old standby plastic storage container or if possible a two drawer filing cabinet.
- Use manila folders
- File folders with labels for the different colors of paper
- Use a separate filing system for papers that you have with a theme, this is where the two-drawer filing cabinet comes in handy.
Storing Scissors, Punches etc.
- If you have a work area, you can hang a pegboard up and hang all of your supplies on there
- If not, you can purchase various organizing containers at craft shops to fit your needs. They are available with pockets, to hold scissors punches, tape etc. Some are in the form of a cart with wheels that you can pull from room to room and some are in the form of storage bins of various sizes.
Start a Group or Join One
Scrap booking is a lot of fun when you can do it with a buddy or a family member. This can be turned into a girl's night out kind of thing too.
· A great way to share ideas
· Trade supplies that you no longer use
· Make copies of new patterns and cuts
· Make your own storage containers for supplies
· Show off your scrapbook!!
Jan Hayner is creator of Organizing Your Life THE EASY WAY. She offers tips and hints on home organizing, cleaning and ways to take the stress out of life. Get her free pamphlets 50 Things to Do in 10 minutes, 50 cleaning shortcuts and Guilt busters for working Moms.
