Do you know what the is number one pain point is for crafters? How to organize their crafting supplies and to stay organized too!
So in the next few weeks I am going to help you out with your needs!
My first blog post shared several ideas to organize your stamp sets. Click here to see this post.
This week I want to share how I organize my paper and I will share some additional ideas for you to consider as well.
A. Designer series paper storage: I keep my designer series paper separate from my card stock stash. I also organize this paper differently depending on the size
6x6 designer series paper packs: I sort my 6x6 paper by packs and all this paper together is stored in smaller bags. I keep scraps of this paper in the front of the each bag for easy viewing and access. My rule is to use up scraps before cutting up a larger sheet.
The photo below show two different packs of 6x6 paper:
12x12 paper and scraps: I keep my 12 x 12 paper together as well. I sort this paper by pack and include a small plastic bag of its scraps. Again, my rule is to reach for the scraps first, then the larger paper.
And where do I store my designer series paper? There are so many ways to organize these packs. First, let me warn you: you are not going to see a state of the art stamp room and a crafter's dream room! In my first article I told you that I live in a small apartment with minimal storage space so a 'crafting room' is simply not an option.
So I store my designer series paper in a left over box!
When I get a pack of 12x2 designer paper it always comes with a cardboard sheet to keep the pack from getting damaged during shipment. I keep these cardboard sheets and use them to divide my 12x12 designer paper in my storage box. I keep each cardboard sheet with its match paper pack so that I can easily access the colors in the designs (these are also listed in the catalog with each paper pack).
When I craft I move this box to a chair near me for easy access and when not in use I put it in my crafting cupboard.
You might be wondering where I store my 6x6 bags. I put them at the front of my designer paper box:
Now, on to my :
B. Solid color paper storage: I store my card stock the same way, in boxes. But I organize them a bit differently because of their smaller size.
I have purchased a bunch of manilla folders and assign a folder for each card stock color; for example a folder for Real Red, a folder for Blushing Bride and so on. I store leftover pieces of each card stock color in the front of each folder instead of plastic bags because they are already organized with its partner full sheets and are easy to access inside the folder.
I write the name of each card stock color on the folder itself for easy identification. I put all my folders in alphabetical order into one box, except for the Neutrals Collection (see photo below; it's the box on the right). The Neutrals Collection have their own box because I tend to have more of each color (see photo below, it's the box on the left). Along with Neutrals collection I have added folders for the In Colors and any miscellaneous paper packs, such as Glossy White, Shimmery White, Vellum Cardstock and so on.
Remember in my first organization blog post when I showed you that I stored my stamp sets on a shelf in my dining room closet? My card stock boxes are stored underneath that stamp set shelf in the same closet:
For those of you who are a bit horrified by my 'not-so-sexy' paper storage system, here are some additional ideas. Whatever system you choose to use, make sure your paper is protected from sunlight and dampness, and that is stored so it won't bend/curl or crease over time. Another tip is to make sure you can easily access your paper when you time to craft!
- Use a small sized filing cabinet and hanging folders, similar to my system above.
- Store your solid color card stock left over pieces in small plastic bags and place each bag with its matching full sized pieces
- Put your solid color card stock left over pieces in small plastic bags and store in a basket near to your stamping area
- Organize your colors by collection rather than all alphabetically
- Organize your colors by color gradient: all pinks together, all blues together, etc
- Consider special display racks similar to those in big box craft stores: vertically and/or horizontally
- Consider piles lying flat on a book shelf
- Consider cardboard boxes with lids - available at office supply stores. Stack vertically or set horizontally
- Consider magazine holders
- Consider large plastic sleeves, like the ones students use when handing in assignments
- Consider vertical plastic paper holders, available at office supply stores. Stand side by side on a shelf.
- Consider 'in-box' trays that stack vertically
- Consider large clear pockets that are designed for memory keeping
- Consider file boxes - one for each color collection and a file folder for each individual color
What system do you use to store your paper? I would love to know so please add a comment under this post to share will all my readers!
