Wow, this getting organized is a lot harder than you'd think it would be! Which is why I didn't post last night – because I wasn't finished (plus the battery in my camera needed recharging)!
Okay – this is how it was before I started; I had some of my card stock and DSP in a hanging file folder box, and some of it in an multi-tray desk-top holder. I had all my stamp sets split between drawers in a plastic multi drawer unit, and a lot more in a big cardboard box. I also had a lot of other crafting items (some non-SU!, which I used for making things like the Christmas tree ornaments, and a glue gun, etc).
So here's what it looked like:
Then, I pulled out all the stamp sets, and made sure they all had labels on them that I could read from the side when they're stacked; I also used a system created by another demo, where the label added has the type of stamp (eg. sentiments, nature, etc), the item #, the price, and which catalogue the set was from. Now, I do have quite a few sets that are retired, so I wasn't able to make labels with all the information on them – but, at least they're labeled, and put away! I also pulled out all my card stock, seperated it by colour family (brights, regals, subtles and neutrals), then labeled each slot for them in my new paper rack! I put the DSP's in racks under the card stocks, and included labels with which card stocks coordinate with each DSP. So, it's been a lot of work! Here's how it looks now:
You can see that I couldn't fit all of my wood mount stamp sets into the clear drawers, so I did have to use a smaller box to house them. But, all the clear-mount stamp sets are in the DVD rack; organized by type (nature, celebration, etc), then alphabetically within each type.
I have to tell you – this level of organization is so NOT my normal behaviour, which makes it even more difficult to accomplish, but I really think it will help me be more productive, as well as use more of my products and keep track of what I have and what I need. (besides – I haven't shown you what the table looks like! haha!)
Next on my list of organizational tools to get is a proper holder for all my ink pads/markers/reinkers, as well as my ribbons, and embellishments (like buttons, brads, etc). Right now, they're all in the drawers above the stamp sets. (except my ink pads, which are on the table). All my punches are in the very bottom drawer – it's so heavy, I was afraid that if I put them in an upper drawer, it would break!
This is where I keep my embossing folders, framelits and dies for my Big Shot :
I'm using these boxes that I bought from Ikea; they come in 2 different sizes, so the large one is great for the dies, and the 2 smaller ones are for the framelits, and embossing folders. They're sitting on top of the multi level tray that my card stock was in; now I'm using it to keep my card stock scraps in, sorted by colour group, so that I use the scraps first, before cutting into a full sheet of card stock.
It would really be nice if I had a specific room dedicated for stamping, but for now I just have to use the dining room – another reason for keeping it tidy! This weekend is my youngest son's birthday, and we're having all the family here for dinner, so I'll have to clear off the table, put that stuff into boxes & temporarily put it away, then bring it all back out again next Monday. *sigh* Oh well – at least I have a table to use, and goodies to play with 🙂
Do you have any pictures of your craft room/area organization you'd like to share, or any tips? I think that this layout will change, as I get new things like ink pad holder, punches holder, etc, but it will do for now.
Well, I did get to make a card today – but I'm going to wait & share that with you tomorrow, along with a short tutorial on how it was made.
Until then – Happy Stampin'!
