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I just stack mine according to size of the box they come in after labeling the end of the box with a black sharpie so I can see the name clearly. If I stacked them alphabetically, they wouldn't last very long stacked that way cuz they would quickly get messed up. Good luck and have fun!
__________________ Carol Scheevel My blog... A Heart Like His... Thanks for looking!
Mine are sorted by type (alphabet, animals, sentiments etc.) then flat with the stamp set name facing out.
I JUST organized them this way this weekend, so I'm not sure how it's going to work out - but so far I've been able to go directly to the "type" of stamp I wanted.
i do box size too (keeping the alphabet sets together) and i stand my background stamps on their sides.
__________________ mommy to 3 handsome boys and a beautiful little princess!! michael 11/8/96, samuel 10/25/01, brandon 6/16/05, and olivia 7/12/07 (-16)
All of my stamps and SU cases are in "project cases" from Office Depot and are on shelves. The cases are labeled....Fall,Halloween,Thanksgiving,Christmas,e tc. also Alphabets,Sentiments, BG stamps...florals,foliage,vintage,etc. They are also labeled if SU or non SU. Also by stamp company(A Muse, Art Impressions,Lockhart,etc.) The cases can get expensive (they are 7.00 each),but they hold alot of stamps. I just bought 3 more yesterday.I have 60 cases now.But I've bought them gradually over the last few years. I have to be organized...this works for me.
All of my stamps and SU cases are in "project cases" from Office Depot and are on shelves. The cases are labeled....Fall,Halloween,Thanksgiving,Christmas,e tc. also Alphabets,Sentiments, BG stamps...florals,foliage,vintage,etc. They are also labeled if SU or non SU. Also by stamp company(A Muse, Art Impressions,Lockhart,etc.) The cases can get expensive (they are 7.00 each),but they hold alot of stamps. I just bought 3 more yesterday.I have 60 cases now.But I've bought them gradually over the last few years. I have to be organized...this works for me.
This sounded interesting to me. I'm not quite sure what a project case is though. Do you have a picture you could share? Also, do you take the stamps out of their own cases and just mix & match in the project case?
This sounded interesting to me. I'm not quite sure what a project case is though. Do you have a picture you could share? Also, do you take the stamps out of their own cases and just mix & match in the project case?
This is a link to Office Depot and the cases......
I also sort my stamps by type first. Words & sentiments, floral & nature, backgrounds, and misc. I do have sections for seasonal items too such as christmas, valentine, fall, winter, birthday. Then within these, I have them sorted by size with the labels facing out. Isn't it funny how we each have our own style and obsesive compulsions!?!:rolleyes:
I store them in home made wooden trays, which go in a DVD unit. I sort them by company.
I have pictures of the DVD unit on my blog, but they are from last year, the unit is completely filled with storage trays now... http://stampingmathilda.blogspot.com...amp-tower
wow! What a great idea - one that I'm going to lift from you for all my wooden stamps! LOL I love love love the tray idea and can't wait to get hubby to build some for me this winter! (He doesn't know it yet <g>)
Now that I have my SU stamps the way I want them (they are stored on a bread rack I found at a thrift store and are arranged by stamp type, then size with the set name facing out) I have been hurting my head trying to think of a way to store the massive amount of wooden stamps I have. Right now some are on shelves on my wall, others are in a wooden storage box, and the rest are in a cardboard drawer thingy - which btw is almost full.
I bought small plastic boxes from Walmart/Target. I labeled them all by subject (ie shoes, school, flowers, birthday, etc) and put all of my indiv. and stamp sets in them. The SU sets that have a variety of stamps inside are stacked on other shelves by size
I sorted them by size and then alphabetically. I can stack about 9 sets in one stack that way.
It works well. I just have to remember to remove every set above the one I'm going for, then take the one I want and put them all back.
But I can find each set pronto!
Based on past "messes" I know myself well enough to realize that my sets have to be stored vertically (even though fewer sets will fit in the same space). I usually work until I'm too tired to do "one more thing" and that includes putting things away. (bad habits but no harm is done).
So, I am in the process of making an index binder (which I wanted to do anyway) which will be alphabetical and by type. But the sets themselves will be stored in numerical order. My reasoning is that most of my future acquisitions are likely to have higher numbers so they can just go at the end of the shelf instead of fitting them in-between sets to keep them alphabetized.
However, once a set has retired it will be stored alphabetically in a wide 3-drawer plastic cart (next to the bookcase with the current sets). I have 1-1/2 drawers filled but can stack another cart (without the wheels) on top of it as I don't plan to need either cart to be mobile.
A key factor in this working for me is to have both the item number and set name visible from two sides (one side will show on the bookshelf and a different side will show in the cart.) I found it easiest (although it takes some time) to cut up a printout of my Excel Inventory sheet and tape it to the cases. Since I have to this for over 40 sets using my P-Touch would take too long (plus when I decided to embark on this project it was almost Midnight and I was almost out of label tape).
The main thing to remember is that different methods work for different folks and if you choose one that doesn't work, permit yourself to try another way.
I store them on their sides like books. I just keep the edges even at the front so all the set names are easily read.
This is what I do, also. I've tried other methods of storage (by case size, by style, etc.) but this has worked best for me! I also have an index of my stamp sets in a binder so I can easily find the stamp I need.
This is what I do, also. I've tried other methods of storage (by case size, by style, etc.) but this has worked best for me! I also have an index of my stamp sets in a binder so I can easily find the stamp I need.
Wallace and Grommet!! LOL, we've loved these two since my husband used to bring home their little short movies about 13 years ago or so. So funny, lol!
Oh, I forgot to mention that I do put my alphabetically, except for alphabet sets and Christmas sets. I tend to think in terms of sets, not just type of image, so that's just easier for me.
Alphabetically for me, but by first letter only. I don't try to sub alphabetize since I only have to scan down the list of names for that letter. I put the larger boxes for that letter toward the bottom (sometimes). The only snaffoo is that sometimes I have a "not yet senior" moment and forget the name of the set.. *&OU*&)()&^%%! I hate that!
I tried doing the sideways thing but the sets would fall when I had more than one out and it aggravated me too much to have to use two hands to put them back... I know... I'm just too lazy!
One of these days, I'm gonna make myself a notebook with the images on each page.... but not today... did I mention that I'm lazy?!
Alphabetically for me, but by first letter only. I don't try to sub alphabetize since I only have to scan down the list of names for that letter. I put the larger boxes for that letter toward the bottom (sometimes). The only snaffoo is that sometimes I have a "not yet senior" moment and forget the name of the set.. *&OU*&)()&^%%! I hate that!
I tried doing the sideways thing but the sets would fall when I had more than one out and it aggravated me too much to have to use two hands to put them back... I know... I'm just too lazy!
One of these days, I'm gonna make myself a notebook with the images on each page.... but not today... did I mention that I'm lazy?!
Very good point about sliding sets ... I'm lazy too but found it just as frustrating (to me) as needing 2 hands to remove (and replace) sets from a pile.
Pushing the vertical set cases up is easier for me .
Love threads like this because there is always something to learn!
I do mine by size and then alphabetically but I'm not super-**** about it. When they go back, they go back on top of the right stack.
I actually have been putting my non-retired sets at the tops of their stack. (My retired sets get a red dot on the case.) This way it's quicker for me to grab the new ones.
__________________ Kathy Wrose "Fun must be always." - Tomas Hertl, San Jose Sharks "It was fun." - Kirk, Star Trek: Generations
My sister-in-law gave me this idea...
With her craft table against the wall, she put two glass blocks at each end with a narrow shelf board sitting on top of them. The stamp sets then sit on their side under the shelf. I did this in my craft room also. On top of the shelf I stack the background stamps, smaller stamp sets (on their sides as well) and then all my punches. All the sets are labeled so it's easy to find the one you're looking for, and everything is right there in front of me.
My sister-in-law gave me this idea...
With her craft table against the wall, she put two glass blocks at each end with a narrow shelf board sitting on top of them. The stamp sets then sit on their side under the shelf. I did this in my craft room also. On top of the shelf I stack the background stamps, smaller stamp sets (on their sides as well) and then all my punches. All the sets are labeled so it's easy to find the one you're looking for, and everything is right there in front of me.
hmmm, I don't think my 400 or so sets would fit there.
__________________ Kathy Wrose "Fun must be always." - Tomas Hertl, San Jose Sharks "It was fun." - Kirk, Star Trek: Generations
I do place mine on shelves alphabetically (sort of) I stack them by A - B - C, etc., but not strict alpha as I stack the biggest on the bottom and the smallest on the top. Works pretty well.
Right now I have like size cases together on their ends in shoeboxes and placed on shelves in an armoire. It isnt the easiest to find a set now but I plan on making a master list with which will have what stamp sets are in each shoebox (with the shoeboxes numbered) and taping it to the inside of one of the doors. And probably putting an index card with the list of sets in the box on the front just for convenience. Its just about finding the time! Because the cases are the same size, I am able to stack two shoeboxes high on each shelf.
__________________ Cindy, The OriginalWheelgirl, AKA Dexter's Mom
My silly little blog
My simple gallery
I stack my cases by size with holiday and alphabet in separate stacks. I also have made and index of all my stamps. I printed out the index of all my SU sets and put them in page protectors. Then I purchased some plastic pocket dividers and put the print outs of some of the cards using that stamp set in the pocket. That way when I need some inspiration I can just look in the binder. I have set up a binder in the same way for techniques I want to try.
Thanks for all the info in this wonderful site.
Chris
When I get a SU stamp set, I take them out of the container and then stamp each stamp in that set on an index card. Then I put the index card in the empty SU container and store those containers in my basement.
The stamps themselves are held in those plastic drawer bins you can get at Walmart and each drawer is labeled. Some of my labels are Animals, Architectural, Alphabets, Floral, Plants, People, Toys, Children, Shapes, Bugs, Borders, Buckles, Swirls, Words, Friendship, Love, all the individual holidays, Cartoons, House Mouse, Scenic, Vacation, Sports, Fishing and Hunting, Vehicles, Frames, Backgrounds, Dogs and Cats, Horses and Deer, School, Anniversary, Thinking of You, Thank You, Birthday, Angels, Teddy Bears, Tags, Music, Writing, Furniture, States, Buildings, It goes on and on. It really helps. I don't want to waste my stamping time looking for what I need.
I store my stamps in a scrapbook cart that I got at Container Store (no affiliatioin). It has 6 shelves and each shelf has a lidded container that slides into it. The whole thing is on casters which make it easy to move around when I want to rearrange the craft room.
I sort my stamps by category - flowers, trees & leaves, holidays & special occasions, words, critters, other. I don't worry about keeping the sets together. I use most of the larger boxes for pencil and pen storage (also in drawers in a unit that's on casters.
When I get new stamps I stamp the image onto transparency sheets with permanent ink, make a note of the manufacturer and the name of the stamp and code numbers, if those are present on the stamp. I keep the transparencies in a binder, sorted by category (same as the stamps). When I'm planning a project I pull the binder and use the images on the sheets to decide which stamp to use and how to place it. Works nicely! I've also been known to take the binder with me to stamp shows so I can make sure that I'm not duplicating stamps that I already have and to get sizes and designs that go with what I already have. sab
OK - so here is my organizational run down - I am an SU! demo, so the first thing I do is separate retired and current sets, then by size, all alphas and backgrounds together. HOstess sets together. Then by type - sentiments, flowers, kids, holiday, etc.: My husband and I purchased kitchen wall cabinets for my craft room (along with 4 drawer kitchen floor cabinets, which have 3" deep drawers, making them perfect for my stuff!) The wall cabinets are just deep enough to fit the largest SU! stamp storage cases. HOpe this helps!! mrgreen:
I store my stamps in a scrapbook cart that I got at Container Store (no affiliatioin). It has 6 shelves and each shelf has a lidded container that slides into it. The whole thing is on casters which make it easy to move around when I want to rearrange the craft room.
I sort my stamps by category - flowers, trees & leaves, holidays & special occasions, words, critters, other. I don't worry about keeping the sets together. I use most of the larger boxes for pencil and pen storage (also in drawers in a unit that's on casters.
When I get new stamps I stamp the image onto transparency sheets with permanent ink, make a note of the manufacturer and the name of the stamp and code numbers, if those are present on the stamp. I keep the transparencies in a binder, sorted by category (same as the stamps). When I'm planning a project I pull the binder and use the images on the sheets to decide which stamp to use and how to place it. Works nicely! I've also been known to take the binder with me to stamp shows so I can make sure that I'm not duplicating stamps that I already have and to get sizes and designs that go with what I already have. sab
What a GREAT idea with the transparencies. But they are SO expensive!!
I found some very sturdy tray baskets from Target. Slide these in pantry type cabinets with extra shelving cut to fit. Each basket is a "category" and still organizing that and stamp sets are on their side with the name up. I keep a copy of the set in the shell as well as card fronts or color copies of anything I'm especially happy with or have found on this site that I want to try.
I also keep a three ring binder above my work area with copies of each set and not SU set to remind me of the stamps I have as well as the stamps a fellow stampin addict owns (her's are copied on white paper, mine on a color, my daughters on another color)
Like some of the ideas here and am reorganizing as the collection continues to grow.
__________________ Linda Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
I've been storing my stamp sets in those wooden shoe cubbies (I think they have 9 spaces for shoes, some have more, some less). Most of the sets fit very nicely in there. I have them on their sides, and I label the sides so I can see them. The big sets are the problem but on one of the cubbies that I bought (get them at Target, WalMart) I pulled out one of the horizontal shelves and made the cubbie holes twice as bit. So the big sets fit into those slots just fine. I also moved some of my big sets to smaller boxes, because some just didn't need a great big box like they came in. I don't have a ton of sets (well it seems like a ton to me but to some of you people, its not) but it works fine. Backgrounds fit in there too, but I'm probably going to move them to a shelf now because I can use the room!
I am keeping a reference note book with stamped images of my stamp sets. Here's what I do:
When I get a new set, I stamp a page of all the stamps included in that set on a piece of paper, note the set name on the page and assign it a number.
Put that number on the stamp set box also. Put it on your shelf in numerical order or in bins with designated numbers. Since I am blessed with many roll around bins from a previous adventure, I use them for stamps now. I label my bins with the range of numbers are in them. I have a huge work surface I got for free from where I used to work so the bins live under there out of my way.
When I look for a christmas tree, etc. I just look through my binder and see a stamp I want to use, find the bin and stamp set with that number and pull it out of the bin. This way I can compare images without having to drag out all of my stamps. This is also great for crops and open workshops. Customers can find images they want to use without me having to go through my stamps. Time may change my method as my collection grows, but for now, it works.:mrgreen:
Okay, I just spent three days organizing my stamp sets....@ 135 sets--I first stamped each set onto plain copy paper, then I sorted by flowers, nature, sentiments, ect. I put the copies of each category into three ring binder, separating each section by a different piece of colored cardstock. I then punched circles from all the different colored cardstock (the same colors I used for each category in my binder) and taped the appropriate color to the inside of the case (on one of the sides) and then I store them in large baskets on wire-metal shelves (the kind they use in commerical kitchens). I then tied ribbon of the matching color to the handles of the baskets. Maybe sounds confusing, but is working great for me. So now when I know I want to use a flower set, I look through my three ring binder in the flower section (which is Green Galore) find the set that I want to use and then go to the basket with the green ribbons tied to the handle and quite easily find the set I am looking for. Each basket holds @ 18 - 20 sets. By having the color code (punched CS cirle) on the case, it makes it easier to make sure it gets put back into the right basket.
Right now my SU! sets are in a dresser. I have 3 drawers filled and am quickly running out of room there. I need to come up with something better! All my non-SU! stamps are thrown in a couple boxes right now... they'll also be organized better at some point!
Stamps on the Bookshelf
Organization Freak
Here's an idea I am trying...
