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I thought I was the only one that took my stamp sets apart and grouped them similarly to yours. I never thought of making note of what set they originally came from, good idea!
p.s.-I hope I am posting properly, I am a complete newbie, thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by jeanne3579
I always "disassemble" my stamp sets and reorganize them into categories or themes and place them in the appropriate drawer (mine hold stamps two deep and are about 20"x20."), for example, animals, flowers, leaves, trees, fruits, designs, Christmas, hearts, snowflakes, shells, etc. Then I further group them, i.e. butterflies, dragonflies, bees, beetles, flies; daisies, tulips, lilies, roses; apples, pears, grapes, etc. keeping them in the plastic clam shell boxes (however many as necessary) where possible. I devote as many drawers as needed--2 for animals, 3 for flowers, 2 for trees (one for deciduous and one for evergreens), 1 for fruits/vegetables etc. This has changed over the years as I have acquired more stamps, as I used to get all my flowers into 2 drawers. I also have 3 drawers for sayings which are categorized in boxes by "thank you" "greetings" "Christmas" etc. I write on the end of the blocks of all but the sayings what set they came from, so that if I need an idea for using a butterfly, I can see what sets to look up on SCS! I recently went through my stash because I bought some beautiful new sets and couldn't get them all in the drawer space I have. Since I have more than adequate space, I decided that I should give some away to make room for the new. My stamping friends and new stampers are always glad to give them new homes. This way my collection is made up of those stamps I really like and use and are current with my ever-changing tastes.
I just remembered an article in a magazine about a woman who organized her stamps using a color coding. She gave all her categories a color. She used stickers on the stamp sets. Since some overlap, like some were girly, but maybe flowers as well that type of thing they got more then one color sticker. Seemed like a really good idea and I have wanted to do it, but you actually have to buy stickers and get started to do it and not let the idea just sit there. lol
It goes along with what everyone is saying about how they organize, only she allowed for her sets to be in multiple categories and could tell by the stickers.
Great suggestions here....I am expanding each month but I try to take a day out once in awhile and I:
a) stamp the set onto a page, label it and then stamp some 'ideas' on the page beside it - then they go into a binder. I break up my images in the binder into categories. For example, I will stamp several times if I want to cross-reference a stamp {ie if it also works for birthdays, or some stamps in the set could be labeled under 'food' such as cupcakes from various sets.} I especially stamp all the greetings into categories and all my categories are separated with tabs.
b) then the stamps go into storage - with out-of-season stamps into some beautiful lidded baskets I bought at Pottery Barn {because they had lids! }...and that way, I can keep the baskets on display anywhere because they look nice. The rest are on a bookshelf system - and I just break it into small simple categories - retired, floral, elements, etc.
Finally - I recently took out all the sentiments from each set, and now have those stored together in wooden trays. I just had a workshop - and I brought out the whole tray and everyone could pick out the sentiment they wanted. However, I also placed a small note in my stamp case listing the sentiment - so I can quickly see when I use that set, which greeting was meant to be with it.
SOrry for long chit chat ! ;)
You will probably find that you will 'evolve' over time - I have tried different things several times and this is now working...so far! :-D
Do you live in Ottawa? Do you want to come over and organize my sets too?:lol: Wow you're very organized.
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I have 99% of my stamps unmounted and stored in CD cases. I have left the grey foam on them, and put the stickers on the grey foam. I use TackNPeel on my acrylic blocks. I use the back of my acrylic blocks for the few sets I have that are cling mounted.
I have scanned each set as it sits in the CD case. I print off several copies of the scanned image. One goes in the CD case so I can see at a glance what stamps are in that set, and where to replace them in the case, after I, or my daughters, use them.
I also put one of the scanned images in a 3 ring binder, in Walmart photo page protectors, placed by catagories. I chose my catagories based on stamps that I have, or typically purchase. If a set could go in more than one catagory I simply place it in every place that it fits. The photo pages have a slot that is meant for a label of the picture. I slip a piece of paper in there with all of the information that I wish to know about the set. For instance, the name of the set, the number of pieces, where else I can find it in my binder, etc.
I have also cut each word or phrase from a scanned copy. I have them in a separate binder. I purchased 31 tabs and labeled each (with an index in the front) with every occasion I could think of. If the saying fits in more than one catagory I have it every place I think it will fit. If I'm making a wedding card, I open to that section and find every sentiment that I own that could be used for weddings. I have each sentiment labeled as to the set it comes from.
The final step is to place my stamps alphabetically in my CD storage book shelves from IKEA. If the set is from another company I use the given name, or when I have several stamps from different companies in one CD case I make up my own name.
I have found that this works great for me. I use my binder constantly, but I also have the ease of alphabetical order, if I know which set I want to use by memory. The few stamps that I have not unmounted are stored in plastic drawers. My background stamps are also unmounted. They are too big for CD cases, so I keep them in SU clam shell boxes, in my book cases.
I have a lot of stamps and keep adding more:shock:, but my system is easy to use and easy to add new sets.
Best of luck in your sorting process. It is great reading all of the ideas here.
I bought small (4 x 6) photo albums @ Target for about $2.00 each. I use a page to log in each new SU set that I buy. ( I stamp the set on a piece of cardstock and use my label maker to add the set name) Then I just slip the cardstock in where the photo goes and I have a complete catalogue of what I own. There is enough room to fit 36 sets. Then if I am going to a meeting or shopping I can bring it along with me to see what I already have. ( small enough to fit in my purse). So easy to use when designing a card as I do not have to look at all the stamps but just flip the pages. I have another one with stamps that are not not Stampin' up .
Before they retired the boxes I bought extra plastic boxes so they are all stored the same way!
I loved the idea to put white behind the labels. I am going to do that today...Thanks
I'm sure this is great for you, but it just makes me cringe:o! I can barely read the post!!! (ha) I can't possibly split up my "family" of stamps that coordinate and go together!!!!
...so I go alphabetical order but only by first letter. All "A" sets together, all "B" sets together, stacked on a shelf (unless I've unmounted, then they are in a basket). This means I can throw an A set back on top of the A stack and not worry, but it's still easy to find. I also write the name on all four sides of the plastic case in sharpie so it doesnt' matter what side ends up facing front.
Save our families.... keep the children with their siblings... don't break up your sets!!!
*I do something similar but also couldn't bear the thought of permanently separating my sets. What I've done is create a "master list", it's numbered and beside each number is the name of a SU! stamp set I own. Then, I take sharpie and write the corresponding number on each stamp in that set. So I can look at the stamp and say it has a 43 on it, I can go to my master list and see what the name of the set is and how many stamps should be in that set, I can then look on the computer to see what stamps are in the complete set for quick, easy reference if I'm looking for another stamp that is designed to go with that one, or if I decide to get rid of a set, I can pull all the stamps that have the same # on them and my set is complete again.
I had wanted to sort my stamps by category but found that in one set, I may have sentiments, nature & animals so then I couldn't decide how to organize. This allows me to sort each individual stamp but still be able to have my complete sets when/if I need them that way.
Hmmmm...organizing stamp sets...what a novel idea! I might have to try that someday! It might make finding the stamps I want to use easier...:rolleyes: If one of you would like to come and do it for me that would make it even easier!! :mrgreen:
Wish we lived closer, as I would love to help you organize your stamps. I find organizing things relaxing and satisfying.
LOL, Jeanne...I'm just up in Spokane if you find yourself in need of an organizing fix. I bet the challenge of MY room would more than relax you! :rolleyes:
That's a bit closer, but still quite a trip. Bet we could have a blast, though. I have been to a stamp store up your way--in Issaquah. Would love to return there when we again pass that way. Have no plans at this point. Just trying to get the daily tasks done...and stamping, of course!
I love the 'disassembled' idea!
