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Sometimes it helps protect the item if you store it in it's original packaging. I have a few Impressabilities metal embossing plates from Spellbinders; they are delicate and I like to store them in the cardboard sleeve they came in. Although, the newest one did not come in the protective heavier cardboard so I had to make one from something else.
If you are not storing anything in them; and you just have a bunch of empty packaging taking up space; you have to decide if you are the kind of crafter who will "up cycle" any of it or not. I've seen people cut up that heavier plastic and emboss it and use it on 3-D projects. While I like to see what others have done; I know I am not that kind of crafter. I save cardboard that can be cut down to envelope size to help protect any "lumpy" cards I might make in the mail; and I have a few empty clamshell containers from SU sets that have been repurposed as storage for other small embellishments and that's it. Anything else that can be recycled goes into my recycle bin.
I am such a pack rat and was saving packaging and boxes for just about everything. I've changed my ways (for the most part) and only save the packaging if I'm going to store the item in it or I need it for warranty work - some comapanies want it sent back in the original box. I was saving the acetate from packaging to use it to make window cards, but I have more than enough of that now. So now I recycle it all. Its just clutter that I don't want to deal with anymore.
I finally just purged and organized everything. Taking all of the things out of their original packaging and organized them together. if you have the money to get photo boxes, etc... to put your items in, or folders, notebooks, magnet sheets, etc... I find that all of them together in a more organized fashion allows me to use them more freely.
I save the packaging too but not to store my dies etc. I use the plastic for windows, shaker cards and templates. The cardboard I use for backgrounds (some packages have really pretty patterns on them) and for some elements of my designs. Most of the pieces in this card are recycled packaging. IC326 Cake Inspired by Mrs Noofy - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers . I hardly ever throw anything away until I have thought about what I can make or how I can re-purpose it.
I use the small spaced bubble wrap wadded up and pressed onto inkpads then "stamped" directly onto cs as a background. It never comes out exactly the same each time you do it. You can press lightly or heavily to achieve the look you want. Try on copy paper first to see if you like.
Then don't forget about the wrapping paper in those boxes from companies such as SU and CTMH. Both brown and white packing paper can be unrolled, smoothed out (ironed if you're bored), and re-purposed as gift wrap once stamped on. Hint: After smoothing my paper, I place it underneath the dining table pad and its tablecloth. Another option would be to place it under an area rug that doesn't get walked on too much. Check on it after a week or so. Small cardboard boxes can be covered with dp and re-used to mail cards to the volunteer organizations some of us support. Note: Some do insist on large envies only, but not all. I dissemble carefully, all the "cute" boxes that teas, come in and and store them in a shoe box for using as templates to make my own. Hope this helps someone.
I save packaging to make new things with. I don't want to be a hoarder, lol. I do go through my "recon treasures" all the time. I use a lot of chipboard so I keep a nice supply of chipboard. I keep it at a set amount. It's not like my DH is going to stop eating cereal anytime soon so I am in a good place. I do save acetate. I save unusual looking packaging like pretty backgrounds, interesting plastics, etc.. I do a lot of mixed media work. Interesting items are a goldmine for me.
A really great example I bought these cute bird embellishments the other day. The packaging they came in had a beautiful embossed design of the birds. Then the inside of the package had another piece of plastic shaped like a bird mold. The plastic itself is excellent quality and I can use it for a resin mold. I would have paid a fortune to find a mold like that.
I keep my treasures in a big box specifically for my found items. I noticed when I started saving items I started saving money too from buying similar items at the craft store.
I am in the process of packing up, tossing, giving away and.or selling my entire stash. I advise against keeping anything you will not use within 6 months. If you plan on reselling the item, then I would keep the packaging. Otherwise, TOSS
__________________ Dear Paperlicious is my blog...with a series on how I'm learning to improve my cardmaking by studying others.
I did a hard core delcuttering too of my craft room. That's how I ended up saving packaging. I felt like I had all these beautiful art supplies for free and if I tire of it no hard loss at all, no guilt and it gave me free creativity reign too.
Joan- That announcement just stunned me. I ran over to your blog to see if everything is ok. I hope everything is ok. What I read sounds like good decluttering.
I did a hard core delcuttering too of my craft room. That's how I ended up saving packaging. I felt like I had all these beautiful art supplies for free and if I tire of it no hard loss at all, no guilt and it gave me free creativity reign too.
Thanks, we are moving and downsizing. I will be on a stamping break for about 9 months while we are in interim housing and then hope to resume, albeit on a smaller scale. Thanks for asking!!
__________________ Dear Paperlicious is my blog...with a series on how I'm learning to improve my cardmaking by studying others.
I've been saving some packaging, especially the plastic that Spellbinders Nestabilities come in. I thought it may work to cut up the flat part and store cling/clear stamps on (kind of like ezmount storage panels). Not sure if the plastic is okay for the stamps though. Does anyone know if this will harm them (the way acetate does)?
__________________ Jessica -"what could be better than stamps & chocolate?" My Etsy Shop My Blog
I use the plastic to place on the card fronts when I mail them, covers over the buttons and brads so they don't get messed up in the machines, looks prettier than the cardboard inserts.
Thanks, we are moving and downsizing. I will be on a stamping break for about 9 months while we are in interim housing and then hope to resume, albeit on a smaller scale. Thanks for asking!!
That sounds like exciting changes. I am really happy all is great. You scared me there for a second.
Saving packaging
I ran over to your blog to see if everything is ok. I hope everything is ok. What I read sounds like good decluttering. 
