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How di you keep the projects you are working on out of the way but still available. I have 4 things going, plus papers I want to read and I am reduced to a 2 ft by 2 ft square clear work surface with all this stuff!
Diane Long Creative Destinations Blog
I don't have an answer, so I'm interested in what others have come up with. My projects are just piled on my desk until my cat knocks them on the floor.
Stasia
I purchased several 12x12 clear paper pouches ($2 ea at Michaels) and keep works in progress in these. It keeps the paper and cardstock from getting bent or acidentally being used up and I can just toss in the ribbons, embellies, photos, etc. that I'm working on in there too. Each pouch has a snap to keep it closed and they lay relatively flat so they don't take up too much space.
i use tupperware boxes (well ok they came from Ikea but you get the idea) for bumpy or almost done projects, and ziploc bags for unfinished embellishments or cards... too many ziplocs, and they go in a box LOL
it seems to work LOL
Ziplocks for very small items,
12x12 pouches for everyting needed for a project, including the directions
and those cool colored bins from Target(supposed to go in the cube thingys) hold precut card stock or punch critter items I haven't found a home for yet.
I am a big believer in clear bags,totes and storage so I can see what it is......LOL.
__________________ c-mouse-If you can't say nuttin nice--don't say nuttin at all. Thumper. Pansy
Card Sketch Challenge 1-227 done only 396+ to go to be caught up!!!!!
I've got a wooden tray (smaller version of the type you'd use to serve breakfast in bed) that I bought at the dollar store for cards that are not assembled/half done. It's easy to move it out of the way or to just grab when I want to get back to working on the project. I just throw all my paper/embellishments, etc. in there when I need a break from it and dump it all onto my worktop when the mojo is working. Nothing else goes in the tray. I find it especially good when I'm mass-producing as none of my pieces go astray if I keep them in the tray until it's time for the assembly line!
Wow! some great ideas. I think part of my problem is not having a clear finish/cleanup when I am done with my stamps. Sometimes I will take several out not knowing which I will use (mostly wood) and then they sit uncleaned- I usually use a toothbrush, cleaner and run under water, The scrubber doesn't seem to get certain kinks of inks out well.
Diane Long Creative Destinations Blog
I have a paper stacker that I no longer use to hold paper, but have used it to store pages in progress... just slip in on one of the "shelves" I have also used this method to sort scrapbook pages by year... It keeps things organized.
never thought about ziplocks, duuuuh! Personally, for scrapbooks I just keep them in the clear plastic page protectors tucked into the page where they'll go, so I don't need another 12x12 storage. For cards, I try not to leave them undone! but lately that doesn't seem to be working, so I do have a pile on my desk of "to be finished." I also have a flat basket with the things I WANT to do in it (print outs of ideas, for example), and all the little things I want to use on something soon (because I'm tired of storing them LOL). When I'm doing a bigger project that MUST be set aside (like 50 Christmas cards), I just have a pile somewhere, honestly!
__________________ Lynn
"Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right�--Lincoln
HA that's funny. Most don't know but there are TWO gallon ziplock bags so it does make storimg 12x12 easier. I would LOVE to find shallow drawer units that are affordable AMD sturdy.
I use the 12x12 Iris project boxes. When I buy items for a specific project, I put everything in the project box (keeps me from using for another project) and then when the project is in progress, I keep everything in the box.
hmmmmm I want a fairy godmother to come in with a smile and organize it all. Then I want her to leave with the same smile....and of course she is free....yep this works real good for me...giggle.
For something like pages that I've printed/planned for, they go in one of the horizontal shelves of my Jet Max cube (just put several in there that are ready to go). But for something that I know I won't get to for a while like pictures from a trip, I buy white storage boxes (craft section at Walmart for ~$5). They are probably 12.5x12.5 and they're great for corraling all paper, pictures, ticket stubs, stickers, embellisments for a specific project. These are also great if you're going to mass product something or to take on a trip - throw your paper, scissors, adhesive, ribbon, etc in. You could use the smaller white photo boxes for other projects (also from Walmart). I also love the 12x12 clear pouches that have been previously mentioned. Staples has some cute little clear boxes in various sizes that really come in handy - if I'm doing something with punches or small pieces, I use one of those - they're called something funny like Very Handy Boxes. The smallest size is $1 and is about 2.5x3.5 - great for holding small pieces all together until you're ready to assemble something. There's another that's maybe 4x6. I like these if I'm transporting something because the hard plastic keeps them from getting bent. Snack size zip lock baggies are good too if you're not going anyway. Good luck finding a way that works for you!
I just started doing the same thing last week with the 12x12 plastic folders. I often make multiples of cards and the plastic "pouches" keep me organized if I need to push them aside to make a different card. Wonderful idea....wish I had thought of that before!!
i think you might mean Really Useful Boxes!!!
i have to say i'm a stickler for finishing my cards - i hate finishing half way thru- but that does mean i get to bed quite late some evenings, sorry mornings!! LOL!
i do like the snopake press-stud wallets tho for storing things in - they come in a variety of sizes but not sure if you can get them over there in the States. think i saw some in our Staples - maybe you can get them over there!
I use a scrapbook albumn I got at a garage sale last year for a buck. I have it full of empty page protectors. Each project has it's own page. And I can see what I want at a glance. That works for me.
__________________ You never know how strong you are until strong is the only choice you have.
[QUOTE=Kathleen Mc;16828636]i think you might mean Really Useful Boxes!!!
i have to say i'm a stickler for finishing my cards - i hate finishing half way thru- but that does mean i get to bed quite late some evenings, sorry mornings!! LOL!
I also vote for the Plastic 12 x 12 "folders" with snaps from Michael's...I think there are Manufactured my "Recollections" I started off using them to sort all the different Pattern papers. Each Collection has it's own Pouch...But I now use then for Projects/Pages in progress as well...I have a rolling organizer and I store all the plastic folders in there...
I have an extremely SMALL work space...a Rubbermaid table in the middle of my living room that has to be set up and put away (folded up and tucked behind my sofa) every time I 'PLAY'...Ifvanything has to be plugged in (ie. glue gun, embossing gun, cricut etc) I have to use it on the top of my washing machine b/c that is the only free outlet to plug things into.
I really envy those of you who have a craft room...I hope you realize how lucky you guys are. Happy Crafting.
I like the Iris bins; I keep four of them empty most of the time, and as I prepare for Play Day (Stampin Up Demo--it is my demo time for my friends at my house with four projects) I put everything I need for each project in a separate box. Then when it is time to set up for Play Day, I can get out my four bins and put everything on a separate table for each project.
I also use the Iris bins for ongoing projects; I make a scrapbook each year for our family (one page is a calendar, the other page is pictures and memorabilia from that month, so I have one bin for that, one for unfinished projects from Play Day, one for Christmas cards, one for any other scrapbooks that I'm currently working on, etc. The bins stack nice, and are big enough to hold stamps, punches, paper, etc., even a scrapbook! I also like the bins for taking things to Crop Night. It is easy to carry and keeps things organized.
I use clear plastic containers when I buy strawberries, or tomatoes or other fruit from the crocery store. They are clear, different sizes, and stack up well together on a shelf.
The small ones I use for left over ribbon, small craft papers or pieces of craft paper that I cut with the cutlebug or cricut.
__________________ Irene I have learned one thing from our ancient Greek ancestors- PAN METRON ARISTON- "Nothing In Excess"
For works in progress, I like to use an Arccivo portfolio. I love the portability of it. Just keep it away from your electronics because it's magnetic. Here's my blog post on it, if you want to know more:
I've just started using the Iris 12X12 boxes. I make a lot of mass production things. 23 for my daughter's class, 85 for all the teachers and staff, 12 for Red Hats, that kind of thing. I can put all of the materials for the project in there, often the tools fit too, and pull it out to work on while I watch TV with the DH or take it with me when I babysit. It's so nice not to have to hunt through all of my craft stuff every time I'm ready to work on that project. It's tall enough for dimensional projects, too.
The best investment I made was a 6 drawer cart; found it at Target; each drawer has a snap close lid; and its pretty deep; I label the drawers; best part is that I can roll it to where I need it and each drawer comes out easily......
I have also thrown a tablecloth over it; and viola doubles as a decorative side table...LOL
Nice idea, don't recall seeing those at my Target but will have to take another look.
Also looking for storage ideas for Polymer Clay projects in the works.
Diane; they used to be located between the closet organizer isle and the kitchen storage isle; I found mine towards the end of the laundry aisle; where you get laundry hampers and baskets along with irons......Wish you the best on finding them.....
I purchased several 12x12 clear paper pouches ($2 ea at Michaels) and keep works in progress in these. It keeps the paper and cardstock from getting bent or acidentally being used up and I can just toss in the ribbons, embellies, photos, etc. that I'm working on in there too. Each pouch has a snap to keep it closed and they lay relatively flat so they don't take up too much space.
HTH
I love this idea Leslie!! Currently I've only kept my projects that I'm working on in letter sized file folders (Of course 12 x 12 sheets hang out)
I'm off to Michaels today to buy me some of these!! TFS
If you are making cards, I would suggest what I do. I have purchased a couple of plastic boxes that have 7 or 8 5x7 photo boxes that line up inside the larger box. They are just the right size for my folded cards and the embellishments that I need to keep together. I also use these same boxes for my unmounted stamps and large Spellbinders. I got these at Joann's with 40 or 50% off coupons or when they are on sale. They are located in the crafting section with other organizational items. Hope this helps!
YES I love those! When I am making my Christmas cards I usually do 3 or so different designs so I don't get too bored making the same thing. I use the Creative memories black sorter box to keep them separate.
MY problem is I could be working on several cards at once but also a 12x12 layout, a clay project and a collage ALL partially done.
Does anybody know how to get MORE than 24 hours in a day????????
YES I love those! When I am making my Christmas cards I usually do 3 or so different designs so I don't get too bored making the same thing. I use the Creative memories black sorter box to keep them separate.
MY problem is I could be working on several cards at once but also a 12x12 layout, a clay project and a collage ALL partially done.
Does anybody know how to get MORE than 24 hours in a day????????
If you find out, let me know! If I didn't need the sleep, I would be up all night!
How do you keep the projects your working on ...?
