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I am working hard to have "A Place for Everything, and Everything in its Place." I've done well at organizing my DSP, cardstock, ink, books, punches, stamps, ribbon and basic stuff like that. But I'm really struggling with what to do with the many odd and ends that don't have a place of their own. (Maybe I just need a bigger trash can!)
In my craft room, these items include things like:
Two rolls of washi tape
Magazines & poorly printed letter-size paper (used to protect table, pages from messy work)
Memorabilia that I may want to scrapbook in the future but not right now
Bits of colored string
Bits of paper that I stamped multiple times for easier use on future projects
Also, at what point do you decide that a scrap of cardstock or DSP is too small to save? Is it pieces that are too small for a card front? Or do you save smaller pieces such as those that are even smaller: 3"x3" or 2"x12" or 2"x2"?
I sorted my scraps by color and find that I often pull from them to make my cards. I tend to save the smallest bit of white cardstock 2"x2" for stamping small sentiments.
I have a mesh silverware tray in my right-hand desk drawer where I keep my washi tape. I use it sometimes with my Big Shot. I also keep a repositionable gluestick in there so I can make masks out of any paper. I don't stamp the backs of my cards: I use those tiny address labels, which coordinate with my business cards, which are also stored in the tray. I also keep a small calculator there; pens, post-its, etc.
I have a metal tray which has 2 slots for paper to lie flat, and sorters on top for folders. But I use job ticket holders instead of folders, so I can easily see what's inside. I keep a couple of full-size sheets of cardstock and my scraps in those. It's near my Big Shot, so I always reach for those before I go to my paper storage. Whether I save a scrap depends totally on my mood at the time and whether it's paper I love. If it's at least the size of a card front, I definitely save it.
Scrapbook memorabilia goes into my file cabinet which is stored in my closet. Since I plan to make an art journal for my grandchildren, that will probably take the place of my scrapbooking.
I have a box under my desk full of unused dot-matrix paper and a box of ledger-sized computer paper. I have used paper out of both for over 8 years, and it hardly seems like I've made a dent in it.
Now I have a fun question for you: how well do you know your doctor(s)? You know the paper they use to cover the exam tables? Perfect when you know you're going to get messy with paints or sprays... And I knew one of my doctors well enough to ask for a roll which she promptly gave me. Barring that, go to your newspaper office and ask for the end rolls of newsprint, which they're always giving away. Or just buy a roll of butcher paper at Sam's! Ok, I started to apologize for hi-jacking the thread, but the title says odd items, so I think this fits...
Bits of string = circular file. I only have one magazine, Take Ten, and the only reason I kept it is because I was published in it.
Melissa, I use clear boxes (A2 card-size) to store lots of things. For instance, I pre-stamp images to use with my Copics or with my watercolors. Or if I diecut extras, I'll put those in those boxes. Mine fit in a tray I have on top of my desk, but the boxes also fit into shoeboxes.
Hope these ideas have helped!
__________________ Linda E
Caution: You are entering an artistic zone. This is not clutter - this is creating. These are not pajamas - it's my work uniform.
My washi tape is currently in one of my ribbon containers, a plastic apothecary style jar. Small lengths of ribbon, string and twine are wrapped around tongue depressors and in jar, washi tape on top. Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/pin/449937818998305262/ As my washi tape collection grows, they'll transfer to this https://www.pinterest.com/pin/117867715221477735/. I've got some old spindles that are waiting for a base.
I have plastic drawers under my table. One of the deeper drawers has file folders cut to fit. Paper scraps are sorted by color with a folder each for solid and patterned. I'm like Linda, depends on my mood for the size I keep.
I also have a small bookcase under the table. I have three 8" square dollar store bins stored there for bgs and images waiting to be used. One is for stamps that need to be put away.
Magazines are in the IKEA magazine holders stored on a bookcase.
I have a dedicated board on Pinterest just for craft room storage ideas. I've even put some of them to practice ; )
I have a couple of these bins where I keep Washi Tape, Stickles, PearlEx, and other miscellaneous items. There are a couple of different sizes and they stack or hang. Office Depot Deflect-O� Tilt Bin Plastic Storage System With 4 Bins, 8 1/8" x 23 5/8" x 6 5/8", Black Item # 294166
For the paper used to protect the surface, I have plastic drawers under my table and I just stack the paper on top so I can grab it easily.
I have a box of UFOs (unfinished objects) that I go through occasionally when the inspiration level is down.
Magazines are stored on a bookshelf where I have my stamp binders.
Scraps are stored right along with the cardstock, by color.
Hope this helps.
__________________ Debbie "Make it work, people." - Tim Gunn My Gallery
Last edited by Buried Treasures; 11-11-2015 at 01:04 PM..
Uncbballfan. Where did you get the 2 boxes? They sound useful. Thanks...Bobbi
They were given to me by my brother-in-law when the factory he worked for went out of business.
__________________ Linda E
Caution: You are entering an artistic zone. This is not clutter - this is creating. These are not pajamas - it's my work uniform.
I have UFOs (UnFinishedObjects) like stamped images (colored or not), diecuts, punches, etc. in a clamshell case that I no longer need for stamps (I'm all unmounted). It sits like a book between other things on a shelf. Also, many things fit well in one of those jewelry organizers that hang on a closet rod (they're similar to the ones for shoes). I have ephemera, stickers, stencils and other small-ish items in mine. I don't keep bits of string because I never remember to use it, and it just takes up space and makes a mess. I tend to keep even small bits of paper (if it's over 1 1/12" either direction, I'll probably keep it to punch something or whatever). I corral them in page protectors or baggies (depending on size), kept with the original, larger pieces in a file.
I have two stacks of small drawers that hold small thing. Tools like tweezers and manicure sissors for fussy cutting, pens, daubers, sponges, cello bags, some cord or ribbon bits.etc.
I got them at Ollies very cheap.
My cs is in ziplock bags in drawers marked by colors. Each shade has its own bag. The. Scraps are in the bag so when I go for that color, i can use scraps first. For 12x12 papers, I use plastic slip bags for record alblum covers I found in a collectors booth so I use the same system for dsp scraps. 6x6 papers are in a bin with dividers and books or stacks have their own bag with scraps.
I use boxes, bins, drawers for everything it seems and put like items together.
Example: empossing pastes with all needed tools for the technique in a drawer. When working on that, i put the drawer next to my work area and work from it.
I do the same for twine and ribbon, my acrylic blocks, etc. all drawers well most -- work in progress-- are labeled.
Sue, I like your idea of having a box dedicated to storing stamped bits of paper that I can just pull out, color, cut and use. I have room for one more 3L Really Useful Box in a cubby on my shelf. Maybe I should call it my UFO box!
I have a Clip It Up for my themed embellishments and tackle boxes for my colored embellishments (of which I have WAY too many). I keep my paper scraps in large baggies, sorted by color and use them a lot. Still, it seems that there are always items that don't seem like they belong anywhere. Maybe those are the things I should use or discard since out of sight means out of mind, and I'm already storing too much of that kind of stuff already.
I keep my scraps in hanging files based on color. I keep embellishments in tupperware that I stack.
Projects are bagged in zip lock bags (and I have too many of these floating around).
For scraps of paper, I will die cut it with a Spellbinder die and turn it into a fancy label or center medallion. If it isn't big enough for the dies then I tend to toss it.
I do keep strips of card stock that always get cut off the end of a sheet. I file them into a folder.
I hate when a bunch of orphan embellishments and scraps start piling up though.
uncbballfan...thanks for the info on the A2 boxes. I have some tins that I get at Dollar Tree that are very useful for holding all kinds of stuff. Even my stash of cards. They come in 2 sizes . This is the time of year to get them since they are basically for Christmas. Have a good day...Bobbi
Since you only have 2 rolls of washi tape I'd put it with the ribbon
I made a shelf unit using wire cubes and zip ties that tucks under my stamping desk. This is where I keep my poorly printed letter-size paper & grid pads. They are easy to reach and out of the way.
Memorabilia to scrapbook in the future are stored in a project protectors that are stored in a 12x12 iris project case.
Bits of colored string - toss them
I have a project case I labeled "digi's" that I keep pre-printed digi images and pre-stamped items.
Scraps - I don't keep anything smaller than 3x3 and thee scraps are stored in my scrap paper drawers by color.
I have grown more ruthless about tossing scraps of paper. I was keeping every little thing. It took too much time to keep up with the filing.
I think you have to decide what resources it is in your own best interest as a crafter/artist to set up organizational systems for, and what can be handled more loosely.
Like many, I have boxes of odd stamped images and "rejects" that I can go through for use on projects. My treasure boxes, if you like. I've had many an AHA! moment digging through them.
You can't organize everything. Well, you can, but you have to be honest with yourself about how much you want to. Or need to. Some of us thrive with absolutely total organization, and for others, it's just a lot of work and we actually do better without having to worry about keeping it up.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
I have found that boxes from Amazon are perfect for filing card fronts or background pieces. They always use the biggest boxes for a tiny little thing.
Every time I go to the post office, I grab a ton of those small flat rate boxes. I assemble them, and cut out one of the smaller side of it. Then I use shipping tape, and tape a bunch of these together to create slots that will fit 5X7 cards or smaller. I have cards stacked in there that are awaiting sentiments, some awaiting final bling, some backgrounds, all the card bases, envelopes, etc are in those boxes - and it's all sorted. I guess I've created my own mini post office boxes with these boxes. And they are free.
I use the larger flat rate boxes to store holiday papers in, which is not in with the regular paper.
I used to work for a vending machine/food service company. Tons of food was delivered in those dairy plastic crates. I took truck fulls of those plastic crates home. I've built storage shelves with zip ties for my garage and storage sheds. I have some in the house that are stacked 3 high, and my Big Shot sits on it. Great storage, durable, nice colors - and free. You could probably grab some at your local grocery store.
uncbballfan...thanks for the info on the A2 boxes. I have some tins that I get at Dollar Tree that are very useful for holding all kinds of stuff. Even my stash of cards. They come in 2 sizes . This is the time of year to get them since they are basically for Christmas. Have a good day...Bobbi
I'm so sorry! I misunderstood you - I thought you were asking where I got the 2 boxes of paper that I keep under my desk - LOL!
This is what I have, but not where I got them. I can't remember where I got them, but I know they were much cheaper than these.
__________________ Linda E
Caution: You are entering an artistic zone. This is not clutter - this is creating. These are not pajamas - it's my work uniform.
gregzgurl; I like the idea of storing UFO's unfinished orphan projects; in the SU clear plastic boxes. those boxes withstand anything.
I like to store my washi tape in any taller plastic container; nice to view; or jar.
__________________ Carolyn
my avatar: (such desparation), Dear God, if you can't make me thin; make my
friends fat"
I have all my colored paper scraps in zip-lock bags sorted by color but would like to switch to a stack of pull out trays or bins which I can put under my desk. My white cardstock scraps all stay in a metal basket right on my desktop. I find I go to my scraps first when they are close at hand. If I punch or die-cut something & decide not to use it I put in a zip-lock bag for my granddaughter.
Washi tape is stored in a small basket from $1 store as I do not have a lot.
All my ribbon & twine is stored in plastic stacking drawers.
For desktop protection I use the back side of the large desktop calendar pages. Some of the electrical & plumbing salesmen or auto parts stores pass them out free this time of the year. Also ask if you can have any of their left overs if they have any.
I have A LOT of washi tape, and I store it in a set of Sterilite drawers. I used regular scotch tape to tape down straws inside the drawers to make "columns", and it keeps the washi tape from rolling around.
My memorabilia is not well sorted right now, but it's on my list. I have a lot of small clear plastic shoeboxes that I bought from the Container Store, and they are labeled and on a set of shelves in my craft room's closet. Some are metal, wood, glass, buttons, stickers... I have all kinds of random bits and pieces!
Now, for scraps, I went a little crazy... Pieces big enough to be a whole card base (4.5x11, 5.5x8.5) go in one spot. Pieces big enough to be a card front go in a second spot. Scraps smaller than that, but still big enough to die cut or punch have their own tower of Sterlite mini 3 drawer units - solid colors go in the white drawers, patterned paper in the black drawers. Everything is divided by color. The itty-bitty, too small to use scraps go in a box for potential papermaking some day. Hey, you never know!
Since I absolutely love my Nellie Snellen punch sets (one punches out a flower, and it's mate embosses the flower)- I tend to keep pretty small scraps, down to about an inch square. I try to keep scrap sorted in those accordion files by color families- so I can pull out what I have in blues, or reds, etc. to see if I really need to cut another whole sheet.
I also bought a (Hm, searching for a polite term to use instead of s**t-load)... lot(?) of SU clamshells in all sizes when they clearanced them for next to nothing. Those have been SO good for odds & ends, bits & pieces. I have a rack that DH made to hold 16 of those big plastic storage drawers, and one is full of the 5 3/4 X 7 inch clamshells- 42 of them fit perfectly in the drawer. I have all kinds of things in there- jingle bells, pieces of lace, buttons, etc. Since the clamshells are clear, it's pretty easy to see what's in them, but I do plan eventually to label the top edges also.
Best of all, we bought 6 Radio Shack parts cabinets when 3 of the local stores closed. I love the easy pull out drawers, the ability to change the size of each section by moving the dividers, the fact that DH did not expect ME to pay for them out of my allowance (usually anything for the craft room is out of my money). You would not believe how nice those are for organizing. I have removed almost all of my ribbon from spools, and have it in rolls by color in the RS drawers. I have all of my punches in those drawers, too (except one monster that punches out 3 buttons- it's the only one too tall for the drawers). I have 2 drawers of crafting tools, like wheel guides, pliers, rulers, piercers, etc. (all kinds of things you don't actually need every day on your desk). I haven't even filled all the drawers in those yet- but I'm sure it will happen some day. I'm "almost" done with my reorganization in the craft room. Looking forward to being able to take pictures & post before too long!
Every time I go to the post office, I grab a ton of those small flat rate boxes. I assemble them, and cut out one of the smaller side of it. Then I use shipping tape, and tape a bunch of these together to create slots that will fit 5X7 cards or smaller. I have cards stacked in there that are awaiting sentiments, some awaiting final bling, some backgrounds, all the card bases, envelopes, etc are in those boxes - and it's all sorted. I guess I've created my own mini post office boxes with these boxes. And they are free.
I don't mean to offend anyone, but this post bothers me. So in the spirit of "If you see something, Say something", here goes.
Nothing these days is really "free". Those boxes from the post office cost money, and are probably partially paid for by the taxes we all pay. They are provided "free" for the convenience of postal customers, and intended to be used for mailing items through the post office, not used to make personal storage systems.
The cost of taking advantage of the "free" boxes could eventually be passed along to all of us. The post office could discontinue providing the boxes, or start charging customers for them. This would not be fair to those who use the boxes as they were intended - to mail their packages and pay the postage to do so.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
I don't mean to offend anyone, but this post bothers me. So in the spirit of "If you see something, Say something", here goes.
Nothing these days is really "free". Those boxes from the post office cost money, and are probably partially paid for by the taxes we all pay. They are provided "free" for the convenience of postal customers, and intended to be used for mailing items through the post office, not used to make personal storage systems.
The cost of taking advantage of the "free" boxes could eventually be passed along to all of us. The post office could discontinue providing the boxes, or start charging customers for them. This would not be fair to those who use the boxes as they were intended - to mail their packages and pay the postage to do so.
:p Agreed. I always felt the same about paint sample cards. Yes, the paint companies want you to take them but for the designated purpose not to make cards.
I don't mean to offend anyone, but this post bothers me. So in the spirit of "If you see something, Say something", here goes.
Nothing these days is really "free". Those boxes from the post office cost money, and are probably partially paid for by the taxes we all pay. They are provided "free" for the convenience of postal customers, and intended to be used for mailing items through the post office, not used to make personal storage systems.
The cost of taking advantage of the "free" boxes could eventually be passed along to all of us. The post office could discontinue providing the boxes, or start charging customers for them. This would not be fair to those who use the boxes as they were intended - to mail their packages and pay the postage to do so.
I'm so glad it's not just me. Taking those boxes for other than their stated purpose is actually theft, and can be prosecuted.
Using USED ones would be fine- I've saved a lot of used Priority boxes for other things because they are handy.
I don't mean to offend anyone, but this post bothers me. So in the spirit of "If you see something, Say something", here goes.
Nothing these days is really "free". Those boxes from the post office cost money, and are probably partially paid for by the taxes we all pay. They are provided "free" for the convenience of postal customers, and intended to be used for mailing items through the post office, not used to make personal storage systems.
The cost of taking advantage of the "free" boxes could eventually be passed along to all of us. The post office could discontinue providing the boxes, or start charging customers for them. This would not be fair to those who use the boxes as they were intended - to mail their packages and pay the postage to do so.
This bothered me too, especially the day it was posted. I needed several small priority mail boxes to mail my cross stitched ornaments to family and friends. I use a cane and cannot stand for any length of time. I went to my post office for these boxes; there were none in the lobby and none inside the main part of the post office - a wasted trip for me. The line for service was very long and I knew I couldn't stand for that amount of time. I was able to order them online from the post office but it took several days and I worried that my ornaments wouldn't make it before Christmas.
Well, I just have to add my two cents to this. I agree with many of the comments above. Mailing boxes are for mailing and are a business expense so not "free" and not for non mailing use. I must add that the paint chip samples hit me the same way. I could not believe the ideas on sites to use these. It's's one thing to reuse a few from a project, but to scarf up multiples not used for choosing paint but for crafts makes my ethics button more than tingle. No wonder our costs are so erratic.
I have two stacks of small drawers that hold small thing. Tools like tweezers and manicure sissors for fussy cutting, pens, daubers, sponges, cello bags, some cord or ribbon bits.etc.
I got them at Ollies very cheap.
My cs is in ziplock bags in drawers marked by colors. Each shade has its own bag. The. Scraps are in the bag so when I go for that color, i can use scraps first. For 12x12 papers, I use plastic slip bags for record alblum covers I found in a collectors booth so I use the same system for dsp scraps. 6x6 papers are in a bin with dividers and books or stacks have their own bag with scraps.
I use boxes, bins, drawers for everything it seems and put like items together.
Example: empossing pastes with all needed tools for the technique in a drawer. When working on that, i put the drawer next to my work area and work from it.
I do the same for twine and ribbon, my acrylic blocks, etc. all drawers well most -- work in progress-- are labeled.
I love this idea! I have been trying to figure out more organizing ideas for my small craft room..and like this idea... Right now trying to figure out a way to store my CTMH cardstock..because I am a consultant now and my stash is growing !! I did have it stored in upright plastic magazine racks..but would like to find the perfect either filing cart to hold 12x12 or the perfect drawer unit for this.
I love this idea! I have been trying to figure out more organizing ideas for my small craft room..and like this idea... Right now trying to figure out a way to store my CTMH cardstock..because I am a consultant now and my stash is growing !! I did have it stored in upright plastic magazine racks..but would like to find the perfect either filing cart to hold 12x12 or the perfect drawer unit for this.
If you have the space for it, keeping an eye out for 12 X 12 paper racks from store closings is a good idea. I have all my 12 X 12 on commercial racks that I bought from several store closings (JoAnn's, which moved, a couple of Mom & Pop scrapbook stores that went out of business, Target). Most of my 8 1/2 X 11 is in a big literature sorter that I found on Craig's list.
To make the space for those commercial racks, we put them up on top of the Radio Shack parts units with all the lovely pull out drawers. Obviously, I'm a big fan of going out of business sales- I also have two flat files (originally for blueprints) that I use for stamp storage.
Now, If I could just find somebody to make the shelf I want to sit on top of the flat files to hold SU stamps (NOT my husband, unless I want to wait another 10 or so years?).
Seriously, check out any business closing sales- you can find amazing things to use in your craft rooms!
If you have the space for it, keeping an eye out for 12 X 12 paper racks from store closings is a good idea. I have all my 12 X 12 on commercial racks that I bought from several store closings (JoAnn's, which moved, a couple of Mom & Pop scrapbook stores that went out of business, Target). Most of my 8 1/2 X 11 is in a big literature sorter that I found on Craig's list.
To make the space for those commercial racks, we put them up on top of the Radio Shack parts units with all the lovely pull out drawers. Obviously, I'm a big fan of going out of business sales- I also have two flat files (originally for blueprints) that I use for stamp storage.
Now, If I could just find somebody to make the shelf I want to sit on top of the flat files to hold SU stamps (NOT my husband, unless I want to wait another 10 or so years?).
Seriously, check out any business closing sales- you can find amazing things to use in your craft rooms!
Thank you! Very good advice.. I would have never thought of that. Do you have any pictures of your craft space you would want to share?
Odd items
