How I Organize My Scrapbook Paper
I keep my scrapbooking paper in a large cardboard box in white 12" x 12" paper bags labeled by type of pattern such as "Stripes - 'in yer face,'" "Stripes - muted," "Stripes - diagonal," "Circles and Polka Dots," etc. Seasonal papers (Christmas, Autumn etc.) are interfiled with these alphabetically. I do not have a separate room for crafts, but there seems to be space in the kitchen near my table, where I usually do scrapbooking. Other supplies are kept in various places close to the rolling trolley where I keep my cardmaking supplies.
How I Did It:
I saved the white bags that some of my scrapbooking paper came in and bought more from the store for 5 cents each. They are labeled clearly and I keep a master list of the titles on all these bags, and I also keep a fairly complete inventory of all my paper so that I don't get duplicates very often. I have small drawers, boxes and other containers for similar things of awkward shapes, and another whole box of stickers filed alphabetically by subject. (I'm trained as a librarian - are you surprised?)
Lessons Learned
- I think I have ENOUGH scrapbook paper now, thank you! Over 700 pieces, most bought fairly cheaply, should do me for quite awhile!
- I buy my paper in pairs so that I can do double facing pages wherever possible - then I don't have to worry about clashing colour schemes!
- When I first started collecting paper, I would buy just about ANY paper, but as my tastes have developed, and I found out what I am most likely to use, it has become possible to weed some and give it to other beginners.
- Most of my scrapbooking supplies are bought at dollar stores. They are not as fancy, but the value is much better.
