Color

Isn't all this color fun to look at?  This is my cardstock and it is organized in Roy G Biv order with specialty papers at the end (right).

Tackle the Mess

Let's get moving on making our crafting/scrapbooking spaces work more for us than against us! Some tips from Scrapjazz.

Scrapbook Notebook

I keep a calendar/organizational binder with me at all times for all the family appointments, important medicine information, contact information, budgeting, etc. Depending on this binder/planner gave me the idea to have a planner for my scrapbooking.

My notebook is not fancy but it sure does help me in selecting what cardstock I need or what tools I don't need to purchase again. It’s simply called My Scrapbooking Notebook. Next time you go shopping online or in person, get your Scrapbooking Notebook out to avoid those duplicates.
I am obsessed with organizing things. In fact, I am working on helping a friend with his organizational needs and another friend just recently requested my help. Am I a professional? Hardly!

It just feels good to have things organized and make them easy to find. Saves money in the long run because you don't ever have to replace something you cannot find. It saves time because you are no longer running around looking for something you just know you have. The Scrapbook Notebook will help you with time management and getting more organized.

Step One: Find Binder

Make your own binder. Choose whatever size you'd like. Many use a 5.5x7 size because it’s easier to carry in your purse or bag. I personally use a 3-ring binder because it’s easy to add pages and rip out pages no longer needed. Don’t go out and buy a planner; use what you already have at home. My planner is not elaborate but it is FUNCTIONAL.

Decorate your binder/planner any way you wish. You are more apt to use the Scrapbook Notebook if it’s beautifully decorated. You can decorate it as simple or as fancy as you wish.

Step Two: Add Categories

The beauty of creating your own planner is that you can make it work for YOU. Choose the categories you want/need. Your categories may not be exactly like mine. My index tabs:
albums
books/magazines
Cuttlebug
inks
notes
pens
planner pages
punches
scissors
shopping list
stamps
templates
wish list

I do not keep track of paper. I don’t know how many sheets of cardstock or pattern paper I have. I don’t know what brands I own. I simply buy what I like. There are times I need a specific color because I use some colors more than others.

I also added two pocket folders. The pockets hold my receipts, sales flyers, coupons, blank paper (to write down ideas, prices, etc.), sticky notes.

Step Three: Wish List

Create a Wish List to store in your notebook. This should be a list of items you really want. When someone asks you what you want for a holiday or birthday, give them a copy of your list.

Step Four: Shopping List

A Shopping List is a must for your binder. It's a bit different than your Wish List. When you run out of a consumable like adhesive or a particular color of ink, add it to your Shopping List. When you use up the last piece of a particular color of cardstock, clip a small piece and attach it to a page in your binder so that way when you return to the scrapbook store you have it to match it up to the correct color.

Make a list of your local scrapbook stores, including chains like Michael’s, Joann’s, and A.C. Moore, along with the directions, address, phone number, and hours of operation. Make a list of URL’s of your favorite online scrapbook stores along with phone number, hours of operation, and what products you purchase the most.

I recommend using the K.I.S.S. method – Keep it Simply Simple – when putting your planner/notebook together. For example, when I started to collect Zig markers, instead of writing down each one, I simply went to the EK Success site and printed out their color chart. I then marked off which ones I had and put the sheet in my notebook.

When I buy an item/product within an indexed category, I simply write the item in the planner.

Every few months, I update my lists on the computer and print them out.

Get Organized - Scrapbook Style

Don't let memory lane become roadblocked by piles of prints and tangled trimmings. When you're organized, your mind is free to be creative. This article is geared for smaller amounts of scrapbooking supplies but you can still get some ideas. If possible, designate a section of shelve for scrapbooking supplies and stock the shelves with essentials grouped as follows:

Stickers
Divide by design and purpose (keep letters separate). (1.) Load 3-ring binders with page protectors or (2.) use Ziploc bags and sort accordingly.

Scraps
Set aside bits and pieces for future punching, piercing, matting, etc. (1.) Use pocket folders or (2.) roll larger sheets & arrange in a basket.

Paper
Organize cardstock (and some pattern paper) by color. Organize pattern paper by theme or manufacturer. (1.) File paper by using horizontal letter trays or (2.) in accordion files.

Pictures
Store printed portraits in photo boxes labeled by category, date, &/or person.

Tools
Group like items, such as cutting devices, writing implements, and adhesives, together. (1.) Place tools in clear plastic shoe boxes. (2.) In shallow drawers, separate objects using utensil trays.

Ribbon
(1.) Wrap loose ribbon and fiber around embroidery floss cards and store cards in embroidery floss box or (2.) basket. (3.) Wind loose strands and place in old canning jars.

Embellishments
Sort by color or type. (1.) Scour the house for containers... film canisters, mint tins, ice cube trays, egg cartons, jars, mugs, baskets, flower pots, etc.

Think creatively about how you might use something before you throw it away.