A Cardmaker’s A-Z Guide to Organisation
The start of Spring inevitably leads us to thoughts of Spring Cleaning and resolving to get organised. As paper crafters, we have a tendency to gather lots of supplies and tools which can lead to clutter and chaos in our crafting space. Here are tips corresponding to every letter of the alphabet that will help you achieve ultimate organisation. Grab a pencil and take note of those ideas that work best for you. Then get busy and put your plan into action!
A.
Remove the liquid from your Aqua Painter and let dry before replacing the brush lid and storing.
B.
Store cutting plates in your Big Shot to help keep them flat
C.
I prefer to store card stock vertically and separated by colour. Colour organisation allows me to keep track of my paper inventory. I also keep scraps inside plastic jacket files and try to make a rule of checking scraps before cutting entire sheets when I need only a small portion of a particular colour.
D.
Already feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of getting organised? Use the old rule of Divide and Conquer. Divide tasks into small steps. Grab your calendar and decide which task you will accomplish by what date. Establishing deadlines can be a real motivator, completing smaller steps while moving toward one larger goal.
E.
The card is designed and almost finished; now you need the perfect expression to complete the card. Here’s a Card Stamp Set which will assist you in quickly locating the perfect occasional expressions.
F.
Convert a shoe box and file all finished cards by category for easy access.
G.
As you begin clearing the clutter, create a “giveaway” box for supplies to be donated to a well-deserving school or daycare. Know my supplies are going to a good cause makes parting with them easier.
H.
In addition to donating items, you can host a supplies swap. Invite fellow paper crafters to clean out their own clutter and bring it to your home for a fun afternoon of exchanging unwanted goods.
I.
Manufactures recommend storing ink pads upside down. Stampin’ Up! Ink pad design keeps the ink flowing to the top and prevents them from drying out. Stack the pads vertically in an Ink Pad storage tray for quick locating.
J.
So many ideas, so little time. Organise your ideas and moments of genius by keeping a “Journal of Inspiration” that contains sketches, swatches and other visually inspiring items to inspire you during creative block.
K.
As you organise, make it a point to keep key supplies close at hand. Having frequently used items such as adhesive, scissors, paper trimmers close at hand is not only convenient but will save time.
L.
Label, label, label – Use basic word labels to mark your supplies, or utilize more creative methods.
M.
Proper storage can make Markers last longer. Make sure the caps are on tight before storing them. Stampin’ Write Markers should be stored horizontally. This will keep ink flow and colour even on both ends.
N.
In addition to your journal of inspiration, a portable, small size notepad is a great way to record simple thoughts and ideas you have while traveling, waiting at school pickup, or commuting to and from work.
O.
Creating a giveaway/donate pile is easier said than done for many of us. Using the “One year rule” can help—if it’s been a year since you last used it; it’s time to give it away.
P.
Use a plastic over-the-door shoe organizer to store punches
Q.
Create quick and easy greeting cards with Stampin’ Up! All-Inclusive Card kits. You will love the ease of the precut pieces and detailed instructions.
R.
If back issues of your magazines are cluttering your space, consider reducing print copies by signing up for digital subscription of your favourite paper-crafting magazines
S.
Store scraps of cardstock inside clear cello bags and try to make a rule of checking scraps before cutting entire sheets when you need only a small portion of a particular colour.
T.
Organizing tools can be the most challenging test of all. Small buckets fitted with nylon-pocketed organizers are an economical and handy solution
U.
Unify a hodgepodge of display containers by painting them all in the same colours or by covering them with coordinating patterned papers
V.
Vertical space should be maximized. A shelving unit stacked on a desk provides additional space for storing containers full of embellishments, rubber stamps or other essential items in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Hang plastic shoe storage bins inside wardrobe for stacking 12 x 12-inch papers, maximizing the space from the floor to the clothes rack. Hanging tiered metal baskets, traditionally reserved for storing fruits and veggies, hold supplies while taking advantage of vertical space.
W.
Store embellishments and Stampin’ Dimensionals in wood mount storage containers for easy access.
X.
X it off- celebrate each time you accomplish small things done by literally crossing it off the list. This gives you great satisfaction and motivates you to move forward with more organizational duties
Y.
Whatever your organizational plan or style, make it a system that works for YOU. Whether colour-coding, sorting by theme, organizing according to season or occasion, make it a system that makes sense to the way you craft
Z.
Add beautiful elements to your organized card-making stash with fun handle-painted scissors, a special vintage trinket box to hold embellishments or a hot pink heat tool. These add zen to your collection of tools and supplies, and keep you feeling creative and inspired.
What organising tips do you have this Spring?
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