Card Stock Organization

Hey there!  I have a different kind of post today.  I don't know if it's the weather or what, but I've been in major organizational mode.  Whenever the mood strikes, I must take advantage of it because it might be gone as quickly as it came.  


Back in 2010 I posted a whole series called "Frugal Friday" where I shared tips for getting the most out of your supplies.  In this post, I showed you how I organized my card stock.  Well, that was two years ago and as of yesterday, it was still filled with PTI card stock.  I've been on the Clear & Simple Stamps design team for almost two years now (and haven't bought anything but CSS card stock since) and just now switched my files over to all CSS card stock.  Plus, I added a little something to organize my card stock scraps.


Until yesterday, I was keeping all my CSS card stock in a little bin where all the paper was stacked on top of each other in no particular order.  It was a nightmare when I needed to order card stock but wasn't sure what I was running low on.  


Okay, so here is my hanging file rolling cart.  I keep it under my desk right next to my chair so it's within arms reach.

I have a hanging file folder with a manila file inside for each color of card stock.  I punched a circle of each color, folded it over the tab and stapled it in place.  Then I wrote the name of each color in the punched circle.  I put the neutral colors I use the most in front (white, cream, and kraft).

In my new system, I decided to keep only large sheets of paper in the folders.  I found that when I kept scraps in here last time that they would slide out the sides.

Here is the system I created for my scraps, which I consider any size that will fit in here.  I used a Huggie's wiped container with the lid removed.  I'm keeping this on top of my desk so it's easy to reach.  It will also be handy when I clean up after crafting, just toss the scraps right in the box.

I basically did the same thing as the hanging file folders, same order of colors as well.  I took some manila file folders and cut them up (each divider is 7.75" x 4.5").  Since these don't have a tab on top, I punched a circle and just stapled it right to the divider, staggering them so it's easy to see.  

Here's a peek inside.  I'm also keeping die cut scraps in here as well.  I can't wait to put my new system to work.

Have a great weekend!!!

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My Studio Pics- FINALLY!

Hello!  This post is a long time coming.  I moved my stamping area from the kitchen table to the basement family room sometime last year.  My husband and I made a nice large L-shaped desk for about $125.  It was functional but boring.  But, I was able to leave my supplies sitting out, which was the whole idea.  My studio was pretty much just a table for quite some time, maybe about 10 months.  For my birthday in July, I asked my husband to put up some shelves.  Well, that finally happened last week!  Last week and this week my husband painted the wall "Cincinnati Reds Red" (the rest of the family room has a sports look) and he also hung everything on the walls.  It was a little tricky taking photos with the window.    

  

The L-shaped desk is being held up by triangular shelves from Ikea.  They were about $40 each and then we bought a leg for the center ($5).  There are also rails that go along the back center to hold the desk up.  The table itself is actually two hollow doors without the hole for the doorknob.  They were $20 each at Home Depot.  My husband stained the table and then my father-in-law polyurethaned it.   

I have plenty of space for my Cuttlebug.  There are dies and folders inside the green basket.  All of my punches line the window sill.  

 

This rail and set of cups also came from Ikea.  All purchased separately it was about $12.  I love how everything is at my fingertips. 

I've had the magnetic squares since last Christmas.  Most of the containers are empty, but I'm sure not for long.   

This rolling file rack was also a Christmas gift.  I have all of my most used card stock in the front, large patterned paper in the center (each collection is in it's own ziploc bag), and then all of my outdated Stampin Up paper is in the back for the kids to use.   

Right now I've been sitting in the center of the table.  I have my paper trimmer and scoring board to my left, ribbon and 6x6 paper pads and stamp cleaner in the center.  The magnetic tins hold brads and eyelets.  On the right side the cups hold all sorts of things: markers, scissors, adhesive, jewels, sponges, etc.  The first shelf holds all my stamps and all of my ink.  The coffee can is filled with buttons that my Grandma gave me.  The second shelf is for stuff I use, just not very often.  The top shelf is pretty much just some additional storage.  Plenty of room for more stuff!  

 I hope you've enjoyed a glimpse into my studio.  I have dreamed of having a pretty workspace for so long and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out, although we have a few things in mind for the next trip to Ikea.  One of the first things I'm going to do when I get a Silhouette (whenever that may be) is to make a vinyl sign for the beige wall that says "Dana's Dabbling Studio".  

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I would love to hear about your workspace and if you have ideas for mine.  Have a great weekend everyone!!!

 

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