Since I'm always going on about using up paper scraps, I thought I'd share my organization technique for this. The key to being able to use your scraps is to have them organized enough so you can quickly put your hands on exactly what you need. It's taken me several years and versions to perfect this system for myself and I hope it's helpful if you don't yet have a system of your own.
All my scraps are held in this letter-size hanging file box. There's no particular reason why I went with this particular box style other than I already owned it and it was sitting empty. If I had to buy new, I would get a solid box with a lid. And wheels, if possible. However, this box works fine in my studio and is portable, which is key for me since I travel with my supplies a few times a year.
The hanging folders are great because if I know exactly what I need, I can just go to the tab and pull a scrap. If I need to browse the selection, I can pull the whole folder and leaf through it like a book.
Green folders up front house solid papers and card stock. All my solids are separated by color family:
- Red & Pink
- Orange & Peach
Yellow- Green
- Teal
- Blue
- Purple
- White
- Cream & Sand
- Brown & Tan
- Black & Grey
Blue folders contain pattern and specialty papers. These are organized by theme or type:
- Floral & Paisley
- Novelty & Background
- Stripes & Plaids
- Geometric
- Spring & Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
- Vellum
- Mulberry
- Metallic
And lastly, red folders hold cardboard. I use a ton of cardboard in my projects lately and save every kind of box suitable: cereal, cracker, frozen pizza...if you really pay attention to what you normally throw out, you'll have a stash in no time!
Well, that's my system. I'm sure I seem quite the type A to you now, but like I said, having your scraps organized means you are much more likely to actually use them.
What a way to use your stuff wisely! I just threw a cereal box in to recycle, I think I am going to rescue it. :)
ReplyDeleteI love this idea and am on the look out for something like it. Thank so much for this idea and the information. Stay Blessed!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to organize your scraps- I love the organized way you have this organized! I have cereal boxes in the recycling bin too.....hmmmm!
ReplyDeleteExcellent idea! Thanks so much for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! I wish I could get any kinda organization system going on around here. First I need to purge, and then organize. Have a great day! Tammy
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for storage. I like to use cereal and frozen pizza boxes also.
ReplyDeletewww.cleverandcute.blogspot.com
Thanks, I like your idea I may have to give it a try. Love your header, spoken like a true paper hoarder, lol.
ReplyDeleteFab way to store scraps, and much easier to use them if they are organised in this way mine are just in two boxes
ReplyDeleteoh your so much more organized than me, mine go in one big pile, hangs head in shame....
ReplyDeletehugs Lynn
Hey there! Thanks for sharing. I have my scrapbook paper organized in a similar manner. I'm trying to figure out what to do with all that vintage ephemera I have like old receipts, library cards, postcards, greeting cards, etc. Maybe I need the same approach. Thank you!
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