stamp organization

Tuesday Tips Stamp Organization

March 4, 2014 · 17 Comments

Need a nifty tip for today? Then keep reading.

I am asked a lot about my craft room. So, I’ve decided to share some organizational ideas with you. Last week, I showed Framelit storage.

Today, a big one, stamp storage! I have tried several different shelves and bookcases. Ultimately, I don’t like wasted space. It’s space than can be used to store more stuff!

I found these desk top organizers at Target by Closetmaid. On sale, of course! They are 6 Cube Mini Cubicals. I passed these numerous times and wondered if they’d work for stamp storage. And, much to my surprise, they did! I was ecstatic. No wasted space. Above or in front, like normal bookcases. So, I bought several.

Take a lookie, they are full already –

A few reasons why I love these past the no wasted space? Price, on sale or not, affordable on all budgets. Excellent quality when assembling. Nice and sturdy, well designed. The size. They fit nicely on top of a table or countertop. I have 2 stacked here. Color. Mine are white for a cohesive look in my room, but they come in other colors. Capacity. Each ‘cube’ holds 12 of the thinner stamp cases. Times that by 6, that’s 72 stamp sets! Lastly, brackets to secure these to the wall, or to hang them.

As you can see, the larger wood mount cases fit in these as well. I do have a few other items stored in this shelving, until I find another home for them.

I did not take a full picture, but these are sitting on top of Jet Max 6 Cube shelving units with a table top on them. Makes them the perfect height to easily access whatever I need.

My stamps are organized by retired in the top row. The next section, is Mini, Mini Hostess and Sale-a-Bration sets. The the current stamp sets follow in alphabetical order. Last, is the Hostess sets from the main catalog. I have stickers to denote what is what.

I have not taken the plunge to convert all my old wood mount cases to these new style cases. Yet. Those are stacked the old way, on bookcases.

Maybe next week, I’ll show what’s stored on either side of these. Think about it.

Please leave a comment about my storage ideas. Love to hear from my readers!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Tuesday Tips

February 28, 2012 · 2 Comments

I am a big fan of StazOn Ink in Jet Black. It stamps a nice, clean, crisp image. To keep your pad in ready to stamp condition, I find that a couple of things must be done with these type of pads. Jet Black, or whatever color is your favorite.

One. Always store your pad upside down. The ink will always be at the top when you need to stamp. it will last a lot longer too.

Two. Keep the plastic ‘shield’ that comes with the pad. Keep it on the pad when not in use. And, to keep the shield ‘out of sight, out of mind’, place Diminsionals or Glue Dots on the top of the shield, so that it adheres to the inside top of the case. That way, you never have to worry about taking it off or touching it to put it back on.

As a side note,with my first StazOn Ink pad, I did not know you were supposed to keep that ‘shield’. I tossed it out after opening the pad. My pad dried up rather quickly.

Happy Stampin’

Libby

shoppin’

Tuesday Tips

January 31, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Ok, so these comments, called TIPS, are usually because something SPARKED them, like a lightbulb going off I guess. So, this tips is no different.

If you like to always know just what supplies you use for projects, then make sure you have the item or code or name written on the item (if possible), or use a label maker, or cut the name from the packaging. Just label it – somehow!!

This is REALLY helpful if you teach classes or post to a blog in which you need to share what supplies you used to create the project.

So, like punches for example, write the name of the punch on the bottom of it. It would be hidden, but easily found if need be. I have lots of Martha Stewart punches that I have NO idea what the names are. And, it is too much trouble to go find out……

Gee, why didn’t I think of this sooner???? I have SO many unmarked, great punches!

Happy Stampin’

Libby

shoppin’

Tuesday Tips

September 13, 2011 · 2 Comments

So my tip today is more about organizing really. Over the years of being a crafter, sewer, stamper – general crafty person – it has always been *fun* to just be able to *create* without any hassles.

As time goes on, whatever your hobby – obsession – is, it tends to grow in supplies. I mean to say, you accumulate stuff to proceed with that hobby.

Well, if you do not begin to organize or create *homes* for your *stuff*, you will spend your time searching for stuff or wasting money re-buying what you already have and not using that creative energy to create!

So, new to stampin’? Start now with making a place, a home for your supplies.

Old stamper? Start now. Pick an item, paper, ink pads, whatever, and organize it. Start slow. It *can* be overwhelming.

I have spent countless creative hours just *looking* for that stamp set or ink pad. Only to then, loss that spark I had…….

I keep mentioning ink pads, so, I will show you how I organize mine –

Yes, it’s the Stampin’ Up Color Caddy. It was, I guess, functional when I got it. But, I still could never find the right ink pad color. So, I organized mine by color families. That was not enough for me because I still had trouble *finding* colors within the family. Since I labeled mine according to families, B (Brights), S (Subtles), N (Nuetrals) and R (Regals), I also made a master order of all the colors and numbered them from 1 to 10. This way, they go right back in a specific *home*. Here are few pictures to hopefully, describe what I mean –