Update/Repost Stamp Cataloging and Organization

My update is in blue at the bottom, but here is where I began this journey...

I’m so happy that I have completed my two identical stamp catalogs (one for home and one for taking on the road to make sure I buy with intention – no duplicates, items that are too similar or things I don’t really need). It has taken me MONTHS to catalog hundreds and hundreds of stamps into the 3 section system taught by Tiffany Spaulding at the Scrap Rack. My first post detailing the specifics on how I started this journey can be found here. The reasons it took me so long are the amount of stamps I have and the amount of times I had to renumber because I had already used those numbers. Word to the wise, number all your stamps first then you don't have to wonder like I do. And when you stop, leave yourself a note so you can easily pick up where you left off.

In time, I found my groove and chugged along little by little until it was complete. Now I can find what I have, use it more efficiently and it feels SO good! When I get new stamps I know before I get home which categories to place it in and have a clear process for adding it to my catalogs.

I thought I'd share some pics of where I keep my massive stamp collection. It's a work in progress.

I have one drawer of stampin up wheels and Inkadinkado stamping gear and other stamp accessories.

This box with magnetic closure has my stampin' up stamps. I put 2 sets in one case and use the empties for other companies' stamps.

This case has 2 layers of wood block stamps in an Art Bin case. Here's the top view.

Here's the bottom view. A piece of chipboard separates the 2 layers.

I have a second Art Bin that is double deep. Chaos lives within. No rhyme or reason here.

My clear stamps are in the clip it up divided by the 4-section system taught by Tiffany Spaulding at the Scrap Rack.

Here is the 2 volume unmounted stamps I own. It's divided by the 4-section system taught by Tiffany Spaulding at the Scrap Rack as well.

I made a video of the pages of my stamp catalog but it will not upload. I may have to make 2 shorter videos. Then I'll post it and a look at what's in my Scrap Rack by section.

This post debuted in March 2013 but here's a bit of an update. My stamp cataloging is an ongoing process because I buy stamps often and because I am still searching for organization nirvana. I decided that a catalog by manufacturer was very valuable to me since I tend to collect lots of certain manufacturers and could find things easier. 

I have long abandoned my themed catalog and while it is very useful, it's a pain in the butt for someone that has 1000s of stamps. I still suggest it for folks that don't have a huge collection though. Instead I typed all my sets into excel so I can search by category, number, manufacturer etc.

I found that I had given the same numbers to many stamps and have skipped hundreds of numbers. UGH! So I have been renumbering, noting the numbers that are not yet used and reorganizing. I keep my stamps in four areas - a bookshelf, two three ring binders, a gray pull out bin and a 3 drawer rolling sterilite. I am able to find what I need now. 

If you'd like to see where I started and the things I learned along the way, check out:

paper - http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/09/organization-free-classes-with-scraprack.html

embellishments - http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/09/project-organization-continues.html

stamps - http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/11/clingwood-mounted-stamp-organization.html

Punches - http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/11/organizing-your-punches-with-scraprack.html

My Scrap Rack - http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2013/02/my-scrap-rack.html

My craft room - http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/11/my-craft-room-organization-progress.html

Embossing Folders  Revised - http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2013/02/embossing-folder-storage-sequel.html

Embossing Folders -http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/04/cricut-circle-magazine-march-spring.html

Ribbon storage - http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/06/crafting-storage-my-ricracroller-is.html

La-Vie