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

Stamp Cataloging and Organization with Scrap Rack

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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

Embossing Folder Storage -The Sequel

You may be familiar with my first post about embossing folder storage. This is the long-awaited sequel!! Since my original post, I have collected many more folders from several companies and a new cartridge that makes this storage solution SO much easier. I'm so excited I thought I'd share the info.

To store my embossing folders I create a tabbed file folder that I emboss with the folder's design. It allows me to see the design embossed and debossed as well as find specific folders at a glance. Using the Cricut cartridge Fabulous Finds, pg 131, blackout - there is a middle tab and using shift you can access the right tab.

As my collection grew, I didn't notice the differences in sizes for the embossing folders from one company to another. Here's the low down...

• Cuttlebug A2, The Paper Studio -  4.25" x 5.75"
• Darice - 4.5" x 6.25"
• Newer cuttlebug and Anna Griffin - 4.75" x 6"
• Indentz - 4.75" x 6.75"
• Sizzix (regular) and Tim Holtz - 4 7/8" x 6"
• Sizzix - 4 7/8" x 6.75"
• Cuttlebug - 5" x 7"
• Anna Griffin - 5.5" x 7.5"

4.25" x 5.75" and 4.5" x 6.25"

4.75" x 6"  and 4 7/8" x 6"



4.75" x 6.75" and 4 7/8" x 6.75"



5"x7"



5.5" x 7.5"

When making the folders keep these tips in mind. You can create a left tab by folding the (right tab) folder the opposite way. If your cardstock is patterned, be sure to place the patterned side face down on the mat to make a left tab and face up to make a right tab. Use cardstock heavy enough to hold the embossing (paper or linen cardstock won't work) but not too thick that it won't fold down neatly. I used beige cardstock for my A2 folders because I had a lot of it and barely use it. You can also use cardstock from your purge box or ones with designs you do not prefer. As long as one side is both smooth and one solid color. The cardstock shouldn't even have a subtle design in the paper or the embossing will not come out as well. Cut in the direction of the grain of the paper of you will experience a lot of cracking in the embossed design.

I used the E2 Cricut to cut the folders. REAL DIAL SIZE ON! Here's the sizes:

Cuttlebug A2, The Paper Studio, Darice  -  6.50

Newer cuttlebug, Anna Griffin, Sizzix (regular) and Tim Holtz - 6.75

Indentz, Sizzix - 7.00

Cuttlebug - 7.50

Newer cuttlebug, Anna Griffin - 7.75

When you cut the folders they come out with score marks. I hand fold mine anyway to save time but always flatten the fold with a bone folder. Use your embossing machine - I am using my Anna Griffin cuttlebug and the eBosser - to emboss the front of the folder only. Be sure to write the names/set with a sharpie somewhere on the folder as well as label the cardstock folder. When the set has a name but the individual folders do not, I called it "set name (1 of 4)." All my folders have the name of it written on the front with a sharpie. Here's a look at a completed folder.

 

Next, I sorted the folders into the 4-section organization system I learned from Tiffany Spaulding at The Scrap Rack.  Her free organization seminars run year round. It's the best hour I spent each week learning to get more use out of all these supplies I hoard. First step is admitting you have a problem (my hand is raised LOL!) The folders live in 2 photo storage boxes that are shoe box size. I am working on typing in the labels (return address labels) to include the folder name, code for the manufacturer and the section it belongs in.  For example, here's one of my labels:

Honeycomb (TH)(Backgrounds)

The folder name is honeycomb by Tim Holtz (TH) and it is supposed to be stored in Backgrounds. I am not yet done with all my folder making or labelling but it's a work in progress.

Hope this helped you get more organized!

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

My Scrap Rack

Here's my Scrap Rack. It has one expansion base and is full of Alpha stickers and embellishments split into the 4-section system created by Tiffany Spaulding at The Scrap Rack. Her free organization seminar have changed my ability to use what I have and organize as I buy with intention.

A couple of weeks ago on the seminar Tiffy shared what's in her Scrap Rack and I thought it would be interesting to show you what's in mine. Of course, I realized that it will take many photos. So I thought it would be easier to make a video. If you would like to see what's in each section, each page of my Scrap Rack, I will make a video. Please post in the comments section if that interests you. Majority wins!

I'm off to work on my new embossing folder storage post and stamp organization post! Stay tuned...

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

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

Organizing your Punches with the ScrapRack

I own many of the martha stewart punches (in all varieties), Stampin' Up! punches and ones from EK Success. They live in drawers, on shelves, etc. and thus I hardly ever remember to use them. It's like a punch museum! .Tiffany Spaulding, inventor of the ScrapRack and the pioneer of 4 section organization seminars, taught me how to bring my punches out of their museum-like state and into my every day crafting again. I am so grateful!

 

By using my scrap cardstock I was able to punch out the images that each punch cuts and place it in my ScrapRack. Because the pages are see through and I needed to label each cut, I placed a white piece of cardstock behind each cut. That way I can easily see what I have, what the sizes are and I can even use that example as a placeholder (or test) on my project to see if I like it before actually punching. That's golden because I have thought I would like a punched element many times only to be disappionted after punching my almost done project. Having to settle or start over is the pits!

 

 

 

 

 

 

These Martha Stewart punch around the page punches come with a corner and a straight punch in the set. First I punched both together. Then I thought about it... a lot of times I use just the corners so I'd like to see those by themselves. Next I punched just the corners and added them to the sweet sixteen scrap rack page.

 

These last few images are from a Stampin' Up punch that punches 5 different shapes. It is really helpful to see which layer cuts on this type of punch.

A final note --- Tiffany suggests that the punches be sorted by theme. I will make a second set and do that some day but have decided to put all my punches together for now. I like the idea of being able to look at everything in one place. I'm a winner anyway because it's all in my ScrapRack and that's the best place to have it (no matter how it's organized). I can easily move things around at my leisure.

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

And here's some storage tips:

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

My Craft Room Organization - Progress

 

Here's several views of my scrap room now that I have organized and purged a bunch of stuff. Someday I will paint it pink and brown and put my company name up on the wall. I am so happy to see the floor and know where I can find stuff and to be using what I have instead of stockpiling. I could jump in the air... (remember the commerical... Oh what a feeling... TOYOTA!) that's how I feel right now, LOL!

 

The best tip Tiffany Spauling from the ScrapRack shared (I'm following her lead on my organization) is that I should take the packages off the embellishments before putting them in the page protectors in my ScrapRack. You will see that it's not as stuffed looking as it's been in other updates. Changed my organization life! I'm greatful for the little things....

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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