Take it from someone with ADD–even scrapbooking can get stressful if you’re not organized. It’s now a week out from my last cropping opportunity. I found out I needed to change a couple of things about my approach to make things less stressful for me during my valuable scrap time. One thing I realized was that I get confused when I can’t find things and I tend to get messier as the crop goes. I quickly learned I need to change my organizational approach, to accommodate the confusion in my brain when paper and tools are strewn about all over my workspace.
So, I thought I’d share my valuable lesson in organization with you. I realized the simpler my supplies are organized, the easier it is for me to use them and make decisions and put them back where they belong. So here is my new organizational idea; all of my paper is going in a P3 Tote by Crop-In-Style, second hand from Craig’s List (someone was having a baby and forfeited the space for the nursery). Then I can keep it all in stacks (9 in the tote) that expand upward when the handle is pulled. All paper is visible and easy to get out and put back. All of my tools that cut or do tricks (cutting mat, circle cutter, 12-inch trimmer, corner rounder, punches, etc…) are all in one tote (no this isn’t a paid advertisement:) that when unzipped exposes all the tools at the ready. Again, the same idea, it is still transportable and yet it makes taking out/putting away easy to do. My theory is that if all of this is organized I can see my options all at once instead of having to remember what they are and where they are stored. For the tools purpose, I bought the Tools Tote Creative Memories makes. Now, I am a cheapskate and I don’t really ever like to spend my hard-earned cash, but here is my thought; I am wasting the money I have already invested in supplies if I can’t see them to use them. With that in mind I got what made sense to my brain and I really think this will work. I hope this round of Free Scrapbooking Ideas has helped you.
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I have utilized some of your scrapbooking organization ideas, previous to reading this post, and have been less stressed when scrapbooking. I’ll add a few more of your tips to my routine… and hopefully have an even better outcome.
Great post.
I hear you loud and clear! I on the other hand am no where near organized, when I do scrapbooking the place looks like a paper bomb went off… I swear I keep picking up corners and stickers a week after I’m done! I guess I should implement the tote ideas!
Yes it can really be stressful at times indeed! Adding your tips can be a great boon for sure.
Ha! Organization is huge. Thanks!
Organization is important, but don’t forget to label the boxes and bins you use to store your supplies. I even label the drawers… I can never seem to remember what I am keeping where!
Great post.
Organization in any aspect of life is important to reduce stress. Especially when doing a hobby such as scrap booking that should be enjoyable. Being able to locate tools and materials easily is going to take away any stress and make the activity that much more enjoyable.