I love what you said about scraps!! I do tend to reach for my scraps first, but I have "a deep dark cardmaking secret". I don't like working with thin strips of paper. When I am mass producing I may grab a strip and use it, but I no longer keep all of them. I haven't bought colored cardstock, patterned paper, 6x6, or 12x12 paper since November or December of 2019. 2019 was NOT a typo. I'm not on a high horse here, I had THAT MUCH PAPER!!! I now have a reasonable amount of paper. It only took me nearly 3.5 years to get down to reasonable. 😂
This video just popped up in suggested videos today… And I was so happy. I loved all the information you shared in this video. But just this morning I signed up for the “paper craft get organized summit”. I actually purchased the all access so that I can watch it whenever I feel like it and rewatch videos that I need to. I love all of these summits so much… But this one to me will be the most informative of all! I’m familiar with a lot of the presenters, so I look forward to this. And I also realize that I can start watching it today if I choose. I thank you and all of the presenters so very much for helping those of us who want to be organized get there. I am 78 years old… But I still love crafting every day… Whether it’s paper crafting or sewing… Which I have a sewing room downstairs. Thank you for all of you crafters being willing to teach us to organize our supplies so that we have ready access to them and don’t spend so much time trying to find things.
Most of the packs of paper I get come in plastic wrap. I trim 1/4 inch of the plastic off the top of the packaging carefully around all 4 sides so it’s easy to take paper in and out and reduce tearing the packaging. Then I store the scraps right inside the packaging. I have found if I keep the scraps with the paper I want to use I actually use it more. I don’t separate my individual cardstock so all the different colors of scraps are together too. For my 12x12 pads, I write on the waxy side with a Sharpie the company and name of the pad and I store them on shelves with that side facing me. For embellishments I keep things in clear jars and hot glue a sample of what is in the jar on the lid so I can store them one in front of another while still being able to see everything I have. I hope some find this helpful. I love crafting and organizing, I believe they are two totally different things.
Love the idea of gluing a sample on the lid! On one shelf I bought a “stadium” organizer so my jars are staggered, but the other shelf doesn’t have room so the jars are all equal height and I can’t see the ones in the back rows. Great tip!
Massachusetts! The thing I struggle the most with in regards to organization is that I do multiple types of crafts and whatever I’m organizing at any given moment focuses on whatever craft I’m working on.
I never thought to put my scrap pieces together with full sheets. I cleaned out a drawer and put them all in rainbow order right on my desk. So easy to reach for the color now. This is such a Great idea! Thanks Justine!
Thank you for the great tips! I keep my tiny scraps in a separate tupperware type container, then in the winter I make paper 'ugly sweaters' with the tinies and toss what is left to start afresh in January.
I never throw my small scrap pieces of papers because they are so useful in making... paper! lol I love making homemade paper (my kiddos loves it too). I put them all in jars but you could easily put them in ziplocs, trying to keep colors together and then, when i'm making my pulp of paper, i grab some of them to add burst of colors or even use almost all of them as my base for my pulp paper. I personally love it so much! If you have the time, i suggest you give it a try, it's a lot of fun and easy to do and you can't make mistakes, even with tiny hands helping lol
Thank you for the great tips. I still don't get rid of mine but I've been way better about using it up. I love to die cut flowers and leaves out of my small scraps.
I just say this is Joanne from Price Utah I just want to say I have been following you as often as I could. I am so very happy for your success and will continue watching you I love you and what you do
We have a 400 sq ft cabin with very little storage. It is dusty here, too. I also make jewelry. I bought a do it yourself put together covered storage shelves...it already collapsed! The things you use to hold it together are plastic and not a strong enough plastic. I wish i could design a good wood alternative. The cover zips and the shelves are great. We are hoping to sell our place, so i hate to buy heavy furniture. I am unable to walk without a walker or 2 canes anymore, so moving could be a big challenge. So, i am grateful for any ideas. I have already re-organized several times because i could not find things and because not all magnetic sheets are the same! Some, every time i turn the magnetic page in my notebooks, the dies slide or pop off! So i bought a photo album and stuck some on those pages. Some don't stick any better there, either. Ugh! And paper! Wow! I know what i need, but cannot find it where i live. It is hard. Things get lost and slide off or fall or slip between cushions and are ruined. I haven't crafted in 3 days because there just isn't a good space...only the path to the bathroom! Ha! I would love ideas for a tiny home.
I’ve recently organised my scraps into coloured plastic envelopes with one for neutrals such as white and black card stock, then another for each of the colours, red and pink together then yellow and orange, green, blue, purple, specialty card stock, printed papers where sorted into one for general or masculine cards and a separate one florals and feminine and finally one for stamped card stock I prepared in advance and lastly one for die cuts. I go to this box of envelopes first and foremost before cutting or planning. Hope this tip helps others too.
My craft space is a corner of my bedroom. This is video so relevant to me as I just (last Friday) donated several boxes of craft supplies that I never use just to make space. I need help organizing my paper, my stamps, all my stuff so it is easy to access and out of the way when I don't use it. Can't wait for this summit!
Hello from Kentucky 👋 I need organization really really bad. LOL! When I get a card idea it comes from different stamp & die sets. Takes me hours to find everything I need. If there's anything I can't find I wing it from another set. Ugh! Plus I'm trying to put everything on Evernote. It's very frustrating to say the least. The summit will be Awesome to many of us craft hoarders. 👍 Happy Crafting ✂️ Happy Easter God Bless You all and Keep You Safe 🙏
What to know what eliminated my scraps problem? Gel printing. I know it won’t be popular with lots of card makers, but it is a brilliant solution for me. I don’t really like die cuts made solely from colored cardstock. I find it a bit dull. So I typically add ink or something so the color isn’t so flat. Die cutting gel prints never results in ho hum die cuts. Even prints with only one color of ink or paint make for more dynamic color. The gel plate is fantastic for altering patterned paper that no longer sparks joy. You know how every paper pad has a few designs that just don’t float your boat? Making gel prints with those papers is so easy. Even if all you do is add a translucent white veil, it perks up the paper so it feels usable. I had a whole pack of Cinco de Mayo paper that I am sure I bought for just one design. Because I’m like that; buy an entire set for one thing. I didn’t know what to do with the leftover paper because I really don’t celebrate Cinco de Mayo that much. I used a gel plate to add glitter and mica powder (mixed into a clear acrylic gel) and then I had no trouble using Cinco de Mayo paper for Easter, Halloween, and Christmas. I used to cut extra die cuts in an effort to not create awkward scraps or waste paper. But with gel printing even the negative space left over from die cutting makes exciting prints. By the time I am done I’ve used one piece of paper 4 or 5 times. There’s no guilt in discarding it. Or if it there’s something interesting still I can cut tiny sequin sized circles. That’s my go to trick for using up paper I’ve been die cutting. Die cuts can be used for making prints but it’s also fun to die cut gel prints. Invariably it’s a 2 for one or 3 for 1 process. I not only use my prints for card making but also for collage, art journals, and home decor. I love paper piecing with gel prints too.
Fantastic suggestions here! I saw a video (on ArtyMaze channel) where she simply covered the 12 by 12 paper she didn’t like with gesso which created a blank slate. Another video (different channel) showed where she collaged all kinds of scraps onto the 12 by 12 paper so it created a master board that was reinforced by the underlying 12 by 12 sheet but you couldn’t see any of the underlying sheet so basically she was using it like scrap. There are so many ways to use paper you really don’t like. Rolling off your brayer into a sheet of paper makes cool designs to use for collage fodder. Even cutting up a design you don’t like completely changes it because the design disappears when it’s cut up into strips. I like the challenge of using up my scraps. Yes I’m a hoarder and I’m proud of it! Lol!! 😂👍🏻🥰
Recycle all the tiniest scraps? My recycling center suggested placing all paper scraps into a paper bag, rolling it down, stapling it closed and write SHREDDING on the bag with a thick black Sharpie. That way there isn’t a cloud of confetti when they toss it into the truck-the same procedure I use in my paper shredder. I EXCLUDE glitter, painted-on and holographic paper scraps. Two neighboring states recycle the exact same way, and I feel happy to oblige their procedures as both states had dozens of paper crafters call with the same questions!
I keep my kits, paper pads, other packs in Narrow Fridge Organisers I got from a store we have here in Australia called KMART. I keep them in a white cube shelf & that is in the built in wardrobe. My husband came up with the idea of putting it in there to make more room in my craft room. I keep all kits together like baby/kids, male kits/ paper, rest of kits are mostly female kind of kits/ paper.
Already signed up, Justine! AND bought the paid pass for the first time, too. I can‘t wait for the event and see what I can learn. I do actually like organising and re-organising my craftroom almost as much as crafting itself, so THANK YOU for this! I also look forward to more of your crafty videos, they are always fab. Kind regards from Bodensee to Stuttgart, Nicola
I've thought about putting the scraps of any full sheets IN WITH the full sheets, but decided that would run the risk of those smaller "shapes" being IMPRINTED into the full sheets. So I've opted for a separate tote for the scraps.
I’m a scrapbooker. Love making any type of cards, layouts & trying new stuff too. I agree on using the scrap paper, which I try too. I have a lot of scrap paper that I need to use ( which I do sometimes) I did have a subscription to a monthly scrapbooking kits here in Australia. I stopped the subscription as the kits were just sitting in my craft room as I wasn’t using them due to no time as I work, family etc. I have so much card stock with 12x12 or the A4 to make cards, most of the A4 is from Stamping up. I have to stop but card stock& paper. I store my card stock in one of those like I guess like you said a magazine rack. I have a lot of white scraps left over I use to stamp sentiments on, si I keeps them.
Already signed up! I love that you ‘give me permission’ to toss s raps of paper!!- there’s so much guilt to wasting, but the mounds of scraps are immobilizing because they can accumulate so fast! Looking forward to more tips and tricks at the summit as I am in the midst of re arranging my craft room this year…yes, year….I need to approach it cone area at a time or be totally overwhelmed! TY for more of your wonderful, practical ideas! 🧑🏼🎨😀🌷
Thank you for all your tips and the free summit of organization. I find I am organizing a lot and then having trouble remembering where I put things. Also, everything seems precious to me which means I’m spilling out of my room into other rooms in my house 😊 I have admired how you have downsized and moved so many times, I need to rethink things for myself. Looking forward to to watching more tip videos. 🇨🇦
I have an addiction to paper... all kinds. Because I don't just make cards. I make Books, Origami, sculptures and papier mache, pop ups, original prints in lino cuts, intaglios, and monotypes. If you can make it in paper I've probably done it. When I started encountering too many scraps from card making I had to get tough and toss the little stuff. I throw out a lot unless it is a specialty like metallic, some patterns, and textures. My go to is now 3 shoe boxes right by my elbow. When I have a piece of a size worth saving I immediately put it in: Solids, Patterns, or Specialty. I have a separate place for any pieces that I have already put an adhesive sheet on the back. i try to use those for word dies. I do separate all 6x6 pads and sort them labeled in boxes by colors, solids, stripes, stars, hearts, whatever. If any have art that match dies I go ahead and cut those out and keep them in the die/stamps storage envelopes together. Really saves time for quick cards, just like ephemera, which is sorted by flowers, love, beach, fish, etc. I am currently downsizing my stamps and dies and giving away the ones I'm not in love with or never used.
Oh goodness, I will be in the middle of the Caribbean Sea on an anniversary cruise during that time, and I could certainly use all of these tips! Sorry that I will miss this event
Great tips! The secret for me is to have my scraps in the same sleeve as the full sheets so I grab them first. Exciting about the organization series, will definitely sign up
Thank you, I almost didn’t watch this. I think I am finally set with a system that works for me. However, I am trying to reduce my visual clutter. I was going to move my scraps, but this video reinforced to me, keeping them visible and handy has worked for me. The bin was full of scraps but now it houses scraps and my new paper I want to leave out to use. Thank you for sharing
I also use small scraps to hold a blob of glue to dip into with a cocktail stick or a precision glue spreader, for glueing the more intricate die cuts - saves cleaning my craft mat as I just throw them away when done. You're so right about having things in easy view or easy reach: on my desk on one side in my view I have two open-style A4 box folders: one's for white card scraps only, the other for coloured/pattern. Easy to file them whenever I do cutting as the containers are open and there are only two options :-) Thus when I want to start a project, or I'm partway through and want a small/smallish piece, I can't help but see the scraps first. Using up a pile of very small scraps is easy: I gather them in a pile and use them as a work surface proteector when I use a screw punch or an awl or just ordinary cutting with a craft knife (if it's a small bit of cutting only). Yes, I could cut directly on my craft mat but but but that might make it dirty or look less than pristine :-)
I try to use my scraps first. I just throw scraps into a pile at each card making session & at the end,, I go through the pile to keep or toss. Can’t stand keeping scraps. TFS.
Great tips here! I saw a video (can’t remember where) but the person suggested using dry-erase board folders for scraps. These folders are clear and thick/sturdy envelopes that are outlined with a colored seam. I got a pack of them on Amazon and I put my scraps in each sleeve according to color. You can easily see the colored edges of the sleeve to find a color you need. I keep the sleeves stacked upright in an open plastic container and it slides right under my desk. It’s terrific! I do save everything and I’m good with that 😀. I’m a little disappointed that your organization summit is the same weekend as the Simon Says Stamp Create event. Oh well. TYFS ❤️🦋💜
Signed up for Summit. I really need this and even bought the bundle so I could access it while I am re-setting my craft area this summer. Thanks Justine!
Finally someone who is like me 😅I have been tossing all my tiny scraps since I started crafting years ago. my friends have always oh don´t through it away, save it. Ha :) Love this video :)
I donate all my scraps to our Sunday School and they love to get it. 6x6 pads I don't use go to them too. And I don't feel it's a waste of money because the kids are getting to use it.
I’m in the mist of putting my craft room together - and organizing it and look forward to the organization- I having a bit of trouble organizing a lot of different items lol too many things lol Watching from Alberta, Canada 🇨🇦 😊
I store cardstock in file folders. In 😢each file folder is a plastic page protector with the part with the notebook holes cut off but still held together. I label it. I always go for the plastic sleeve of a color.
Need all help can get. My sewing room has become my crafting- cardmsking room. But I have tons of material and sewing/embroidery machines in there still and always. And that week end have classes to teach . I store die cuts in a binder with pockets of different sizes. Thanks for sharing. Will try to hopefully check that out too.
Great video and helpful! I have got my ticket and can hopefully watch but I am having a cataract operation on 19th April, so maybe just I can watch lots!!
Could you please address things that should or shouldn’t be stored in sunlight? I’ve had edges of paper bleach from the sun & wondered if there are other things that should be hidden behind closed doors. Thanks!
In all honesty I don’t know. I’ve always had my supplies in an area away from the window. Paper makes sense. I know that from my craftroom. My Cricut turned an odd colour too and was on a window sill for some time.
@justine hovey Oh bummer! That is the weekend of the Simon Says Create! Event! I really need the organization tips but 24 hours is not possible for me to catch up watching that day’s videos. Would you consider extending the time deadline to 1 week?
Sorry I missed it. But always love what I learn from you. :) I am looking at color cardstock for bases and using deco cut white for the interior. Where did you get the paper drawers/furniture? Would be easier for me to navigate that this stacking holders that I have. Awesome summit idea!! Registered while you were telling us about it and bought the "upgrade" to have more access to the information. You are the Best!!!!!!
I put all my pinks in one drawer, reds is another, etc. when the drawer is full, no more cardstock buying. I don’t care if they are different brands to be honest.
Justine, "The Summit" is a brilliant idea! I need to attend!!! However, my husband and I are travelling that weekend and I won't have access. Will "The Summit" be available to watch after the weekend?
