Paper....it's the toughest part....almost

Paper is definitely one of the hardest things to organize.  You have to decide what you will put it all in. You have to decide what way you will sort it all.  I want to share with you the ways that I like to organize my paper!
I have a couple brands of paper that I just love, so I start there.  I love Basic Grey, My Minds Eye, SEI, and of course Close To My Heart.  I keep those lines separate from the rest of my pattern paper.  The rest of the pattern paper gets sorted first by any holidays, second by predominate color, and third by pattern type (i.e. stripes, plaid, circles).  This third rule is for the papers that have so many colors it's impossible to choose a predominate one.  I also put this third rule into play within the predominate color sections.  
I have found this to be the best way to work.  If there is a particular combination that you have found works well together I put them to the side to keep them together in a paper saver.
For cardstock I think it's pretty safe to say arrange it by color.  I always follow the rainbow...ROY G BIV.  This is just the way I like to look at it...it flows so nicely and looks pretty on the shelf.
I think that the Cropper Hopper brand of storage pieces works best for me. It keeps the paper upright on a shelf and it's easy to label. I think, if you have a lot of paper, it really works well.  
If you don't have a "paper problem" like I do. ;-)  There are some really nice storage cubes (the ones I talked about last time) that have slots...it fits paper perfectly. It also holds albums nicely.
Hopefully I have helped you solve some of your paper storage issues...and regain at least a small part of your sanity.
Next time....we talk.....(dramatic pause) RIBBON!!!!! (Which actually is the toughest part) 

Organizing....when will I be done?!

If you have started to organize, or started to think about getting organized...then you know what I am going through right now.  I realized a couple things as I have been planning my organizing.  1. I have way too much paper...way, way too much. (I will eventually post a picture to prove it to all of you!)  and 2. There is no way to keep a two year old from getting into at least some of your crafting stash!

  That being said, I am determined to find a way to organize that will be quick, easy, and two year old proof (at least as much as is possible).

  I have found that the cubes you buy at A.C. Moore and Michaels are awesome.  I love that you can choose the ones that work and that they are moveable! You can get them for a great price, roughly $17 or $18...as long as you use a coupon or get them on sale.  This is great news, because you will have a little something left over to buy an adorable new project to start!

  So, my cubes are together...my tables are set up...now I just need to find the right way to put these 60+ boxes into the space I have!  Be strong my fellow crafters!  I am going to get us through this if it's the last thing I do!  Even if you aren't a paper crafter...no worries...I am a jack of all crafts!!!  I will show you ways to organize just about anything!  

  Let's get organized!!!

New Year, New Crafts!

  It's a new year!  It's time to dust off all the craft projects you put to the side during the holidays and start up fresh!

  This year is bringing so many exciting things!  Projects galore...organizing techniques...oh...and before I forget...A BRAND NEW BABY GIRL! (Well, that's what this year has brought ME so far.)  I hope that this year will be just as exciting as last.  

  I want to begin the year on a bright and organized note.  As I set up my new studio, I will post my efforts here for you to follow.  I want to help you get organized!  I can do that by showing you what works for me and my studio, or I can come straight to you and help you with your very own space and craft projects.  Any questions can also be sent to email...I will do my best to help you get to a place where you can jump in and start crafting with no stressful mess!

  The second thing I want to show you is how to keep up (or catch up) with your scrapbooking.  I have had a big year...moving...getting married...having a baby...having a toddler with me the whole time.  This left little time for my own scrapbooking.  I want to try and "catch up" a little bit.  I will post my efforts here for you to see.  I want to make them quick and easy.  This way you can follow my lead and catch up too.  I have lots of ideas, and on my Close To My Heart website, I will have all the products to keep you going.  I will also show you how to incorporate your older craft items to use them up and clear space for many new, exciting products!

  Hopefully this year will also bring many opportunities for classes, shows, and crops.  That's where you all come in for help.  Give me a call or shoot me an email...we will get a fun gathering set up for you right away!

  Happy New Year....and Happy Crafting to all!!!!