When last we spoke I had a few scraps from my 6×6 DSP stack to deal with:
I had four large pieces that had been shunted off to the side and overlooked, as well as a BUNCH of teeny pieces left over from when I cut the pad down so I thought this would be the perfect time to discuss scraps. We all have them, and we have MANY different ways to deal with them. I want to explore that a bit and share how I store scraps.
But first, this is what I did with the paper scraps in the photo above:
The four in Watermelon Wonder are just like the cards in my previous post, so I won’t go into detail over them. Here’s a close up of my scrap cards:
To make these, I started by cutting four 4″ x 5 1/4″ pieces of Whisper White card stock. I then adhered the scraps to the WW card stock, one at a time, for a total of 7 used on each card. I then ran those panels through my Big Shot using a stitched border die. I layered that panel onto Basic Black card stock and adhered to my card bases with Stampin’ Dimensionals. I also ran the card cases through the Big Shot with the largest stitched border die which only imprints the stitches but does not cut on the edges. It is designed to line up perfectly on the card base.
I loved the pop of back so I embossed on Basic Black card scraps with white embossing powder and snipped a fishtail on one side. Festive, bright, and a super way to use up those scraps! I managed to use all but one of those thin strips in these four cards!
This is but one way to utilize every bit of your paper stash. Sandy Allnock has more great ideas for you if you’d like to read her post here.
Now, how do YOU store your scraps? Here’s my method:
I purchased several nice storage units from For Keep’s Sake wayyyy back in the day when I was using the good dining table to scrap on. I lined them up side by side and put a table runner over the top and figured they could pass as a buffet (or sideboard). Now they live in my craft room. All of my Stampin’ Up! card stock and matching DSP lives in these two 12″ x 12″ drawers:
They are kept in these wonderful 12 x 12 file folders and are stored alphabetically. You’ll see an (R) on some of the labels after the color name. Those are my retired colors, which I tend to keep. And here’s what I have stored inside each folder:
I keep my 12 x 12 and my 81/2 x 11 card stock together in here as well as any 12 x 12 coordinating DSP if I have any. I tend to purchase the DSP in a group buy so I end up with 6 x 12 pieces of DSP. I store those, along with any DSP scraps, inside inexpensive sheet protectors. Ditto with my card stock scraps:
Whenever I reach for paper, I check my scrap stash first. I love having EVERYTHING for each color right at my fingertips!
Stampin’ Up! has lots of sets of coordinating DSP every year. I keep those separately, like so:
The bins are ITSO bins from Target. The height of the bins keeps the paper secure while allowing me to flip through the easily, without having to take everything out. The 12 x 12 opaque dividers are by Cropper Hopper. I use my handy dandy label maker to make up labels for each tab and then store the paper behind. The scraps for each set are kept in sheet protectors and stored right with the 12 x 12 pieces (pictured above). I reach for my scraps before cutting into a new sheet.
Yes, I am an organizational junkie! I probably spend as much time organizing as I do creating, but that seems to have slowed down as I recently moved my craft room to another room in the house and now have everything set up just the way I want it…I think…for now…you know how that goes…:)
Would you be interested in seeing more of my craft room and how I organize my supplies? I was thinking about doing a weekly series on organizing, if there’s an interest, so let me know please!
I would love to hear how you store your scraps and how you use them up!
Thank you for stopping by!
OK I am impressed. Not only with your dedication to use up DSP (I have NEVER finished a package), but also your beautifully organized system of storage. Fabulous cards, also. I especially like the Make a Wish card for using up the tiniest of scraps. Thanks for the inspiration!
Love you storage of paper. I have a stack rack from stamp n storage but it’s hard to read the labels. Please keep the ideas coming.
definitely keep giving out organizational tips. love to see how others figure out a pesky problem.
Love , love those cards. What a wonderful use of scraps. I think I spend just as much time on organizing as I do making cards, too. But, at least I know what I have. Oh, I like the sheet protectors for the pieces of dp and cardstock. Keep the organizational tips coming. I am in the process of removing all the wood from my stamps. This really saves space and I have a good system that works for me. Thanks for sharing.
Oh, Yes, I would love to see a weekly series on your organization. I think I’m an organization junkie too. I spent hours last week researching retired DSP to find one color. I’m a new demo, so I inherited some very old items that got me started and now I can’t let them go.
🙂
Love your organizing and would love to see a weekly series on organization. Your cards are great what a wonderful way to use scraps. thank you for sharing
Yes, please do more organizational posts! I love seeing how other crafters tame their piles. 😀
Yes please!!! : ) I organize as much if not MORE than I actually craft. I love both ‘hobbies’ equally. I would love to see your organizational posts!
I would love to see more of your organization! I need to get more organized! I would love to see how you have done yours.
Please continue to share your organization tips. I seem to go in circles in how I keep things and am always looking for a better way! I really like how you continually use your scraps! You are an inspiration!
YES! YES !YES Please on more organizing tips.
Nanci
I am very impressed with your cards to use up DSP and with the way you store all of it! I would love to see more of your storage/organizing ideas!