Wednesday, December 01, 2010

My Process and How My Organization Reflects It

Today is going to be a LONG post.  Sorry.  There was some discussion at the PTI boards about organization.  I wanted to snap some photos to help some of my fellow crafters out.  So, I thought a blog post was in order so that I can explain it all in one place.  So, you may see these on the boards, too.

My Process

Here is a little overview of my little stamping space.  Otherwise known in our house as "Mom's Closet". This little room is off the back of my bathroom, which is off the back of our master bedroom, at the very end/corner of our house, as far away from humanity as humanly possible, out of ear shot of any goings on in my house . . . you get the picture.  This was a very purposeful little space - just for me (well, or any kids who wander in because that's the kind of mom I am).  And seriously, it is small.  But, when you are building a house and each square foot costs you, you realize really quick that an oversized closet will be best.  And, when we sell, someone will get two walk in closets and one extremely large one.  I will be making some woman VERY happy.


I have lots going on here.  I will come back to the specifics later throughout my post.

I almost always (and without fail, every time, seriously) start with the stamps.  I just do.  Nothing is more frustrating than trying to put a stamp or fit it with something I want to use.  It just frustrates me.  So, I have two things I use for this.

The first is my "stamp book".


This is it. No frills.  Here are some peeks inside.



Yes, I actually stamp each stamp in this book.  YIKES!  I find that it helps for a couple of reasons.  One, often times the stamps need conditioning before they can be used.  I almost always buy PTI, but no matter what brand, I go through the same steps.  As soon as I get my stamps, I open them, stamp them into inventory, and store them in CD cases.  I have had to discipline myself to do this.  But, it makes the rest SO much easier.  Two, I like to stamp them because I get an accurate example of its size.  And last, I can see any trouble spots up front and get a feel for the stamp before it ever hits a project.

This little book offers a bit more than meets the eye.  I write down EVERYTHING I can think of about the stamp on the back of the pages.  I like to write the release date (if I know it), the stamp company, what date I purchased it, how much it cost, does it have a matching die or punch (even if I don't own it), does it have coordinating paper, was there a reason or project that made me purchase the stamps, etc.  You don't know how many times I will see a stamp set and go, "I remember the most adorable card that Nicole made with this."   I can turn the page over and see that it was released in April of 2010 and head straight to her blog.  You would be surprised at how you think you will always remember that these were PTI, Verve Stamps, or whatever.  But months or years later (and 100 stamps sets) you cannot for the life of you remember.  I know this seems obnoxious.  I am slightly embarrassed to share this side of me.  OCD?  But, I am a chain remember-er.  One little bit of info triggers so much.

The second stamp organization tool that I use is my iPad.  Well, actually it is an app on my iPad called HanDBase.  I use it to organize all of my sentiments.  Here is a screen shot of some of my stamps with their sentiments (sorry it isn't rotated).



I use this app to sort sentiments by theme.  I can also do a search for any sentiment that has the word "love" in it, etc.  I don't feel like I have to use the sentiments that are included with a certain stamp set.  I get so much more mileage out of them this way.

Now that I have picked my stamps, I will go looking for any matching dies or punches.  And sometimes, I will just go looking to see what I have that I may want to use.  This is where my "Punch and Die" book comes into play.


Again, no frills.  This little book has lots of surprises.  So let's take a look inside.

I use each page to typically only punch one shape.  I made an exception for the little circle because they were the same brand.  I label the punch with the brand and description.  I don't bother with coordinating stamp sets as this is always changing and referenced with the stamp.  Also, I don't bother with electronic die cuts.  This is only for metal dies or punches.

You may wonder why I kept the negative.  Well, check out what I can do with them.


I can actually use my stamp book to visually see exactly what it is going to look like on my die or punch.  The only downside is that I made my book 4 inches by 4 inches.  I want to go back and make a bigger one to accommodate the PTI Mat Stack Dies.  Who knows?  I may make them their own book.  Obviously, this is always a work in progress.

So, I have my stamps and my die cuts or punches chosen . . .

Now, I take the opportunity to select my color scheme.  I have yet another little handy, dandy book for this, too.  :)  My Color Book!

I made this book the same size as an A2 card - 4.25 by 5.5 inches.  I thought I would show you my little inside secret.
Reused "chipboard".  :)

Here is a picture of one of the pages in this book.


Let me point out a few things.  I adhere a piece of card stock to a white piece of paper.  I like the white because it allows me to stamp directly on it to showcase the ink as well.  I stamp all of my matching colors in the upper right hand corner.  And I of course write in the name.  I don't put PTI on any of these as I only use PTI.  If I went with a different company, I would have to decide if I wanted a new book or add to this.  ???  I am sticking with PTI for now.  Also, on the top left corner of the colored card stock, I have stamped with Versamark.  I like to see what my options are.  I keep thinking that some day I am going to go back and stamp tone on tone as well.  I haven't yet, but this may be the catalyst to get me going, who knows.  The only other thing I have considered and haven't done is adding stamping on Vintage Cream.

I also keep a little book of color schemes. :)  Seriously, I need "little book" therapy.
Do you recognize those?  The PTI team did these for the Anniversary (I think).  Anyway, I not only cut out and paste the color scheme idea, I use one of the dots from Polka Dot Basics to stamp it onto the card.  I have little color challenge pictures cut and in here.  When I see a color scheme I want to keep, I put it in my book.  If I am ever stumped, I just pull it out and go from there.  Sometimes I copy the colors exactly and sometimes they inspire me in a similar or whole new direction.  It is sized at 4.25 inches by 2.5 inches.

Here is a quick look at how I store my paper.


I keep them in their packages and in a magazine rack on my shelf.  This sits desk level on my shelving directly to my right.  I don't keep very much pattern paper, but the non-PTI paper is in the drawers to the right.  The PTI pattern paper in on the shelf to the right of the drawers.  I keep them in their little matchbook holder things.

Now here is where I start thinking about my paper - not just the color.  Do I want to use a pattern, stamp a pattern, emboss, or impress.  For this, I am making another little book.  :)  I don't have a photo of it as it is still under construction, but it is copies of the front of the PTI pattern paper holder.  I don't have a magical answer for other patterns.  I just rummage through the drawer of paper.  Nothing scientific.

If I am going to stamp a pattern, I have already picked it out in my stamp picking process or I can go back to my Stamp Book.  Now, if I want to emboss or impress, well . . . I have a book for that.

It is exactly like my punch book - same size and made from the same materials.  I just took each page and either impressed or embossed.  It is easier if you write on the paper first and then emboss.  But I do that on the back of each page.

This is also where I will go through my border punches and dies.  And, yes, I have a little book for that.  Only my son made cards yesterday.  He was so excited that I had some pre-made cuts for him to use.  :)  He honestly didn't know it was a book.  I had them on a binder ring, but I didn't put any chipboard on it. He saw it laying on my desk and went to town.  So, I will be making another.  It was long like a short ruler.  I cut 2 inch by 6 inch papers and punched the hole.  THEN, I punched the border.  That ensured that all the pages lined up on one side.  I am AR like that.  :)  I will say that when I remake this, I will make it 2 inches by 8 inches (if I were a scrapbooker, I would consider 12 inches).

Now is the fun part.   The embellishments!  I keep most of my embellishments organized by color.  The tall tower of drawers is little bits and pieces all sorted by color - regardless of manufacturer or "set".

Look almost all the way to the left.  See those drawers?  That is all sorts of buttons, flowers, jewels, little pieces of ribbon that didn't get used, etc.  I will run through quickly how I sort some of my other things.

This is how I store my ribbon.  These are Cropper Hopper 3 X 3 embellishment drawers.  For me, this is THE perfect way to store ribbon.  I would love to have a couple more, but they are not made anymore.  I keep all of the same color together and it is sorted according to the order in my color book.  So, if you opened the top left drawer, you would find Scarlet Jewel ribbon, Pure Poppy Ribbon, Terra-cotta Tile Ribbon, and so forth from drawer to drawer.  Yes, I have to readjust with each color release, but I never have to guess where a color will be.  Because I do have to readjust every other month or so, I haven't put the colors on the outside of the drawer.

This is my ink colors.  They are situated on the shelves to the right of my desk.  They sit atop a kitchen organizer.  It is really a pantry riser.  I fits my PTI inks perfectly.  So, dreading the new inks for storage purposes.  I have no idea if this will still work.  I have a few of my reinkers out, but they are usually in a white box (more on those in a bit).  I used a hole punch to punch a small piece of card stock to adhere on the outside of the inks.  I also have them arranged by color groups.  It is fast and painless to find what I need.


I have a bunch of these photo boxes on my shelves.  I like that they are all the same size and fit perfectly on my shelves - maximize the space.  I store all kinds of things in these.  You can see some of the labels. You can find the bulk of the "other" stuff in these boxes: PTI felt, Cricut Catridges, Glitter, Embossing, Tools, Markers and Pens, punches that are seasonal or not used as frequent, non PTI ink, reinkers . . . just to name a few.

The bottom drawer is where are where I store my PTI dies.  Yes, they all fit in there quite well.  Have a peek inside.

The top right is where I keep my Fillable Frames series.  The bottom right is all of the small punches like Up Up and Away, Beautiful Blooms, etc.  The bottom left is for Mat Stacks.  The top left is just for my Christmas Tree.  :)  It is one of the only single, larger dies.

So, where do I store all of my "little books"?  Well, they are typically kept in the metal bin directly in front of me at my desk all the time.  Take a peek.

 I like having them right at my finger tips so that they are a tool to my process.  I really do use all of these things - multiple times per card sometimes.  They greatly increase my productivity by allowing me to put my focus on the fun and design and not what "stuff" I have that would work.

I don't scrapbook much anymore.  Ok, I don't paper scrapbook at all.  But, if you do, I have a tip for you.  Do you see the pink paper poking out of the top right side of my basket.  In that baggie, you will find templates of all sorts of common photo sizes (several of each 4 x 6, 5 x 7, 4 x 4, 3.5 x 5).  I used to be able to plan and make my pages even before I printed my pictures.  It made for MUCH faster work.  No more printing a 4 x 6 only to want a 5 x 7 when you began making the page.

I wanted to point out a couple of last things.  I have created a "U" around me.  All of my supplies (with exception of a few seasonal things or weird things I don't use much) are within reach.  Anything I use a lot is at my finger tips.  All of my adhesive is found in the metal basket right at the front of my desk.  My paper trimmer is hanging on the wall with my Score Buddy right next to it (look beside the drawers).  My scissors are hanging at my fingertips.  I even have my iPad right in front of me.  I can use it to access my stamp database, my inspiration files (I have all of them synced to my iPad), and even watch TV while I work.

I love my space.  I really do.  I am ALWAYS looking for ways to improve.  So, I don't necessarily claim any of the ideas here.  I have seen things and copied them, adjusted them to fit my needs, or yeah I actually thought of a thing or two.  So, what you see today may not be here tomorrow, but I have reached a point where I tweak more instead of change.  But, I am always open to the possibility.  :)

Thanks for bearing with me and all my ramblings.  I hope that this will inspire you, give you a push to improve your space, or impress you (ok, just kidding!).  Seriously, this craft (for me) is so much about community.  I sincerely hope that in even a small way this would help you out.  If you have questions, let me know.  I will do my best to answer them.

Edited to correct:  I had originally put my iPad app as HandyBase.  It is actually HanDBase.  I know it caused some confusion for those of you looking for it.  I am so sorry I missed the spelling.

70 comments:

Ted said...

Wow, LOVE your orqanization, Leann! Just incredible! I admire that. :)

Gayatri said...

Wow! my jaws just fell to the floor when I read about your organization, Lee Ann! You have put in a lot of work and effort into it and so well organised. I love all your books. How long did it take for you to make them? I particularly like the stamp idea and the apps for ipad.I am making a organisation idea folder for my craft room in my new house. You post is definitely included in to. Thanks so much for the ideas :)

June K said...

Thanks so much for sharing your craft organization. Boy you are one organization lady. I loved reading and looking at your storage and books.

**June**

Becky said...

Ok, soooo... you are amazing! Thanks for sharing all of your little books; I totally love them and will have to use that idea someday! I am just in awe of your beautiful organization. :)

Linda said...

This must have been an incredible amount of work to put this post together. Thank you so-o-o much! I especially love the negative punch book. What a fantastic idea! That will be one of the first things I do after the holidays - after I get the stamps in their cases, and the index labels on and . . .

Denise said...

I am SO amazed and inspired by this! 1st, your space is SO neat and clean! ;) I definitely think I will start by making a stamp book... the point about stamping them yourself so that the size is accurate is SO right on. Now, how to convince the hubs that I need an IPad to organize my stamps?? ;) Sentiments is one of the things I am currently struggling with most -- wanting to mix them across sets/projects but never knowing which set has what. Thanks SO much for sharing!!

merryf said...

Oh, Leann, I am in awe. The little books are just brilliant -- and the one where you punch out the shapes on the cardstock -- genius. I can see so many ideas for my space.

Traci Nachtrab said...

LeAnn - OMG! This is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing. I will definitely be copying your punch and stamp book idea. You should consider selling your IPAD database. It would save other ppl a lot of time. Again, great job!

Melissa said...

Thanks so much for sharing your organizational tips, LeAnn! Your little books are fantastic! Would you like to come organize my craft room ?? :)

Liz said...

Wow LeAnn! This is a fabulous post! I love the ideas for making a book with all the punches and die cutouts.

Francie said...

Awesome organization! I'm in awe and bow down to you. I'm off to make a little book of my punches and dies. That's brilliant.

Rhonda said...

LeAnn, I just went looking for the ipad app and didn't find it. I looked for handybase? is that the correct one?

BethieJ said...

AMAZING!!!! I LOVE all your ideas...THANKS for sharing!

Jannette said...

Thanks for all your great tips. I have alittle bit more room, but if I had to go to a smaller one I think with your tips I could do it now.

Jannette

Katie Skiff said...

Very cool... thank you also for the post on the main page today! LOL.. DH had bought me a book just like the one you made. :D I need to pull it out and use it!!

Teresa Zuehls said...

Thanks so much for taking the time to post your scrap space and how you organize your supplies and tools. I really found a lot of ideas that I want to use and am especially excited to start a stamp and punch/die book.

Tricia T said...

Oh, I'm so glad that Nichole linked to this! I will definitely be putting some of these ideas to work. I think I need to buy an ipad, too... :-) Thanks SO much!!

4Ucards said...

Thank you Leeann,

I organize very much like you. But, I didn't do my punches or die cuts in a book. I am going to make this book over the weekend. The tip to use the negative for measuring is so smart.
Love your blog. Thank you so much for sharing all your wonderful tips.

Joan B said...

i am speechless. :)

paperkicks said...

Thanks for sharing the binder ideas. I think that's totally something I can do and get a ton of use out of. Including the dies...I think I'd use my embossing folders to make impressions for another way to coordinate everything. Thanks for the suggestion!!

rush said...

thank you for the wonderful article. when i move, i will have a different space than i do now, so some of your ideas might work in a new space...depending on how large that space is! i have a suggestion for another way that you can store your paper packages. what i do is turn the packages of paper on their sides. that way, i don't have to bring the paper out of its slot if i don't have to (assuming that you have slit the top, which i do). ps. don't apologize for "taking up people's time". if we want to read, it we will. so many women excuse themselves before saying what they have to say and apologize for a multitude of reasons during and ending a post. your words are "worthy" of reading, and your ideas are "worthy" of consideration. be proud in your accomplishments, and only apologize for making "real" mistakes.

Vicki Bray said...

Leann, Love your ideas and will definitely be using them! Believe it or not my space is about half of yours - so your ideas will be great for me to use. Thank you so much! You were great on the podcast with Erin - really enjoyed listening while looking at your post.
Thanks again!

Wendalyn said...

I love your organizational skills. The stamp book looks like tons of work. I have so many stamps it's not even funny but would love to have them all in one spot like that.

Sonia said...

Holy Moly! THAT is organization at it's best....what a great setup for your space! I am definitely going to start working on some of your ideas for my space. Thanks for sharing!!

Lori W said...

Just wonderful..... I can't remember if I posted to this entry into your blog but you have set the bar for organization. I love you ideas and am so happy that PTI featured you in the Podcast. I am a little AR and am going to enjoy using your ideas to help me get more organized.... : )

Unknown said...

Love your idea for the colour combos! I've just been writing them down in my colour swatch book, but having the visual aid of the colours together is sooo much better. Thanks for the inspiration!

di said...

Amazing. You should write a book. These ideas are fantastic, thanks so much for sharing.

Neusinha said...

I love this! Gostei muito da sua organização. eu tenho catalogos de carimbos e furadores, mas não tenho de cores de papel nem de catimbeiras. Thanks for sharing.

Janelle said...

Amazing, amazing, amazing. So glad Erin saw this post and shared it with everyone on PTI radio! Great ideas, great interview. I especially love your stamp book and the die cut/punch book and how they can interact with each other. TFS!

Kathy said...

Thanks for the inspiration ! I'm looking forward to incorporating some of your ideas especially the stamp and punch book . Thanks again, Kathy

Jill Norwood said...

Amazing Organization Goddess! Oh my goodness I love these ideas. I have been thinking about doing a stamp book for awhile with each of my stamps so that I can look through it but I haven't tried it yet. Your ideas are so incredible! I am inspired!

Unknown said...

Any chance you've uploaded (or could upload)your database form to the hanDbase Applet Gallery?

Jennifer said...

WOW!! Your organization is amazing!! Love the Stamp Book Idea! I think I need to make one of those!!

MitziMakes said...

I am SO impressed by your organization!! I've picked up lots of tips from this post so thank you!

Bernie said...

OMGosh I LOVE your little books! I have a stamp book and a punch/die book but it never entered my head to use them as you do! Also love your color combo book and plan to start one ASAP! I can see how helpful it would be if I added more info to my little books.
I also craft in a small closet. Organization is critical in such a tight space but I love having everything at my finger tips. Thank you for the wonderful inspiration!
Blessings Bernie

Siri Fjørtoft, kaBoks said...

I love books too! Have you seen this one: http://angelasinkspot.blogspot.com/2011/04/swatch-book.html

I love how it displays the Distress Inks!

You just gave me a new reason to get an iPad, even though I don´t have any sentiment stamps (OK, I have some). They don´t come in my "language" (We (Norwegians) speak the same language, but there is two different ways of writing, and I use the less common one...), and they just feel wrong.

LOVE your post :-)

Kathy said...

Wow you are so inspiring!! Thank YOU!

Kelly said...

Thank you so much for sharing your process! I already had the embossing folder/ plate book.. but I now have a stamp book as well and am totally going to make a die/ punch book! I love that you used the negative for it!

Ok.. here is a link to my version!
http://kellyboettcher.blogspot.com/2011/05/stamp-inventory-and-storage.html

Sandra H said...

Hi there, New Follower of your Fabulous blog ...........What a Post so organised great thinking and idea's for what you have done really is stunning a pleasure l'm sure to work in such a tidy craft room well done ......:) Sandra H

Kathy said...

So grateful to have found you thru papertrey radio. Love the thought of the stamp book and would love to do that, but I AM going to do the punch book. That is brilliant. Thanks for sharing and inspiring. One baby step at a time, punch book today and stamp book by the end of the year. Love it!

Rebecca DeLuna Haas said...

Thank you! You have inspired me to really dig-in and re-organize to make the process stress-free!!

Unknown said...

I love your storage ideas.....as soon as my exams are over i might do a Stamp book myself.....Just a great tip......

Isabel Z said...

Wow, this is an amazing system and you have inspired me to start organizing my little area. What size is the book that you stamp your PTI images in? Thank you for taking the time to share. I appreciate it.

elsylovescrafts said...

loved loved loved this organization tips!! Im getting married this summer and my future husband is giving me a complete room for my craft room, def Im stealing some of your organization ideas!

julesfink said...

WOW!! so many great ideas!! i just pinned the HECK out of this post in my "for my craft room" board!! I'm slowly starting to organize before it gets completely out of hand....your ideas are AWESOME!! :))

julesfink said...

WOW!! so many great ideas!! i just pinned the HECK out of this post in my "for my craft room" board!! I'm slowly starting to organize before it gets completely out of hand....your ideas are AWESOME!! :))

Helen L said...

Love this post about your stamping space!! Thanks for sharing all the different ways that you organized it: I am in the process of reorganizing my space (you have a closet, I'm out in the garage, using about 1/4 of it: luckily it is insulated so I can use it in the winter too, and being in Calif it doesn't get too cold!! If it is cold, I just do a load of laundry and the dryer warms it up enough!! :-)
I'll be using some of your ideas as I go along: thanks so much!! Helen in Healdsburg

I'm a Crafty Diva said...

Found this post through Pinterest... Thanks for sharing all your organizational ideas!! I had a really fabulous book going with all my stuff written down - and then had to pack everything up for an unexpected move & anything that has been purchased in the last 1 1/2 - 2 yrs is not in the book (and since I started working at an Archiver's 1 1/2 yrs ago that is not a small amount of stuff!!) I hope this will be a bit of a motivator to get back to my organized way of doing things. Again, thanks so much for sharing!

Lizz said...

All I can say is WOW... you have inspired me to get more organized. I do have some things done.. but I love your little books... I may have to change my thinking on mine. Great ideas... love love love them

Lizz said...

Wow... love it ... you have inspired me... i love the little books.. much better than my 3 ring note books. Just love it...talk about jaw dropping!!

Unknown said...

Wow, you are one organized lady! I wish I would have seen this before I accumulated all my stamps, and all the other things. This is an excellent place to start. I said wow, at every picture. LOL Seriously, it is fabulous. I love the negative die book, and well, all the books, actually. The stamping thing for color reference is great, and accidentally I have done a bit of that on my own, but with Distress Inks and Copics, people had free templates, so that was a no-brainer. I would love to do that with my inks. I use more than one stamp company, but, it could work. Notebooks with removable pages, and those page protectors, may be the ticket. Thanks, and keep posting more ideas, or changes. You are helping so many, I can see that in the comments. KUDOS. p.s. A little book therapy is not needed, you are in the acceptable range, me thinks! LOL It would spoil the fun!

Etcetorize said...

Love your punch book! Such a smart idea.

Vicki Dutcher said...

Awesome post! You have some fabulous tips to help the "process" -- I love the hanging cutter! [It's the small things :] -- Great post - thank you~

Brenda said...

Wow, wow, wow! Thank you for the incredible organization tour. I appreciate the time it took you to walk us through your studio.

Gabby said...

Great way to organize your small space! I have a couple little books, too. My punch/die book is invaluable. My color swatch books are also invaluable. Unfortunately, the one I probably should have kept up, the one that has all my stamps stamped in it, I have neglected. It's been too long and I have acquired so many more stamps that I think if decide to re-pursue it, I will have to start all over. That'd be okay. I know I have lots of neglected or forgotten stamps. Re-discovering them, would be lots of fun. TF the inspiration! :)

Gabby said...

Oh, it might be of interest to you to know that Stephanie (Ingenious Inkling) had your link on her Thursday Favs. That is how I found your post. :)

Alison @SmartStop said...

I love these ideas and the unique style of each one. It's also worth mentioning that sometimes when it comes to creating storage, you just have to know where to look. Once that's out of the way, it only takes a few good ideas to put those spaces to good use.

Unknown said...

I love these ideas and the unique style of each one. It's also worth mentioning that sometimes when it comes to creating storage, you just have to know where to look. Once that's out of the way, it only takes a few good ideas to put those spaces to good use.

Unknown said...

I love these ideas and the unique style of each one. It's also worth mentioning that sometimes when it comes to creating storage, you just have to know where to look. Once that's out of the way, it only takes a few good ideas to put those spaces to good use.

Gay Ferland said...

I loved everything you said!!! OCD??? Who cares!! I am the same way as you....lol! I use to be a SU! demonstrator for over 10 years and then I saw PTI!!! I LOVE that company and everything is priced just right!!!
Thank You so much again!!!

Anonymous said...

You really did a nice job with these and a great job explaining them so others can share your idea. Thank you!!!

Helen said...

Thank you for a lovely insight into how you get organised; i am on holidays, planning how to organise my space when i return!

Helen said...

Such a great inspiration, thank you for sharing!
I can't wait to get home from hols and start organising!

Santanany said...

So inspired. Definitely going to start working on my stamp book and database. Thanks for taking the time to share.

Jami said...

Found your post through Pinterest and just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to share! Great post! I love your little books. I have always aspired to do that, but just never gotten to it. I think I'm way too far down the toad now. LOL!

Desiree Hesse said...

Can you come organize my room??

The Art of Being Kelcified said...

Than you for inspiring so many people including myself. I am off work for a few weeks recovering from surgery and my plans were to do some organizing. I pulled up your post and can't hardly wait to get started.
Do you only use one particular brand of stamps? I use many and wonder if making a book for each company would be easier.

Unknown said...

I have over 133 stamp sets. 95%arethe same brand. I have actually bought similar or duplicate sets because I have forgotten what sets I have when I first started stamping I easily marked from catalog to catalog what I had and circled what I wanted. After awhile that didn't work when new sets were introduced and what I had already we're not going to sold anymore. Leading up to my current problem; of which your blog has now solved for me. The mini books for your stamp and punch inventory is tomorrow's project. While I'm at it I will be using the app you use to keep track of the verbages. That itself has been my biggest copy-cat culprit. Thank you for sharing.

NittanyLion said...

This is FABULOUS!!! I do many of the same things -- I have an "embossing samples" book, an ink book, a die/punch book, and a stamp journal. I love all the information you keep with your stamps though -- I just included name and brand. I'm guessing you've since found a way to deal with patterned paper (I happened upon this post years late...), but I punch a 2" circle out of the corner of each piece of patterned paper and put them into a scrapbook by color. That way I can match stamp, ink, etc. to the paper before I go searching through my stack. I've found 2" to be a good size because it allows me to fold over the edge of the ones that are double sided and see both sides. (Originally I just used that because it was the punch I had available!) Every once in a while I go through and clean out my stash, including removing the samples from the books, and that often reminds me of things I had forgotten I had!

Lindah said...

Thank you for sharing your wonderful organizing ideas. I've just started a stamp book. I'm always looking for organizing ideas. You are an inspiration.