Scrapbooking Organization Tips

When you decide to get started in scrapbooking, it’s very exciting. You research as much as you can, then head off to the scrapbook or other supply store and buy the tools and supplies you know you need. The problem starts when you get home and try to get started.

To be really successful and not get overwhelmed, you should take extra steps to get your stuff organized. In the long run, it will save you time, leaving you free to work, brainstorm, and of course, do more shopping.

The first thing every scrapbooker needs is shelves. You can organize your odds and ends into all kinds of containers, but it you don’t have shelves to put them on, that stuff will still be all over your table or desk, taking up your work space. Make sure your shelves are sturdy so you don’t end up trying to sort through a giant pile of paper scraps, buttons, and ribbons.

Next, you need storage containers to put on your shelves. You can find all sorts of different drawers and containers at your local scrapbooking store, craft store, fabric store, and even hardware store. If you don’t do all your scrapbooking at home, the best way to organize is in containers than can be easily transported without spilling your supplies out everywhere.

If you’re not looking to spend a fortune, why not use items you find around the house instead of expensive organizers and drawers you find at a craft store? You can use jars, small boxes, and even old baby bottles. You can also re-use old toolboxes, tackleboxes, or plastic sealing jewelry boxes (caboodles). Just as long as what you’re using has enough space for separating different items and is easy to get into, there’s really no rule about what you can and cannot use.

Files are a great way to organize paper, cardstock and anything else that’s flat. The easiest to use are plastic expandable file organizers. They usually have a harder plastic on the outside to keep your stuff safe, several pockets to keep it organized, and a securing device like an elastic band to help hold everything inside.

If you go to scrapbooking meetings, or do your scrapbooking anywhere that isn’t at home, you need to have a convenient way to transport your materials easily and safely. Remember, you don’t need to take EVERYTHING with you when you go, just enough to work on a few layouts.

You will want to get a bag bigger than you think you need, because you’ll inevitably remember something you haven’t considered. Then you’ll be grateful for the extra space. Another good idea is to label everything you take with you. That way your can easily find your cutting tools or ribbons without having to sort through the whole bag.

The most important thing for keeping your stuff organized is to pick a system and stick with it. You can organize by color sizes, themes, patterns; you can even use multiple schemes to organize. Someone you know might have a system that’s great for them, but that doesn’t mean it’s great for you. All that really matters is that it’s organized in a way you can easily find what you’re looking for.