...But, which method of storage works for me? In addition to open faced shelves, I find myself drawn to 9x11, 12x12, and even larger sized clear-faced drawer units. I find that they hold just the right amount of stuff to keep me from having to dig too deep for things. Having clear fronts I quickly know which drawer to go to for whatever it is I'm looking for. While these drawers are nice, they don't make for a very "pretty" room. Even though I really WANT to have a beautiful space that's fit for publication, I'm not sure it's all that realistic. But even so, my search for the ideal "pretty" space and storage solution continues.
Stampin' Up! stamp sets come in clear storage containers which I find perfect for not only Stampin' Up! sets, but other individually purchased stamps as well. I keep most of my smaller individual stamps in these clear containers. I find that using the clear containers lets me store similar stamps together in one place, and I find that I use them a lot more when I can just pull out a container of sentiments, for example, and browse for the one I want to use. I also store these containers in my drawers, or on shelves with other stamp sets if they're specific to a holiday or occasion. Christmas, Easter, etc are all stored together.
I keep individual larger stamps that aren't all that practical stored in the clear storage boxes in a larger drawer unit, stored on edge so I can read the stamp label. It works perfectly for keeping the stamps clean, protected, and right where I know where they are!
I also try to keep similar stamps together. Whether it's a drawer for a specific company, or a drawer for a particular style of stamp. For me, organization is key. I have to be able to find something, or the idea will quickly evaporate out of my head!!
Poof! Gone. Just like that!
Some of my stamps are kept out on display on shelves in my room. Usually stamps I get from friends or new stamps get put up on the shelf until I reorganize the space. If I find myself stumped on how to use a stamp, I'll set it up on the shelf to keep it in mind, and act as a reminder to USE it!
While all of these storage ideas work, most of them aren't "pretty". So, I've ordered two books. One is "Where Women Create" and the other is "Organizing Your Craft Space". I hope they give me some ideas on how to beautify my space. Thanks to my friend at Hop Art Studio for the recommendation!
Anna you are going to *LOVE* "Where Women Create"! I picked it up a couple months ago and it's still sitting on my nightstand so I can look at it whenever ;)
Posted by: Heather Nichols | June 18, 2006 at 07:55 PM
LOL - I think I pretty much have the same organizational system as you have. Most of mine are behind doors and in cabinets so I have to "know" where to go in my house. Oh how I wish I just had a little house just for stamping in Ü
Posted by: Ellen | June 17, 2006 at 11:13 PM
I'm fairly new to stamping, and I just have to say -- I covet all your stamps! *g* I have relatively few, compared to you, and I'm already having storage issues, so I'm sure you do. I'll have to check out the books you mentioned.
Posted by: Southern Girl | June 17, 2006 at 03:44 PM
I'm drooling here Anna. Can I come over and play. Oh another really cool book is "How to organize your Scrapbook Workspace storage solutions for any budget" by Memory Makers.http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1892127180/sr=8-1/qid=1150564764/ref=sr_1_1/002-3063714-0042438?%5Fencoding=UTF8
Has some neat storage ideas. I need to quit buying so many darn books!LOL
Posted by: Asela Hopkins | June 17, 2006 at 10:20 AM