I’ve developed a 4-step process, and each new phase helps me think about my patterned paper in a different way. This process keeps me excited and energized about using my stash. That’s what I’ll be sharing with you today.
This is what has just arrived. It is organized by manufacturer and stored in a clear plastic container. I keep anywhere from 3-5 collections from a variety of companies and pick whatever line fits the colors and mood of my photos. This is the first place I turn to when choosing product for my latest layout.
When I have used a collection for a bit, or want to make room for brand new patterned paper, the slightly used line moves to a file folder system. But before I make this change, I create a few starting points, or page bases. This allows me to simply create with the paper apart from any photos, and keeps me using my stash. Now, if I want to make a quick page, I can just pull one of these. They remain in this phase until they are used up, or until I move them to my donate pile.
If I have any full sheets of patterned paper left at this point, it is now sorted by color and moved to my color files. These are organized according to the color wheel, or ROYGBIV. This is where I go if I’m working on a layout and think, “Hmm, I need some red here...” Sometimes I will go to my color files, pull together a kit of mixed manufacturers and scrap with that for a while. I'm currently enrolled in Shimelle's Scrapbook Remix class to help me get better at this!
Finally, I go through my color files semi-annually and anything that I just don’t care for anymore goes into my purge bin. This bin is very loosely organized, with the oldest papers at the bottom. This is the last stop for my patterned paper stash before it is donated to a worthy cause. I have been known to go through this pile and rescue a piece of paper, but not very often.
Perhaps you’ve noticed that I do not keep patterned paper that is much older than a year. That is just my preference. I figure if I haven’t used it in 12 months, it needs a new home.
I’ve also recently developed a few corollaries to my system. I've added several clear plastic containers of product organized by theme, and one container for my monthly kit club. The themes I use regularly are Christmas, Summer, and Fall.
There you have it. I hope you’ve found this helpful. Perhaps I’ve sparked a few ideas for organizing, using, and loving your stash of patterned paper. I’d love to hear about your system. Feel free to leave a comment!
I love this post! I like to see how other people stay organized. Great idea on using the plastic bins for the newer goodies.
ReplyDeleteTotally helpful!!! Thanks Sue.... hugs...xoxo
ReplyDeletewhat a system! i have to say i still use paper that i have had for over 5 years. I can't give it away- i spent way too much $$ on it. I have been on a spending freeze for the last 3 months and it has been awesome- i have been using up my stash and it is so awesome and liberating! I am much more particular now with how i shop for paper etc. I am going to try to go one year without buying anything new except basics- adhesive etc.
ReplyDeleteLove your system, Sue -- mine is a little similar, but your iris cases look waaaaay neater than the old cardboard box I stack my new goodies in. ;) Maybe I'm due for an upgrade!
ReplyDeleteI'm doing ReMix too -- you've officially gotten me hooked on Shimelle's classes. Yay!
So enjoyed seeing your system, Sue. You are very organized. The idea of creating starter pages gives a chance to create a quick page and get that wonderful burst of creative accomplishment. question: what do you do with scraps or partial sheets? Do they stay with your collections or go to a scrap bin or get tossed?
ReplyDeleteMy system is similar in that I go from collections in their own plastic drawers to organized by color. Like Mary Pat, I keep and use paper a really long time.
Thanks for your comment and question, Lisa!
DeleteAfter I make some starting point pages, those pages and any scraps/partial sheets are all stored together in my file folder system, which is a Creative Memories deal I have from long ago when I was a consultant. That way, I can add layering to the page base if I want to when I add photos, title, journaling and embellishment.
Hope that answers your question!
Sue
Great post-I love seeing how other scrapbookers organize all that paper. Like Mary Pat, I will use paper that is 5+ years old-but I tend to keep my newer papers together for awhile before I eventually merge them into my filing system.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of creating base pages!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Great post! It's nice to see how other scrappers deal with their stash. :)
ReplyDeleteI love these kinds of posts! You have a really efficient system! I am like Mary Pat and some others, I have papers (especially Doodlebug) that I've had for quite some time. I'm pretty good at purging my stash at regular intervals, but there are some pieces that I just can't part with!! LOL :) I may do a post similar to this in the future, I think it's just fantastic!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteUh-oh...I have been known to keep (and use!) paper that is 6-7 years old. Not often though. They do go "stale", but there are those occasional pieces that , like Tanya says, "I just can't part with!"
ReplyDeleteYour system for organizing and inspiring yourself sounds really good, Sue. It's so smart how you methodically lead yourself into purge mode instead of doing it when you "feel like it." I don't do this and need to. Like some of the other commenters, I use older paper (I really love pulling out an old piece and making it work with new patterns), but I should face the fact that some of it is just never going to make the cut ;-) and get rid of it. Thanks for sharing your process. :-)
ReplyDeleteJanice
Uh, I need to do this! LOL! Some of the papers I can't do...I have a certain addiction to some (OK...most...all?)! LOL!! Great post :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a great system Sue. I can see by your layouts that it seems to be working fabulously!
ReplyDeleteGreat system! I need to reorganize my pattern papers soon and this looks like a good solution since I usually go to my newest supplies first...an I rarely look at the older stuff.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great system, I definitely need to purge :)
ReplyDeleteGreat way for you to organize your papers.
ReplyDeleteI on the other hand, have trouble getting rid of my papers, lol.
I envy you :)
Thanks for the great ideas. I like the way you make up the starting points as it's reminded me that my scrap basket is getting full and a few starting points would thin down the pile.
ReplyDeleteGreat system. I love love love starter pages. Shimmelle totally changed my process for the better. Still my style just easier. TFS
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas Sue!! I keep my newest patterned paper in a large basket below my desk, which makes for easy access at home and it is usually the only paper that I grab and take with me to a Crop. I really need to do a better job of organizing the older papers though, and I love your ideas!!
ReplyDeleteI love your system.
ReplyDeleteI use something similar but with a basket for my newer stuff.
Although I will say that I have some Doodlebug, Chatterbox and SEI paper that has been in my collection for 6-8 years.
Can't seem to part with it! :)
Great ideas! Love to see how others keep their scrappy stuff. I have a section for new stuff too and I always try to pick from there first. You are so good if you can purge it after a year. I still have some really old stuff. But I do purge often, but I only toss it when I'm SURE I won't use it. If I still like it, I still might use it. :)
ReplyDeleteLove this-I pinned it and signed up to follow you! Came over from Shimelle's site, BTW!
ReplyDeleteOh it's interesting to read how you flow paper through your process. I especially like the idea of doing starting points. The closest I come to that idea is to clip together papers that I think work really well together (if they are from different companies). Sometimes I will add embellies and turn it into a page kit for later - but lots of time I just keep the paper together. I also have the hardest time purging full sheets of paper. Once I cut into a piece of paper the leftovers go into my scrap system. And I have no trouble cleaning out the entire scrap file to donate or recycle. But I tend to find other uses for the unloved 12 x 12, including rescuing a sheet now and then. Silly to make that distinction, aren't I?
ReplyDeleteLOVE how you've organized your paper. That's something I need to work on. It was great meeting you at Lain's webinar tonight!
ReplyDeleteWell, this is my first visit to your blog and I like that you are sharing your journey. thanks
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts about paper
1) I like to keep all my new stuff out to see for a while, a week or two. So, I purchased a beautiful teal metal tray from HL to temp house new stuff, LOL, just the sound of that sounds like 'addition to shopping.'
2) Paper-I like the idea of sorting the patterns but how long did it take you to get over separating the sets? I do keep pattern paper separate but not by design. Will have to think about that because I do like to use flowers and stripes that match.
3) I do have my paper OCD under control, now, I have at leas,t maybe, approximately, 10 Cropper Hoppers nearly full. I have had to take a three year break from scrapping and I can't wait to use some paper I bought years ago.
I am planning my new scrap room area, a lot smaller than previous one urhgg. So, I guess I'll go lurk around your blog to get some ideas.
Kim, InTheShadow-2Peas
I forgot, I REALLY liked the idea of Starter Pages. My scraps are overflowing so I put the idea in my Scrap Room Planner for later!!!!
DeleteKim