So, you’ve started scrapbooking. But it is a chore to find all your supplies, time, and place for crafting. Let’s talk about organizing your scrapbooking space so that your scrapbooking experience is fun, relaxing, and not a chore.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!For me, a scrapbook can take days, weeks, or a month! But that is only because I love reliving the memories, pausing, and putting together the story I want to tell the future generations of my family. So how do I organize it all?
The first thing I do when working on a scrapbook is to create a sort of “kit.” I put together the paper, photos, and embellishments, specifically for the scrapbook I want to create into a 12×12 inch plastic bin or extra-large kitchen storage baggie. Then, the only thing that I need to gather are my tools. Breaking it down into smaller components keep you from becoming overwhelmed and killing your creativity. So here is how it works for me:
Organize Your Tools and Supplies
I believe in keeping it simple, making it portable, and not spending very much money. For scrapbooking tools that I reach for most often, I use a shower caddy to sort and organize. They are portable, lightweight, and easy to throw tools into. Shower caddies typically have a couple of sections for sorting and can come in fun colors and sizes. Shower caddies are carried in major box stores and are inexpensive.
Tools I don’t reach for as often, I store in clear plastic bins with a snap on lids. The plastic bin size depends on what I am storing in it. You can find them at all price points, depending on size. The fact that they are clear makes it easy to find what you’re looking for. In them, I may store my colored pencils, pens, Distressed Crayons, and watercolors. Another my scissors and rotary cutters, and so on. I label these boxes that are stacked on top of each other. I use an old-fashioned label maker that my husband owns, and it works great for organizing my tools.
Same goes for colored paper that needs to be stored. I sort paper into rainbow order or, if patterned, by theme. I use 12×12 clear storage bins from craft stores when they go on sale for a reasonable price. You can also get paper sorting shelves and racks. But these are not as portable as the plastic bins that you can grab and go.
Embellishments and small decorations are stored in locking sandwich bags. I use the snack size for the very small items. You can also get small contains at dollar stores, but I find that sandwich baggies work for me. It is easy to pick the embellishment baggies you need and throw them into the shower caddie with your tools or in with the paper bin kit.
Scrapbooking Space
This is the most difficult subject to tackle for me. Fortunately, I am an empty nester and have a room that I transformed into a dedicated space devoted to my hobbies. But if this isn’t an option for you, think of a space where you can sit and relax.
Many people use their dinner table for scrapbooking, others a corner of their bedroom. Why not think about a space in your house that is used for general storage that you could begin to transform into your scrapbooking space. Think about the landing at the top of the stairs or down in the basement. Maybe you have a small closet that you could claim or an odd nook space. Take the door off and use a small desk and pegboard to hang supplies.
You need a flat surface big enough to lay out your scrapbook album. But you don’t necessarily need a table. How about a small desk or a lap desk. And if you can store a couple plastic bins and a shower caddie of tools in the space, then that is BONUS! Remember, keep it simple.
Making Time to Scrapbook
None of us have enough hours in the day to get everything done. That is why the phrase “multi-tasking” is so often used. I steal time when watching television or in the morning with my coffee before my husband is awake.
When I sit and relax in front of the T.V., I grab my shower caddie, lap desk and scrapbook kit for the album that I am working on. If the scrapbook album has loose leaf pages, I may just bring a few pages to work on so that I can keep the area as clutter free as possible.
How about making your scrapbooking time important by putting it on your schedule/calendar as an appointment, like you would for working out or shopping for groceries. As you get used to seeing the appointment on the calendar, you begin to make it a priority.
Final Words
I hope you found an idea or two here to get you thinking about organizing your scrapbooking experience. If you find yourself needing more information on organizing, there are books and ideas all over the internet. I’ve always told my children, not just when they were young, that a cluttered space is a cluttered mind. It certainly can stifle your creativity. So, think of storage solutions, dedicated spaces, and time management as it applies to your scrapbooking journey. Happy scrapbooking!