In My World

Organizing Basic Supplies, Tools and Adhesives Tools and adhesives are some of the most important items in scrapbooking. There are many things that you don’t necessarily need to create a page, but these are essential to each and every layout you do. So, how to store them so that they are always at your fingertips but not in the way? First, decide what tools are the most essential to you, and also which adhesives you can’t live without. Think about the things that you reach for every single time you scrap. Those things need to be the closest to you, while the things you use occasionally are placed a bit further out of reach, and the items you use the least often are stored away or purged. Here are some ideas for each of those types of supplies: Most often used: · Use a Cropper Hopper Flat Pack. This will store your trimmer, scissors, pens, and adhesive and still have room for your most used embellishments. You can store this on your desk, and when it’s time...

Organizing Photos Organizing photos can be a daunting task, especially when you have decades to sort through. This is probably one of the most time-consuming tasks, but it will also be one of the most rewarding. Set aside a significant chunk of time to handle this task. It really should be done start to finish in one session because if you take a long break, it’s tempting to just put those photos back in a box and tackle them, “some other time.” Clear your schedule on a weekend day, send the kids (and the pets) off with dad, and spread out. Consider asking a friend to come over and provide moral support. Put on some of your favorite music, make yourself snacks that you love, and then gather every single photo in your home and put it into one area. Make sure you find every single photo, even the ones that are hidden behind your framed photos throughout your home. Before you begin, decide how you want to sort your photos. Ask yourself how will you look for...

Organizing Papers Before organizing, first decide how you want to organize your papers by asking yourself these questions: · What categories make the most sense to you? · How do you scrap? · Do you tend to use several papers from the same manufacturer on one layout, or do you mix it up? · Do you like to work with themed papers? · Do you use a lot of vellum? Close your eyes and visualize how you would have your paper arranged in your dream scrap room. Here are some ideas for paper categories: · Solids and Patterns by Color · Solids by Color and Patterns by Color · Theme · Manufacturer · Manufacturer Sets (i.e. SEI Serendipity, KI Memories My Guy, Basic Grey Jack) There are many different ways to store your paper, but the most important factor is that the system works for you. Here are some ideas that would work for both 12 x 12 and 8.5 x 11 papers...

We heard you . . . and we've put together some great classes for Saturday, January 9th @ 1 pm . . . Classes will be held in Joyce's (Mom's) studio. Please register in advance so we have enough kits packed. Thirty Minute Layouts 1 pm $24.00 I Believe: In Christmas Carols 1 pm $12.00 Wonder Years 1 pm $12.00

Happy New Year!! Are you taking part in our 5th Annual Organization Challenge? I know I need to get my craft space organized. Here are my before photos . . . . . . and after I completed the first challenge. I'm looking at the sewing machine on my table and thinking I really should get Hal to give it a good going-over and clean-up. Hey Hal . . . Do you love this pattern? I found it online and started it January 2005. It is a Vintage pattern: Queen Anne's Lace Home Decoration Book 76 The Spool Cotton Company 1936 It has been taken out and packed away sooooooo many times, but I plan to finish it in 2010. I guess that is my first New Year's resolution. See ya Pam

“Cluttered surroundings create a chaotic environment, an extra level of static in our brains that can only hinder our creativity and enjoyment of what we are doing” Over the course of the next 10 weeks we are going to Get Organized. This plan is designed for scrapbooking but I know it will work well, with minor adjustments, for whatever craft you love. Week 1 Take a photo of your work space right now. Don’t tidy it up or remove that empty chocolate bar wrapper. Leave that coffee cup ring exactly where it is. What does your work space look like at this exact minute in time? Now post that photo to http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/crafting_made_simple/photos/album/1828921187/pic/list I will be rewarding the Messiest Scrapper Award – a copy of the “Get Organized” Challenge cd from Cropper Hopper—to the person with the absolutely messiest space. We need to start the year off right with a clean slate . . . or in this case a clean workspace. Clear you work space completely. What to do with e...