Hello, it’s Virginia here, I hope you are having a wonderful summer! Today I’d like to share with you how I organize my scraps. I’m sure you can all relate to how much scrappers ((heart)) our paper and trying to save it all!
I like to use a hanging file folder system that you can easily find at your office supply store. In my example, I have grouped cardstock scraps by colour in each file. I keep a similar one for pattern paper grouped by manufacturer.
Using this file system I readily see my scraps which encourages and reminds me to sift through it before cutting into a new 12 x 12 piece. A tip, if you grab a scrap out of the file to punch out shapes or alphas, try to utilize the length of the paper keeping it long so that when you file your scrap away again it is still visible in the file.
Have a wonderful day!
~ Virginia Nebel
(pssst...SCT friends, you'll find some great projects on Virginia's blog too! Just had to share! ~ Catherine)
Perfect tip as I have a drawer of scraps that need to be better utilized and I am about to start a reorganization of my craft space. thanks
Posted by: DebbieC. | August 14, 2012 at 11:08 AM
Great tip. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Joan V | August 14, 2012 at 12:06 PM
I have my printed papers in the same folders. I put small scraps in a plastic baggie so that they don't slide to the bottom in little bits
Posted by: Glo | August 14, 2012 at 12:15 PM
What a great idea!
Posted by: Joan | August 14, 2012 at 12:49 PM
Don't you find the papers bending over?
Posted by: Karen scrapping in Ottawa | August 14, 2012 at 01:04 PM
Thanks for the tip. I also put my smaller peices in baggies so they don't all fall out.
Posted by: Leslie Loutit | August 14, 2012 at 01:34 PM
Virginia, what do you do with multi - colour / pattern papers?
Posted by: Beatrice Lawson | August 14, 2012 at 02:15 PM
This is exactly how I separate mine, accept my pattern papers are in with the dominant color too! Also have one called pattern papers for the ones I can't distinguish a color, LOL! I also have a specialty section that I keep foil, mulberry and velum scraps in. I use my files a lot and when they get too full, I schedule a 4 hour card making for OWH crop for myself. Helps me from getting cluttered, helps them get cards for a good cause and it is fun, fun, fun to have some ME time.
Posted by: JustAPacRat | August 14, 2012 at 02:37 PM
That's a great idea! Right now I've got all mine in a bubble folder, all together. This would definitely solve the problem of digging through a bunch of scraps!
Posted by: Jennifer | August 14, 2012 at 02:45 PM
Funny that this tip would show up today. This morning I was looking at my scrap 'pile' and thinking there has to be a better way. And here it is!
Posted by: Sharon | August 14, 2012 at 05:19 PM
I use a rolly crate to hold the legal hanging files, and 12x12 craftkeepers to hold per colors - one for cs, one for pp. I have been using this system for over 6 years and I love it. I keep it by by chair and is the first go-to, or I can roll it under the table out of the way,
Posted by: Janelle Rourke | August 14, 2012 at 05:26 PM
I've been doing that for a while but i have a hanging file folder tub that closes and latches wt a handle so that I can take and go on scrap fests.
Posted by: mary s. - aka Big Mamma | August 14, 2012 at 06:04 PM
I keep my scraps in clear memory page protectors by color.....both pattern and cardstock; for smaller pieces I use ziploc bags and place in the larger protector, and these I place in a basket on the floor right bedside me and before I get out a new sheet of paper, I check there first. It's amazing how I can use most of my scraps without accumulating too much.
I liked the idea of cutting so you keep a longer piece which is more immediately visible. Thanks! I have a very small laundry room as my craft room, so any way to make the best use of little space is important.
Posted by: Florence Unrau | August 14, 2012 at 06:32 PM
What a fun blog with great tips for paper scraps and in reading all the earlier comments, even more great tips. There goes my messy box. thanks for all the great ideas everyone!!!
Posted by: Dorina D | August 15, 2012 at 01:11 AM
I need to organize my scraps instead of having them in a pile! Thanks for the tip! ;o)
Posted by: Ruza | August 15, 2012 at 11:26 PM
Hello! I love hearing all your fantastic ways to keep your scraps under control!
Just to answer a few questions...
Beatrice- for multi-coloured pattern paper you could organize by the dominant colour in the paper, by theme, or manufacturer.
Karen- i don't find the papers bending. The files also fit a full 12 x 12 sheet in them.
Hope that help! Virginia
Posted by: Virginia Nebel | August 20, 2012 at 11:44 AM
oh that is a great idea, will have to do this! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Jennifer | January 18, 2013 at 04:51 PM