5.31.2010

Stamp Organization - Step by Step

Organizing your unmounted acrylic stamps
 with The ScrapRack Multi-Craft
4 Step Process

Go from Piles to Pages – Easy, Accessible and Compact!

This article is available with more images on our website - click here to view it now.

Unmounted acrylic stamps have made stamping more popular than ever. Acrylic stamps are more affordable, clear acrylic blocks make stamping easier and new manufacturers are consistently presenting us with great new designs. Before your stamping hobby gets overwhelming and becomes an organization frustration, establish a good system for organizing your stamps. Once the system is in place it will be easy to stick with it and stay organized. Follow these steps to incorporate your acrylic stamps into your ScrapRack System. (If you’ve got wood mounted stamps we’ll help you with those too – there are some tips for incorporating mounted stamps at the end of this article.)

Just have a few stamps? Scroll to the bottom of the article to learn what to do with them.

Step #1 – Create an Index of Stamp Themes A-Z

Before you start sorting and organizing it’s important to have a basic outline of the categories of stamps you own. Think of them in 3 major groups:
Letters, Numbers, and Punctuations Marks – Basically Alphabet Sets
Seasons and Holidays – Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Themes A-Z – Different for every stamper
The first and second categories are easy, the first consists mostly of Alphabet Stamp Sets and the Second is exactly as it is labeled, Holidays and Seasons. In most cases you’ll have the holidays mixed right in with the seasonal stamps. The third category though requires a bit of thought and creating an Index will make it easier to categorize them. You’ll find that many of your stamps will fit in multiple categories. Your Themes A-Z Index might look something like this:

Baby
Beach
Birthday
Boys
Camping
Cooking
Family
Girls
Patterns
Shapes
Sports
Travel
Words
Here’s a common question, why not just incorporate your Seasonal and Holiday stamps into your Themes A-Z Stamps? Well, much like using a ScrapRack for Scrapbooking and Cardmaking, you want to keep things together you would use together. So if you put Winter Stamps together under “W” they would no longer be next to Christmas Stamps which would then be under “C”, there’s a good chance that something you have for Christmas might also work on a Winter project – by putting your holidays in with the seasons, you’ll see all the stamps you have that might work for a particular project.
Step 2 – Label sheets of 12x12 cardstock with the name of each category.
You’ll most likely need more than one labeled sheet for some categories, but you can start with just one and then add more as you need them. You can also use 8 ½ x 11 paper, I prefer 12x12 because you can get more images on each page.
Step 3 – Get your ScrapRack Pocket pages numbered.
The easiest way to number your pocket pages is to use File Folder labels from the office supply store. I cut the labels in half. I found that most stamps fit into one of 3 ScrapRack Pages, the Dream Dozen (12) for smaller stamps, the Perfect Six (6) for medium sized stamp sets, the Fabulous Four (4) – Ideal for CTMH stamp sets.
I assigned numbers to each pocket using the number of pockets on a page as the first digit(s) of the number. This is important because you want to fill all the pockets in numerical order. The subject matter of the stamp is NOT important, just the size. This will allow you the best and most economical use of your storage pages. You can also “double-up” that is, label both sides of the pocket front and back so you can put 2 stamps in each pocket. This does create a heavier page, but it is more economical.
Put all your numbered pocket pages onto a Spinder.
Insert your stamps into the numbered pocket pages based on size.
Step 4 – Begin cataloging and numbering your stamps.
Begin cataloging with the first stamp in the first pocket. Stamp an impression of the stamp on each of the labeled catalog sheets where the stamp might fit the category – i.e. if you have a stamp that is a “wrapped gift box” - this stamp would work in Birthday, Baby, Graduation, Wedding, Christmas,… You’ll want to stamp it out on each of the catalog pages. Next to each impression write the number of the pocket where the stamp will be stored. Clean the stamp and return it to its pocket. Rather than stamp the images I photocopied them and then pasted them onto the sheets. If you’re going to do this, I recommend copying them at full size. However, stamping them is faster and more efficient.

Once you’ve stamped all the images everywhere they might possibly be appropriate, slip the 12x12 Catalog sheet into Super Sized Single Pages and put them on a Spinder. Now you’ve got a complete catalog of all your stamps. When you need to find a particular stamp, flip to that Theme or Holiday and the numbered image will tell you exactly where to find the stamp.

Adding new stamps to your system.
Each time you purchase a new stamp, add an impression of it to your Catalog Sheets. Remember to stamp in every category where it might be appropriate.
This new stamp is going to fill the next available pocket in the appropriate size pocket page. Add the pocket number to the stamped image, put the stamp in the pocket and you’re done. Easy.

What are the benefits to this organization system?
First you’ll be able to find them more quickly and easily.
Using the ScrapRack pocket pages makes your stamps more visible and accessible, which in turn makes them easier to use, and easier to put away. This will translate into using them more, having more fun, and getting more done, when you do have time to stamp.

When you go to a crop or class, rather than taking your entire stamp collection, you can easily take just the stamps you know you are going to want to use. If you don’t know which stamps you want to use, just take your catalog pages and some sticky notes. Create your page or project, and leave a space where you want to add a stamp from your catalog. Using one of the sticky notes, write the number of the stamp and put the sticky note on the space on your project. When you get home you can finish the project. You won’t have had to haul all of your stamps, tools, inks, etc. with you, but will have had all of your choices available.
If you’re attending a stamping event, like a CTMH event, or you’re headed to the stamp/craft store, you can take just your catalog with you. That way you’ll be able to compare what you want to purchase with what you’ve already got – you’ll spend more wisely, buying stamps that compliment rather than duplicate what you already own.
Adding in your MOUNTED Stamps
With mounted stamps, you would follow the same procedure of grouping your stamps by size, writing a number on the edge of the wood block and then storing them numerically in drawers or totes. Add the images of the mounted stamps to the catalog sheets in the appropriate categories. You may want to use the letter M in front of the numbers so you can easily identify that stamp image as one you will find in the “M”ounted stamp container.

What if you just have a few stamps?
There are many crafters who just have a few stamps and don’t intend to become a more serious “stamper.” If you’re just an occasional stamper, you can store your stamps right in with all of your other Scrapbooking/Papercrafting supplies in your ScrapRack. Just slip the stamp into a pocket page in the appropriate section of your ScrapRack. If the stamp has multiple uses, like the gift box stamp mentioned previously, just stamp out a few impressions on plain paper. Note on the paper where you’ve got the stamp stored, i.e. “see birthday section” and slip the stamped impressions into pockets in the appropriate sections. Now when you look in your Christmas Section, Wedding Section, or Graduation Section, you’ll see an impression of the stamp, you’ll be reminded that you’ve got it, and chances are you’ll get more use out of it. Who knows, you may even be inspired to become a full fledged “Stamper.”

Tips and Tricks
Read this article on our website to see more images - click here.
If your stamp came in a package that had a background card with the image of the stamp printed on the card. Use the card as the background in the storage pockets.


To make it easier to put stamps away when you’re done with them, write the pocket number on the thin sheet of plastic that holds yours stamp set together. We’ve done it at the top of this stamp. It’s number – 6102

If you’ve got a stamp on loan to a friend, put a reminder note in the pocket where the stamp belongs. Indicate on the note to whom and when you lent it out.

If you’re using CTMH stamps, use the lightweight foam pad they come packaged with in the pocket with the stamp. Not only does it provide and extra layer of protection, it also keeps your stamp from sliding around in the pocket.

While you’re working with your storage pages keep them on a Spinder, but off your ScrapRack. This will make the easy to load but keep them from “slipping” around.

5.27.2010

Get your Glue Dots, Pop Dots, and other Adhesives Organized

Hi Scrapper's -
 We've spent the last couple of weeks moving into our new offices.  One really nice thing about our new space is that we've got a separate "scrapping" room.  Imagine having a place to crop while you're at work (this could be dangerous).  Anyway, as I began moving into this new scrapping space, (which gave me a chance to PURGE), I had a great idea - I think it was a great idea, you might feel differently.  I had always kept all of my adhesives together.  As I was rearranging and reorganizing, I thought, why not put all those flat adhesives into a couple of storage pages, that way, I would be able to see them without digging through the pile.  So I did, and it worked great.  I took my Pop Dots, Glue Dots, Foam Squares, and a bunch of other flat adhesives and put them into a couple of pages.  then I added plain self adhesive photo corners and my small clear "memorabilia" envelopes, you know the type that you put baby teeth, or hair into.  I have to say, not only can I see what I've got, I can see how much of it I've got.  I think it's giong to work out well.  Here are a couple of pictures.  I used the new Mix-N-Match page and the Fabulous Four.  Let me know your thoughts.  This also makes it really easy to take them to a crop!


5.23.2010

Need your opinion - New TravelPack Colors

It's time to choose new colors for the fall TravelPack collection.  What do you think? Here's what we're considering:
Black on Black with the embroidery color Gold, Silver or Pearl White
Lavender/Purple - we've done this before
Dark Pink / Light Pink with Dark Pink embroidery

Which color combo do you like?
Do you have an idea for a different color combo?

Post your comments and let me know.

THANKS!! - Tiffany

5.22.2010

Use your ScrapRack for Knitting and Crochet

Most crafters are what is affectionately referred to in the crafting industry as "Cross-Crafters."  No, industry professionals don't think you're an angry bunch, the term refers to crafty people who do multiple-crafts and use products from one category in another.  Recently I received the following information from a ScrapRack user who has turned her ScrapRack into a Multi-Craft Storage device by incorporating some of the components for her knitting and crochet.  Here's what she has to say:

Hi Tliffany,
Pictures don’t do it justice…
The BEST thing about The ScrapRack is its versatility! I can’t over emphasize that feature… So being an avid crocheter and knitter, it didn’t take me long to determine that I could transform it from a Scrapbooker’s dream to a yarn enthusiast’s one. The different available pages provided and the ability to use other commercially available page protectors have helped me create my own crochet/knitting workstation. A work in progress, I’ve already created one spinder for storing knitting needles, one spinder for crochet hooks (and darning needles, markers, cable makers, etc) and several spinders for sorting categories of patterns. As projects are completed, one spinder is to be used for keeping pictures, snippets of yarn used, yarn laundering instructions, etc.
  I have spend several days now collecting needles which were stored all over the house, consolidating patterns and working through the best ways (for me) to organize it all. The only “wish” I would have is that to utilize The ScrapRack for this type of organization the pages would be of the heavier type (like the side opening storage of 12” paper). The other “problem” I ran into was keeping the knitting needles from falling out when I turned the pages.
Now for an ah ha moment! Probably everyone else already knew…but it took me this endeavor to figure out that as I was organizing a spinder, if I took it and laid it on my table and opened it to add pages…other pages didn’t fall out! Never again will I suffer the opening of a spinder to add a page or two only to have have the pages slip off/out of the rings. I always thought I needed an extra hand. (it was the only complaint I ever had with this storage system!)
So…I’ve now taken my original ScrapRack Station and converted it away from Scrapbooking to holding my Card Making …with sections for card layout inspirations, technique directions, completed cards, and random stamped images. And..oh yes,, holding all my “bling”.
Perhaps I can figure out places to put a Scrap Rack to organize Recipes, jewelry, beading supplies (a new craft to start?), oh, the use of the ScrapRack is so vast!
Thanks so much for this flexible tool!
Lynn

As we working to develop our website you'll see lots of new additions to help you as a "Cross-Crafter" if you've got ideas about different ways to use our products we'd love to hear them.  Please email them to me at TSpaulding@TheScrapRack.com.
 
Thanks for checking in! 
Happy "Cross-Crafting",
 Tiffany

5.16.2010

Update on Page Arrival

  To all of you who have been waiting so patiently for our pages to arrive from China.  Well, after a couple of crazy delays, our freight company has given us a port arrival date of May 24th.  If all goes well with US Customs, we should be able to start shipping the 25th or 26th.  Keep your fingers crossed!! This new order does include Embellishment Storage Pages, Super Sized Singles (10 pack and 50 pack), Fabulous Four, mix-n-Match pages and a few others.
 Thanks again for hanging in their with us, we know it's bee frustrating.
Tiffany

5.06.2010

Join our Absolute Organization Seminar at a Scrapbook Show in your area

Hi Scrappers and Paper Crafters -
 Did you know I get to travel around the country and teach Organization Seminars at the major Scrapbook Shows.  If you need help getting your crafting supplies organized I'd love to see you at a seminar.  Here's a list of the shows where I'll be teaching.  The links will take you to the show home pages.  You'll find my seminar listed as Absolute Organization in the workshop listings for each show.  We have sold out at a couple of shows already, but some shows haven't started selling tickets yet so they will still be available.  If you have Scrap and Craft pals that need help getting organized please forward a link to them.
 Looking forward to seeing you in person!
 Tif 

June 3-5 Great American Scrapbook Show - Arlington, Texas

Creating Keepsakes - Riverside, CA
Absolute Organization Seminar ONLY - June 18, 6:00-7:30 PM

July 8-11 - Atlanta Scrapbook Expo
Booth and Seminar


July 15-17 - Puyallup Scrapbook Expo
Booth and Seminar

August 5-8 - Santa Clara, CA, Scrapbook Expo
Booth and Seminar


August 13-14, Creating Keepsakes - Charlotte, NC
Booth and Seminar

August 25-29 - Creating Keepsakes, Nashville
Booth and Seminar


September 15-19, Creating Keepsakes, San Marcos, TX
Booth and Seminar

October 21-24, Ontario, CA- Scrapbook Expo
Booth and Seminar

November 11-13, Creating Keepsakes, Seattle, WA

5.05.2010

GREAT way to organize/control your computer cords

Hello to all -
 I'm so sorry I've been MIA from Blog World for such a long time.  As many of you may already know I had a major heatlh issue which is now mostly resolved.  So hopefully, I'll be back on track with Blog Posts.  This one is short, sweet, simple, and NOT my own idea.  It was sent to me by one of my regular "Organizer" Pals but I thought it was worth a quick entry.  Please feel free to pass along a link, this is something everyone could use!  Just large Binder Clips from the office supply store.  Short, Sweet, Simple - and for most of us something we already own!  Love It!!
Get your Computer Cables Neat and Organized.