Here you go…I hope that you find this helpful. We all have different ways to store things and this works for me…please leave a comment and let everyone know how you store your 12 X 12 paper!
I admit…I am very, TYPE A and I adore trying to figure out storage solutions. We all look at spaces differently and to me there is nothing better than being able to go to the Container Store, IKEA, a great dollar store….etc….looking for new ways to make my life easier!
- I have had this system for YEARS….and I went to google the company and it must not be around (or it has changed names etc…) I originally bought these from Cropper Hopper – it is now called Storage Solutions (love the name!!!) You can click here and see the offerings.
- The "KEY" items are the Paper Folders and the dividers….I am the very first one to say that it is an investment but the way I look at it is…..IT WORKS AND MAKES MY LIFE EASIER! I am not a fan of the "Paper Holder" part and I know that I could find something a bit more decorative etc…but again, it works!
- When I say years…I probably have had some for over 10 + years….and I would just purchase more of the Paper Folders as needed. I know I said that I can fit 6+ in there….it all depends on how much paper you stuff in the files! When new paper comes out…I peel off the labels and put a new one on!
- A Label Maker is my friend and once you use one…you'll never be without it. I have found that Amazon is the cheapest and the tape is a SUPER DEAL at Amazon (always have an extra because there is nothing worse than having a wonderful type A time… to run out of tape!!! (now that REALLY frustrates me)
You can also go to Amazon and look for these folders….sometime I have found them there and my friend Jeanie….wowzers – she hit the JACKPOT one day and found a bunch of them in a clearance section at a Hobby Lobby.
It really depends on how much paper you have…I have just found this to be a huge help to me with our DSP. I cannot tell you how many times I have tried a new system thinking that maybe that would work…but it doesn't for me and I always come back to these Folders.
When a new catalog comes out and I still have paper that I want to use…I put the paper and scraps in a large Zip-lock Bag and take the label that I "peeled off" and pop it on the bag – hopefully this makes sense! I like to keep my "current DSP" in the system that I have shown you!
NOW LET'S get to the REAL ISSUE we all have and I am equally as guilty!
If we are honest….we all probably have TOO MUCH PAPER! When we have TOO MUCH we get stressed (well at least I do) and (when it is not organized) than we really feel like saying CALGON TAKE ME AWAY!!!
I do keep the current paper in my work space and then "selectively" keep the DSP that was discontinued in my baggies. The bottom line is that you either have to use it or be disciplined not to over purchase. (I can hear Chris laughing as she reads this)
If I have a bunch of DSP that I have not used, I will look at the paper and figure out a great clean and simple card to make and make TONS of them to use it up….we all know that we can use it up – you just have to be focused to say…I AM GOING TO DO MY BEST TO USE IT!
I also design my cards for the Breast Cancer project I do focusing on paper that I have not used…another great way to use it up! I could go on and on about this topic….there are ways to reduce your stash!
I just finished up my first Product Share from the New Catalog (but will do it again in the middle of the month) but this is the BEST WAY to stay organized.
The "Swatch Books" take up a minimal amount of space and provide a HUGE RESOURCE when we are crafting away and it is great to get a "taste" of the paper at a fraction of the price of buying full pack! (Heck, we can all find a way to use up a 1/2 sheet of DSP)
I am soooo passionate and love figuring out ways to make my life easier, we all see things differently and it is fun to hear and see what works for you.
Are you LOVIN' the new catalog? I am like that little kid waiting for my UPS Truck to come give me Christmas in June! I am excited to share with you new products!
Let's have a fabulous day…I hope that this has helped you…be gentle on yourself, we all see things in different ways and there is not a right or wrong way…it is YOUR WAY!
I just purchased a label maker and I, honestly, don’t know how I functioned without it for so many years….especially since I have a bit of OCD when it comes to organizing my craft room. Thanks for all your tips.
I love my label maker!!! I have a similar way of storing my DSP and love it. I am looking for more “dividers” but haven’t looked on Amazon yet (silly me) so thanks for the idea. I am not as disciplined as you with using up my paper. Shameful, I know. Just curious….did you see the message about the DSP stacks on SU Tuesday Updates?
Yes I did,my lip was hanging like a toddler. I am sure that we all would much rather have the correct size of paper – glad that Stampin’ Up” caught it before everyone received it….this just is a hiccup for my product shares but trust me, I have plenty to work on! Hugs my friend
I just knew that there would be other Label Maker addicts out there – it is THE BEST….my kids totally make fun of me! Isn’t it funny how little things like this make us happy!
For many years my DP has been and still is in its original flimsy packaging stacked on top of each other in a drawer in my desk. It has gotten heavier over the years and not so easy to find what I need, but it’s funny how I have managed to remember all the colors in each set! I checked out Michaels for the dividers, but they were being discontinued, and I certainly don’t want to start purchasing something and not be able to buy any more when needed. That’s where I’m at; I haven’t tried looking anywhere else….yet. I know I need another system, but it will happen, eventually. Thanks for your tips.
I have loved my label maker and I am always finding new ways to use it. It’s Amazing. Never thought to look on Amazon for the refill tape.
I use to be super organized, then started on some meds that make it hard for me to concentrate. Not good for a Anal person like I am. LOL So NOW, super de-organized. Working on it.
I love your idea and will look into it.
I use the exact same system and it works fof me! I have to purchase more folders with the new papers coming in … thanks for sharing.
I just placed an order from Storage Solutions the file folders and dividers I needed. I had never been to their website before today…thanks for bringing my attention to their company!
Could you please show us some of the designs you use when you have paper to use up? What are your “go to” layouts that are simple and attractive? Thanks!
Love everyone’s ideas and how we use the label maker! I store my 12×12 paper in a file with hanging folders made specifically for 12×12 paper which I found at a local craft store which went out of business some years ago. I also make up labels with the name of the DSP and include the coordinating colors for a quick reference. Yes, a little OCD here!
First of all you asked how we store our paper. Well, I actually have 2 types of systems! Ha, made you laugh! 1. I havea couple of those plastic holders but just stuff the papers in them. I usually am too lazy to take them out of their wrappers so they are in there. Well, part of them. A lot of those are CTMH packets mixed in with SU and some I had purchased separate sheets or found at a yard sale. But, they are just stuffed in there. Next, I have a stack on the desk of my newest SU DP still in it’s flimsy packaging. Occasionally the pile gets bumped and they slide off the desk. From there I have a set of drawers with almost all CTMH and yard sale finds but again no order. Like Pooh it is a surprise sometimes when I open the drawer and find something I wanted! I am also short and can’t see in the top drawers as they are on top of this cool metal file my husband brought back from the Army Battalion when they closed it. That you would be impressed with as there are drawers labeled, yes, labeled with my PC Touch labeler. But, some of those need relabeled as now I don’t keep a few things in those drawers or stickers are combined in with rhinestones and pearls etc. All of this is the “craft room” There are a few piles of the smaller paper stacks sitting on boxes etc in there too.
Moving downstairs in a spare room there are some Christmas DP laying in piles or in the SU box. Henry, RIP, managed to nibble on these as I was using them but large parts are still useful. There is also fake flowers in that room and a general mess of stuff.
Then, we have the kitchen table where there are some smaller pieces of papers I have used on projects and just piled them on there with a ton of books and other stuff as well as two coats. I need to tackle this as hubbie would like to eat at the table sometime in the future. He bought me bins to sort out this table but he managed to place a bunch of his tools and gardening stuff on top and I can’t budge them! The dining room and the sun room has some misc pieces from projects too. I tend to work in the living room now.
About that PC labeler thing – Mike borrowed it a year or two ago as well as the extra tape for it and I have yet to see it back. Maybe he has it in his office closet or his pseudo filing system. He is the one who couldn’t find the 2013 IRS paperwork. I actually found it right where it should be – not sure what he was thinking of! The labeler could be in one of his drawers.
Oh yes, I was chuckling when I came to the part about me laughing!
I maybe can see some light here – I need more of the plastic holders maybe with the parts inside but I actually don’t care exactly what is current since I am not a demo but it would be handy. Or, zip lock bags to hold collections. Maybe smaller zip lock bags for scraps like 2 inch by whatever? Of course getting all the paper in one room would be helpful too.
Oh, a side story about Henry – he managed to pull down one of those plastic holders full of paper and rip up a bunch. Most of it was the glimmer paper and CTMH papers. He had shreds and scraps all over the house. What a mess he made as he also ripped up two boxes I had made with matching cards in them that were to be presents! He also managed to rip up the instructions on making the box. How, he managed to get the holder down, I have no idea. But, again this is boy who stole a whole loaf of bread off the counter and ate it and stashed the bread wrapper under the chair with some of his other treasures as well as his stash of antibiotics he was taking before he died!
I think I like Mary Ann’s comment about the meds vs. concentration since I can be quite ANAL about things too esp at work – it is the home thing I guess I have a problem with!
I don’t have a lot of packages of 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock and they are in a holder so maybe I should move them to the hanging system in either a bin or the desk drawer for a starter. Another starting idea – I have a mother/daughter team who makes cards for their church and then try to sell some. Only the daughter is working now and they tend to spend a lot of money they could use elsewhere on CTMH stuff. They had a SU demo before. Anyway, I plan on giving them a big bunch of goodies of paper and stamps mostly.
O.k. I think this has become my longest post ever. I can hear Jeanie and Ginger giggling about this with Susan still! I am sure there is light somewhere in this tunnel – I do have batteries in three places stored for flashlights by the way! Something about using up all of the DP in one collection scares me – what if I want to make just one more card like I had for someone else? Yeah, what are the odds that will happen? Guess what, I have to go to work earlier today and with the added money I can buy some new SU goodies!
I apologize to those who wonder who this weird Chris R. from Iowa is and why I leave so long of comments. The way I see it, I have a captive audience – either read it, ignore it or delete it! But, when I don’t comment for a short bit I have had a few ask if I was sick or something! By, the way, Pooh and I have sort of the same body shape and I adore chocolate as much as he likes honey! Sorry, Susan to monopolize your blog post but you opened the door on this one!
I love my label maker! I use labels on my daubers too. Works like a charm. I found a dauber case on Blitsy, holds quite a few. At first I thought I’d be able to tell the colors apart without marking them, but the colors look so different on daubers for some reason. I have a cute cube from ’31’ for my 12 x 12. I slit the top of the package and pull the piece I need out of the top. I put them in alphabetical order so I can see what I have/need. The reason I leave it in the package is I like looking at the color list on the label. Looking at your system, I might make a list of the colors on the folder. I agree about “trying to not order too much/having what I need when I need it/hate to be out” amounts of DSP. Oh Susan, I thought I was the only one who gets great joy shopping at container type stores. Always looking for new ideas for storage. Your ideas are always inspirational!
I store my dsp in 12×12 page protectors which also house my scraps in the front. then I bought 12×12 cardboard paperholders from my local craft store (I think about $4 or $5 on sale) to hold the page protectors. I have 4 boxes & store by occasion (Christmas, Halloween, valentines, etc) in one box, specialty papers (glimmer paper, coredinations, vellum, etc) in a second one, b’day in the 3rd box & all occasion in the 4th box. works great for me. love the label idea. will have to incorporate that.
I was a traditional scrapbooker (and still am) long before I became an avid card maker. So my storage solution was geared toward scrapboking. I have three different paper holders for my paper in the following manner … I use one for my solid colors (scraps and all), another I have sorted by theme (ie. Christmas, baby, wedding, sports, etc.) and a third for patterned paper, also sorted by color. I too used a ‘Cropper Hopper’ expandable storage file. I used it for over, about twenty years. It finally bit the dust and sadly had to replace it. I also have a ‘Lagecy Crafters Beautone Table Top Crop File’ that is almost identical, only a different company and a slightly different closure style. Creative Memories also had one that I purchased as a clearance item when I was at a scrapbooking retreat. The CM one I don’t like as much. It is a little narrower in width (it does accommodate a 12 x 12 paper) making it a little tighter to fit my papers. Instead of a label with words on the tab provided, I have a small scrap of colored paper showing what color is in that specific tab. The files I have divided by colors, that works well for, but I just might have to look into that label maker for my themed file. I’m always tabbing through each one for the themed paper I’m looking for. I keep all three of these files in a rolling tote (from Menard’s), so when I go to my evening or weekend crops, all I need do it roll it out to my car and I’m ready for my night out for scrappin’ or cardmaking fun!
P.S. I found the ‘Generations 85561’ one I have by googling just that. It came up at Sears. Don’t look at the first one for $74.45 Scroll down a little and you’ll see the same file for $18.64. I just may have to go out there and purchase one myself. Through the years they do wear out. I don’t want to struggle finding a replacement again as you did, Susan. Hope this helps you and everyone else out.
I had a couple of those Cropper Hopper containers, but they looked like someone had sat on them and squashed them and they never “puffed” back out, so I got rid of them. They were too open for my dusty desert home anyway. Now my paper is in giant plastic Art Bins with handles lined up neatly on the fireplace mantle, but I am slowly converting over to the Recollections drawers that Michael’s sells. Since I craft in the living room I am trying to get away from the plastic storage.
Chris, you are quite a character, and a pretty funny one at that! Might I ask what kind of animal Henry was? Just curious….Have a beautiful day!
~Roberta
I’m really fortunate to have a handy husband who can build things. I tell him what I need and after drawing up the plans, he builds them. I now have an 8 1/2 x 11 paper holder that has 60 slots, a 12 x 12 paper holder with 40 slots, and a punch holder that is not full yet:). I like my paper to lay flat, and I leave unopened packages unopened.
Susan, when you were showing how you store scraps of card stock with the scrap of CS behind the name, I just scratched my head and said duh, why didn’t I think of that, LOL, and proceeded to staples for a container with lid, and file folders. Proceeded to go home and immediately set to work. What a difference that made in finding what I need now. It also gave me an opportunity to clean out the scraps and you wouldn’t believe some of the things I found in the old folders, like brads, a button and wrong colors mixed in some folders. Now that that is completed, I can start on a few more ideas. Of course I’ve also found that organizing is an ongoing process, don’t think it will ever end LOL. Thanks for the tips and the printouts you supplied.
Wish I had a handy hubby like Norma! I use a box from the container store that is labeled for storing Vinyl Records. The 12 x 12 paper fits well, it just doesn’t have dividers, so I leave the paper in its original packaging. Reading all of these other solutions, I may need to change it up a bit!
LMAO!
Henry was a basset hound we adopted from a rescue league. He had anxiety issues. He died of complications with Cushings Syndrome last year. He was 6 when he died. We now have Ted or Teddy – TED stands for Tactical Explosive Device – no paper or cardboard is safe around the boy. Ted is a basset hound we got from a breeder so hopefully he will be healthy, wealthy and wise! He just turned 1 last week.
Sorry, I am not up on my tarrying, texting and all that so I am not sure what that means!?!
Well, I just placed an order with Storage Studio for my paper holder. I have wasted so much money on organizers! I think it is more my problem than theirs! Hope this gets me motivated to organize.
Thanks for the tips. I really enjoy your blog & love your cards.
That is so wonderful on your part to rescue a dog’s life, Chris! So sad that Henry didn’t live longer. Eeks! Be careful of your precious paper….it’s too expensive to be chewed up by a dog! *LMAO means Laughing My A*s*s Off.
What a great read! I enjoyed each comment. ? Now for my two cents … I used to keep my paper standing up in a Recollections cube. It was very hard to get it out. I just inherited a paper system on Sunday. It is wire mesh cubes, three cubes high. It has 24 slots. I’m still trying to come up with the best way to use it. I keep my paper in the original package as I can’t remember the names of the colors. I spent three hours cleaning my card corner today. And I have two questions for everyone. Do you throw away your old catalogs or save them? And do you throw away the plastic envelopes that the thinlets that’s come in?
Thanks everyone, and Susan too! ?
You are one smart cookie…I still think it is wonderful that we (as adults) find pleasure in purchasing “storage things”…a women after my own heart!
This is soooo true – John is always amazed at how I can tell the difference between all of the paper and even if I get in an “un-tidy” mode – we can still find what we need!!!
I am thrilled that so many LOVE their label maker, I can’t wait to tell my kids (I think they think I am the only one that has an obsession with it)
I love the phrase…sup de-organized….that’s a keeper!
Where do you find yours? I love the fact that you can use them over and over!
If you are referring to using up DSP…I look at the paper and then pick the stamp set. A great tip is to not make it too busy that it is distracting.
You simply cannot go wrong with simple shapes and work outward – I’ll do my weekend post with ideas for you!
I knew we would be friends….sounds like you have a great system…good for you!
Oh Chris…what is there to say other than – you are the best! You can bring a smile to anyones face….the best medicine one could have …..a true gift you are!
Shopping at a organizational store is like going to a spa – I adore it….I love looking and looking and then when I find a keeper…I get super excited!
I hear you about the color names…but that’s why I adore the swatches…I think having them makes it super easy before you go to get out all of the DSP!
Way to go!!! You have a system that works great for you….I do think you will love the label maker – sooooo handy!
Wow….your reply really brought back great memories….I used to host weekend retreats for my CM customer and they were always the best time!
I still have a rolling cart…it was my friend when I went to crops out of the house! Thanks for sharing….
Off to google it…..thanks!
I think that I know what you had….it was more of an accordion style – they were super frustrating….I like these sleeves much better!
Hi Norma….can I “rent” your husband!!! I will be glad to ship you John and he is a great accountant!
Off to get my list ready for the switch!!!
hmmm…that sounds interesting, does leaving the paper in the packages get out of sort when the plastic tears? I adore the Container Store….a HUGE treat!
YEAH for VICKIE..I think we all have sooooo many trials and errors on what works….they great thing is that somewhere down the road – you will find another use for things that you used to use!
I agree, I love getting feedback from everyone!
Sounds like we are all in the cleaning mode! It might take you some time to figure out how to use your new paper friend…maybe you need to put a heavy piece of cardstock on the bottom of the wire for stability
I do keep my old catalog…not sure exactly why but it does come in handy when you want to sell any old stamps and also, look at the ideas of projects!
Yes, I do keep the plastic envelopes…if I ever want to store/sell discontinued ones that I really do not use much…I think it is handy and they also have the product name/number on it!
Hugs!
Oh Ted…..I adore the comments about his love of paper!!! Now that’s a way to down size your paper stash!
I LOVE IT!
Henry was a good old boy that you were such an amazing owner too….
THIS IS PRICELESS!!! Still laughing!
TED stands for Tactical Explosive Device – no paper or cardboard is safe around the boy.
Chris is a true gift….I call her my daily dose of happy medicine! I just adore and cherish my cyber friends!
Oh My Gosh….Chris, you need to write a book! I am laughing so loud I woke up the kittys. I am sure they would make your book in to a movie and then you would have all this extra money to buy MORE paper!!! LOL
I was laughing so hard reading Chris’ post that I forgot to comment about paper storage. I love those clear 12 x 12 pockets and files!!! I have found them at AC Moore and also ordered from Amazon. I find I use my dsp more often because it is so easy to find and I can see what I have. I have one file for each color collection and store my dsp stacks by colors in alphabetical order. I can easily fit all 10 colors in a file. In Colors have their own file container and I store all the file holders on a book shelf in my craft room. Organization makes me happy and allows me to spend more time crafting. Win, win!!!!
I use the same storage folders and love them. Like someone else from the above comments I stick a post-it note on the inside of each folder with the coordinating card stock listed. I write on the side of the post-it that is sticky and stick it to the inside of the folder so I can read it from the outside and it stays put.
We have had several dogs we rescued through the years. Henry was the first basset. He had been abused and had anxiety problem and was on Prozac but he still had his moments. Oh, I love the meaning of “LMAO” and you bet I will use it a lot. Life is a bit difficult right now and I need every smile and giggle I can produce!
A book/move but where to start? I have a bunch of dilly’s from work too. Example, yesterday a new customer actually called me to ask if they could put chicken bones in their garbage or were they recyclable? This guy was really asking that question since his previous garbage company didn’t recycle.
I had hoped we would come out east this summer but it is not in the cards this year. I was so hoping to meet you and Susan!
Oh blush! I wish the darn people around here would realize it and hire me! I need a new life experience!
Thank you everybody for making my day, well, this is turning into a saga so how about a week. I wish we all lived closer to get together.
Sorry to keep posting, well I need to tell you about my daubers and how I store them, well starting to store them. I have a huge bunch of these little containers from my test strips (sort of like little film canisters). Since hubbie still has the labeler, I used the computer and typed the colors of ink that are on the daubers with enough space between the words so I can use the punch and punch out a circle. I daub on the color or around the word if it is a dark color and then glue them to the top. Then, I can drop the sponge dauber into the little canister. If I have the paper scrap I can put it around the sides but that seems to be too time consuming. I have a plastic box with lots of dividers and I put them in there and also my ink refills now. I am tempted to put the ink refills in the little canisters too and label them the same way since the labels on those ink refills are so tiny. The box is big enough I could put the sponge daubers on one side and the ink refills on the other and then put something in the enter ones too – maybe the twine or SU ribbon wrapped around the canister?
When we lived in Houston I went to the Container Store a lot even if I just went there to enjoy the a/c and drool a bit at all the products. Guess, I gotta get me some pockets and files.
Chris needs to write a book. THen when they make it into a movie (Which I am just so sure they will) she will have lots of extra $ to buy more paper! LOL
I am clearly one of the MOST disorganized people ever (and LOVE that Winnie the Pooh cartoon…so true!) but I will confess to having purchased a label maker a couple of years ago so I could label my stamp sets on the ends and sides to make stamp storage easier. I have even purchased refills once…proof that I actually use it!
Love your 12×12 paper storage….I keep mine in an Iris cart with 12×12 size drawers and label the names on the outside of the translucent drawers. It’s not perfect but it’s much better than my previous “pitch it all in here and deal with it later” system. lol!
Thanks for sharing some great ideas.