Guest Blogger: Ali Wood

Hi there!

My name’s Alison – but you can call me Ali! I “met” Amy a few years back via the internet – and we’ve become blogging friends. I’ve got a blog called Shades of Grey<link: http://creativali.blogspot.com>  where I share my scrapbooking and craft projects, inspiration, fitness goals, random snippets of information about my life and much more!

I’ve just moved house... to a house with only 1 cupboard in the entire place! So today I’m sharing some tips, information and ideas about moving/packing and downsizing your scrapbooking/craft area....

When I packed up my scrapbooking room, I went having this (an overcrowded bookshelf, which had also started taking up my wardrobe space):

To this – a much cleaner, more streamlined organisational approach:

I was lucky to be only moving about 5 minutes away. So I was able to use the storage my craft supplies were in (baskets, media boxes etc), and just loaded them into my car.

 For other items, I used  a big plastic storage tub. I recommend these as they’re sturdier than packing boxes, and your supplies won’t be damaged:

Ok.... so now onto the tips and ‘arranging’ of your supplies....

Tip #1 – LOVE adjustable shelving.

When choosing your bookshelf, or storage option – look for something with adjustable shelving – this allows you to have countless options when it comes to box sizes and storage options. 

Tip #2 - Cheap doesn’t equal nasty!

When I moved I made a trip to Ikea and bought new media boxes (the black ones below) to store my photos. The ones I got are DVD boxes and fit packets of photos easily! Ikea and other chain stores like target are great for picking up bargain storage options. Think outside the square – kitchen jars are great for storing button and trim!

Tip #3 - Don’t have cupboards? Don’t stress!

If you don’t have cupboards, pick up some large storage boxes like I did to store chipboard albums, envelopes and cards, paint and larger items like alpha stickers etc! I stacked them next to my desk with the heaviest box on the bottom, and my most used box (alpha stickers) on the top!

Tip #4 - Store products according to their use and volume

When choosing storage for your craft/scrapbooking embellishments it’s important to choose something that suits you. Have a think about what embellishments you use often, and how you may group them. I have the majority (if not all) of my ‘bits and pieces’ stored in this ikea box. I have a draw for chipboard, one for mini alphas and things, one for journal spots and cards, one for tags... you get the picture....

I also have a plastic tray with a lid that holds things like eyelets, some buttons , feathers and other trinkets.

Tip #5 - Don’t be afraid to repurpose ‘used’ storage options.

For my small amount of embossing products (which I’ve just started accumulating), I already had a small red embossed box (that was originally brought from a $2 shop – from the gift section) – so I re-purposed this (which originally housed a small selection of tools and a Xyron sticker machine).

Tip #6 – Open storage equals easy access!

You know those products you reach for often, or need ‘hand space’ to find something? Use open storage like baskets, open shelves, vases, glasses and buckets! I use three baskets (again from Ikea) to store my ribbon, tools (punches etc), and another to store buttons (stored in ziplock plastic bags). They’re easy to access and look great!! J

Tip #7 – Folders and labels are your friends!

I’m lucky enough to work for a scrapbooking company (Kaisercraft – www.kaisercraft.net), and they have these amazing folders and re-sealable zippered storage pockets that store my clear stamps perfectly!! I also try and label my boxes, for example I keep my ink and glitter in one box and my ‘bling’ (rhinestones) and brads in another....

Tip #8 – Display those loved items rather than hiding them away!

My layouts that aren’t yet put into albums are stored in this 12x12 flocked box. Before I hid it away in the bottom of a cupboard, but when I moved I noticed it matched my Diana camera and typewriter perfectly. So I pulled my typewriter out of it’s case, and put it on top of the box to create a cute little display in the corner of my scrap room.

Another idea I have is to buy a couple of 12x12 frames to hang in my room also to store layouts on a rotating basis too.

Tip #9 – Colour coordinate!

Well to some degree. You don’t have to, but I find it unifies my room – I went for a white/black theme with splashes of red, and small amounts of woodgrain.

Under my desk you’ll see some cords, I’ve tried to hide them with my printer which has a placemat on it (also red)....

Last, but not least, make your own, or buy some artwork to liven up your area!!

Happy organising! xx

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Thanks for the awesome post, Ali! My favorite part is my print hanging above your desk. :)
ENjoy your new home!

xo, Amy