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