www.windycityscrapbooking.com

So, my last blog post about clearing space prompted me to think about how I organize all of my supplies.  My work space multi-tasks.  It is where I do my consultant work as a historian, where I edit photo shoots, where I scrapbook, and where I do the sewing projects that I have. However, the majority of the space is taken up by scrapbook supplies.  I think that these supplies also multitask.  For example, all afternoon the other day, my daughters and I used paper, stickles, adhesive and journaling pens to complete our Halloween decorations.  They use Zots for everything, from gluing a doll into a car to fixing a broken toy.  I digress.  

The space that I have includes a desk with storage above, an old table that houses my sewing machine and then some shelving in our storage room.  I house my cardstock in an old sheet music cabinet, and my patterned paper in vertical paper holders, from Cropper Hopper.  My other supplies are organized into jars, baskets, plastic bins, and metal file holders.

My mission, and yours, should you choose to accept it, is to find a better system.  One that will allow us to find what we need, when we need it, and more importantly USE what we have and make room for new, exciting products.

I have the patterned paper organized by thematic group, similar to, but not exactly to how the store is organized.  For example, I will have florals together, holiday papers, boldly colored papers, etc.  It works ok, but I think it could be better. How?  Any suggestions?  Right now, when I do a layout, I choose cardstock first, lay out the photos, then search for patterned paper by color.  So, I wonder if I should store the paper that way?  I hesitate because part of me also thinks about paper by manufacturer.  But, would moving my paper help inspire me to use it more?

Some people may think I have an alphabet problem.  I think I just like alphabet stickers.  But, am I really using these to the best of my ability?  

This last section is where I have my Epic Six (which is so cool, by the way), and then more paper, glitter, and then the three stacked 12x12 bins hold photos and memorabilia that need to be scrapbooked from my childhood.  The large stack on the top are items related to my history project, that I'd love to move elsewhere to make more space for scrapbook supplies, but right now, this is how it has to be.  

My goals for this post are many.  I hope to inspire myself to come up with better ways of organizing supplies.  I hope to inspire you to re-think  how you organize your supplies .  I hope to inspire all of us to come up with some new inventive ways of storing things that will in turn, inspire us to make some more layouts and get our memories recorded!

Please post some photos of your current spaces, how you store things and what you're having trouble with.  We can start a conversation in the comments and help each other become more organized, and inspired.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Angie

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As a thank you for reading our blog, being a Facebook Fan, and/or following us on Twitter we would like to invite you to save 22% OFF your entire in-store purchase on Veteran's Day, 11/11/09!  All you have to do is say something patriotic before you check out!   

Sale good for 11/11/09 only.  Some exclusions do apply.

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Come in to take advantage of our disappearance clearance sale.  We are not disappearing we just want these items to disappear so we can make room for the new items coming to Windy City Scrapbooking and pass the savings to our favorite customers. So come in before everything in our clearance area disappears.

:) Sesil

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The UniBind PhotoBook Creator is new to the scrapbooking industry this year and it offers a whole new world of creative possibilities.  I have one now and have tested for myself how easy it really is.

Check out this link to see a demo, get a review of the product, and get some ideas:  http://www.thescrapreview.com/2009/10/tool-review-photobook-creator-by.html

I bought the UniBind with the thought of replacing the photo books I created through photo processing websites (think Flyshutter and Fishsnap).  I create several digital albums each year and the UniBind is going to make this process much less expensive for me.  But the great thing about UniBind is that you can use ANY paper!  You could quickly bind traditional scrapbook pages, actual photographs, vellum, transparencies, whatever you want!  The end product looks professional and complete.

Here is a start of my 2009 Annual Digital Album I am making for the grandparents for Christmas.  You can see this sample in person at Windy City Scrapbooking.

I apologize this Tuesday Tip is actually on Wednesday; a day late.  Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Melissa

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I loved Laura's suggestion of QuicKutz Quicke for a title to my blog posts! Thanks Laura, I will have some blog candy waiting for you at the store next time you come in.
Now that we have a name for my posts lets get started!

This week I am doing a tiny teaser about the Holiday Set! I get excited every time they come out with new gift sets. I get giddy with anticipation of what they have in store for us. Let me tell you now that they have continued to please me and I think you will agree. Now the release is not until November 3rd so I can not share exaclty what it is but I will tell you that there is one set and it includes an alphabet and many dies that will assist you during the gift giving season.  There are also additional dies that will assist you with your gift making. I wish I could tell you more but I have been sworn to secrecy. To hold you over here is a little picture that might help you out...or not. :) These  boxes contain all the wonderful goodies ;)





Don't forget about the Card Swap and the Medical Die Contest in November. Call the store if you have any questions or to sign up for the swap 773-935-0585
*Details for both can be found in my last QuicKutz post*

Jen

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