This summer I spent quite a bit of time working on various things to organize my supplies.
This first one is a copic swatch book. I have a Copic Color chart that I've colored by hand, but I find when I'm looking to match colors to a particular pattern paper, it's very difficult as the color boxes just aren't big enough. I was searching and searching for something else, when I came across Michelle's blog at
Purple Onion Designs. Off to work I went. I started by opening a spreadsheet in Excel. The top line is the color code, under that the color name. After printing and cutting out, I punched holes. I then colored three lines, the top line is one layer, the second is two, and the bottom is three layers. This provides a great representation of color. I then punched a hole in the corner and put them on a binder ring.
Here is an example of how I used the ring. I knew I wanted to use this paper and wanted to color coordinate the image.
What I like best is I ended up blending colors that I would not have normally blended! For example I used B93, B12, and B0000 together!!
Next up is my scraps storage.
Scraps are so frustrating! I have scraps everywhere. I don't dare throw out a piece larger than 2x2 inches. But what do you do with the extras? I wanted something affordable. Meaning if I could re purpose what I already had that would be the best option. Next I wanted something that didn't require a lot of space. Space is a premium in my studio. Lastly I wanted something that would make it easy to locate a particular scrap.
I started out with a notebook that I purchased on sale at Staples a few weeks ago. I realize that I do need a bigger one though. I then took page protectors that I already had and labeled them with a color name and type of paper. For every color I have two page protectors, one for patterns and one for cardstock. Next, I loaded them up! I don't have a problem with the 12 inch papers sticking out of the top as this binder sits on my desk.
Lastly I had a mission to organize my collection of 105 Magnolia Stamps. I wanted it to be portable, but I wanted to be able to see my stamps at a glance. I previously had used CD cases, but when only 2-3 stamps fit in a case, I was quickly running out of room to store the cases. I searched all over my office for something to use. Finally I realized that I had a PSB from Crop in Style. I've had this binder for YEARS and it's been sitting under my desk collecting dust.
First thing I did was dust it off! Heehee! Next I cut paper to fit each of the sections in the PSB refill pages. I then stamped an image on the sheet, turned it over and slipped into the pocket complete with the stamp!
Lastly, I always get asked about my Copic marker storage. I found this metal silverware caddy at Target a few years back. It has 6 sections. It's worked fine for my complete collection of Caio markers with a few Sketch markers. If I order even one more Sketch marker, I'll have to figure out something else to use! I attached a small wooden dowel on the side of the caddy so that I can flip it down and have all my markers peeking out at my horizontally. My scrap desk is pretty high and I can't have my markers vertical because I wouldn't be able to see them!
So there you have it! My mission to organize was very successful and so easy for me to use too!
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I have ONE more until I reach 100!!! Woot!!! I'm still thinking about what I should do to celebrate.
