Get Organized, Get Stamping

Q & A     Organizing Stamps Q: I adore and love every one of my stamps that I have. Unfortunately, I forget what I have. Do you have any suggestions for organizing your rubber stamps?   A: Stampin’ Up! makes organizing your stamps easy because our stamp sets are sold in sets that come in a clear acrylic box with labels. The strategy I’m highlighting below is similar to a library system. You have a card file or binder of all your stamps with the name of the stamp set collection. You have a specific location to store your stamp sets for easy retrieval. This system works in any craft or storage space and will grow with your collection. Store your Stamps in Labeled Boxes Whether you have 5 stamp sets or 500, this strategy is a good place to start. When you purchase from Stampin’ Up! you will receive your stamps in a clear acrylic box with labels. Make sure to label the box in the same location every time so you always know where to look for the label. A good spot is on the end near the opening flap as a guideline (see photo above). You will be searching for a stamp by the name of the stamp set so make sure the label is easy for you to read. With this system you can store your stamp sets out of sight whether it is in a closet, on a shelf in your craft room or in baskets. How you organize your boxes is based on how many you have and where you store them. For instance, you could store the stamp set boxes in alphabetical order if all your sets fit in one spot. However, if you have limited space you could store your stamp set boxes in containers by theme or category. This way you can store your holiday stamp sets in a different area until they are needed. Create Categories The categories are used to easily retrieve the stamps you are looking for. These categories can be used as tabs in a binder or storage location. Here are a few examples: By Theme: Holidays, Greetings, All Natural, Occasions, Elements, Kids By Use: Cards, Scrapbooks, All Purpose, Weddings, Birthdays By Name: A-F, G-L, M-Q, R-Z Location: Red basket, Basement, Single Stamps Make a Binder Use the Stamp Collection Template Sheet found in this month’s newsletter to create a binder that will organize all the stamp sets you have in one place. The general idea is to create a 3-ring binder that you can easily add or subtract sheets of stamp collections. Stamp a set or grouping of stamps on the printed blank stamp template sheet. Add name of stamp set and category and place the sheet in the binder. Why not create a stamp template sheet just for birthday greetings and list the stamp set name below the images? You could also use the template sheet to include sample projects, coloring samples, stamp usage notes and a way to track if you have lent the stamp set out to someone. Maintain Order Maintaining the system is important. Make sure when you purchase a new stamp set you create a new template sheet, categorize the stamp set and then store it in the designated location for easy retrieval. I recommend doing this at the same time you assemble and clean your stamps. Our wood stamps are a wise investment as they can be used over and over again for years. I hope you will give it a try as I have found being organized will help you save money and time. As your personal creativity coach, I’ll be happy to work with you to find a strategy that meets your particular needs.

Stamp Binder

    Create a handy stamp reference binder

 

This handy stamp reference binder template is referenced in the Q&A section below. Create your own stamp collection binder and never search for another stamp again.

 

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

1. 1-1/2″ or 2″ three-ring binder with clear overlay to insert cover sheet and spine.

2. Binder Tabs

3. Three-hole punch

4. Paper trimmer

5. Printer

Download Template (PDF)