Is your PAPER out of control? Mine? In fact… I’m Lostinit 😉
What is the one thing that us ‘Papercrafter’s’ have in common…. Paper! And, typically we have a lot of it, and it’s not just that, we have different types of paper that we use for a variety of reasons. So, how can it be stored to best suit your needs, because, they are going to be different to mine. I decided to share my ideas and solutions in the hope that it may give you some inspiration if you too are struggling with paper storage solutions.
You can watch the video here or in HD on YouTube right HERE.
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#PAPERSTORAGE
What Paper do I need to organize?
- A4 Plain white cardstock, coloured cardstock and specialty papers
- 12″ X 12″ coloured cardstock, design paper and paper pads
- 6″ X 6″ Design Paper and paper pads
- Foil Art
- 3″ X 6″ Paper sets
- Prepped A2 card bases and A2 panels
What storage items will I use?
I already owned some storage products, so I re-used what I could and was able to top-up where I needed to. When searching for products, here are the parameters that I took into account and that you may need to consider also.
Ideally, the storage needed to be ‘clear’ so that I could see cardstock colours, large enough to store the items with a little extra space for ‘scraps’, I wanted to be able to label an item if needed, as well as be affordable and available (I live in Australia).
Here is what I used
- A4 Cardstock – 2 types of clear plastic pockets.
Amazon – A4 Clear Folders (AMZ – 30 Pack)
Pros: Plenty of space for ‘extra’ cardstock | label | affordable | available
Cons: The snap made the pockets too bulky so I needed to remove these and cut away the flap, which left a hole in the pocket | be aware that some of the cheaper versions of these may be made of thin/poor quality plastic.
- Altenew’s Neat & Nifty 9″ X 11.5″ (ALT) I would have loved to use these for ALL my A4 cardstock, but they released after I’d already purchased the clear folders 😔
Pros: these are perfectly sized and ready to go (no snap to be removed)
Cons: Can only fit one packet of paper in each folder | no label. - A4 White Cardstock (AMZ)- I have used Letter trays or ‘in trays’ for these for years and it has worked well, until I
overloaded them. So, I consolidated what I needed and removed the specialty cardstocks to a different area.
Pros: Having my most used white cardstocks labeled and within reach means that I am not constantly searching for the right white paper. These trays are sturdy and stackable which means they last a long time and take up less surface area | affordable.
Cons: Be sure to buy trays that are sturdy and can be stacked. Also, make sure that the base is ‘flat’ I have used some that had raised centres on the base and I found that this warped the cardstock over time.
- 12 X 12 Paper Storage (SSS) (also called Scrapbook Paper Storage) – I used these to store my 12 X 12 cardstock but I was also able to ‘flip’ these on their sides so that they could provide support for the A4 cardstock pockets (this stops them from falling over as well as keeps the cardstock sorted into sections).
Pros: Can be used upright or on their side | many different versions available | affordable | long lasting (I’ve had some for 10+ years)
Cons: Can be difficult to assemble | are quite tall so you need enough space to stand them in
- 6 X 6 Paper Pads | 3 X 6 Paper Sets | Foil Art (KMART)- I used sturdy plastic storage bins. There are many different varieties and can be found in a ‘big box’ store, discount store or online.
PRO TIP: Be sure to measure what you need before you buy, both the size of shelf where you will keep the items as well as the items themselves. For example, if you have a large collection of design paper pads you may need multiple bins for these.
Pros: Easy to locate | affordable | available in multiple different colours to suit your decor.
Cons: Buying the wrong size for the area or not allowing enough space to fit the product you wish to store (we’ve ALL been there 😂). - Prepped A2 Card Bases & A2 Panels (AMZ)- These 6 X 6 cubes are a great storage option. I like to make my own card bases with a heavy weight cardstock and do this in production line style, so it makes sense to keep them right where I need them, directly in front of where I craft. Recently I have started using different brands of cardstock and I want to have the card bases and A2 panels ‘ready to go’, so I added 2 new cubes.
Pros: Small footprint in my workspace | stackable | can be used for multiple purposes (I use a similar item to store alcohol markers).
Cons: May be difficult to find an affordable version - BONUS TIP!
A4 Clear Hard Cover Case (AMZ)- I have been using these for YEARS. Usually, it was to travel with, I’d store pre prepped product/cardstock ready to create with… only recently, I began using them to store specialty papers! They are perfect for vellum, acetate, masking papers and double sided adhesive sheets. These ‘softer’ papers have a way of bending over and getting caught on other cardstocks and they can be easily ruined. These hard folders are perfect for storing them in their original packets as well as all the scrap pieces.
Pros: many different sizes, widths and brands to choose from | affordable.
Cons: not available everywhere.
What’s Next? I need HELP?
Next? I need some sort of sorting system, swatch or similar… I have always used ‘My Colour Story’, which is a flip folder where I keep track of all my inks etc. And, I have used it for cardstock before, but the downside was that I wasn’t able to pick up the colours and hold combos together.
So, I was wondering if it may be better to create a swatch system, either in the folder (make them removable) or have the colours swatched on a split ring. I would like something that I could use to quickly hold the colours together to make a decision about combos.
QUESTION: Do you have any suggestions for me to swatch or keep track of cardstock colours, or, do you have a great system that works for you? Let me know in the comments below, I would love to hear your ideas!!
I hope this information was of value to you. Remember, that our ever evolving crafty spaces are our own, and what may work for me, may not suit you. But, I know that sometimes there is a little snippet of information that can really be a game changer. I always start by trying to use what I already have, but sometimes this is not possible… or not enough. Check your local stores for similar items that may suit you.
Let me know in this comments below which of today’s storage ideas was your favourite, and if you are thinking about trying any of them for yourself. And, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
Thank you for spending your time with me today, sending crafty hugs your way!
Also, just in case you want to do a little shopping I’ve added the links below (some of them are affiliate links which means that I will receive a small portion of the sale at no extra cost to you). I truly appreciate your support of me and the stores that we love 🥰!
SUPPLIES:
A4 Clear Folders (30 pack) – AMZ https://amzn.to/4gFlkpi
Neat & Nifty Storage Pockets 9 X 11.5″ – ALT https://tinyurl.com/39je2hp7
Plastic Organizer Letter Desk Tray (In Tray) – AMZ https://amzn.to/49M9Qy2
12 X 12 Paper Holder Storage – SSS https://shrsl.com/4sgy0
6 X 6.5 Desk Organizer (3 drawers) – AMZ https://amzn.to/4iH6NLE
Deflecto 6 X 6 Stackable Cube (this is very similar to my original cube – https://tinyurl.com/42hwat44
Small Stackable Container with Lid – KMART https://tinyurl.com/5t3n472n
A4 Clear Hard Cover Case – AMZ https://amzn.to/3P3pVWs
Scoring Board – ALT https://tinyurl.com/4z8btj2e | SSS https://shrsl.com/4ofap
Bone Folder – ALT https://tinyurl.com/yxmex7em
Fiskars Procision Trimmer – AMZ https://amzn.to/49MPpRH