Are Your Ribbons Ready?

You can organize your ribbons in purpose-made shelves (available at candystamps.stampinup.net) for easy access. But then there are those little scraps. You know, the pieces you cut for a project and then didn't use. I like to store my scraps and pieces in a ribbon "jar." I call it a jar, but it's actually a vase, because I don't want to have to open a lid when I'm looking for/grabbing a piece of ribbon. Remember, you want your organization to work FOR you not against you. You want it to SAVE time not cost you time.  For an extra bit of organization as well as style, I added a one of the Curly Chalkboard Labels from the Summer Mini Catalog ($5.95 for 3 labels).  See the labels below. 

Ribbon is my go-to embellishment. It adds the perfect touch to most any project. I use ribbon on my hand-stamped cards, scrapbook pages, handmade gifts, and more. Of course, they also make for extra-special packaging. When wrapping up a gift, even a small or inexpensive one, I like to make it extra special with nice wrapping or even just some nice ribbon. Stampin' Up! ribbon comes in all our core colors as well as in colors (trendy colors that keep everything fresh) and is very, very nice quality. I like to wrap a stack of hand-stamped cards in a generous length of ribbon for gifting. Super simple, super easy, extra special!

To purchase these neat, tidy, yet stylish organization helps for your crafting, just click here to enter my store.  You can shop and even search to your heart's content.  The ribbon shelves (technically, the name is Ribbon Keepers) are 107634, 2 small (11.95), 107635, 2 medium ($15.95), and 107636, 2 large ($18.95) and the Curly Chalboard Labels (shown above) are 118876, 3 labels ($5.95) and Oval Chalkboard Labels (same as above but oval-shaped) are 121019, 3 labels ($5.95).  Just plug those numbers into the search to find them in seconds.  And while you're there, check out our ribbons!

How Do I Organize My Stamps?

What is the best way to organize your stamps? 

How do I organize mine?

There are 3 basic systems for stamp organization:

1.  Alphabetically
2.  Number system
3. Category

There is not a one-size-fits-all organizational system.  You need to have a system that works for YOU.  So let's look at each system.  

Alphabetical:  This is a great system as it's quick and easy to find things.  In addition, we are used to looking for other things alphabetically.  The major drawback to this system is that you have to really know the names of your stamp sets.  If you're good with names, this is the system for you!

Number system:  For this system, you simply affix a number to your stamp sets and keep a list, sort of like a library system where each book has a number.  You can simply number your sets in the order you purchase them or make a more specific system where nature sets begin with a 1, greetings sets begin with a 2, etc.  This is a great system for the very organized people out there.  God bless you all!

Category:  For this system, you organize your stamps according to the category they are listed under in the Idea Book & Catalog.  So all the Holiday stamps go in one spot, the Occasions stamps go in another, etc.  This is the system I use, and it really helps me.  In addition to keeping my stamps straight, it helps me orient to the catalog.  Since I use my catalog a lot, not only for helping people place orders but also for my own design inspiration, I feel that I kill two birds with one stone.

Whatever stamp organization system you choose, get one going.  When you can find what you are looking for, creating hand stamped projects is much more fun.  Stamping is meant to be a time of creativity and enjoyment, not frustration.  So organize your stamps and you will be stamping stress-free!

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