Tuesday's Tip at Ten- Let's Talk About Paper Scraps

 

Hi! My name is Rachael and I have a paper scrap problem! I struggle most with taking care of my paper scraps after I finish cutting paper to make cards. What ends up happening is a create a big pile on my floor. When it become too large I gather it up and stick into a box or worse on the top of my storage desk. Then weeks go by and have created 3 or 4 boxes full of useful and some not useful scraps.

So why don't I just throw them all away? Because if stored away properly, I really do use them. I feel like I have a good method of storing them even (see below). I just including a "follow through" step. 

Rachael's Scrap Plan

Here is my plan. I am allowed to have ONE (and only one) scrap box. I am to put my paper scraps there each day for one week. Every Friday I will go through my scraps and recycle what I can't use and save the rest by color or by paper pattern. IF I feel super motivated I can even take care of my scraps right after I cut paper every time (that would be ideal, but not realistic for me). I can even "hire" a cute child to sort my scraps for me for some pocket change. 

I am sharing my plan to A) help others who may suffer from this condition and B) to really motivate me to do better! A goal not written is just a wish. 

How I store my Paper & Scraps

Here is how I store my cardstock. I have sorted by families in order from how they are listed in the catalog (makes it easier for me to find) and use page protectors and magazine holders to store them in. I really love this space saving, and easy to grab method of paper storage and have done it this way for years now. It makes it easy to see and know what colors I need to restock up on as well.

Each page protector gets one full piece of cardstock and I write the name of the color on the top left corner (so I can see it with ease). 

On the flip side of the page protector is where I put my scraps. This comes in handy so much when I just need a little piece to punch out, die cut, or stamp a small greeting on. I really do love and use my scraps. Not to mention, paper cost money (sometimes lots) and I feel this helps me keep cost down but still use amazing products. 

I want you to look at the word "scrap" and know that it can easily become crap when you take away the "s". If you save it, plan to use it and don't let it become crap in your craft room (no one wants that). 

I hope this helps you with your paper scrap problems and gives you an idea how how to store your paper!

Happy Stampin' Everyone!!!