Organizing Craft Supplies

This blog entry is for the Yellow Violet House's "Tips On Organizing Your Papercrafting Kalats" Contest. They're giving away some scrapbook storage goodies to the winner (I'm eyeing on that 13x13" pocket organizer for 12x12" sheets, hehe!)

Cabinet #1

1. Recycle

Use toilet paper tubes as gift wrap holders

I organize my washi collection according to color so that it's easier to find the design that I need. It looks more visually appealing, I just looove staring at them (washi hoarders can relate to this ;-) )! I used to store my tapes in Ferrero boxes, but I soon transferred them to bigger containers because my collection keeps on growing. I found this watch organizer at home & used it for my washis instead. And then I recycled a chocolate box that we got from my mom's friend (can't remember the brand) 

Don't throw away these takeout boxes, you can reuse them for storing small supplies :)

2. Use binders, clear books and notebooks

I also store some supplies in clear books, binders & notebooks for easier browsing. I can take note of all the materials that I have and choose designs/patterns without consuming too much time. I got all of these file organizers from National Bookstore.

Organized according to color 

It's a tradition for our family to give cards on special occasions. I compile the cards that I receive into a notebook, organized by sender. This idea was inspired by the Griffin and Sabine books.

Yes, almost all of my supplies are organized according to color :)

This envelope is perfect for letter, A4 and legal sized sheets.

 3. Store items vertically to maximize space

 I don't have a craft room so I try to squeeze all of my supplies into two cabinets! 

 4. Organize books and special issues by topic 

Cabinet # 2

5. Group magazines by month

It's better to group magazines by month instead of by year. This system works for me. Whenever I need inspiration for a themed layout, (Christmas, for example) I can just get all December issues at once. I used to arrange the magazines in chronological order but I always get lazy to put them back to their respective places after I read them. 

These are my tips so far.. :)  I'm still looking for ways to organize the new supplies that I hoarded last year (chipboard/magnetic/clear alphas and 12x12 sheets) Please share your ideas/suggestions! :-)