Organizing card stock can be a daunting task, especially if you have a lot of it. However, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can keep your card stock organized and easily accessible for all your crafting needs.
Here are some tips to make organizing your card stock easier:
Sort your card stock by color
The first step in organizing your card stock is to sort it by color. This will make it easier to find the color you need when you’re crafting. You can either sort your card stock into piles or use dividers in a storage container to keep the colors separated. Personally, I organized mine by Stampin’ Up!® color family. (Click here for the blog post where I explain my system)
Use storage containers
Storage containers are a great way to keep your card stock organized and easily accessible. You can use plastic storage bins or file folders to store your card stock. Make sure to label each container or folder with the color or type of card stock it contains, so you can quickly find what you need.
Use a filing system
If you have a lot of card stock, you may want to consider using a filing system to keep it organized. You can use a file cabinet or a file box to store your card stock. Label each file folder with the color or type of card stock it contains, and arrange them alphabetically or by color for easy access.
I use this to store card stock in our camper all summer. I am able to have all my colors in an organized manner that I can quickly find. I can also store scraps in the file folders with the color so I can locate them quickly and utilize them first if possible. *Tip: due to the heavy weight of the paper when carrying the strap would often pull out of the lid while carrying it. My clever husband added a zip tie to the underside of the handle ends so it couldn’t pull through!
Keep scraps separate
Don’t throw away your card stock scraps! They can come in handy for smaller projects. However, you don’t want them mixed in with your larger sheets of card stock. Keep your scraps separate in a container or bag labeled “scraps” so you can easily find them when you need them. You can also use a page protector kept with each color to hold scraps.
Use a binder
Another option for organizing your card stock is to use a binder. You can use clear plastic sleeves to store your card stock and arrange them by color or type. This method allows you to easily flip through your card stock and see what you have available.
Create a swatch book
Creating a swatch book is a great way to keep track of all your card stock colors and types. Cut a small sample of each color or type of card stock and attach it to a piece of card stock or a ring binder. Label each swatch with the color or type of card stock it represents. I created a swatch book cutting my cardstock to 3” x 4” and using a hole punch in the corner. I also printed out the color coach pdf (click here to download a copy) which I cut to the same size. This is a great reference tool!
Keep your workspace clean and clutter-free
Finally, it’s important to keep your workspace clean and clutter-free. Make sure to put your card stock away after each use, so it doesn’t get mixed up or lost. Clean up any scraps or debris to keep your workspace tidy and organized.
In conclusion, organizing card stock doesn’t have to be a difficult task. By following these simple tips and tricks, you can keep your card stock organized and easily accessible for all your crafting needs. Whether you choose to use storage containers, a filing system, a binder, or a swatch book, the key is to label everything and keep your workspace clean and clutter-free. Happy crafting!
