Guest Author - Meschill Billington

Most paper crafters are paper junkies. It just comes with the territory. Not only are we constantly buying paper for specific projects and buying paper that we love, but there are also all the scraps of paper that we have to save for future projects as well as found paper in the form of ephemera, envelopes, postmarks, etc.

It can be easy to become over run with your stash of paper and spend unnecessary time looking through stacks to find just the right piece for your current project. After years of being a paper junkie, I have finally found a system of organization that works best for me and doesn't put a dent in my craft budget. Maybe it will work for you as well.

There are some wonderful organizational systems on the market created just for a crafter's storage needs but they can be expensive. If you are like me and trying to find frugal storage ideas then there are many containers that can be adapted for your needs; besides wouldn’t you rather be spending your money on paper? As for storage containers, I use 12x12 plastic drawer systems, that can be purchased at stores like Walmart or Target, for my scrapbook paper. For regular sized paper I use a file system with hanging files and folders. I tried using a filing cabinet but I have found that it is more convenient to file my paper in plastic file boxes that are made to hold hanging files. These sturdy boxes have a lid that I can place on the box when I’m not using it which really helps cut down on dust. When the box is open it is easy to see and access all of the files.

I have one hanging file for each color broken down by shade where possible. In other words, instead of having one file for blue I have one for navy, aqua, light blue, etc. Within each of these files I have folders labeled for each kind of paper. For example in my navy file I have folders for paper, cardstock, mulberry/handmade, vellum, and patterned. Within this file I also have a folder for scraps. As I’m working I will drop my scraps in a big basket and when the basket is full I sort the scraps into my files. This makes it easy to find a scrap so I don’t have to use a new sheet.

The only paper categories that I do not sort by color and type is themed paper that I would use for specific projects. I have a Christmas file with folders for different types of Christmas themed paper. I also use a special file for other holiday paper and a separate file for Vintage or Ephemera paper although most of my Ephemera (antique papers of all kinds) are smaller pieces and are organized by subject in a small plastic drawer type organizer.

Having my paper organized in this way helps me when I know exactly what I need for a project or when I’m trying to come up with an idea; flipping through my paper always gives me the inspiration that I need to create unique projects.

I have found that crafting is much more pleasurable if I don’t spend needless time searching for what I want. It takes a little bit of time to set up a system and discipline to file away new paper as it is purchased and left over paper after the completion of a project, but it is worth it in the long run.