Stamp Organization

I wanted to share my journey of stamp storage. I call it a journey because it was a looonggg trip!! I tried several ways to do this in previous years. I had put all my stamps in checkbook type holders, but of course ran out of wallets and then had to abandon that option. I threw them all in a box and never knew exactly what I had, and found it easier to just buy a card then make one with the tools I owned. It wasn't until I joined Tiffany's group about organization into the Scraprack that it clicked for me. 

It was all about cataloging when you had so many to keep up with. They didn't all have to fit in the same box but it was important to know what you have. That's began my journey:)

I started with white cardstock, some black ink, and cleaning supplies. I used an old album I wasn't crazy about to make my catalog (thus actually using it and not sitting on a shelf). 

I stamped each image on the cardstock and assigned a number:

Then I put the cling stamps on a cut down sheet of table cloth vinyl, it has a pretty good thickness and yet some movement for the cling to be peeled off easily:

Into a binder they go, I labelled each sheet, which was the reference number I gave it on the stamped image (cc=clear cling, rrs=red rubber stamp, gc=grey cling, w=wood, dccc=die cut clear cling):

Labeled the binders with the sheets included:

Find the right one, pull it out of the page protector:

Finding the stamp you want! Then putting back into the right binder and away. I think that was the biggest challenge before, keeping them all straight and putting them back. 

The same goes for wood block stamps:

I have plenty of room in this 12x12 slim iris paper holder for more blocks and since I don't need a bin for each subject, I just get a new one when this is full. I still label each stamp so it finds it's way back to the right bin once finished. 

I know this is a lot of work on the front end but so rewarding in the end. As time goes on I may seperate groups more and duplicate some into my scraprack but for now I can make a card and be on my way, saving time and money :) A win win for crafty girls!!!

Until next time, stay crafty!!

Thank You Gift

I was inspired by a member of my CTMH team, they made a cute pad of paper holder for a recent team meeting project. I decided to send to a customer something similar as a thank you for an order. I love that this kit was able to make 10 cards and still have leftovers for other projects. My eyes are opening to a whole new world of thinking and using up my scraps for little creations. This is very simple and holds a standard post it note pad. Enjoy making your own!

 I used the basics:

Score tool for fold

Card stock

Embellishment

Adhesive

Paper trimmer

Post it note pad

Stamp and ink

Scissors

(This was the Cloud 9 kit from CTMH, Jan 2014)

Off the radar

Well I wanted to get back to the blog and I think today is a good day to do it. I haven't posted much in the past couple months, nothing really personal anyhow as it has been a couple months of thinking. I lost my father 10/30/13 to a form of Leukemia and I pretty much wanted to avoid talking about it. I am dealing with my loss and I have stopped the guilty feelings from that week and the healing has begun. I have always found healing in my crafts and I think that is one reason I signed up with CTMH when I did. I was searching for a way to distract my life with the art of scrapbooking once again. About 11 years ago I dove into a friendship scrapbook in the waiting room of the hospital while my friend was in ICU, trying to battle her cancer. My faithful CM consultant delivered materials to the hospital for me to continue. I worked on it day and night and when the doctor came in he asked to see it. It was then when he told us she was passing from this world. I needed that book to distract me and help me see our happy days together. I realize I did that again to a certain point with CTMH and also this blog, when I learned of my fathers illness.  I tried to spent as much time with my father, snapping pictures and saving those moments even though they weren't always what I wanted to remember. What I will remember and share in a scrapbook someday of our hospital photo shoots will be the fight he gave to live, the desire to go home, and there is nothing like a home cooked meal and a movie with family even if we have to do them at the hospital.  When I look back at my scrapbooks I know it isn't just the who what where and when, it is the emotions, feeling love, remembering the happy, and healing my heart.  I am still very happy with the choice I made to join CTMH and now I am looking forward to building a business and taking it to the next level with a clear mind and a thankful spirit.

I did manage to get some crafts done that I have not shared but I will post them here now. Take a moment to think about your crafts and why you love them. Scrapbooking for me truly is therapy, it brings back my happy places that only exist in memories. 

Birthday card for my brother

Daycare teacher treat bags

Shadow box for funeral

Donations for NICU families at Christnas time

Homemade blankets for teachers 

Having fun making cards at a crop!

Until next time, craft until your heart sings and remember to take pictures of everything good or bad, happy or sad, this is your life, record it.