50 Ideas to Get Organized and Enjoy Your Scrapbooking Hobby
part five
"One very important element of scrapbooking is getting it all organized. This includes, but is not limited to..."
50 Ideas to Get Organized and Enjoy Your Scrapbooking Hobby
by: Maria Gracia
Scrapbooking is a wonderful hobby! Besides being relaxing and fun, it also allows you to be creative and to spend quality time with your family and friends. Plus, it results in a storybook of lifelong memories.
One very important element of scrapbooking is getting it all organized. This includes, but is not limited to:
- storing all of your supplies in an organized fashion so they can be found instantly when you need them.
- remembering what supplies to pick up at the store, and eliminating duplicate purchases.
- finding time to research new and creative ways to spruce up your scrapbooks.
- finding enough time to enjoy the art of scrapbooking in your busy life.
- CLEAR THE WAY.
If you are spending too much time looking for supplies, background papers, photos, frames, that great rubber stamp and so on, then, it's time to organize your work station. Declutter and toss out or trade those items you don't need, you don't like, etc. Organize your supplies into binders and storage containers. You should always be working on a clear surface, with only the current project in front of you.
- CLEAN UP THE SCRAPS.
If there is a wastepaper basket right near your work station, all of the scraps that you're not planning on using can be tossed immediately. Don't leave trash on your work surface. If you visit a friend's home, you may want to carry along an empty tissue box so that all scraps can be discarded immediately, and make clean-up for your host quick and easy.
- PUT IT AWAY.
Always have a home for your supplies, and when you're finished using them, take a few moments to put everything away. You should be able to start fresh with a clear mind and a clear surface.
- BIG ITEM/SMALL ITEM.
Never place a big item over a smaller item, because if you do, it will be out of sight, and difficult to find quickly.
- ERGONOMICS.
Organize your work area for increased productivity. Make sure it's well lit. Have a comfortable chair to sit on. Your supplies and tools should be within arms reach.
- SAFETY.
Organize your scrapbooking with safety in mind. Use a protective covering for your table. Craft mats are great for cutting on. Scissors and other sharp tools should be face down in a holder, and out of a young child's reach.
- MAKE IT EASY.
Different personality styles require different organization systems. Make sure you use an organization system you can live with--one that works with your style and that allows you to find things without delay. If you find things easier when they're alphabetized, then use that type of system. Perhaps you're better at finding things by color. Then use that system. Your organization system must work in harmony with your personality.
- DON'T DO SO MUCH.
Finding the time for your scrapbooking and/or rubberstamping hobby can be difficult if you have too many things going on in your life. Reduce or eliminate the activities you don't truly enjoy. Reduce the activities of your children. Get on an organized cleaning schedule, so you're not wasting the entire weekend cleaning up. Make easier dinners that are healthy, but take half the time to prepare. Get your family to help out with household chores and obligations.
- SPARE TIME.
Those spare minutes that we all have can be put to good use. Have to wait at the doctor's office for your appointment? Sketch out a quick layout idea. Waiting for the wash cycle to finish? Sort out some photos, or gather supplies for tomorrow's scrapbooking project.
- WRITE IT DOWN.
Don't ever leave your home without a small notebook in hand. You're bound to come up with a thought, or a cute caption, for your scrapbook. If you don't write it down right away, you may forget about it. You may also want to keep a small pad and a pen right near your bedside, in case you have a bright idea in the middle of the night.
- ENJOY!
Plan, organize and schedule some time to enjoy your creations with family and friends. Scrapbooking is all about fun, laughter, memories, and touching moments!
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About The Author
Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now! http://www.getorganizednow.com
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