Organize It!: Plastic Containers

ADMISSION: I have a slight obsession with plastic containers. Whenever I'm in my local store I'm drawn to the aisle. I always look for containers to fit my needs. Today's advice is think about simplifying your supplies and putting them in groups in clean, see through containers. Ideally I would suggest finding a matching system and sticking with it. I don't have that option- because of the store selection in my area. I've heard wonderful things about the container store and I think my husband is thankful there isn't one near me because I would likely change all of my containers over again after visiting there.

I select containers to fit my needs. Above you see one that is perfect with an easy to remove lid. I use it for my kid friendly chip board letters. While I admit I'm a little--- uh---  protective of my "good" embellishments, there are some I have acquired in the dollar section and I tend to place them in a neat- hard to reach area- so I can supervise the kids use of them. I also use them- and that's why I supervise the use! With an 8, 6 and almost 4 year old crafting very close by- I'm used to items being consumed and destroyed before I can say "Wait let Mommy help!!"

Below you see my smaller stamp holder. This is an easy to transport stackable unit. I love it for travel and for the smaller items. I also have some with drawers. A larger 3 drawer, 12x12 unit is dedicated to my scraps and I have several others that hold my new papers. You can find pretty much any size or shape you're looking for. So remember, when you are crafting try to place all your "like" items together. Plastic containers offer you a wonderful way to safely store your items and keep them ready at your fingertips! You will be so excited to sit down and craft and not have to search high and low for items.

Chipboard Flip Book

Chipboard books allow you to take your scrapbooking to a whole new level- removing the boundaries of the 12x12 or 8x8 paper.

If you're new to scrapbooking and wonder what chip board is... It is basically cardboard you can find at the bottom of paper packets or pads of paper. You can also do what I do and recycle most of your food boxes.
It's great for the environment and great for scrapbooking with! They will allow you to have a variety of thicknesses to choose from.

I used a die cut machine to cut out these small 2 inch tags and then used the same machine and shape cutting die to cut out the paper- so I knew they would match up.

Then I used a glue adhesive to adhere the paper to the cardboard and allowed it to dry.

Now comes the fun part... Decorating! I had never painted on my scrapbook creations so this was a safe way to try it. I whisked the paint across the paper with a foam pad and really liked the results! I think this is where my obsession with paint started!

Once that's dry- figure out how you want to embellish it. I chose to place a flower on the front and stamp my letters. While you can put photographs in these lovely creations- I chose to offer my friend some advice on how to relax. I used the letters in her name as a guide for my advice. So as she flips through the book she will see her name on it and some kind words to help her relieve stress in her life. Finish it off with a lovely charm and lots of ribbons.

The end result is a very special gift for someone you love.