Someone recently asked about my scrapbooking process via the comment section of my blog, so I thought it'd be a great topic to go over today! I'm not sure how other's prepare themselves for a long night of scrapbooking, but I'll openly admit, the route in which I take to prepare for a project is over-the-top involved! Part of the reason being for this is because I'm especially picky about color and pattern combinations. Before I even begin a project, I spend anywhere from one to two hours coordinating papers for it. You could say I'm just as passionate about patterned papers as I am about scrapbooking. Be warned, I'm far from normal folks!
While making preparations to begin a new project, the first task at hand is to always navigate for batches of product. Fortunately for me, I've a well organized storage set-up for storing my supplies. Of course, this is intentional because as a scrapbooker yourself, you know that if you're supplies aren't put away in some semi-organized fashion, you'll never find what you need! Also, if something is hidden away or has fallen to the wayside, more than likely, you'll never use it! So, I've set up a really convenient system for myself to avoid the whole "product nesting" thing. I've a couple of shelves from Ikea that are loaded with individual boxes for storing different types of supplies. Currently, the product categories are as follows:
Borders/Strips Packs & Sheets
12" x 12" Sticker Sheets
Prepackaged Flowers + Leaves
Epoxy Stickers (Taken out of their packaging)
Small Alpha Stickers
Large Alpha Stickers
Label Stickers
Phrase/Word Stickers
Rub-ons + Small Sticker Sets
Rhinestones/Packaged Brads
Chipboard Sheets W/Pre-Designed Images
Blank Chipboard Shapes
3-D Sticker Embellishments
Misc. Basket
12" x 12" Cardstock Color Coordinated (Large Basket)
8.5" x 11" Cardstock Color Coordinated (Large Basket)
Mini Album Supplies
Significant Stash of Flowers via Jars
Paints + Glitter
Stamps (Big & Small)
Ribbon via Jars
What's especially great about storing supplies this way is that it makes it extremely easy to locate compatible supplies for each individual product. Most of the categories above are further broken down by manufacturer. For the longest time, I thought it'd probably be more practical to sort my supplies exclusively by color, but in doing this, one quickly loses track of all the available options, so I've only coordinated a few of my supplies by color. Items from above that are sorted by color include: Alpha Stickers, Rhinestones/Brads, Cardstock, Flowers, Ribbon, Paint/Glitter and Cardstock.
Believe it or not (and this will come as a huge surprise to you), my entire pattern paper collection fits inside one Cropper Hopper cart. Yes, only one!! I literally dig through my papers every couple of months and filter out what I don't want so that I'm not hoarding paper by the pound! It's a major time saver when you only have to browse and ponder the papers you love! Inside the Cropper Hopper is around fifteen or so large size folders that are labeled by color. There are also a couple folders labeled for mixed-colored pattern papers, transparencies, shaped pattern papers, ledger papers and digital design pattern papers. I search through the appropriate folders before beginning any project - paper is usually always my first objective!
Just when you thought things couldn't get more complicated, well let it be known that within each pattern paper folder, the pattern papers are sorted by "pattern type". I know, this can't be normal, right?! Laugh. Well, trust me you guys, this is another step that has benefited me in the long run. If I'm not wanting another polka-dot pattern paper, I can just go ahead and skip over the polka-dots. So, how exactly are the patterns broken down?
Polka-Dots
Stripes/Strong Directional Patterns/Grids
Word/Alpha Designs
Flowers/Swirls
Theme (Clouds/Animals/Etc.)
Solids
When I open a folder, I'm able to quickly scan the papers because I'm already well familiar with what's on hand. I can even pull each folder out if I want, which is one of the biggest benefits of owning a Cropper Hopper!! I love the cart! I keep the cart under my desk just beneath my leg space.
A quick overview of a project in progress:
1. First, I choose an appropriate color palette that best fits the theme of my layout's story/images. I often refer to either magazines or my inspiration binder when in search of color combo ideas. I also peek at the inspiration boards on either side of my desk (Always updating the boards!)
2. I pull out my Cropper Hopper and choose a minimum of 15-20 patterned papers for the project. I sort them by color and lay them across my desk so that I can glance at them while collecting matching embellishments.
3. Dig through each of my baskets for matching embellishments - literally everything!
4. Set-up the embellishments on my desk in well coordinated piles (see images below).
5. Investigate drawers and die-cut baskets on my desk for further ideas to use on a project.
Quick Side Note: I love these lil' baskets - they're fabulous for protecting and storing those little die-cut pieces you get that are usually sold in tiny bags or on large 12" x 12" sheets. I've color coordinated most of my die-cuts and found baskets at my local Walgreens (sold in cases of two for either .99 or $2 - don't remember) for putting them in. They work miraculously well! Talk about a huge bargain!
6. Finally, after everything is in order, I begin working on my project. I usually spend anywhere from three to four hours on a single layout - practically speaking, more like a couple of days. Laugh. Overall, from start to finish, three days will have gone by...it almost feels like an eternity!
That should just about explain it! Here's a quick look at my desk before the chaos ensues! Perfectly clean and everything is lined up just so..there's no after photos of course. You can only imagine what happens to this place after three days of scrapbooking!! Thank goodness for vacuums and garbage cans!
There is one other lil' something I forgot to mention with this post - see Mr.Peanut here, he makes himself entirely at home on my lap whenever he finds me at my scrapbook desk. He's just as much a part of the picture as the rest of the stuff! Turns out this crazy outdoor kitty is now one of the friendliest cats on the block! He's a keeper! Yep, he sure is!
I've an actual layout from this scrapbook session that I've yet to photograph. I'll return tomorrow with a fresh image of the project and a couple corresponding ideas. It's a simple 8.5" x 11" layout with a single photo and unique take on frames.
And before I forget, Crate Paper is announcing their updated design team on their blog - check out the banner they created for the big event!! It includes hints of an upcoming collection release..doesn't it remind you of Restoration?! Truly gorgeous stuff! From what I've been fortunate to peek upon so far, you guys are going to be totally enthralled with their new collections!! For all the latest details, visit the Crate Paper blog!
It looks like I might have an hour or two to play with the knitting needles tonight! Better to get to it while the timing is good! See ya'll a little later! Nighty Night!
