Scrapbooking Organizer Solutions You May Already Own

Browse through any scrapbook related magazine and you are sure to see the latest innovations for effective scrapbook organization that would warm the heart of any clutter-phobe. From small totes on wheels to full systems complete with rows of neatly stacked drawers and shelves with enough space to house your own personal scrapbook supply shop, there's a scrapbooking organizer solution for everyone.

Although the options vary, they have one thing in common: they are not cheap. Purchasing even a rolling scrapbook organizer can be a small investment for those with tight budgets. Here are some affordable ideas to organize your scrapbook space using what you may already have available around your home.

1. Three Ring Binder

As an avid scrapbooker, dealing with leftover scraps is inevitable. Although some prefer to toss those scraps, saving them for future projects is a great way to save money and keep a wide variety in your supply stash. So how do you keep them under control? Start with a three ring binder and fill it with empty page protectors. Sort your scraps by color, pattern, or style, however you choose. Then fill each sheet protector with your stash. It's easy to flip through the pages to see what you have when you are looking for the right pattern or color. Once the pages get full, especially with cardstock, it may be difficult to close the album. Simply stand it upright and let it fan open.

2. Go digital

One of the attractions to digital scrapbooking is that it cuts down considerably on the clutter. By its very nature, all papers, embellishments and tools are neatly stored on your computer. Although digital scrapbook organization requires a well-structured file system, it prescribes little effort to clean up the post scrapping mess. Simply save your work, close your files and you are done.

3. Shoe Rack or Holder

A shoe organizer designed to hang from a door makes a great storage solution for scrapbooking supplies. With clear plastic pouches that are large enough to fill with most scrapbook embellishments or tools, its easy to find what you need when you need it. Find a way to hang it on the wall next to your work area and your supplies will remain at arms reach.

4. Plastic Containers

Another solution is to invest in small plastic storage containers or stackable drawers. These are easy to find at most department stores like Target or Walmart and are very affordable. Because they are small, they will fit nicely on a bookshelf and can be easily labeled so you know where everything belongs. If you position your desk next to the shelf, your supplies will be easy to access and manage while you work.

5. Tape Cassette Holder/CD Racks

A perfect way to store your collection of ink pads is in an old tape cassette holder. With built in slots, the pads stack nicely making it easy to store and find the right colors. Some CD racks might work well too if their slots are wide enough.

6. Utility Wire Shelf

Installing a utility wire rack shelf in your scrapbooking room can serve two purposes. Besides having a place to store your containers, you can also hang items from it. Plastic clips will let you hang anything from 12 x 12 scrapbook paper keepers to small plastic baggies filled with ribbon or eyelets. It is a great way to make use of your space.

7. Old Computer Desk

If you have an old computer desk that is not being used, it can be turned into scrapbooking furniture for your workspace. The built in shelves and compartments make them ideal for a storage solution. For example, my desk, which was one of my garage sale finds became the center for my creative outlet. Although it is a small unit, it came with built in overhead wire shelves. The top shelf holds my ribbon and punch containers. Along the sides are wire CD racks which hold ink pads. On the sides of the desktop sit small raised ledges that are ideal for keeping jars of buttons and brads. The keyboard shelf underneath is great for storing a shallow utensil tray to house your scissors, tape or utility knives.

8. Diaper Bag

A large diaper bag can easily be turned into a portable work caddy. The small interior pockets can be used to carry your tools or embellishments. The side bottle pockets are great for storing pens, scissors or scrapbook adhesive. Larger bags can hold albums and paper keepers. The changing pad is an added bonus as it can be used for messy projects or as a makeshift cutting mat.

9. Fishing Tackle Box/Tool Box

One of the best storage solutions for small scrapbook embellishments like brads, buttons or eyelets, is the ever-faithful fishing tackle box or small tool box. Having internal drawers with small compartments makes it easy to sort your finds by color, type or style. Its portability is also ideal for changing workspaces or transporting your scrapbook elements to crops.

10. Upright Paper Towel Holder

A great way to keep your collection of ribbon under control is with an upright paper towel holder. Look for the ones that have a sturdy base and a small dowel post. Slide the ribbon spools on the dowel and stack accordingly. This makes it easy to pull the amount of ribbon you need for your projects while keeping them anchored in one place.

With a little creative ingenuity, your scrapbooking work area can be organized and clutter free without costing you much money at all. Many household items can be easily converted into a great scrapbooking organizer that is personal to your space. So before getting rid of old furniture or unused objects, ask yourself how you can reuse it for your scrapbooking supplies.

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