Reader Question: How to organize stamps and paper?

And while we're on the subject of paper crafts, take a look at this question from a reader named Donna and leave any suggestions for her in the comments:

I am looking to build a stamp/craft room and I am trying to find out the best way to organize rubber stamps and paper etc. I also scrapbook. Any help would be appreciated!

Donna, first things first, congrats on putting together a room totally devoted to crafts. Color me jealous. As for storage and organization, why don't you try using the plastic boxes made for jewelry/bead storage to keep your stamps. Most of these kinds of boxes have a clear top, place the stamps in rubber side down so that when you pull the box off of your shelf, you don't even have to open it up to see what is inside. Group the rubber stamps together according to subject matter. Keep all letters and numbers in one box, keep flora and fauna scenes in another, keep modern abstract stamps someplace else. Then you won't spend wasted time  digging around for that one great stamp that you really need.

Other suggestions?

Comments

[nonanonymous]

Hi there,
I spent far too much money at a paper show in Portland (OR) this spring but discovered a great storage strategy for paper. Using plastic pant-hangers (the kinds with clips), you can hang large sheets of paper (those pesky 24x36 ones too big to fit in a box and too precious to roll) on hooks, rods or in closets. If you get the kind made to hang 3-5 pair you can group them according to style, material etc. I'm still struggling with space issues but I know when I tuck anything away it practically ceases to exist so having all my fabulous papers visible and accessible makes a big difference.
If you have smaller (more like scrapbooking style) papers you could always hang them from wooden clothespins from a makeshift laundry line.
Just some thoughts. :)
-NA
p.s. my url is not a professional one- rather, my personal blog. I should be launching a website this winter. Until then you can amuse yourself with my sometimes salacious and often-times average personal life. :)

[Shula]

although an expensive solution, it's a good one - I have an old 1960's type cabinet that I use to keep all my beads and bobs in. It's compartmentalised for typefaces, so would probably be perfect for stamps. For paper, you can't beat map drawers. Hit those commercial auctions, I say.

[Jennifer P]

you are more than welcome to look at my studio pictures on my blog...I am an avid rubber stamper and paper artist...I have a TON of stamps, all are in a system of clear acrylic trays...good luck!!

[Doreen]

I have just been through and cleared out some huge piles of old stamps, now keeping them more carefully in some plastic trays of perfect size I found at the DIY store. I found so many that I had forgotten!