Clear CD cases are wonderful to store acrylic stamps! Until you get so many stamps that you just run out of room!
I went from having some stamps stored this way, some in Stampin' Up stamp cases, some still in their plastic wrappers and some stashed in drawers........
Each case has a number on it so I'll know exactly where it belongs on the shelf.
This is the back of the same stamp case.
I laid the stamped pages side by side and made a copy and numbered each of these pages.
The pages were put into a 3 ring binder inside page protectors. Now, when I want a stamp, I can just flip through my catalog, find the image and take the numbered case off the shelf.
Until I did my catalog, I was constantly flipping through the CD cases to find a stamp I wanted to use.
I know I could have kept them in the clear CD cases and just made the catalog, but, I replaced the carpet in my craft room with commercial tile. Every time I drop one of those hard plastic cases on the floor, it breaks!
There are a few stamps still needing to be cataloged. I ran out of stamp cases---and motivation, for now! Next time I get an invitation to a SU party I'll order about a dozen more and will get those done too.Even thought it's taken me three full days to get this project done, I think it's going to save me so much frustration when I'm looking for a certain stamp. Also, now I can "shop" for inspiration with my catalog!
Well done Linda! I need to adopt this system, any system. If I haven't used a stamp for a while I forget I have it. When I remember I can't find it. It gets so fustrating.
ReplyDeleteWOW can you come do mine please :-)
ReplyDeleteIt is such a big job but, so nice to have them done. Now, I would probably forget to put the new stamps in the system, and forget where they are!!
ReplyDeleteNice Job!
This looks so nice!!
ReplyDeleteI so need to do this. I am out of room for everything!!
But I am afraid I will regret taking them off of the wood.
I am so happy I took all my stamps off the wood..
DeleteMakes storing alot easier..less room.
All my old stamps were on wood blocks and they took up too much room so l took them all off. I have the full set of clear acrylic blocks from stampin up. Its so much easier to stamp accurately. They are all now stored in the stampin up stamp cases on a dvd storage rack
DeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great system. I needed something for my clear stamps. Thank you for this wonderful idea.
I really admire your fortitude in sitting down - getting this done. I must do it too! I really like your system. Will save a lot of time looking for stamps. I spend way too much time, trying to find stuff I 'think' I have. Good job. TFS
ReplyDeleteFantastic! Great idea with the stamp catalog. Thank you for sharing your accomplishment! Cheri
ReplyDeleteAndrea--do a single set and see what you think. I felt the same way when Okie told me about unmounting my stamps. Now, I'm so glad that I have them all done, and I only purchase the clear acrylic stamps now. They take up so much less space and are easier to position on the paper.
ReplyDeletefirst off, i need to find the info on 'unmounting' mine. i'm out of room too, no more wood stamps for me...ever! my ? is, the pics of your stampin ups, did you cut them from the catalog? or stamp each stamp thats in the case on a sheet? and...where did you get all you cd cases?
ReplyDeleteLove your new system. It looks so neat and organized. Thanks for sharing your idea. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat organization. I heard this catalog idea before and so want to set mine up this way, but oh such a project I love it, thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI have used the 3-ring binder idea for a while now & have my stamps divided into catagories such as Christmas, Easter, birthdays etc. The containers I keep the stamps in are labeled the same way. I also stamp a sample of each of my ink pads so you can get the right shade of ink for your projects.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I see a row of your punches under the cabinet. What do you have on the wall to use for hanging your punches.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Barbara
Barbara--these are towel rods. Some are Bigel rods from Ikea and the others are old style Ekko rods from a local hardware store. They're perfect for hanging punches and getting them out where they're visible and easy to grab and use.
ReplyDeleteI also store my stamps in CD cases but not as organized as you. Did not know that Stampin up sold the cases. Have to check on that. Need more. And then have to get started on my organization binder like yours. Thanks for the great inspiration
ReplyDeleteExcellent job!!!
ReplyDeleteI am in the process of converting all of my wood-block stamps. I, too, was planning on making a binder. This "tutorial" has changed my mind on how I was going to do it. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI had a binder started for my stamps, then spotted your system, which got me motivated to finish mine. It sure helps to find and remember what stamps I have. I also included sections for samples of each of my embossing folders, ink colors, framelits/die cuts, punches and border punches in the binder. What a timesaver this has been! It was well worth the time spent putting my binder together!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant. I can see I am going to be busy
DeleteI was wondering as some else was, does Stampin Up sell the stamping cases by a set number?
ReplyDeleteThank you.
kp--check their catalog online and you can see how many of the cases come in a package.
ReplyDeleteI changed all my wood mount to clear mount several years ago. Since then I have decided to purchase large background stamps as wood mount. I had read that some people also prefer very small stamps as wood mount. I just did that with a set but haven't played enough to make my decision. I would do a few before totally changing your organization. We are all different in what will work for us:)
ReplyDeleteThis is the first plan that I have seen,
ReplyDeletethat sounds doable to me.
LOVE, LOVE LOVE IT!
Love this idea also . So in each # case do you have just one stamp set or multiple? I also have run out of room!!! This is my project for this week. Do you write the name of the Stamp set any where or just the #?
ReplyDeleteThank You
Nanci
I put as many stamps in each case as I can, trying not to separate stamps from a set.
ReplyDeleteIt didn't occur to me to write the names of the sets on the cases or my image pages in the binder until I needed to know what one was. It would be helpful to write the names onto the sheets in the binder.
Thank You
ReplyDeleteI am getting ready to start this project can you please tell me how you got started it is just so overwhelming I do not know where to start. Did You put like stamps together? Did you categorize your binder?
ReplyDeleteThanks for any help you can give to me.
Nanci
I left the Stampin' Up stamp sets together and stamped them onto the sheets.
ReplyDeleteThe only stamps that I put into categories were things like Halloween or Christmas.
It does seem like an overwhelming job, but you just have to arrange them in a way that makes sense to you. I do wind up having to flip through the 3--ring binder's pages to locate a stamp, but it's much easier than sorting through shelves full of stamp cases.
Thank You"
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas. Thanks for taking the time to post.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering where you get your clear DVD cases the clear stamps are in? I know that Stampin up has their own case, but what about other clear stamps we buy elsewhere? It seems the DVD cases are not readily available for minimal cost. I did find some at Amazon but although the cost of the 10 cases is fair (9.99), there is a $7.99 shipping charge.
ReplyDeleteClaire Miller---all my stamps are in the Stampin' Up clear stamp cases now. I had stored them in clear CD cases for a long time but you can put at least twice as many stamps into the SU cases so they take up much less room. A lot of the clear DVD cases have a spindle in them to secure the DVD and they don't work well for stamps. I decided it was best to use the SU cases so everything is in the same size case. They fit great in the cabinet above my work ares.
ReplyDeleteDid that too and I used it for a year now. Works perfect.
ReplyDeleteI just copied the wrapping in the plastic and cut it to the size of the binder page protectors
.
I just finished mine. So far I have 178 cases! but I do my book a bit different. I have stamped images on themes. works excellent for me!! Example: I have a cute giraffe stamp...I have that stamped in the theme of Animals tab and it is stamped again on Children theme tab. A Pine Tree would be stamped in Nature and also in Xmas because that makes sense to me. so now if I am doing a Xmas card, all the stamps that would be or could be for Xmas are all in the theme of Xmas and I can go right to that section. LOVE LOVE love my book!!
ReplyDeleteWow, Netta K! You are way more organized than I am! I should do mine like yours so I could easily find a bird, etc. So far, there are less than 100 stamp cases on my shelves so there aren't as many pages in my book to search when I need to find an image. Thanks for sharing your hint on how to organize the images in your catalog.
ReplyDeleteI started organizing my craft room and I came up with the same idea for my clear stamps I put a C in front of the number because I am going to do the s as me thing to my wooden stamps only use a W and will be able alto use the same numbers in the same book. I copy the SU cover page and put it in the book with the letter and number assigned. I am also starting a book for spellbinders with SP and the numbers. That is a good idea for the stamp pads to make a sample sheet with the different shades of ink. Good ideas.
ReplyDeleteI have been working on a similar system for my entire craft room because I am tired of saying "where is my...?" Even though I am OCD organized, I needed to find a way to save time...maybe a few of my ideas will help you. All my clear stamps are re-pkgd (Jennifer McGuire style...woman is my mentor)..,labeled & filed by category...I intend to make copies or stamp on cardstock, cover w/ page protector. & file in binder by category again. If I lend a stamp, then I just place a small sticky on the page w/ the info on who borrowed it. i also have all my large dies on magnetic 3-hole heavy "sheets?" And filed in 5x8 binders. I die-cut a sample of each which are taped on the backside of the mounted dies. I am very new (like 6 mos) new to this hobby, so I am still learning my way. A copy of the dies will also be filed same as my stamps in their own binder. I still have to make my color swatch gizmo & my copic color & blending thingy...what can I say...still a work in progress....however if you keep up w/ your organizing no matter what system, it is very easy...however when you get backed-up...mama mia'
ReplyDeleteGreat idea I thought. I used to do this when I started crafting. The problem was when I hadn't used a stamp for a while it became very very sticky as if there was a reaction with the plastic. I nearly ruined my stamps.
ReplyDeleteI would love to organize my wood stamps this way but how do you you take them off the wood? Then,how do you stamp with the rubber part without the wood part to support it?
ReplyDeleteJust gently peel the stamp off the wood block. You can also put them in the microwave for about 5-10 seconds to soften the adhesive and make them easier to remove. I applied some adhesive cling foam to the back side of the stamp. That makes them cling to a clear acrylic block to stamp.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mean by adhesive cling foam and where do I purchase that?
ReplyDeleteGoogle "cling foam for unmounting wooden stamps" and you'll find several sources for it.
ReplyDeleteMy friend Shirley has good instructions on her blog on how to unmount the stamps. http://www.okieladybug.com/2011/04/unmounting-stamps-revisited.html
ReplyDeleteI came here, looking for ideas of how to organize my stamps...i was going to do the dvd thing, because I had bought a bunch of Inque Boutique and See-d's, which came like that, and I thought it would be neat to change all of mine over...then saw your binder idea. I might not leave mine on a shelf, but put them into storage boxes, when the binders are easy to flip through.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I noted in a comment above, a person mentioned like "stamping a pine tree in Nature, but also in Christmas tree"...to me, it would make sense to do it "first" like the blogger did, having the set on it's own page(s). That way, sets are together. Then having seperate sections, or a seperate binder, having pages, that you stamp the individual stamp...that way a set that is christmas, not all the stamps might also fit in "nature"...but you could write below "pine tree box A-123" (for me, it would be in box 1, case 123). I think it would be good, because if a set has a stamp you "know" you would never use, then you don't have to waste the visual space on either. Or could even organize, say Christmas, by the stamps you would grab first, and other ones on further pages.
A bit more stamping...but I would think having a setup, that you stamp your page, then the binder with the tabs, that you flip to the section that that stamp would work in, and stamp that page right away, should work.
I would even think you could have a 2d binder, with the pages reduced, for even quicker glancing (so it's thinner?)...one to take with you to the store/etc. And...perhaps even making a duplicate, to carry with you in the store, or when you go to a hop and the hostess is selling her stamps, or someone goes "argh, I just don't like this stamp...anyone wanna trade?"
Hope the comment from a relatively new beginner (have been a "beginner" for a lot of years now...i lurk, i get my things out, make 2 or 3 things...then RL steps in, or depression, or pain...bleh, and it goes away again. But today, with my roommate and his girlfriend mostly organizing my craft room...I can see the light!......well, I will be able to, when i get a lamp in there to work by.
Fabulous ideas. I copied all the Stampin' Up boxes, but I haven't made it to the older stamp sets or odd stamps yet. Your ideas have given me a lot of ideas and motivation. Thank yo so much.
ReplyDeleteyour post is relevant no matter when it was posted. Your post was the first one I found on line and it completely answered all my questions. Great organizational plan. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, Pinterest apparently decided we were *twins* as we have a lot of like interest. I think everyone making comments must be your * twin* also LOL.
ReplyDeleteBut yes, I am doing something similar to your system but not using the plastic case. My stamps are all in a binder each in their own category and I use a number system too. With the wood stamps, I remove them from the wood,(microwave) and stick them on a piece of sticky foam that I found at Walmart.I then trim around the edges and put a light coat of Aileen Tac it over and over glue. I take white card stock, run it through my laminator and mount the stamps. I place each laminated sheets with the mounted stamps into a 3 ring binder. I use the 2 inch or 3 inches if I can find them. I place sheet with tags on the edge separating the by category. I do a similar thing with my embossing folders and stencil using the fusing tool to make pockets to fit. All of these numbered parts with go in the master list. Once I get the pages filled I make a copy of that page and put it in the master. The copier does not work on all stamps but I just go ahead and stamp those. Does it take time?You bet but either do this or spend half of my time looking for the stamps. You know the old saying out of sight, out of mind.Oh well, its a work in progress.
You can find the cases at www.craftonlineusa.com
ReplyDeleteI think they are still in stock and under $2 each.
Did need to attach your stamped paper to the case? Also, what did you do with the original case inserts? I thought maybe I could just put those in a half binder. But thank you for not only the inspiration but also for the honesty in that it will take some time and energy to do it!
ReplyDeleteI photocopied some of the case inserts to save time. Then I discarded them. Storing the stamps this way saved me so much space in my craft room that it was well worth the effort. I can just pick up the 3 ring binder and flip through it to search for a stamp I want to use. It's a good way for me to find stamps I've forgotten about even having!
ReplyDeleteI photocopy the insert from the stamp case - saves me time. And the set names are on the pages. My stamp cases are all stored alphabetically by set name. They are stored on two oak CD storage racks, but those are no where near full. My problem is deciding the "category" to file the pages in, especially the floral ones with multiple uses. Right now I'm stamping all the "greetings" onto catalog pages. This is taking A LOT of time and I'm not yet convinced that I am doing the right thing; although everyone who HAS done it says it is really a good thing when it's put into use. Just sharing my two-cents worth.
ReplyDeleteI’ve done the same. Not too many categories otherwise it makes it difficult. New SU get the covers copied ( in alpha order) and individual stamps in appropriate sections.
DeleteMy non SU were split up in some cases ( I bulk bought the cases). Got rid of a lot of duplicated sentiments and a lot of freebies. I tend to stick to the good quality SU now. Time consuming to start off with but well worth it, especially when you can’t remember which set the ‘there are no words’ sentiment is in, for example. I store the matching die sets on magnetic sheets in the cases too and have A4 sheet sheets with a cut out label size example on to match up with sentiments. Hope someone finds this useful
I love this idea of using a binder system! Thinking that the expense of plastic cases is not what I want to purchase. I have always admired how Close to my Heart has their stamps in a clear plastic envelope. I just thought of the Dollar Store having plastic 8 1/2 by 11 plastic holders for paper, comes in 3 for 1.00. I could put even more stamps together using themes. They could then be stored in a filing cabinet with your great number system and theme tabs.
ReplyDeleteI guess I never really noticed that I could store two stamp sets in one case!! Thanks for pointing that out to me! LOL
ReplyDeleteLinda THANK YOU so much for this system. I had made the catalog up a few years ago, but kept my stamps in their cases (a lot of wooden ones) and have drawers full of them. My craft room has gotten to the point where I can't find anything so I don't do anything anymore. Makes me want to cry every time I enter the room. But now I have a new solution to an old problem thanks to you. I'm going to revise my binder and bring it up to date. Then I'm going to rip those wooden stamps apart and put them in smaller thinner cases so I can store them in half or less the room and use the cabinets for storing other things like ribbons and punches etc. This will definitely make it easier to find what I want when I want it. Thank you again for your brilliant idea!!
ReplyDeleteI have used this same system for a few years now. As a distributor I have taken this one step further. I take the corresponding page out of the catalog
ReplyDeleteand put this in a binder with the corresponding stamp case number. This way if I wish to sell the stamp I know exactly what I paid for it.
As I have just spent an hour looking for the stamp that said "Thank" to use, I realized how valuable your system would be. I think I could catalog my PP too as I find I go thru them all the time looking for that obscure sentiment I know I have!!! Thank you for the idea.
ReplyDeleteI love this. I am a newbie to card making but a life long crafter. I was looking for ways to organize stamps, dies, etc. And this is it!
ReplyDeleteA side note Stampin Up has bundles of empty cases for sale. In Canada they are 5 for $11.00. In the states or elsewhere just go to stampinup.com and search stamp cases. Delivery is quick. I use the "boxes" from wooden stamps to keep embellishments and die cuts organized.