Paper Organization

We are on our fourth week of our organizing series at The Little Blue House and focusing on paper - solid cardstock, printed papers and scraps!  Check out the two posts  on our blog HERE (scroll down to Thursday and Monday's posts) to learn more about getting your paper under control.  I can't add much to those discussions, but I wanted to share my successful and very efficient system for my cardstock scraps.

I use a hanging file system in a file drawer that is just to the left of my work chair so it is easily accessible. I found file folders in most of the usual colors and use them for corralling the scraps.

Let me explain my scraps.  Whenever I have used a portion of a whole piece of paper, I cut the remainder this way.  First, I try to get a 5.5 x 8.5 piece out of it (good for card bases); then I try for approximately 4.25 x 5.5 (card fronts); if I still have room, I try to cut one or more 2.5 x 3.5 pieces (ATCs).  After that, if there is still a scrap that is useable for punches or maybe a long border I will save it; otherwise the remainder is thrown away.

The card bases, card fronts and ATCs are stored separate from the scraps.  The scraps go in the file drawer in the appropriate color section.  When working on a project, I have trained myself to go first to this scrap drawer. If I can't find the right color or size needed, then (and only then) will I cut into a new piece.  This works really well for me and I do use my scraps!