For today's column, we're going to talk about
storage options for our scrapbook, paper and beading supplies. If you're a
regular reader of mine, you know I'm always saying, "Go vertical!" And it
doesn't matter if we're talking about a craft room, kitchen, bedroom or garage;
to maximize space you must go vertical.
I love the upright towers
for storing scrapbook sheets and stamp pads. If you purchase the plastic
variety, there are pros and cons to them. On the plus side, they're inexpensive
and the drawers are usually clear, enabling you to see their contents. On the
downside, the drawers are flimsy when partially pulled out. Your other option
is to reuse an old upright wooden chest of drawers. You may already have
something like this tucked away in your garage or basement--go check it out now!
(well, not right at this exact moment)
Anyway, I'll give you an
example. The winner of my 2005 Messiest Sewing Room ContestTM also
loves to scrapbook and make her own greeting cards. She had long ago purchased
a couple of ugly (but sturdy) narrow wooden chest of drawers at a yard sale and
was using them to store her hundreds of stamp pads. All I did was to have these
chests painted, install new drawer knobs, and use my handy label maker to label
the drawers. These towers looked brand new, and were much more sturdy than the
plastic variety.
Speaking of scrapbook
paper, I prefer to store them flat instead of vertically in a hanging file. Did
I actually say, "Don't go vertical when storing paper???" In this instance,
yes! Here's the scoop: Paper bows when supported on the bottom and standing
vertically (those of us who are former secretaries are nodding our head
emphatically). If you're able to stand your paper vertically and have it
compressed on both sides, then you're fine. Now, when I do store them
horizontally, I don't want them in a big stack. If you've got different types
of paper in a stack an inch thick or more, of course you're going to want a
sheet towards the bottom! Use a narrow drawer or slot instead. The great thing
is that our storage options continue to multiply. If you haven't checked out
your local scrapbook supply store lately, stop in soon!
Other storage
possibilities exist with having customized built-ins installed. If you're
fortunate enough to have these, I envy you! The pros and cons of these are
simple. The pros are that you have a professional, completely customizable
storage system and work area. The cons are that they are expensive, are
not portable (they become a permanent fixture in your home), and there's
usually a lead-time of 6-8 weeks between ordering and installation. Here in
Arizona, I work exclusively with Classy Closets (www.classyclosets.com), and my clients
have been very pleased with the results! Their closets are made from 3/4"
thermofused melamine, which is a durable, furniture-grade material. They also
use concealed Euro-hinges and hardware (which I love!). The drawers pull out
smoothly, and there's the option of installing full-extension glides (how many
times have we pulled out drawers and been unable to reach everything in the back
of the drawer--very frustrating). The grand prize for the Messiest Sewing Room
ContestTM is highly-efficient storage and work area, custom-designed
and installed by Classy Closets! The 2006 winner has not yet been announced, so
keep an eye out for my future columns or check out my website.
Now, let's quickly talk
about beading. Coincidentally, I attended a class yesterday on how to use your
sewing machine to sew beads on garments or quilts. I was a bit skeptical,
because I envisioned glass beads shattering if punctured incorrectly with the
needle. While that can happen if you aren't careful, I learned a great
technique that is much quicker than hand sewing. All that aside, let's talk
bead storage. I have found that the easiest way to store beads is in small,
stackable containers that screw together. You then have a long, sectioned tube
that is portable to classes. I don't label the containers--I find it's easier
to see at a glance what I actually have than to try and create a short labeled
description.
Well, I'm on my way to the
second day of class learning to bead with the sewing machine, so I'll close by
asking to keep the suggestions coming for future columns. Enjoy your
summer!
