I have to say that I was really happy to put away all the holiday stamps, paper and ribbon. I had guests here that arrived the day after Christmas, so it forced me to put away the wrapping paper and tags, and clean up my stamping room. There wasn't an inch on two tables that wasn't covered!
It seems like one of my resolutions each new year is to be more organized! How about you? I found some great tips on Lyssa Zwolanek's website.
Tips for a stress-free stampin' new year
1. Start the new year off right by putting away all of the Christmas stuff strewn about in the haste to get your cards, gifts and last minute tags done. Make a goal to put away the previous project before you start in on the next one. If the first project isn't fully completed, put it and everything you need for it in a basket or large ziploc bag, and it will all be together when you do go to complete it.
2. Sort your scraps for maximum efficiency. I have all my scraps sorted by color in cello bags and stored with the paper. I check there before I cut into a new sheet of cardstock. Store your main stash out of direct sunlight--preferably in a cupboard with a door that can be closed.
3. Make sure you have a comfortable chair and good lighting in your stamp room. Paint it a warm, inviting color. If area room is cold, drafty, or dark, you will naturally find reasons not to stamp in there. Get some music or a little TV in there. Add a motivational saying or some pretty Decor Elements. This is the room where you create beautiful things--you should be surrounded by inspiration.
4. If your table’s surface is not perfectly flat, get a piece of custom-cut glass or a 12x12 stone tile. You will be amazed at the difference a truly flat surface will make in your stamping.
5. Store your products correctly. Pads should be stored label-side up. Markers should be stored on their side. Stamp sets should not be stacked more than eight high due to pressure—store them on their sides if you can. The new punch style can be stored on end or stacked flat. Check to make sure the locking mechanism is all the way over to lessen strain on the parts.
6. Make sure you are stocked up on adhesive and have the correct adhesives on hand for different projects. Nothing’s more frustrating than running out in the middle of a project! There is an excellent adhesive chart on page 206 of the current Idea Book & Catalog that will help you figure out the proper adhesive for your needs.
7. Stop working inefficiently. De-gunk your sticky scissors, rinse out the pads on your Stampin’ Scrub, sharpen your watercolor pencils, and pitch any crumpled or ripped papers. Throw away dry markers, faulty gel pens, dull or chipped scissors. sharpen old punches with aluminum foil and lubricate sticky ones with wax paper.
8. Finally, mail what you make! Don’t just be a collector. Take a photo to preserve the idea, and send the card on the way to brighten someone’s mailbox. It will bless both of you!
Mark your calendars for Second Saturday Stampin' on January 14 -- details to follow!
Happy Stampin'!
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