Paper Craft Workshop

  If you are a paper crafter at some point you will be getting into die cutting. These are metal plates when compressed with pressure will create a pattern and or cut a shape into your paper. A die cutting machine is used with the die. It creates the pressure to press and cut the die into the paper to create the design. Over time, you will develop a die collection that needs to be organized and stored. Collecting dies are lots of fun. And the great thing about them is that they can be used over and over again.  AS with any other craft storage system, how you store yours depends on the number of dies that you have, the space that you have, and the budget that you may have.  We always recommend that you look around your home to see what you might have that could be used for your personal die storage needs.  Another place to look is at your local dollar store. They have lots of interesting storage resources that are very reasonably priced.  I was in my local thrift...

Today is all about organizing your pens, pencils and markers of all kinds. There are more than a few ways to get all of these organized. As we have been saying, it all depends on the amount of markers, pens and pencils that you have as well as the space that you have for them. Gathering them all together is the first step in this challenge Alcohol markers-Colored Pencils-Watercolor Pencils-Graphite Pencils-Watercolor Pens-Graphite Pencils-Metallic Pens-Pens like Cricut Pens used in electronic cutting machines-Fine Line Markers-Crayons- Pastels-Sharpies- Any other markers that you have.  Gather them all together on a bed, counter or desk.  Keep them together by brand for the time being Open each marker and on a scrap piece of paper check to see if the marker still has ink. Expect those markers that are refillable, heave those dry markers. Make sure that all the lids are tight on your markers. If you have markers that are refillable, refill them now. If you do not have the reink...

One of the biggest challenges that you will take on is organizing your card stock. Taking time to get it done will save you a whole lot of time in the future. You will know what you have,  where it is and what you need in a blink of an eye. Before you get started, think about the different papers you may or may not have: 8.5" by 11" solid and patterned papers in paper and pads 12" by 12" solid and patterned papers in paper and pads Specialty papers in both of the above sizes 6" by 6" paper and pads 9" by 13" paper and pads Scraps in all sizes Water color paper The next thing to consider is where will you keep your paper?  Do you have space? Where and how much? What kind of organizers do you have already that you can use or what will you need? The smallest papers can be kept in a bin or a basket close to your other paper. Specialty papers like metallic paper and glitter paper can either be kept on their own or with thier color family. Another thin...

  Zoning your craft space is easier than you think !  Some folks have a totally organized craft space. But for most of us, organizing our stash and staying organized can be a challenge. What has worked best for me is the idea of zoning all my craft supplies and tools. Now, you might think that you need a lot of space to do that. But everyone can create craft zones even those who have a closet or just a couple of boxes to store their supplies. All zoning is, in the most simple way to explain it, is to keep things that are the same together. That means for example that all your glitter would be in one location. All of your paper would be together. All of your markers would be together-you get the idea.  The idea is that you go to one place to find what you are looking for rather than spending time searching everywhere for a pair of scissors or a marker. Your zones, depend on the type of paper crafts you do. I do a lot of different things so I have a few zones. Even with lim...

Here is another organization idea for your water colors ! Never thought about doing this, but it makes total sense. This way you can refer to your reference book when you need to find a color, Smart idea. I plan on getting it done ! How about you? I think I may add my acrylic paints to this book too !