I’ve added to my collection of cardstock and ink – so that means it’s time for more organization inspiration! Today, I’m showing how I organize and swatch cardstock and inks, all while we take a look at a selection of Taylored Expressions colors.
To see my video outlining cardstock and ink organization, click the link below. Let’s get started!
Cardstock Organization
For paper organization, I keep each color in its own pocket. For this, Job Ticket Holders (shout out to Jennifer McGuire for the inspiration on this!) are perfect! I keep collections organized in magazine file containers from Ikea. Each color gets its own pocket, and each pocket is labeled. For labels, stickers I created using my Silhouette Portrait machine are utilized, but prior to owning the machine I used a label maker.
I also create a swatch ring with a tag cut from each cardstock, and again labeled with the labels cut using my Silhouette. For the tags, a die from Altenew Handmade Tags die set works great. I keep these together using Loose Leaf Binder Rings.
Ink Organization
For mini ink pad organization, I am a big fan of Tim Holtz’ storage tins. Each collection is kept in separate tins, which are all labeled at the end using my label maker.
MyFor ink swatches, I’ve also gained inspiration from Jennifer McGuire. I utilize 2” x 2” Pocket Pages. My most used paper for stamping (Neenah Classic Crest Solar White Cardstock, 80lb) is used so I can get an accurate color portrayal. Different paper will yield different results, so stamp on what you use for best representation.
The same stamp is used for all my swatches (it’s an old Close to My Heart stamp) because I like everything to match. I handwrite the company and color then always double stamp, for consistency. Each brand is kept to it’s own page(s), then the brands are organized in alphabetical order. I keep my pages together using more of the Loose Leaf Binder Rings mentioned above.
I prefer the loose leaf binding because I hang my swatch collections from hooks throughout my crafting space.
These processes take a little bit of time when I obtain new products, but the time spent is well worth it when I’m planning a new project. A quick glance and I can compare colors and make selections that I know will look great. I can find what I’m looking for easily, and though my collection has grown to include many different brands and colors, I can always get to what I’m looking for without a frantic search.
How do you organize your color collections? Do you create swatches? Let me know in the comments below how you use cardstock and ink organization in your crafting space. Also, did you catch my post on my paint and watercolor swatch book? Click Here to check it out!
