I am a new found stamp collector. Not only do I love the look of stamped images on scrapbook pages and paper projects, I love shopping for stamps and arranging stamps on shelves and in baskets. Unfortunately, the sheer volume of stamps I own caused me to waste time when I had to search and dig for the perfect stamp to use in a project.
In an effort to save time, I was forced to create a stamp organization system that works for me.
Here are the details:
My stamps are organized by type and theme and stored in one corner of my scrapbook room. Wood-mounted stamps are arranged on shallow shelves divided by theme. (Newly purchased stamps are temporarily housed in a basket on my work table because I just can't bear to put them away.) Acrylic, foam and wooden stamp sets are stored in a cabinet under the shelves. Alphabet stamps are in drawers and unmounted stamps are in CD cases.
A three-ring binder contains stamped images of each stamp, divided into tabbed sections. This organizer was designed to save time, as each stamped image is labeled with the manufacturer and a code. When I wish to find an image or determine which stamp to use on a project, I no longer have to root through the cabinet looking for just the right stamp. When I need to know the manufacturer of a stamp, I just pull out the binder. The tab dividers currently read:
- Alphabet
- Animals
- Background
- Childhood
- Floral
- Holidays
- Nature
- Occasions
- Sentiments
- Vintage
- Misc.
My coding system is simple: a two-letter code for the type of stamp and a four-digit number to help locate it by just glancing at the edge of the container. I printed sheets of clear labels with the codes, but you could also use a labeling machine.
- UM - Unmounted
- WI - Individual Wooden Stamp
- WS - Wooden Stamp Set
- AS - Acrylic Set
- FS - Foam Stamp
While the original planning, stamping and labeling was time consuming, it feels good to know exactly what I have and where it is in the room. During my re-organization, I realized that I had many forgotten and neglected stamps. I plan to rectify that soon with my newfound extra time.
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