I love containers. Every shape, every size, every colour, every style. My desk at work has multiple little containers for pens, paperclips, business cards, post-it notes. My desk drawer has containers to hold things. My scrapbooking space is filled with boxes and tins that often contain further little containers.
I am obsessed.
I am also cheap.
Finding containers that work for you, your supplies, and your space, shouldn’t mean a drain on funds. There are many ways you can have the storage you want, at the prices you deserve.
Shoe Boxes: Remember when you were little and all of the teachers had you decorate your own shoe box to store craft supplies? Why not do the same now? Plus, you have so many more skills…and embellishments…now! Patterned paper looks amazing to cover a box, and if you are worried about damage, cover the entire box with either Modge Podge glue or self-laminating sheets.
Food and Spice Jars: Glass containers of any shape and size are handy for all types of embellishments, ribbons, etc. By removing the labels, decorating the lids, and adding a label, you’d hardly know they were once used for something else. Plus, you can use rub-ons or stamps and StazOn ink to decorate the glass.
Scrapbooking Embellishment Containers: There are a lot of embellishments, particularly flowers, that come in either neat glass containers or plastic tubs. They can be reused to hold other supplies when the original contents are gone. As well, brads/eyelets/beads sometimes come in little tins or plastic vials which are great for further storage or for using for projects.
Photo Boxes: I bought a bunch from Michael’s when they were having a Boxing Week sale, and although they are supposed to be for photos, I keep most of my embellishments in them. They have a label at one end that also assists in remaining organized.
Fishing Tackle Boxes and Containers: I refuse to spend double the amount of money for a container in a scrapbooking store that is pink or purple, when I can buy the exact same thing at Wal-Mart in the fishing aisle for half the price, but in green or blue. I’m not a girly girl, so actually prefer the non-princess colours. Plus, the price is right! As well, if you are looking for sturdy scrapbooking tool bags, check out the ones intended for carpenters, plumbers, and electricians. They will last longer, are a fraction of the price, and often contain a plethora of pockets that are great for all those tools! Wal-Mart and Home Depot often carry the best selection at the best price.
IKEA: What blog post would be complete without a reference to IKEA? Oh, IKEA, how I love you so…too bad we don’t reside in the same city… ANYWAY – IKEA often has a bunch of great storage containers that are amazing for scrapbooking. They are large enough to hold papers, stamps, and larger items. The colour selection also helps keep your scrapbooking space coordinated, funky, and fresh.
Whatever containers you choose to use, make sure they work for you, your supplies, and your space. Check with others for their ideas, as that is when you’ll get the truest reviews.
- Tanya
