what do I do...

...when I am procrastinating assignments?
Create something completely random.
I have been wanting to customize the binders I'm storing my clear stamps in forever. Just never got around to actually doing it. Last night, after what could only be described as a horrendously terrible day that I'm glad is over (and yes things are wonderful and much, much better today), I sat down and just played. I grabbed some patterned papers I've had for awhile and never touched, some of my favorite alphabet dies and a couple of embossing folders and came up with this:

Close up of the spine. I used the Houndstooth Cuttlebug Embossing Folder to emboss the green paper and then added my title and embellishments on top. Nice, subtle texture.

I added punched tabs which I stamped the manufacturer info at the top of each and stapled the tabs to the top of the sheet protecters.

Here's a close up of the front cover. The title is alphabet diecuts plus stamping/embossing. The accents were cut from the patterned papers. Easy. :)

Supplies used:
Patterned Papers (American Crafts)
Diecuts (Magnolia and Mary Jane, Quickutz)
Embossing Folders (Cuttlebug)
Play Stamp (Heidi Swapp)
Alphabet Stamps (Hero Arts)
Tab Punch (McGill)
Ribbon (American Crafts & Making Memories)
Scallop Punch (Stampin' Up)

***eta: the links are now working. Thanks Bonnie & Kathy for the heads up on the bad link!***

And just in case you're wondering how I store the stamps inside the binder, HERE and HERE are the links to the blog posts where I show how I store them. I just moved all my sheet protectors/stamps to larger binders. :)

Jennifer McGuire also stores her clear stamps similar to this. Check out her storage system by clicking "Clear Stamp Storage" under Video & How To in her sidebar. (I would link you directly but for some reason I wasn't able to. Bummer.) :)

***eta: HERE is a link about Jennifer's storage system from 2Peas.***

Hope everyone is having a lovely Sunday! Take care!

Comments

[Bonnie C]

Hi Nichol. I enjoy following your blog and love all of your tips. I was interested in seeing your stamp organization, but the link you provided isn't working. Would love to see it!
Bonnie

[Kathy W]

I love your blog too. And I would like to see your stamp organization. I've been trying to figure out a good way to store mine, but the link here is not working, as Bonnie said. Would love to see it! :) Thanks!

[gwen]

I LOVE this system! My collection of clear stamps has recently edged past the line of manageability and this is a perfect solution! Now I just need to schedule a trip to the office supply store. Thanks for sharing this!

[Jana]

Now that's cute! Doesn't look like procrastinating to me! Looks very productive. I store them this way too (copying totally off of Jennifer) and it does work well.

[Susy]

Love it, so much nicer that the plain black binder mine are stored in. I wouldn't class this as procrastinating at all, time very well spent...

[laura vegas]

love when something so cute comes out of procrastinating. lol! this binder is so adorable! just love the colors and patterns! and yeah ... mine are in a boring black binder right now too!

[Julie]

Sooo cute! Btw, what line of AC paper is that? I love it!

[Sara Rossi]

Your binders are so pretty! I LOVE this system (mines' a mix of yours & Jennifer McGuire's). I usually don't make that much of an effort but I might just be convinced to try!

My question is how do you keep the stamps from spanning wider than the binder? Is it easier to sort them by mfg?

Thanks!!

[Juli Fish]

I just love your binder. Thanks for some inspiration.

[Mary]

When I procrastinate, I read blogs. Your method is much more productive ;)

[Ashley G]

Nichol,
Your binder is so cute! Your attention to detail never ceases to amaze me. Even a storage binder deserves a little craftiness! Thanks for all the great ideas & for being such a terrific inspiration to all busy moms! Your children are truly blessed to have a mom who works so hard at making their home a loving, cozy & creative place!

[Sasha Farina]

hello darling Girl.. :) a question, the binder itself is a generic office supply bought? or something special? :D looks awesome btw! love the embossing.. love the alphas.. love everything.

[KT]

LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!!!! I need to do that!! WHat size is the binder you fit all those into?!?

[Sandi]

Nichol

I know how much easier it is to find stamps you own, when they are in order. You did a great job with your stamp binder. Thanks for sharing your ideas with us.

Sandi N.