Friday 17 April 2009

Stamps, stamps and more stamps

Well, I resisted the temptation of rubber stamps for a long time, but back in December '08 I finally cracked and ordered my first Sugar Nellie's and I've been hooked ever since. I've managed to build up a nice wee collection - although I'll probably bankrupt myself before very long with all the new releases at Funkykits and Whiff of Joy.

Anyway, I'm a typical Aquarian - laid back and pretty easy-osy, however I've found myself becoming pretty anal about my stamps. I have a wee system..... When I get new stamps, I try to ink them up as soon as possible and stamp out about half a dozen of each image onto Concord Card which I buy from Caboodle. I also purchased a couple of index card boxes and the index guide cards. So I take one of the guide cards - I write the name of the stamp on the index tab, then below that I write all the stamp details e.g. the designer, the company and the date purchased. Then I file my stamped images accordingly. This way, I have a wee supply of images ready to colour without having to faff around stamping them out as I need them - it also means the ink has plenty of time to cure before colouring, so no chance of bleeding or smudging. Its also handy for having ready stamped images for image swaps.

This is my Sugar Nellie Box....

For a start I decided to use CD jewel cases to store my unmounted and clear stamps - but these only hold a couple of stamps. Then I discovered Elzybells stocks the larger DVD sized cases and these hold far more stamps and the cases sit nicely on a shelf. The DVD sized cases also have a clear sleeve so you can insert a sheet of paper for indexing - you can stamp the images and write on the spine. I have managed to find an online retailer that stocks similar DVD sized cases without the disk trays inside for only 45p each, so have placed an order to replace all my CD jewel cases. 

The DVD cases are very useful for clear stamps - as you can attach them to both sides of the inside of the case, holding twice the number of stamps. For instance 1 DVD case holds 2 packets of the CCSR  or Papermania clear stamps.

So that'll be my job when my DVD cases arrive on Monday..... stamping insert sheets :(

9 comments:

Katie L Oakley said...

Wow thats very organised!
I dont need to organise my stamp collection yet, as I only had a coulple lol Doesnt it make you feel good though when they are all organised up? I feel like that when all my threads are wound onto bobbins (For cross stitching!) xx

Macpurp said...

you have been busy!
i am getting organised with stamps but not stamped images.
love teen xx

Kath Stewart said...

OMG what organisation...but what a great idea and you have ready made images all set to go....Big hugs Kath xxxxx

Mar G said...

Oh my you are SO organised.....I wonder are organisational skills an Aquarian trait that has by-passed me? (Lol)
Feeling bit better now, think I've just been taking a bit too much out myself & its catching up?! Still needing the wee afternoon kips too I think ;-) x

DawnMarie said...

Ok, so, when you coming to organise me? In fact, when you moving in to organise me lol! My stamps are in old margarine tubs and clip boxes. Hugs Dawn Marie.xx

Sparkle and Flourish said...

eeekkk you put me to shame. After you have been to Dawn marie's house come on right over to mine and stamp me lots of images and then you can organise them into files...when do you manage to do all this???? I am very impressed!
Judy xx

Manda said...

OMG you anal never!!! lol
What a fantastic system you have set up. Only wish I could be so organised!

Manda xxx

Digi Stamp Boutique said...

Oh wow! I wish I was this organised and I'm a Virgo! Fab idea.....and....one day....I shall be sorted like this...along with the rest of the house! hee xx

Meahni Pieterse said...

My that is impressive, don' you want to come visit and do mine too! I am so not organised with my unmounted stamps :-( I have all my orders now, we must chat!

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