Organizing Cardstock Scraps

Are you like me?  You hang onto each and every little piece of cardstock scrap?  Even those 1/2" strips because they would be perfect for cards?  Yes, I do that.  I've searched and searched for the perfect container to organize my scraps.  A couple of years ago, I had the perfect expanding file that held all of my scraps sorted by color.  Until the day I broke the clasp off while loading it into my car for a crop night.  After that I could never close it and it was hard to tote around.

I needed something close to my table where I do all of my creating.  Close.... like right at my feet under my table. I did not want to have to constantly get up to find a piece of cardstock.  I was unable to find another file like the one I had so I finally opted for another 'similar' accordion file at an office supply store. After transferring all my cardstock scraps to the new file, I quickly realized that this was not my perfect solution.  The file got so packed with my treasured little pieces that it wouldn't close.  The bottom did not expand so the file spayed open.  There was no closing that baby!  It sat under my table at my feet but it was really in my way.  And trying to find what I needed was difficult!  I could barely put my hand into the sections to find what I needed without tearing the dividers!  Here is my old system:

Check out the closure - yeah - that was in my way every time I wanted to go for a piece of pink or red cardstock.

I had to go to the office supply store the other day to get printer ink.  Whenever I'm there I never pass up the chance to look at their storage containers. I'm always on the prowl for something to solve this cardstock scrap hoarding  err.... supply problem.  On this particular day, Office Max had stacks and stacks of these plastic totes with lids that clamp on for just $8 bucks!  They hold hanging file folders.   I debated and debated for the longest time trying to decide whether I should get the smaller tote that holds 8 1/2 x 11 hanging file folders, or the larger tote that hold 8 1/2 x 14 hanging files.   I do have alot of 12" strips!  After crossing back and forth from one side of the store to the other (because they had one size on one side and the other size on the other!) I finally decided on the smaller tote because I didn't want a large tote taking up all the room under my table. (I have other things under my table for quick access.)  It was a good choice because all of my 12" strips fit!  

Here is my new system!

I love it and I'm so much happier! When I need a piece of cardstock I just grab the hanging file and I can open it up and easily find just the size I need!  I cut and glued the colors of cardstock on the tabs so I'd know exactly which folder I need to look through.  The great thing about this too is that it has a lid!  There are handles on the side that latch up onto the lid and I can tote this anywhere I need to go!    

Tote $8 

Hanging File Folders (20) $11.99

Scrap Happy - Priceless! 

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