There has been a little activity in the craft room recently. Some is better than none, right?

I’ve begun the process of pulling out stamp sets I don’t use. I will be donating them with papers I no longer want later. This culling process has given way to engaging the creative side of my brain. You know what they say, out with the old and in with the new! New ideas, that is.

The new Stampin Up catalog will jump start my creativity…I hope. I love seeing new products no matter whose they are, but sometimes that doesn’t make me want to dive in to my craft room. Surely I’m not the only one …

The Idea Book Has Grown

A few years ago I took an old 3 inch 3 ring binder and some dividers and created my first paper crafting Idea Book. I set up sections for the monthly Crafty Al Sheetload of Cards as well as the weekly card projects from other card makers.

Believe it or not, I have had to split that book because it was getting too full!

Crafty Al has her own book now. What I did is get a set of numbered dividers to use as the months (1, 2, 3 etc.) and punch some color paper to use as dividers in between the printed card sketches. This last bit is not necessary but does help me when I flip through each month.

The second book has a collection of basics (color wheel, tips and tricks, etc.) in addition to sections devoted to a collection of card recipes from various designers. I love how some are getting on the bandwagon and making free downloads of their card projects and I especially love it when they get really good at creating these helpful tools.

Each book has lots of room for growth and the ability to clear out and change when necessary. If you have collected similar materials, why not make your own Idea Book?

I’ve also been checking my supplies to see if anything needs to be replaced or updated. Blades get dull, ink pads dry out and often those most used items seem to have found a way to hide when you need them most, right?

Are you getting your craft room (space) ready for more adventures, too?