Cuttlebug Folder Organization

I am, by nature, a very organised person. I love lists to keep everything in order and like to be prepared and tidy.  I also adore collecting things, especially things that come in sets, and I never throw anything away if I think I could use it in the future somehow.  This can be both a blessing and a dangerous thing when it comes to crafting!

Take my Cuttlebug. I love using my Cuttlebug for all kinds of projects but I simply relish using my A2 embossing folders the most.  My obsession with this means that I “need” to have as many different embossing folders as I can to complete my collection!  Every time I go shopping to a craft store, I will return home with a new Cuttlebug embossing folder.  That’s the dangerous bit – feeling the compulsion to complete my set!  The good thing is, they are really affordable. You can see some here.  

While it does mean that I have a great selection of embossing folders to use, having so many creates my only problem – how to store them neatly. I actually keep them stacked in a see-through box that I purchased from IKEA. It matches other boxes I have on my bookshelf so it looks nice and uniform. They stack well and are within easy reach. I labelled the front of the box with my Dymo Label maker.

Having a massive collection of these folders means I often forget which ones I have when I am out shopping or buying online. Furthermore, the folders do not have the name written on them.  It’s nice to be able to tell people which folder you are using on projects in case they want to buy the folder themselves, but if you have thrown the packaging away it is difficult to remember the name of the folder you used.  To avoid buying duplicates and to help me remember their names, I created this easy little swatch book of all my embossing folders.

It is so simple to make. Here’s how:

1. Using scraps of cardstock, cut out circles. (I used my Cuttlebug, of course.)
2. Emboss each circle using a different  folder each time.
3. Punch a hole in each of the embossed circles.
4. Attach a metal ring through the holes.
5. Write the name of the folder you used on each of the circles.
6. Add some scraps of ribbon to finish.

Not only does this little book help me when I am shopping or adding things to my online gallery, it is also great as a reference guide when trying to decide which embossing folder I will use. You can turn your circle over and see the negative imprint of the folder which can also be really helpful. It really is a great way to see everything you have at a glance and it saves so much time.