Taming Your Scrapbooking Magazine Stash

Do you subscribe to several magazines? Do you have trouble remembering which magazine that favorite ribbon technique was in? Over the course of several years, I have tried many different ways of storing magazines and technique ideas. After many attempts, I have found a way that is accessible, keeps my magazine stash down to a minimum and helps me find that perfect idea when I am in a scrapping slump.

When I first receive a magazine, I put a Post-it note on the front cover. As I flip through the magazine, I jot down the page number of any ideas I like.

For instance, maybe I liked how a flower was used or a piece of chipboard was altered. I jot down that page number followed by what it was I liked on that particular page.

Once I am done enjoying the magazine, I put it in my cabinet and keep it for about three months. If I need to reference something, I just refer to my Post-it note.

Once I have stored the magazine for three months, it is time to throw it away. But, before I do that, I go back to the pages I referenced on the Post-it, and actually cut out each idea I liked.

I rarely ever cut out an entire layout. I usually keep just a small portion of the layout or a particular technique. Then I put the idea in an altered notebook.

The notebook contains several topics such as: Altered Items, Buttons, Circles, Disney, Dymo, Flowers, Paint, Ribbon, etc. You choose the topics that will work best for you.

Once I have cut out all of the ideas I like, then I throw the magazine away. Don't gasp, it really is okay! I felt like I had to keep my magazines but they grew into such a mountain and I truly never could find what I was looking for anyway. This idea has cut down on the magazine clutter, and made those fun ideas accessible. And when I am in a slump on how to use a ribbon or a piece of chipboard, I go to my handy idea book, and I can usually find something inspirational. So, get yourself a journal and start cutting and creating! Have fun!