playing with paper and how to organize it

A couple months ago, I wrote an hubpage called My 10 favorite things in Scrapbooking. In the hub, I described what products I like to use, and how you can try them yourself. I have often said to myself that I want to break down this hub a little further, and explain in depth either why I like a product, or at least what makes them the best thing since sliced bread in that category. Today’s topic is “Playing with paper and how to organize it.”

Before I get into the subject at hand, I will admit that I am not the best organized person around. As I was playing with the topic, and formulating the subject in my mind, I came to the conclusion that I need to add some organizational tips on how to store paper for scrapbooking. I will get to that towards the end of the hub.

In my original hub, I made a remark that everyone should know that you need paper for this craft. Bad choice of words. Not that anyone was complaining about the remark, I thought that was a bad judgment call. You do need paper for this craft, and paper is broken down into several categories: plain paper, pattered paper, cardstock, vellum and chipboard. Each one has its place in the layout.

1) Plain paper. I have no favorites with this kind of paper. In order for photos to look nice for at least 10 to 15 years, all paper has to be acid free, even the photo paper. Now there is a trick to making paper acid free. It is a spray called Archival Mist. You can use the spray on newspaper clippings, tickets, and even paper for layouts, anything that is not acid free. Use this only if you are putting the paper or memorabilia anywhere near the photo. You will be happy that you took precautionary measures in using the spray.

2) Cardstock. In the original hub, I mentioned that my favorite paper is Bazzill. The reason why I like this particular brand of cardstock is it comes either textured or smooth, and the texture comes either matted or all blinged up. I also like the cute little names for colors the company comes up with, like Espresso (dark brown) and Bank roll (Medium Green/blinged). There are four other cardstock brands I like as well. American Crafts has the same texture and feel, as well as thickness as the Bazzill cardstock. The Paper Company is another brand I like. Coordination’s is the newest brand I’ve tried. What is good about this cardstock paper is the ability to distress it. You can take an embossing machine like a Cuttlebug or Sizzix machine, and use an embossing folder. Once the texture is made, take a sanding block, and lightly sand off the top layer. The design will come through. The final paper is by Georgia Pacific, and it is the white cardstock from Walmart. I like this brand, because it prevents bleeding from Copic markers. More on the types of paper used with Copic markers in another hub.

3) Patterned paper. Basic Grey, K and Co, Bo Bunny, Little Yellow Bicycle, and The paper Company. These are some of the patterned paper I like, all for different reasons. The great thing about patterned paper is it sometimes comes with friends. Chipboard letters (more on that in a minute), brads, ribbon, and other embellishments, all coordinated to match the paper. It makes layouts a breeze. You do not have to stand there for hours in a store, trying to match everything. There are also handmade paper made in sheets measuring 8 ½ x 11 or larger, which also qualifies as patterned paper.

4) Vellum. Vellum is not just for weddings and babies anymore. I love vellum, because it brings a softness to a layout. I usually have just add a little bit and place it on top of an item if I want to bring a softness to the layout. Vellum comes all shapes and sizes, and there are sheets of patterned vellum to use as well. The key to using vellum is least is more; meaning a little bit goes a long way.

5) Chipboard. Chipboard is used for journal covers, book making, mounting items, mating photos, letters, and shapes. All chipboard is, according to the About.com scrapbooking website is, “pressed fiber thick paper.” What I like about working with chipboard is it gives an added edge to any layout. Bazzill and American Crafts are the two brands I can think of. Die cut chipboards are a great way to dress up a page or making a shaped mini scrapbook album.

Again as I always said, these are just some of the many different types of paper, and how to use them in a layout.   As for storing paper, I currently have my 8 ½ x 11 and smaller sheets in document boxes, my 12x12 cardstock in a 12x12 document box, while my 12x12 patterned paper are in a retired Longaberger file basket.   All of my paper is arranged in ROY G. BIV order.   That is R(ed), O (range), Y (ellow), G (reen), B (lue), I (ndigo), and V (elevet (purple).  I have added a ninth color, which is N (eutral).   The neutrals are blacks, whites, creams, and browns.   I learned this while working at Archiver’s, and the color scheme has served me well.   Another way to separate your paper is by season, by theme, or by companies.   I do separate my paper also by holiday, and I have seen on YouTube videos where people have their paper separated by company, then by subject (theme).   The best way to store paper is in a cool, but not damp place, preferably in paper boxes.   I am working on a new system, that will incorporate my current system, but will make it easier for me to know what papers I have as well as what papers I need for a project.   Work with a system that is simple for you to store papers.  Do not make it complicated, and within your budget.   Have fun with your papers.