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I've recently been trying to re-organize. I have SOOO many stamps that I've found "thousands" that I haven't even used. Thank goodness no duplicates yet, but...I have many duplicate images (how many pears does one person need)??
Anyway, I've seen a few "stamp indexes", where the images are stamped on reference pages so you can "flip thru" and find what you want. While this will take me FOREVER to do, but it seems like a great idea.
I'm looking for suggestions on HOW to do it. Bind-it-All? Rolodex? If you have one I'd love some pointers. Pictures would be GREAT!
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I basically use a 3 ring binder and page protectors. When I catalog a new stamp I use whatever printout that comes with the set. But when I first started cataloging them..........let's just say I was glad I horded all my old catalog's for some reason, LOL!
I have seen some where crafters will decorate what ever storage them catalog them in and it's real cute. I'm sure some will chime in here with some pic's! Good luck.
I have mine in a hardback dollar store 4x6 picture album and I stamped on 4x6 plain index cards on the front and back. I made the tabs using the tab punch from SU. I carry with me to SU parties and to the stamp store so I don't duplicate. But, I do not have thousands-just hundreds!
I have lots of stamps and they are all indexed and in 3 ring binders by category. I also have them numbered for cross reference and I know exactly where to find the stamp.
Here is a picture of one of the sets and the index page showing the reference number. I have also unmounted all of my Stampin Up sets. I use the index notebook all the time. Oh, something else that I have added recently is a separate index for all the sentiments so that I could look in one place for my choices on this. I used rolodex cards for this but I really wish I had used a notebook instead.
I currently have my sets all stamped onto 4x6 cards that I have in a binder. I am looking at redoing this method though since many of my larger stamps sets take up multiple cards. I would also like to start indexing by both set and category. I am trying to find the perfect size to use. I am thinking about doing a 5x7 size (or something similar) and using my bia to keep it all together. This size might be a little easier to bring places with me rather than the full size binder. In addition to indexing my stamps I would like to have my embossing folders and ink in the same booklet.
I currently have my sets all stamped onto 4x6 cards that I have in a binder. I am looking at redoing this method though since many of my larger stamps sets take up multiple cards. I would also like to start indexing by both set and category. I am trying to find the perfect size to use. I am thinking about doing a 5x7 size (or something similar) and using my bia to keep it all together. This size might be a little easier to bring places with me rather than the full size binder. In addition to indexing my stamps I would like to have my embossing folders and ink in the same booklet.
Oh,,,I never thought of set and category. That's another consideration.
I did think about using my BIA but then there are new entries... :(
I currently have my sets all stamped onto 4x6 cards that I have in a binder. I am looking at redoing this method though since many of my larger stamps sets take up multiple cards. I would also like to start indexing by both set and category. I am trying to find the perfect size to use. I am thinking about doing a 5x7 size (or something similar) and using my bia to keep it all together. This size might be a little easier to bring places with me rather than the full size binder. In addition to indexing my stamps I would like to have my embossing folders and ink in the same booklet.
mine are on larger cards. cut myself. i number the cards and the stamp case.
i'm just passed 600 stampin up sets.
no i will never go unmounted-just scares me too much.
i don't have my cards in a binder-this way several girlfriends can search for the set they want
I am almost done indexing all my stamps. I went unmounted about a year ago and have since been slowly working towards cataloging all I have.
they are indexed on to 5x7 plain index card (walmart) that I put a single hole punch in the upper left hand corner, organized following the SU catalog since I have so many SU stamps. I made the divider tabs really bright cardstock and named them just like the SU...occasions, growing up, elements...etc. They are all together on one huge binder ring with a little ribbon to decorate. I have it hanging on the side of the bookcase my stamps (cd's) are stored in with a 30 lb picture hanger.
also, after all the sentiment stamps had been cataloged, I made a little section at the end that I stamped sentiments that came with other stamp sets, then in ink, I wrote down what stamp set it was from so if I was just looking for a "special sentiment" it would be easy to find.
__________________ ...I'm just meandering through life; trying to have some fun along the way!!!
Do you mark your sentiments so you know which set it's in?
I actually "waste" a lot of index cards ( :0 ). I use 1 index card for each sets sentiments, and 1 card for all the images including sentiments. In the top right hand corner I label the company and the set name (or CD case name for my UM stamps).
I will post better inside pictures a little later today.
I actually "waste" a lot of index cards ( :0 ). I use 1 index card for each sets sentiments, and 1 card for all the images including sentiments. In the top right hand corner I label the company and the set name (or CD case name for my UM stamps).
I will post better inside pictures a little later today.
mine are on larger cards. cut myself. i number the cards and the stamp case.
i'm just passed 600 stampin up sets.
no i will never go unmounted-just scares me too much.
i don't have my cards in a binder-this way several girlfriends can search for the set they want
Oh my - I don't think I'd tackle unmounting either. Besides, I do like my wood blocks. ;)
I just started indexing my stamps to keep track of what I have. Like you I have stamps that I don't even know I had & I found that I was using the same sentiments because I didn't know what I had, I was wasting so much time looking for things. I'm still working on it but well worth the effort & the new stamp set that I buy now I will be copying the picture to put in the book. Here is a link for you to look at http://ritaslittlecorner.blogspot.co...l/Organization
Good Luck!
I just started indexing my stamps to keep track of what I have. Like you I have stamps that I don't even know I had & I found that I was using the same sentiments because I didn't know what I had, I was wasting so much time looking for things. I'm still working on it but well worth the effort & the new stamp set that I buy now I will be copying the picture to put in the book. Here is a link for you to look at http://ritaslittlecorner.blogspot.co...l/Organization
Good Luck!
Thanks for the link!
I liked you index - but what I really liked was the punch key chain! I'm going to have to do that one too! :mrgreen:
The promised upload Sorry about the awful close up pics of the index cards. I couldn't get them not blurry and I tried several different settings, light sources and angles (Grrrrr!)
I just started indexing my stamps to keep track of what I have. Like you I have stamps that I don't even know I had & I found that I was using the same sentiments because I didn't know what I had, I was wasting so much time looking for things. I'm still working on it but well worth the effort & the new stamp set that I buy now I will be copying the picture to put in the book. Here is a link for you to look at http://ritaslittlecorner.blogspot.co...l/Organization
Good Luck!
I really like this idea. I think after I'm finished making my die cut/embossing folder index and the ink colour index I'll start re-indexing the sentiments this way. It definitely would be easier to have them by category, and I am loving the binder way for my ink colours and die cuts.
The promised upload Sorry about the awful close up pics of the index cards. I couldn't get them not blurry and I tried several different settings, light sources and angles (Grrrrr!)
I really like this idea. I think after I'm finished making my die cut/embossing folder index and the ink colour index I'll start re-indexing the sentiments this way. It definitely would be easier to have them by category, and I am loving the binder way for my ink colours and die cuts.
They may be blurry but I get the idea.
I also like the idea of an embossing folder index too!
I like the idea of the embossing folder index too. I'm going to get a lunch tin or use my CM small photo box (I have 2 so I will use 1 for the folders I think) to store my CB folders. I just ordered 9 more CB folders from Eclectic Paperie they had them for $2. I have so much organizing to do but it has to wait till after my son's wedding in October. I'm working on wedding stuff for now & that's taking up a lot of my time right now.
I like the idea of the embossing folder index too. I'm going to get a lunch tin or use my CM small photo box (I have 2 so I will use 1 for the folders I think) to store my CB folders. I just ordered 9 more CB folders from Eclectic Paperie they had them for $2. I have so much organizing to do but it has to wait till after my son's wedding in October. I'm working on wedding stuff for now & that's taking up a lot of my time right now.
OH! You have my sympathies - I just finished 100 wedding invitations for my niece (she's getting married in Jan). :mrgreen:
I'm doing the wedding program folders, favors & picture frames with the table numbers on them. I luv doing things like this, it's so much fun for me.
My sister was here over the summer (it's her daughter). She claims not to be "crafty" but we had such fun doing the invites! Truly a gift from the heart!
Oh, you ladies are so organized! I'm a newbie and still have less than 100 stamps, but I can already see the need to catalog them...I waste so much time looking for things. You all have such wonderful ideas. I'm going to go organize now...before the collection grows.
__________________
Lorrinda
Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted... If you put it in your faves, it deserves a comment! My gallery ~ My Blog ~ My website
Oh, you ladies are so organized! I'm a newbie and still have less than 100 stamps, but I can already see the need to catalog them...I waste so much time looking for things. You all have such wonderful ideas. I'm going to go organize now...before the collection grows.
Good luck Lorrinda...it's well worth the effort! No more wasted time looking for that certain stamp!!! I luv it!
I have catalogued all my stamps on my computer - I scan all the index sheets from my SU stamps, and anytime I buy new stamps I either take a pic of the stamp or find the image on the manufacturer's website (I couldn't bear the idea of having to stamp them all!). I then added tags (categories) to each of the image files (by updating the file properties in Windows Explorer), and I use a very handy feature in Vista (which is also available in Windows 7) to group the images by the tags. Where a stamp or a set falls into more than one category, it will be shown under each category. When I sell stamps (which I do periodically), this makes it very easy to have an up to date catalogue as I just remove the pics of the sold stamps. It took a little while to set up, but it was so worth it! I also use all my SU sets and wheels unmounted.
I use index cards and an index card box. Each stamp is stamped on an index card, the card is filed in the box according to category. Pretty straight foward, compact and easy for me to pull out and flip through what I want to use. It really makes it easy to find inspiration, too.
I only have a couple of hundred rubber stamps so in your case, you might want to use a whole index box on each category.
Good luck!
__________________ Sophia I got a reality check but it bounced.
I have catalogued all my stamps on my computer - I scan all the index sheets from my SU stamps, and anytime I buy new stamps I either take a pic of the stamp or find the image on the manufacturer's website (I couldn't bear the idea of having to stamp them all!). I then added tags (categories) to each of the image files (by updating the file properties in Windows Explorer), and I use a very handy feature in Vista (which is also available in Windows 7) to group the images by the tags. Where a stamp or a set falls into more than one category, it will be shown under each category. When I sell stamps (which I do periodically), this makes it very easy to have an up to date catalogue as I just remove the pics of the sold stamps. It took a little while to set up, but it was so worth it! I also use all my SU sets and wheels unmounted.
I love the idea of an electronic index! It would save room too.
I guess the only down fall would be know what size the stamp really is. Still it's something to consider.
I love the idea of an electronic index! It would save room too.
I guess the only down fall would be know what size the stamp really is. Still it's something to consider.
TFS!! :mrgreen:
I don't have any SU sets however I have found pictures of most of my stamps on line and put them on an EXCEL sheet and a "Stamp Inventory" folder on my computer with separate folders for each company under that section and then photos of each stamp/stamp set. Size is an issue however some companies put the sizes up as well and I have copied a thumbnail of these over to my sheets which include stamp name, manufacturer, cost, etc all just copied and pasted from the venders.
Much easier to find pictures of my stamps and sets and save than to drag everything out and use up my ink and supplies.
I can still organize it how I want and add information without messing up what I have already done. I needed the flexibility until I have collected all the information and decided what would be most useful for me. At that point I will print it out for a hard copy, well maybe :lol:
I have catalogued all my stamps on my computer - I scan all the index sheets from my SU stamps, and anytime I buy new stamps I either take a pic of the stamp or find the image on the manufacturer's website (I couldn't bear the idea of having to stamp them all!). I then added tags (categories) to each of the image files (by updating the file properties in Windows Explorer), and I use a very handy feature in Vista (which is also available in Windows 7) to group the images by the tags. Where a stamp or a set falls into more than one category, it will be shown under each category. When I sell stamps (which I do periodically), this makes it very easy to have an up to date catalogue as I just remove the pics of the sold stamps. It took a little while to set up, but it was so worth it! I also use all my SU sets and wheels unmounted.
I have to look into how to do the tag thing, great way to flip through quickly.
I already scan all stamps on the computer as I get them, most are SU so I scan before mounting. I also print out a copy for the box so I know what goes in each set and a 8.5x11 copy for a binder that you can flip through.
I must say I use the computer to look through the stamp sets when I want to work on a project, much more handier than the binder for me.
I would love to categorize these images, thanks for the tip!
Stamp Index
