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Have any of you used an index card system to catalog your stamps?
I read about this system a while back and I'm thinking of trying it, but it will be a lot of work for me because I have alot of stamps.
So before I invest the time, I'd love to hear from anyone who uses this system or used it and didn't like it before I invest a lot of time in it. Or from anyone with ideas or opinions as to why this system may or may not work well.
The system I read about consisted of stamping each image onto a large index card and putting the cards into those boxes that hold index cards. The index cards are categorized by whatever works for the person (i.e. it could be by image type - background, flowers, etc. - or it could be by stamp manufacturer - SU, MSE, MFT, CTMH, etc.).
__________________ "May your mind whirl joyful cartwheels of creativity." - Jonathan Lockwood Huie.
I read about this system a while back and I'm thinking of trying it, but it will be a lot of work for me because I have alot of stamps.
So before I invest the time, I'd love to hear from anyone who uses this system or used it and didn't like it before I invest a lot of time in it. Or from anyone with ideas or opinions as to why this system may or may not work well.
The system I read about consisted of stamping each image onto a large index card and putting the cards into those boxes that hold index cards. The index cards are categorized by whatever works for the person (i.e. it could be by image type - background, flowers, etc. - or it could be by stamp manufacturer - SU, MSE, MFT, CTMH, etc.).
I've done it and absolutely love it. I didn't organize by mfg. eventually, it won't matter. When you get a new set, stamp it, give it the next number...then file the card by the system you decide upon. I do organize the index sheet by category.
I use CDs. Found LaserLine table top revolving CD racks. Each holds 80.
Get your clear envie first...then have your CS cut to fit the clear envie. I got mine off eBay. Actually I found the size of box I wanted, then the clear envies, then cut the CS....then stamped...then filed the CDs and index labels.
I bought spine labels for the CD off the net. The company had a template for the labels. I was able to get 2 sets in most CDs.
I had plans to catch up on stamping the index sheets this weekend...but got sidetracked.
Let me know if I can answer any
questions.
__________________ "I drive way too fast to worry about my cholesterol".
River City Rubber Works
Last edited by AddictedtoStamps; 02-16-2013 at 02:50 PM..
Terrific - thanks so much for sharing ! I'll give it a go I will organize mine by categories as well. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that by having no organizational system for my stamps, it's almost impossible for me to find a stamp that I know that I have and I want to use. Getting my stamps organized so that I can actually find the stamps that I'm looking for will add so much joy to my stamping and artwork - can't wait. Thanks, again.
__________________ "May your mind whirl joyful cartwheels of creativity." - Jonathan Lockwood Huie.
Subbing in. I really want to do this now, before my stamp collection gets too big and the task is too daunting. My thought is like yours, QueenOfInkland - to use index cards in boxes and come up with some sort of category list. I have to tell you that I have not been able to find the kind of boxes I want. I have not yet found a source for a simple, decent quality metal or plastic box with a hinged top. So if anyone has, I'd love to know.
And how you are doing the indexing? With most of my stamps, it's pretty obvious, but for stamps that are two-part stamps, or sets that have flowers and leaves and stems, are you stamping just the flower or adding a stem and leaves?
AddictedToStamps, I have to confess I don't understand what you mean by using CDs. You are putting the images on CDs? Putting the stamped images in CD cases? Can you clarify? Apologies for being dense, but I'm just not getting it.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
Last edited by Rachelrose; 02-17-2013 at 10:52 AM..
I did not know they made them that large! Yes, I'd love to know how you do with it.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
I have my stamps on a Rolodex and love it. I did it last year. I have mine indexed by subject areas and if the stamp set has more then one area in it I stamp it twice.. say for birthday and sentiments. I number the CD cases which the stamps are stored. I love it. This way you don't have to break up your sets. I had tried different ways but never found one that I loved like this. PS.. It took a lot of time but it is so worth it.
Are you using a 3 X 5 rolodex? Where did you get it?
I found a couple of file card boxes at Staples and Home Depot, but nothing that was just right. Why do you like a Rolodex over a box file?
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
Yes mine is a 3 x 5 rolodex. I can't remember where I got it but its yellow to match my craft haven. I like it over a box file because I can flip through the designs and see what I got instead of pulling them out of the box. I think it is just a preference.
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Instead of on index cards mine are stamped on a sheet of cardstock (more than one set per page) and then put into page protectors and then they go into a 3- ring binder.
Just a bigger version of the index cards!
__________________ All I want is the chance to prove money won't make me happy!
A binder would work for me if I did the index sheets by category. I already have an index sheet for every set, because I keep my stamps on storage panels, in a page protector, standing in a bin, and and I stamp an index of what's on the panel to go in front of the panel. It's great, because I can see each set way more clearly than I could when they were in CD and DVD cases, but I'd like to be able to look at things by category.
But the binder idea is interesting.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
I use to use a rolodex and I really liked it BUT any stamps that didn't fit (larger or back ground stamps) it was useless for. I now use a 3 ring binder and catagorize them. All of mine are unmounted and in CD cases so 1 sheet of paper has all the stamps in that CD cases. I use catagories like hearts, animals, sports, etc.
__________________ Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.
Thanks so much to all of you for posting your experiences using index cards or a similar system. I really really appreciate your help.
And I know this is going to take a lot of time, but I enjoy organizing and I can see really getting into it. The only thing I'm not looking forward to is having to clean all of my stamps after I stamp the image onto the index/rolodex card - ugh!!!
Right now my stamps are in many many containers and in absolutely no order whatsoever so this is going to be a real 'labor of love'.
__________________ "May your mind whirl joyful cartwheels of creativity." - Jonathan Lockwood Huie.
Have any of you used an index card system to catalog your stamps?
