A site for my handmade cards, accompanied by my photos and written meanderings which are occasionally witty, often tongue-in-cheek, and rarely profound. Beginning in June 2013, you'll also see lots of NBUS, which is an acronym I coined for Never-Before-Used-Schtuff. Note: my Privacy Policy can be found at a tab below and you can find my NBUS Challenge online. I hope you'll join in the fun there! Thanks for coming by! Have a beverage and enjoy!

May 7, 2017

Hey, there! A Reorgasbord

I've missed you, my stamplings!

I'm sorry I don't have a card to share so please feel free to click off. I can't believe I haven't made a single card in two weeks and there you are expecting that I've made a stash of them! I thought about posting one I haven't blogged yet, but then I decided to just have a long and waffling chat instead, especially since I've kindly heard from some of you that you've missed me. Thank you!

Here is a glimpse of what's been keeping me away.
I've been in the Playhouse now going on six years and while I do clean it and I have done a couple of minor reorg purges, this is the first time every cupboard and shelf and drawer was emptied and every item was removed and cleaned, sorted, purged, or repurposed. Some items were ousted and some were put back, sometimes in a better way.

I think I told you that my friend Anita showed me how I could use the MISTI in spite of not being able to use the magnets because of my CHF. It happened at the Lake House last October and while my friends were thrilled for me, no one was more thrilled than me! Thank you again, Anita! Because of that I knew I needed to convert those beloved wooden stamps I wanted to keep and I decided it was time to discard the rest so someone else could love them.

Here are the wooden and clear stamps that ended up in the discard heap. All of them have been used and loved and now it's time for them to move on.
I used a table in the garage to separate them. Here are the wooden stamps to donate:
And these are the clear stamps in 12 x 12 containers which still need to be sorted in some fashion:
I know. It's a LOT. Please don't judge. I have been "collecting" wooden stamps (and now clear stamps) for over 15 years. A lot of my stamps were inherited from my friend Rae and a lot were purchased cheaply at garage sales, so I have accumulated quite a few. Cough. It's been easy to amass them, easy to have them get out of control, and a huge undertaking to sort them. 

I also purged quite a lot of PP that I know I will never get around to using and even some of my colored card as I rarely do colors or a lot of matting with colors these days. I love all the space that opened up, but I won't titillate you with pictures of my paper drawers!

Instead, I thought you might like to see my reorganization of my clear stamps. As a lot of you know, I'm a "genre" thinker and do best when my stamps, papers, inks, etc. are sorted by group or family. I've always been this type of thinker and now, with age, it's especially hard for me to remember there was, for example, an "enjoy" stamp set in such-and-such flower stamp set, so I simply group all my "enjoy" stamps together. It's a bit of work, but it saves time for me in the long run because I don't have to look through every stamp set I own for miscellaneous sediments or images.

When I first started blogging, I realized that most bloggers gave the ingredients of their card art, including who manufactured what stamp. That's not a problem with wooden stamps, but when you break apart and store your clear stamps by group, it's a problem. So I stored my clear stamps in little ziploc bags inside SU storage containers with a piece of paper giving the manufacturer information. For instance, here are some of my "enjoy" stamps:
Over time this has become a pain in my petunia. I did stamp the images on a piece of paper on the outside of the container so I could look at it first to determine if there was a stamp inside that I wanted to use, but if there was, I still had to dump out all the little bags and rifle through them until I found the one I wanted.

I no longer want to fuss with all that and I no longer want 32 stamps with the same word on them! I mean, how many "love" or "birthday" or "friend" stamps does one need?! 

I went online and searched all kinda ways to store clear stamps if you're like me and think categorically. (Normally that word means "without exception," but I am hijacking it and using it to mean "by category.")

Hammy and I discussed various options and suddenly he reminded me that I had purchased an inexpensive laminator and why couldn't I just laminate sheets of card stock to back my stamps and not spend any money! Brilliant!

So I laminated sheets and trimmed them to fit inside the DVD cases.
Then, after purging and/or converting the stamps I wanted to keep, I stuck them to my laminated sheets and I kept only enough to fit on one or both sides of the sheet. Now, for instance, when I pull the "Enjoy" case from the shelf I can clearly see from the outside what I have. 
Even now, after the purge, I have ten "enjoy" stamps so it's not like I am depriving myself ... but it's all about the font, right?!

The only downside is that I am no longer keeping a record of who the manufacturers are. I know that will be a disappointment for some of you some of the time, but overall I don't think it's necessary for me. By choice, I'm not on design teams nor work for stamp companies, so it is not essential that I keep all that information. Besides, for a lot of the stamps I think we've come to recognize certain signature company styles.

I also purged and reorganized all my dies, but I forgot to take a photo of the purged container of those.

So that's been keeping me busy every day for 13 days, several hours a day. In the end, I've only misplaced one stamp and one die, but they'll turn up somewhere. I'm counting on Hammy to remind me where I put things so I don't spend too much time scratching my head until I acclimate! 

Edited to add: Hazel has reminded me of the Evernote app that makes storage of your stamps and dies a breeze. I know many of you already use that system, but if you aren't familiar with it, you can see a tutorial here and there are others to view. I will be using it from now on for all my new stamp sets and dies so I no longer have to take them all apart to organize them. I opted not to spend countless hours using it to go back and enter everything I've already organized, but I may change my mind once I get the app. 

At any rate, I was feeling a bit like the walls were closing in on me, so now I feel much lighter from a creative standpoint and I love that everything is clean as a whistle.

Did you know that "clean as a whistle" comes from the sound a sword makes as it swishes through the air to decapitate someone? The first known usage was in the early 19th century, to wit: "A first-rate hit! His head was taken off clean as a whistle." 

Well, for heaven's sake, I always equated that expression to the lighthearted and satisfied feeling I get from a good clean! Now I'll have to change it to clean as a ... a what?

Speaking of cleaning, I have not managed a bit of spring cleaning in the big house, nor have I managed to tackle one item in my "Techniques To Try" folder. Sigh. But, hey ho, I've nothing but time. I may not be blogging as much as I continue my quest, but I have missed you and making cards, so I want to get back to it, even if it's not as often.

I should also say that there were occasional distractions in the form of flowers, baby hummingbirds, and lizards, but I'll save those photos for another day except for this lily left-over from last year that just rebloomed itself.
Isn't that gorgeous? There are a few more blossoms getting ready to unfurl in this pot, so you will no doubt see this velvety creature again.

So now you know what's been upping the heaval around here these last coupla weeks. I hope you've been keeping well and I hope to get by to visit you soon! 

Enjoy your day!  No, seriously, enjoy!  LITS!* As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse!








*Life is too short!

107 comments:

Stamps and Paper said...

Hi Darnell ..there must be something in the air as I am doing the same thing trying t have a clear out I've got over 20 years worth of stuff and I think our local hospice will be getting quite a lot of stuff....I know they say what goes around comes around but hey how long do we have to wait and as you say what a great feeling it is when you even sorted out one drawer or cupboard

Hugs Anne X

Loll said...

That's a major task you've taken on, Dolly. Looks like you are making great headway. I love the way you've organized your stamps by category. I have mine by stamp sets and was going to use Evernote to organize each with pictures, but honestly, I don't think I'll ever have the time to do it. And I'm on the computer enough ... I'd rather just know where to find all my "enjoy" stamps (for instance). You are so smart! And I have always written down the manufacturers of stamp, stencils and dies on each of my card posts, but maybe it's time to let that go. You have given me some things to think about.

Your lily is gorgeous ... thanks for sharing that. Good luck with the rest of your "quest". Lolly xx

Jane said...

Sometimes a clear out is worth the card making deprivation Darnell..it feels so good doesn't it. We all need to store the way our own logic works...yours looks brilliant and you must be delighted you can quickly find what you need now. What a pretty flower too.
Xxx

Sarah said...

Well, what a fun time you have had and no mistake...you brave woman!! I love your laminated sheet idea and when I get around to having a tidy up will try to remember that!! xx

Ruth said...

Oh goodness you have been busy! I know how long it took me to get my stuff moved from one part of the house to the other and I've only been stamping for about 2.5 years, but sorting out and reorganising 15 years worth of stuff, well that is quite a task and I think you should be rightly very happy with what you've done. Give yourself a big pat on the back :) I've a craft room tour just going up on YouTube very very soon (like 10 minutes after I type this!) so you can amuse yourself with that. It's sort of a Playroom for me now! Gorgeous Lily too! xx

Sandma's Handmade Cards said...

I've really enjoyed reading this Darnell's and I can just imagine how pleased you must be feeling now that things are organised. I think I need to do the same and I really like your idea of using laminated sheets to store your stamps. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us. Crafty hugs, Sandra x

Sue said...

By heck Darnell, that sure is a lot of stamps. Hope their new owner loves them and treats them kindly.

I keep my clear stamps on the backing sheet they came on and put them into a photo album that has clear pockets. My wood mounted stamps are in an organiser that has clear pockets, which is hung on the inside of a cupboard door.

The flower is stunning.

Hope you have a lovely day. Sue

Craft-E-Place said...

Brilliant and so satisfying! I love your approach to organising you stamp sets ... I need to do something with mine! Sometimes sorting is as creative as creating ... I bet your found some Stamps that you had "forgotten" you had! It is also a time when you can let your mojo have a rest!
Great to see you back on your blog ... I miss "our" conversations
Take care, Elaine x

Maria - Ivyleaf Crafts said...

well done on all your cleansing and a great idea of storing your stamps. I must do mine but I don't have as many as you.
What a lovely lily too its my favourite flower xxx

Kath said...

I'm glad I'm not the only one who isn't doing much crafting at the moment! I've had a big sort out too - although not as much as you!
Take care, Kath x

Liz said...

Hi Darnell, good to see you back. You HAVE been busy! I love your system of using the DVD cases. I've got some of my stamps on sheets of card I've laminated, in a ring binder, but I much prefer this system, especially for sentiment stamps. I just need to find out where I can get some empty DVD boxes.

I've spent most of this week trying to reorganise my craft room, purging I find more difficult. I think years of teaching has made me into a 'you never know when it might come in handy' type of person. After visiting your beautifully tidy Playhouse, it gave me the incentive to reorganise my craft room. Purging will come later. 😉 I've come across quite a few things I forgot I had! I was trying to think how many years I've been cardmaking. I've had my craft room for 13 years and I started cardmaking quite a few years before that, so it's no wonder that I've accumulated so much craft stuff.

TFS the photo of the lily. Beautiful! xx

ike said...

WoW - what a mammoth task - well done you :-)
Thank you so very much for my wonderful Birthday card :-D xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Marianne said...

Great job on purging your room and arranging stamps in a way that works for you. I've been wanting to do some crafting, but i cannot see my table underneath all of the stuff that's lying there. I am trying to get my craftroom organised, and have been bying some handy dandy stackable drawer containers at the DIY store and some more usuful organising stuff at IKEA in the last two weeks. But as you probably know, the mess has to get bigger before it is cleared, a process that I'm always finding overwhelming, which is probably why I am always postponing it. But in 10 days my sister will come to play at my house (yay!) so I need to make sure we can both sit at my large craft table while we are playing.
Enjoy your Sunday!
Marianne x

LesleyG said...

I am so glad you have relieved your petunia of that pain! What a much better system you have discovered, and I'm sure you will now have more space to create your masterpieces. Take care xxx

Cathy said...

Whew! What a huge task but well worth it by the sound of things. I desperately need to tidy up and organize my cubby hole of a craft room....one day lol! Have a great week, Cathy x

Glennis F said...

A fantastic effort for your craft room clear out - my goodness - I wish I lived near you, then I could help you out by re-homing some of those lovely stamps

NJ Stamping Queen said...

Congrats on your successful purging! I wish I could say that I'm ready to get rid of stamps I haven't used or probably won't use again but I'm not there yet. Kudos to you! Best wishes!
:) Marie

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

Thank you for the update Darnell! Great to hear you have had a productive time whilst you were off! I used to have a hard time finding things until I re-organised, now, my time is spent crafting instead of searching - it's amazing how much more crafting you can get done when you are not constantly searching for a certain supply! My life wouldn't be the same now without my Evernote! - I know, I know, that sounds so dramatic, but it's true, I have EVERYTHING in there! Every single clear stamp, die, background stamps, cling stamp, & stencil are in there, including things like recipes, people's addresses, birthdays, you name it it's in there (but I digress). It's great to see you return, even just to read what you have been up to in your absence! That Lily is stunning! Welcome back sweet friend! You have been missed! Have a wonderful Sunday! Love & Hugs. Hazel xx
My Card Attic

None None said...

What a herculean task, Darnelle! I think it's wonderful that you are doing this and have decided on what works best for you. I think the way you are organizing your stamps is a great idea and I would love to do that, but I haven't quite been able to take that leap of faith yet... I have mine organized by type (e.g. sentiments, dogs/animals, holidays other than Christmas, Christmas, love, birthday, backgrounds, etc.). But I do realize that there are stuff within categories that get mixed up as some of my sentiment stamps have images and I have to remember which ones do. Fortunately, my stamp set collection is not that huge and I try to keep it that way. LOL I should get rid of some of my wood mounted ones as I don't use them all that often or unmount the ones I do. I just reorganized my craft room last weekend so that all of my stamps are in the same general area so I can see both my wood mount and photopolymer at the same time. That should help me be more creative and aware of what I have.

Anyway - so good to see you again and thank you for sharing your organizing process with us!!!

P.S. As a result of your "reorgasbord", has Mt. NBUS diminished?

Bunny said...

It's spring cleaning time for a lot of us. I put several items on eBay! and have cleared a little over $100.00 to spend on new schtuff. Our one and only Mom and Pop craft store has a once a year used craft sale and we get to bring in our old stuff that has been priced and categorized by us. She sets up tables, has two sale dates and oversees everything. She gets 10% of what you sell and you have to spend the money you earn in the store. Brilliant. Good for us and good for her. It keeps the small business going. I have enough left over for that.

It does feel good to clean the work space and purge.

Jeanne said...

Just yesterday, when I was getting ready to start working on a card or two, I took a look at my space and thought...I have got to get this under control! This summer break for sure. And here you've been working on just that in your little slice of heaven for the past couple of weeks. We all know what a daunting task this is and you've done a wonderful job. Very creative idea for the stamps. I'm so glad you are doing what works for you! I hope you have a great sense of accomplishment and renewed mojo for crafting. Oh my that lily is gorgeous! Big hugs! :)

Fikreta said...

you have great stamp colection!
thats nice!
I wish I have few of those :D
gorgoues flower!
love it!
have a nice day!

Brenda in IN said...

Wow, you have sure been busy. I love the idea of laminated sheets. I want to be able to use my SU stamps in the Misti so I need to learn how to take them off the wood blocks. I am impressed on how much you were able to purge. You will feel so much lighter with so much gone. The only problem when I reorganize is remembering where I put things. I love your lilly...the colors are beautiful. It has been in the 40's here with really high winds. It will be a miracle if anything blooms this year.

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

That is a big job! I have a much smaller space, but organizing certainly just takes a while. I have laminated for stamp storage before, but what I did was take the stamp insert with the photos and laminate that, so for people who like to keep their sets together, that is a good option, too.

Great work and I hope you get to enjoy a nice clean space now!

~amy~ said...

WOW! You've been busy! I need to do this since the community garage sale is Friday...sigh. I have so much stuff too!

ionabunny said...

You are good. My craft room looks like it's been bombed. Great tips for organizing and impressed that you are strong enough to throw things away. Do you have any ideas on the wood blocks?? I have been seriously thinking about unmounting mine but are the block useful for anything other than firewood??? Hugz

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Heaven's to Murgatroyd. How many trees and rubber plantations went into that collection lol?
There must have been some fun to it,rediscovering long lost old friends and no doubt, the odd bit of NBUS.
I store a lot of my acrylic stamps in a similar way, in clear cases about twice the size of DVD cases but just stuck to the plastic. The laminated sheets look more tidy.
For goodness sake , don't let the Mr carry that lot out to the removal truck or his back will in bits again lol!
Take care
Ang x

Diane said...

Wow, you have been busy busy. I am doing the same here but not in my creative room but the rest of the house and am still going...so ready to downsize. Looks like a fun lot of 'stuff' there but sometimes it feels so good to just let it go!! Someday I will get to this room, but maybe next winter, as it is about time to get outside and work in the flower IF we ever warm up and quit raining! Thanks for sharing, that was fun to see!

Pia S said...

Suddenly the meaning of being 'organized' changed for me. I realize I'll never be organized, but I can attempt having some kind of order in my mess:)

Greta said...

Hurrah--BABY hummers?! Oh boy do I admire you, my friend--not that I didn't before--haha! You made great use of your Blogging Break--very smart reorganizing! I can't imagine doing all that cleaning--guess I didn't get those genes--haha! The lily is indeed stunning! Be sure you check out my lilac that finally bloomed since I found out it needed food--so gorgeous & an intoxicating fragrance! Just wish they lasted when you cut & bring them indoors. Big hugs, Greta
https://ggnursecreations.blogspot.com/2017/05/not-last-minute.html

Donna said...

So nice to hear from you Darnell! Glad to hear you are doing so well at organizing and purging. It will be so nice when you are finished. Thanks for giving an update and for sharing the picture of the baby hummer.

Sandy said...

Darnell, you have accomplished a lot. My collection underwent a purge and clean when we moved to a rental a year ago, and it'll probably get another after we move into the home we expect to live in for years. I'm with you on keeping stamps organized by category, and if I know who made it, good for me, but otherwise not a big deal.
Hope you can find time to enjoy the newly organized space.

Lisa Elton said...

It always make some feel good to resort and purge. Plan to do that next month when Sweet P is with mommy for summer break. But you know, it made me feel good just seeing your fabulous clean up clear out!! Thanks MWAH!!

Birgit said...

Look at you purge! I am so not there yet and would love to look through your stamps:) congrats to you I. Getting everything more organized. I can totally see why you would keep "enjoy" in various writing styles because you need that different style depending on your card. It seems to be really coming along. I will be looking up the app

conil said...

Since you have the reorganize-itis...hopefully, you can come do mine when you're done with yours. Bring Hammie...I promise to feed you both. Can't tell you how jealous I am that your accomplishing so much...I feel like such a slug. Oh well, I guess I'll just continue to leave my slime trail everywhere I go until I get ambitious.

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

You have more stamps of those I can dream :) LOL, and I understand so well that your purge was a necessity!! You have made a very hard work, Darnell!! Really fatiguing! But I love your way of organizing all your goodies! Surely now you will found anything in few minuts, expecially your stamps! And I'm even sure that this new organization will help your relax, too :)
Amazing shot of your flowers, so bright and beautiful!
Hugs

Elizabeth said...

Hi Darnell, there is definitely something in the air. The urge to Spring clean our craft rooms has hit a few folk recently, me included! Happily, I do not have as big a collection of wood mounted stamps as yours - I might have been beat before I started if I had. You've done an incredible job so far. I've been thinking about storing my stamps differently for some time. It's just a pain having to look through loads of collections to find the one sentiment stamp I'm looking for but it worried me that if I split them up I would forget the maker's name and/or the collection. So thank you for giving me permission not to worry about it. That's another job to add to the to do list then :) Good luck with the rest of your clean up. The big house can wait - cleaning a craft room is so much more fun, if only for the lovely forgotten goods that are found during the process. Hugs, Elizabeth xx

LauraJane:) said...

If there is anything that I love as much as cardmaking, it's ORGANIZING!! More so, READING how someone else organizes..I say, What a SUPER brilliant idea:) I will do that too! Or oh, how Clever!
This was a delightful read and you are a trooper to keep at it for 13 days!! Thank you for the sunshine!
I'm SO GLAD you are able to work with the MISTI..as it truly is a GAME changer!
Big hugs to you and that ever so helpful Hammy:)

Keti's Projects said...

Great work done. I should totally do that to one time soon. I don't have soo much stuff but its pilled everywhere anyway so thanks for reminding me to do so soon.

Leslie Miller said...

I love love love stamp room posts, so I'm thrilled you popped in with this. I did the same thing over the course of my first retired winter, then stepped it up before my new stamp room window was installed. It's a huge undertaking, but so worth the effort. If you're an organization-minded person there are few things that will make your happy place happier. How much stuff do we need, anyway? I gave away enough to stock another whole stamp room. I couldn't imagine the task of selling on eBay -- all that time on the computer and running to the post office everyday. So much of it came from being an SU demonstrator and doing other DT work. No judging from me! Your storage solutions and thought processes are interesting, so I'd love to see more whenever you are able to come up for air again. This is as fascinating to me as the stamping itself! Thanks, Darnell!

Carole said...

Wow! Darnell....that's a lot of rubber but like you I am an organiser...the only thing i forget to do is leave room for any new stuff...so re-organising seems to be permanent. I totally get the can't craft till I'm sorted lark and it's so funny isn't it how our tastes change over the years too. great feeling this clear out...so carry on and then when you next begin to craft you will feel so smug...oh but i hear you saying...now where did I move that to? Hugs xx

Donna Nuce said...

You've given me the incentive to rid myself of stuff that is bogging me down in my craft room. Glad to see you are still doing well. Have a great day.

Cara said...

Wow, great job. Judge you? Isn't there some proverb about a pot calling the kettle black? One day I'll start cataloging my stamps and dies, if only I'd started when I first started crafting.... Cara x

Lisa T said...

You have been so busy! And it's all looking wonderful. I like the idea of keeping stamps by genre, I know several people that do this. At first I didn't have enough stamps to worry about it but as my stash is growing, it may be something to think about. We may be moving this year and so I think it will force me to be rid of some of those patterned papers and only keep the more plain ones thta are useful for backing an image. And I have some cardstock that can definitely go too! So impressed with all you have done in only a few weeks and wow that pile of wooden stamps!!! Glad it has helped you feel better and look forward to your cards when you get back to blogging again.. no pressure! Xx

Sybrina K said...

Kudos to you... doing something we should all probably do more of. And, thanks for sharing a pic of that gorgeous bloom. :)

Redanne said...

Oh yes, that Lily is gorgeous, such a beautiful colour!

Bravo to you my friend, you have done an amazing job purging all those stamps, hopefully you will have a bit of spare room now ... just in case you get tempted to buy some more (cough) rubber stamps! Seriously, though, you have achieved so much in such a short time! Hugs, Annie xxx

Flo said...

Whoever gets access to all those stamps you donated will be in crafters' heaven!
Love the reappeared lily--goes to show that you cared for the soil it was in, to have regenerated another bloom this year. 😍

Olga Fink said...

Well I am sure you feel lighter after the purge! and thank you for these great storing ideas!
Have fun in your renewed playhouse!
xoxo Olga

Bobby said...

I always thought it seemed like you had a million stamps and after seeing this I'm sure I was close in my estimate. Good for you, Darnell, for getting things under control. Even though my husband keeps reprimanding me for ordering things I am particular about what I get and I have begun putting everything on Evernote. Fortunately I can still remember most of what I have without it.
Quick question about your DVD containers. That's how I keep all my stamps but yours look wider and of a softer material that I might like better that what I have. Where did you get them?
Keep up the good work so you can get back to the fun of cardmaking.

Jean said...

Wow - you have been busy! Want to come to my house?!?

Donna said...

Thank you for your wafflings. Updates are good, you know. They let us know how you are doing. And I'm glad you are doing things that are good and right for you. Blogging takes up a lot of time... write ups and photo's take up a lot of time, too. We can't be all things to all people, and you've earned the right to take time out, wouldn't you agree? And just think of the time you will save that you can put towards other things now that's your purge is full steam ahead and organisation is tip top? So happy for you, Darnell. Give mŷ love to Hammy. X

Verna Angerhofer said...

So glad to know you have been busy with business instead of being ill. And, I had to laugh when I saw all those stamps. I am downsizing my wood stamps too. Many I got when working for various companies but I confess a good deal of them I bought as I worked next to a stamp store and that was such a temptation every day. LOL I gave a whole bunch of my wood stamps away and still have three more boxes which are awaiting someone to love too. I thought about removing my stamps from the wood but decided that it would be too much work for me and so I will instead give them to others who will enjoy them. I am just waiting for two such souls to show up and take them off my hands. And, thanks for the tips. I finally no longer have stamps in the living room. I am only taking space in the kitchen and utility room so that is a good feeling. Oh, it would have been so simple to have a room to myself for all my things but such is not the case. So happy for you and love your reorganization.

Anita in France said...

Isn't there such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment when things are purged and organised, Darnell ... I'm even more tempted by your delicious playhouse now (if that's possible)! Good thing you have Hammy helping ... sounds as though he's been coming up with great ideas and practical actions to keep you on track ... will he be available after you've finished?? Well done taking on such a mammoth task (even for the two of you it's huge) ... and enjoy finishing it all off ... you'll be walking on air by that time! Thanks for the shout out, my lovely friend ... you're so welcome ... I'm truly as delighted as you are! LYAMYHAHLFTHYBWIAF! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Sheri said...

I just did all of my paper and what a major job that was. I gave a ton away and am taking the rest to the rehab center where I was after my knee replacement in January. Have not attempted my stamps but I did them about three years ago. Where will you donate the wood stamps? I have no ideas if I were to go through mine

Charlene said...

Wow! I have just learned so much from your post! I know how long it can take to organize and then once organized, try to remember where I put it! :) I currently use a program called Sortly for storing my stamps and dies, but I love the tutorial by Kat for Evernote. Thank you for adding that link in this post. I am glad you decided to not store all the info on what stamp you were using - it does make stamping cumbersome when you think you have to always have that information at hand. So right, unless you are designing or teaching, you really don't need to know - good for you for taking the step of "freedom" in the craft room! Enjoy your cleaned up space now.

Sharon Underwood said...

Great idea! I love the way you've decided to store your stamps. I'm just afraid to let go of storing them by company for some reason. You're very inspiring, though. I might change after all! So glad you're back! I missed you. P.S. My knee is getting better. I can get around now with a cane, brace & a bit of tape holding everything in place. PT is good.

April said...

Wow! It can be overwhelming especially if you're a long time collector. LOL Thanks for sharing your organization. That lilly is gorgeous! Good look with cleaning in the big house. I think you should only have to clean one house. LOL
April

Anne said...

Hi Darnell. I too am trying to declutter. Have lots of stamps and papers that I don't know what to do with. Wish I'd not bought as much. Finding everything a bit overwhelming at the moment. Take care dear friend. Anne x (Copperbeechcrafts)

Linda said...

Wow, you have been busy getting organized. I love that feeling. I may have to look at the Evernote system. Right now I have a big binder with a copy of all my stamps, but it would be nice to search for it on line I think if you are looking for something specific. Lot of time I just go through the book to see what might work for a challenge so that might not be so good. But I don't know if I can take that much time out of making cards to get it set up. Oh well, great job.

shirley-bee said...

My, you have been busy, Darnell! I daren't even start to reorganise my crafty space. When the working space gets smaller than the size of a card, I have a little tidy-up, but it doesn't last. My OCD couldn't cope with splitting sets, but we all find a way that works for us. Fabulous pic of you leftover lily. So glad you didn't show us your paper drawers ;)

Laurie Unger said...

Evernote is the bomb - I've been slowly adding all my sets to it. It's so much easier to search for what you want using that program. I had to laugh about where "clean as a whistle" came from - you learn something new every day!

Patti said...

When can you get here!? I need help and you look like just the MOM : ) to do it!! Wonderful job Darnell. I need to get rid of a bunch of stamps but I'm scared I will miss them sometime ten years from now when I'm looking for that "perfect" image! LOL

Brilliant re-do!! and amazing Lily!!

(((Hugs)))
Patti

brandco2450@gmail.com said...

My, you have been a busy little bee! You've done a wonderful job and thanks so much for updating us.
Gorgeous lily!

Anonymous said...

WOW what a task! I can understand your feeling the need to spring clean! my little space is starting to feel a bit too little. I also need to purge and not just stamps & paper I have fabric & wool too. I have just resigned from my part time job (long story!) so once I have my last day I am hoping to do a little spring cleaning of my own although it is Autumn here! so should that be Autumn cleaning? Thanks for the link to Evernote - I do use it so I'm going to look at the link to see if I can do better.

Nonni said...

Great to hear from you Darnell! I also store my stamps in categorized boxes, I have four: Christmas, Background/Pattern/Geometric stuff, Flowers (this is the most full box...), Critters + other "card front images" that are not flowers. Your idea for cutting the similar sentiments apart, I've never thought of that! It's a wonderful idea. Thanks for inspiration! Always a treat to read your posts. And thanks for popping by and checking out my Hello Lovely card! Hugs!

Bonnie said...

Sounds like fun (not)! But a good feeling to purge and reorganize. I've been doing a bit here and there too. I set it aside and if I don't go looking for it by July, it's going! You gave me some good ideas! Thanks and enjoy your continued cleaning! Beautiful lily by the way! I love lilies.

Nan G said...

You go girl! I need to do the same thing...major purge. I've set a goal of the month of May to do it. Then I can paint everyday and not feel guilty about all the schtuff laying in heaps everywhere. It's always a delight to see your name pop up in my email. 'Enjoy' your time away from crafty pursuits! Life really Is Too Short. Hugs

Pat said...

I was just beginning to wonder what you were up to and now I can see. What a huge task Darnell but it sounds as though you have found a system which works for you and paring down clears the head as well as clearing the drawers if you see what I mean. I had a bit of a reorganisation myself early in the new year and it does help the creative juices to flow better afterwards. Thanks for showing us that gorgeous lily, what a wonderful colour! I look forward to hearing how the work is progressing. x

Dana M said...

It looks fabulous Darnell! I have been trying to catch up in my organization as I also have too much to remember that I have this or that and sadly things don't get used.

JD/ Jill said...

What a fabulous job you are doing there! I've been doing the same thing...(Trying to purge) So far, it's mainly with my paper...I am so tired of NOT being able to find things.
Thank you for sharing your ideas...always appreciated!

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

I am totally amazed that it only took you two week to organize all of that! Wow! You should be a professional organizer! I could never depart from all my wooden stamps, although I should part with some of them.......perhaps one day, when I am no longer working and have more time. Have to check out Evernote now...

Angela Walters said...

Hi, Darnell. I'm so glad you posted. I've missed you, as well, but I didn't want to bother you. I use Evernote and I love it! I put everything in it. It allows me to plan a card from bed so it only takes minutes of standing to find the products to make it, instead of having to flip through things to make up my mind. It also helps me remember what I have, which I can forget at times!

Karenladd said...

Wow Darnell! I'm going back and forth between admiring your hard work and organizing fervor, and drooling over all those stamps! The wooden stamps take up so much room but I still find it impossible to get rid of them. Some stampers have removed the rubber from the wood mounts, and store them in binders but then I'd probably forgot about them, all tucked away like that. As always, the question is whether to purge, or just build another shed. I would probably vote for another shed, but not sure I would have a lifetime long enough to use everything I want to own. Your playhouse is going to be much easier to work in once you're done, and I have a feeling we'll see a crafty flurry once the dust settles!

Colleen said...

Darnell, I think you have done what many of us should do...a daunting task for sure, but the shoulders feel lighter, doesn't it? Bravo for you for taking on this task and sticking with it...heart hugs, Colleen

aussie aNNie said...

Cleaning our stash is addictive and I too have done the same. I take all of my used and unused and unwanted goods to the local nursing home for their therapy. Also have a candy now and again on my blog to get 'rid' of unused stamps I really don't want.
LOVE the most stunning flower.xx ♥[aNNie]

Cheryl W. said...

So good to read your voice. You sound as though you're enjoying a more leisurely crafting pace. Sure wish my craft area was clean as a ... quick decapitation? But it's not in terrible shape as there is more than one square foot of clean worktop space for me to craft on. Enjoy your week.

Julie B said...

Well done Darnell. You are very brave chucking out and recycling all your 'surplus' stash. I'm a shocking hoarder and I can't resist a bargain as you saw this weekend, so I really should try to get some organisation going and purge the stash. The last time I went looking for the DVD cases they were all out of stock as it seemed everyone was making their own DIY Mistis! My old DVD boxes are black and have an integral click thingy so are not too useful!
Lovely to have you back in blogland, you were missed. :)

Janice said...

How busy have you been! We all collect so much over the years and it looks as though a few of us are spring cleaning too! Thank you so much for sharing your ideas, I love learning how others store their stamps and dies!
Janice x

Sandra H said...

Oooh it's so lovely to see you pop up with or without a card ....l know just where your coming from Darnell with the stamps wooden and clear l had a clear out recently and l still think l have more than l need for crafting as l'm not doing very much at the moment hopefully my mojo will return and l will enjoy it as l did once before on a brighter note it's nice to spring clean the craft room too and you will enjoy the fact that your more organised not that l'm saying your not.....lol hopefully it won't be too long now before we do see one of your amazing creations take care sending lots of love xx

Aileen said...

I am so proud of you, nothing like a good purge. And I love that I have finally found someone who does the same as me. I keep all my stamps and sentiments in like ie happy thanks animals flowers etc etc. Sometimes I leave the sentiments with the stamps as they are only relevant to those stamps but mostly I do like to seperate as I really really hate going through multiple sets to find a stamp. Looking for a way to keep track of die cuts at the moment which can be so time consuming when you are feeling too crap to make a card. Lucky for me I am starting to feel good again so enough colouring and sorting and resorting its time to join you and make a card or too.

Em Louise Fairley said...

Great to see you back in blogland. I need to purge my scrap draws again, but might leave that until the 3 day weekend. Eeek!
Hugs,
Em xoxox

Princess Judy Palmer said...

You go girl! You go Hammy! Don't want to leave him out. I know how good it feels to get a good organization and yes, a purge going. I'm rather jealous of your dump it all out and start over way of doing it. I so want to do that and have wanted to for quite some time. Ah, but surely I did because I just moved a year ago? Stop calling me 'Shirley.' No, when we moved my craft stash came across in the drawer, box, or bin it was housed in so things did not get rearranged much. I don't have time to do a big dump 'n sort now and if I took the time off to do it I know I'd rather play. Instead I putter hither and yon and every time toss things in the "to go" pile.

My latest puttering has unearthed the same thought you had--who needs 15 different "thinking of you" sayings? And when was the last time I used a thinking of you on a card anyway??!! I'm finding the birthday greetings harder to downsize because of the font. Sometimes you need serious, sometimes whimsical, a bold one, a manly one, a frilly one, etc. The reality of what bday greetings I use is sad. I had two clear birthday greetings sets by Hero Arts. I've long since tired of them but they have a variety of fonts and sayings in each set and they are so easily accessed. When I need one in a pinch, they are right there. I need to put something I like better "right there" like you have with your enjoy set--a case full of bday greetings I'm not sick to death of. Heck, I even have the empty DVD style cases to do it with. One of these days....

Enjoy your newly cleaned room. You'll have to check back in and let the masses know if you missed something. I'll bet not, but that is always the reason people give for NOT doing a purge. I've only ever missed a couple of stamps and they were all ones someone talked me out of rather than me decided to purge them myself. And I got over it pretty easy.

I sold a stamp once and two years later bought it back from the lady. She laughed, "Did I miss it?" Not at all, but when I saw it again I decided I could use it again. And I have.

Michele K. Henderson said...

Wow, Darnell, this is no small feat that you have undertaken! I am SO impressed! I LOVE your little craft house!!! I have a spare room in the house that I craft in, and the best part about it is that it is right next to a spare bathroom, which is super convenient for so many crafty things, and cleaning up too. So if I had a little craft house it would have to have a to have a little sink.. . and air conditioning! Especially here in the deep south!

But I am super excited to see you have made the effort to purge. I keep saying I need to do that, but I really don't have that much. I just have too much OTHER stuff stuck in this spare room!

Congratulations on "The Big Sweep!" By the way, I used to say, clean as a baby's bottom until someone reminded me that mostly those bottoms aren't that clean! Ha ha! Guess we're both stuck with Clean as a whistle!

Take care!
Michele

Linda said...

OMG!!!! What a task you've taken on there hun, but it seems like you're getting through it. I can't believe how organised you are. Would you like to come and sort out my room next!? xx

Birgit said...

Wow you've been one busy gal! Doesn't a good cleanse just make you feel good? I did that last year and felt such a sense of relief and a renewed sense of creativity. Enjoy those gorgeous blooms, lizards and hummingbirds. Life is too short!

Cris G. said...

Looks so good... and worth all the time you spent cleaning and organizing! Btw, thank you for the tips in that area, they are all very welcome.
Now you can turn your attention to flora and fauna in your lovely and well cared space. The photo of your lily is absolutely gorgeous!!!
Hugs!

OH Babs said...

Oh so glad to hear you have been doing craft spring cleaning. I do it way too often as I am always trying to find the best way to store stuff. People put red rubber stamps in a notebook (done that), then I moved them to cd cases (is it dvd?), anyhow that is where they are now and it is much easier for me to read. Usually I file things by manufacturer. But I started a container that contained only "coffee" stamps, a few weeks ago I refiled them to the manufacturer. Funny I thought I had more of the coffee stuff when they were in one big box.
The flower is gorgeous and I would like a stamp so I could color it - I love coloring flowers. So happy spring, lots of rain the last few days. Keep on truckin Miss Irma. :) Barb

AlisonC said...

Wow, what a job. You seem to have some excellent storing systems which put mine to shame but I do feel fine about the number of stamps I own now! Great job and who cares about spring cleaning the house?

Canonbury creations said...

What a brilliant post Darnell, riveting! Paper drawers are not good for ladies of a certain age 😉
Well done for undertaking such a mammoth task, you know the size of my craft space and the thought of organising it again makes me want to hide!
Lovely to see you blogging again xxx

Marisa said...

You go girl!!! Feels great purging and reorganizing. I do an LSS sale every year to move things I no longer use on to others who can use it. Love knowing someone will give the supplies some love :)

Julia Aston said...

Funny how we all organize differently - probably according to our oranization DNA (!?) I am in the throes myself - and do feel wonderful with the purge - SO many things I had stuffed away and never use - out to the yard sale at church! this constant blogging isn't sustainable anyway - a happy medium must be pursued and followed! Have a great day Sis!! Julia xx

Sharron said...

What a wonderful post! You've been quite the busy lady and now have inspired many of us to do a little spring cleaning too! I just recently found a table at an estate sale that provides much more room in my crowded little craft space. I've done a little cleaning but it doesn't look like it as I still have so much sitting out. Thanks for the tip about Evernote. It looks like a great inventory system. I'm still looking through baskets of supplies trying to find things! Enjoy your Spring!!!

Cat Craig said...

Darnell, so good to hear from you. You have been missed. There is nothing quite like the feeling of reorganizing ones crafty stash. It brings on an amazing bit of mojo at least for me. I have my clear stamps sorted by types (florals, Critters, sentiments, holiday and other-most of which are graphic shapes and lines) I used to sort them by manufacturer but that drove me a bit round the ole bend. I do the same with my dies. I think I do better when I have fewer options with respect to mojo and cardmaking. I can get overwhelming to have too much (Don't tell hubs I said that! LOL) In any case, I loved this post and will be by to visit again when you post. Hugs.

Sue from Oregon said...

Good for you Darnell! You will feel so refreshed and inspired when you get back at it!!!

Tracey McNeely said...

Great post. I have a plastic drawer unti that has all my woodblock stamps that I just couldn't give up until I read your post. Haven't used them in forever in fact I bet I have forgotten how to stamp with them!! Time to purge, too much I will never ever use!! Organization is such an ongoing thing to do and I have lots still to do! I have been using Evernote for quite. Few years now. It makes finding that sentiment s much easier for me. I am a wee bit behind with it right now but hope to get back on top of it again!! Thanks for the inspiration today!

Helen J said...

Now you can't say "clean as a whistle", how about this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXOBN1egbSo? I bet many people in the UK read your blog post and thought of this!

Barb Ghig said...

This was such a GREAT POST, Darnell!!! Thank you so much for all of the info and the link! Also, for learning the origin for clean as a whistle...WOW!

Your left-over lily is GORGEOUS! The colors are so vibrant...Thanks for sharing that with us!

I would give my left arm (I'm right-handed) to have a fabulous Playhouse like yours! Weather on the east coast really doesn't work for an outside studio, so, for now, I will admire your lovely Playhouse...especially since it's 'Spic n' Span'...where does that come from? The cleaner? Thanks again for always sharing such great info for us ~ Hugs, Barb

Brenda said...

Hi Auntie! Looks like you have been a very busy beaver! You and Hammy are so clever, I love the idea of laminating a sheet and using it to store stamps on!! Makes me think why didn't I think of that?!! lol I downloaded Evernote to my phone, but didn't know how to use it. Duh to me! So thanks for the link. I think I will do it on my computer instead of my phone. Not sure if it will link to both, but I a hoping so. I have so much to learn but will start with your link and go from there. I love your beautiful lily that has re-bloomed. Don't you just love when that happens?!!! Stay well Auntie! Hugs, Brenda

Susanne Vargas said...

Oh my, what a project! I'm exhausted just reading about it! Glad to hear that you found solutions that work for you! It was good to hear from you and thank you for sharing this gorgeous bloom!

Karen said...

Thanks for this. Although I regularly purge and organize, the idea of having everything visible in Evernote is so appealing! I've gone through all kinds of organizational systems over 20+ years of stamping, and as you might guess, have accumulated quite a collection of stamps and dies. I'm going to take Kat's advice and set aside 1/2 hour each day to start getting organized. I've had Evernote for ages, but never figured out how to use it for efficient notetaking. Maybe I'll find even more uses for it now.

Marybeth said...

Oh.... I bet it feels so good to reorganize, I know tons of work ! I have so many wood stamps too and got rid of some last summer and time to go through more now! It was always fun to find a new stamp somewhere still is just not wood anymore with MISTI! I thought life was going to slow down but it hasn't yet. :) Loved this post Darnell!

Craftychris said...

You have indeed been missed! I can see how busy you (and Hammy of course) have been and I am so impressed by all your sorting! I need to organise my stamps and dies in an 'easier to find' way at some stage. Sorting your craft room is much more important than spring cleaning and more fun too! Stunning lily! Awesome colours. Hugs xxx

oldpunca said...

I'm late, but I'm here to admire your sorting work. :-) You did a great job. I have just a few stamps and die cuts, but I know, how many time does it take to have everything "under control" :-) I hope all of your wooden stamps will find a warm home. I look forward to see cards you will make in a new ordered playhouse.
Hugas, Sonja

Anonymous said...

It's great to see you back Darnell and I loved reading about your purge. It always feel nice when I've had a good tidy up n my craft (daft) room. Forget the cleaning in your big house. Give a duster to hammy!! x

Carol H. said...

Surely did miss your wittiness and glad you're back! Thank you for the Evernote link--I've heard enough good things about it that I'll take a look. I'm a pretty organized person and I would love to have everything categorized like that! Where do you donate your stamps and other supplies? Hugs!!

Zelda said...

Isn't it 'cleansing' to purge, throw out and re-organize! Thanks for sharing and inspiring us .... love the lily... it's beautiful!

Shona Chambers said...

I love nothing better than a good clear-out and purge, that's why I love this time of year in the garden as I get to cut back nearly everything!! I remember a time when I would see how many stamps someone would own and think 'why?' but I've come to realise very quickly and purchasing stamps and oh so addictive and those darn companies keep bringing out more and more to catch our eye. How wonderful to pass them on to someone else instead of them sitting in a box somewhere. I'm not quite ready to let some of mine go yet even though I don't use them all but the time will come........