I’ve had a few fellow designers ask me recently how I stay organized when I’m juggling multiple in-process projects, custom orders, and my “just for fun” crafts. If you’re anything like me, you know that the creative process can get messy fast. The trick I’ve found is having the right storage solutions that not only keep everything together but also make it easy to pick up right where I left off. I’m often short on time when I craft, so it is vital that I can quickly find my projects, get started, and easily put them away.
Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of different methods, but these four storage envelopes and binder pockets have become my go-to favorites:
6 x 6 Storage Envelopes – Perfect for Small Projects
I use the 6 x 6 envelopes for small projects, especially handmade cards. They’re just the right size to hold card bases, die cuts, embellishments, and coordinating scraps. If I have several card designs in progress, each one goes in its own envelope so nothing gets lost or mixed up. It makes card-making feel more intentional and keeps all the little pieces from scattering across my desk. I remember one time when I was rushing to finish a card for a friend’s birthday, these envelopes saved the day. I can also grab one when I’m on the go, and do a bit of assembly wherever I am.
8.5 x 11 Storage Envelopes – My Everyday Workhorse
These envelopes are my most-used. Since many of my projects begin with letter-size paper, the 8.5 x 11-inch envelopes are a natural fit. I’ll slide in layered paper art pieces, folio bases, or even design sketches. They’re also great for custom orders, as I can dedicate one envelope per order and ensure that everything—papers, instructions, and embellishments—is together and ready. They’re not just for paper crafts; you could also use them for storing fabric swatches and yarn samples for your textile projects.
Binder Pockets – For Those Who Love Binder Organization
Sometimes I prefer working with binders, especially for keeping track of scraps by paper collection or projects that I’m developing slowly. Binder pockets make it easy to flip through ideas and revisit things when inspiration strikes. I like that I can keep a binder dedicated just to “in-process” projects—almost like a project planner in paper form.
12 x 12 Storage Envelopes – The Scrapbooker’s Essential
For anything involving scrapbook paper, these 12 x 12 envelopes are a must. They’re roomy enough to hold complete paper collections, layouts-in-progress, and even finished pages waiting to be added to an album. I don’t make traditional scrapbook pages, so I use them for larger paper craft projects that don’t quite fit in standard-size envelopes. For me, this means they make great storage for my folios, mini albums, and other paper crafting projects during all project stages.
How I Use Them Together
Each of these storage solutions plays a role in my workflow:
- Sorting supplies – Before I start, I’ll gather everything I need into an envelope so it’s easy to grab later. Often this means choosing the coordinating papers for projects and sticking them in the envelopes. To speed up my process, I usually sort by project type and include an instruction sheet with dimensions and a supply list in the envelope. That way, when I’m ready to work, I have everything I need.
- In-process projects – If I’m not done with a project, when I need to stop working on it, I put it straight into its envelope. That way, I don’t lose my spot or misplace embellishments.
- Custom orders – Each order has its own envelope, which helps me stay on top of deadlines and details. I will often print out the order details, so they are readily available while I work.
- Finished projects – I’ll often tuck completed projects into an envelope until I’m ready to package them up or display them. My products stay clean and dry, and are ready for my customers.
The best part is how easily these envelopes store away. I keep mine in small bins or in upright magazine files. While small bins are easy to find, I was fortunate to find some folding magazine files that fit 12 x 12 paper and storage envelopes. That way, they’re tidy, visible, and easy to grab without taking up too much space. To keep them in good condition, I recommend storing them in a dry, cool place and avoiding excessive bending or folding.
Staying organized doesn’t mean losing spontaneity—it just means I can spend more time creating and less time hunting for missing pieces. These simple tools have made my crafting process smoother, and I hope they’ll help you bring more order (and joy) into your own creative projects.
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