Organizing our digital stashes seems to be a hot topic nowadays. I don't know about others but I'm always looking for a time-saving frustration-less way to organize my growing collection. It is so easy for me to forget what I have when I'm in the scrapping zone; and really dislike letting most of my stash go unused.
So... where did I start. I started with a quick realization of how my scrapping mind works. What is my process when I sit down to scrap a page? I often start with my photos then move onto a template/sketch and then a single kit only because I can't find or I forget about what I have. I love to add lots of layers and things tucked in here or there. I'm absolutely addicted to flowers and strings. For me I need a system that will allow me quick easy access to my stash when I am wrapped up in the heat of the moment scrapbooking. I know that if it isn't easy I will give up on finding something.
Now, I have been browsing the forums for a while taking note what other were doing and how it was working for them. I think by far most people I read about were "tagging" their items in some program or another. I did briefly try my hand at tagging using the Windows Photo Gallery. I quickly realized this method was very time consuming and I would "lose" the tags if I moved the original files. What I do like about this system is the ease of finding and seeing my stash.
The next organizing system I tried is for my templates and sketches which are quite the headache for me. My
templates were organized by designer and I often would have to search
many folders to find a template that would strike my fancy to use. My
sketches were just grouped by the size so I would often have to scroll
through many to find that perfect one to use. I did find myself using
some of the same templates and sketches over and over again due to
frustration.
Once again, while reading over organizing posts in one forum or another,
I came across this individual who organized her templates in
folders by the number of photos. My first thought as I read about this organizing system was "oh... I can't take my templates/sketches out of their designer folders" but then I thought to myself "why can't I?" Now, this project was a big undertaking to sort thought the hundreds of templates and sketches I have, but it has been so worth the effect. I absolutely love it! I spend so much less time searching for the right template/sketch for the number of photos I have.
How did I set my system up? I created a main template and sketch folder. Inside those folders I have more folders labeled from "no photo" up to "10 photos or more". In the template folder, I have a separate folders for two-page templates as well as 4x6 templates. In the sketch folder, I have separate folders for card and tag sketches.
The success of this organizing method for me has just encourage me to move onto organizing the alphas, elements and papers. I have a method in mind, but I'll save that for another posting.
Care to share your organizing method? I would love to hear about them. Leave me a comment about how you organize your stash or maybe about your failed organizing method.
I can't wait to hear all about it! Happy Scrapping!!!
