Corral the Chaos: The Pattern Paper Files

Back when I posted the baker’s twine storage solution, lots of you offered awesome suggestions of craft supplies that could use a little organization in your craftroom. Cheryl Hutcherson must have been reading my mind when she asked about storage fo 6×6 patterned paper pads. Up until recently, my storage solution for patterned paper has been a pile…in the middle of the floor. Classy.

No mas! My patterned paper pads are all cozy and organized now, and I’m here to show you my system

Like most other crafters, I am a patterned paper hoarder. I just like to look at it and touch it. And now that I sound like a lunatic, let me show you how I organize this stuff.

Corral the Chaos: The Pattern Paper Files | Damask Love Blog

Patterned Paper FileSince I am not a scrapbooker, 6″x 6″ patterned paper pads are ideal for me. Often, I even cut my 12″ x 12″ sheets down into quarters so that they’ll fit into this filing system.

This silver mesh DVD bin from the Container Store is perfect and inexpensive! It fits two rows of paper pads across without being to snug or running the risk of marring the paper.

I use a rainbow of die cut tabs to divide the paper pads by manufacturer/collection name. This way I know what I have and can access it quickly. I find that having this visible system encourages me to use my patterned paper more.

Creating Tabs for Patterned Paper

With the paper pads all tucked in their bed, it’s nice to have a system for seeing what I have – without digging through the file.  Enter: my beloved swatchbooks. Super cheap and so worth the extra 15 minutes it takes to create the

Patterned Paper Swatchbooks

I have three swatchbooks, that I divide into “Blah,” “Basic” and “Bold”…making it really fun and easy to combine patterns. To create these, I reached for my Fiskars Fuse! Remember how it can cut through 10 sheets of cardstock at once? Well – it only takes a few cuts to create a patterned paper swatchbook like this.

Fiskars Fuse Die for Tag Swatchbook

PatternedPaperPlay-Giveaway

And with all this talk of patterned paper, it only makes sense that I would do a giveaway for the upcoming Online Card Class: Pattern Play. 

In the class, I’ll be sharing my “Blah-Basic-Bold” approach to patterned paper in action – so I hope you’ll join me!

If you love pretty patterned paper, grab your favorites and make the most of your stash. You’ll learn tips & tricks for discovering clean & simple as well as advanced techniques. Pattern Play includes tons of card ideas…ALL with videos! The class runs March 18-23, but you’ll have lifetime access to the content. Sign up now – only $16!

Comment-To-Win-Patterned-Paper

Keep on crafting with these other posts

About the Blog

Hey, I’m Amber Kemp-Gerstel - the crafty brain behind Damask Love, where creativity, color, and a little chaos come together. I’m a suburban mom of two, known for turning up the volume on everyday DIYs and showing up like your colorful, crafty BFF. Over the years, I’ve gone from psychologist to full-time content creator, TV host, and brand partner, with appearances on Making It, Today, and HGTV. When I’m not making stuff or on set, I’m chasing around my two boys, Markus and Maxwell, and laughing my way through the mess.

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239 Comments

  1. 3.7.13

    Love florals, but I find polka dots easier to use.

  2. 3.7.13
    Shay said:

    Loving all of your different features here. It is constant eye candy and inspiration. My favorite pattern? As in one? I really adore them all which is the problem. Thanks for the chance to win.

  3. 3.7.13

    Polka dots are DA BOMB!!

  4. 3.7.13
    CraftyOldBat said:

    Found you through OCC also; can’t wait for class to begin. Your basic-blah-bold approach sounds very intriguing as I LOVE patterned paper but am ignorant of how to use them together.. Can’t really choose of favorite design; hopefully after this class I’ll never have to “pick just one” again!

  5. 3.7.13
    beth said:

    Thanks for the great idea my 6×6 paper pads are in a lot different places.

  6. 3.7.13
    Megan said:

    I am in a spotty stage and have some nice spotty paper, I like patterns but not sure how to use them to best advantage, I like to just get them out and look at them!

  7. 3.7.13
    Bonnie Melody said:

    Stripes all the way! Thanks for the chance to win a spot in class.

  8. 3.7.13
    Judy P. said:

    Love florals and the 6×6 pads

  9. 3.7.13
    Rachael T said:

    Wow what a fantastic storage idea!!! If I only had surface to put it on lol! Im torn between florals and polka dots but know for a fact I reach for my polka dots more than anything else! Probs because they go with everything!!! Thanks for the chance to win 🙂 Xx

  10. 3.7.13
    Kim Rendino said:

    My favorite is any pattern with rainbow colors….stripes, dots, chevrons, whatever!!!!

  11. 3.7.13
    Katherine said:

    Polka dots!

  12. 3.7.13
    Ruth G said:

    Polka dots are my favorite, although I am pretty much addicted to using all kinds of patterned paper everywhere! Thanks for the chance to win!

  13. 3.7.13

    Thanks for the tip! I feel like going down to The Container Store and picking up that bin. I have so much patterned paper, I don’t know what to do with it! Perhaps the class will help out. 🙂

  14. 3.7.13
    nicole said:

    All my 6by6 pads are falling apart! Never thought of making a storage / organizing system… DUH!!!! Thanks for the tip, I will post my outcome.

  15. 3.7.13

    I am smitten with florals! I love all kinds from the soft & feminine to the big and bold! Thanks for the chance to win.

  16. 3.8.13
    Marianne said:

    Actually, I came to check out the guest designers for this new class because I’m still thinking about taking this class (still haven’t finished turning the ideas from last month’s class into cards). I’ve been hoarding lots of paper pads in the last 2 years, because I love all those coordinating colours. Recently I’ve been drawn to more graphical designs, but I could definitely use some tips and tricks to actually start using them. Would love to win a spot and learn more about your storgage solution.

  17. 3.8.13
    Julie said:

    What a great idea for 6 x 6’s. Mine are just shoved in a shoebox. I’m gonna do that. Thanks Amber, love your work.

  18. 3.9.13
    Loly Borda said:

    Great idea for storage and filing. Thanks for the chance, my fav are polka dots and florals.

  19. 3.9.13
    Isha said:

    Great storage idea Amber. Always like what you come up with. Easy solutions. TFS

  20. 3.9.13

    Awesome!!loving your creative storage idea for 6×6 pads!! I am excited about the class and look forward to learning more about the mixing of patterns process!! Have. Fabulous week!! 😉

  21. 3.9.13
    Kristin O said:

    Polka dots! Love your organization!

  22. 3.9.13
    Kathy H said:

    Do you cut swatches from every paper?

  23. 3.9.13
    Mimi said:

    Wow, love the storage system! I’ll have to get this continer!

  24. 3.10.13

    Definetly polka dots!!!

  25. 3.23.13
    ctalisha said:

    Love your idea for organization, Amber.. Do you keep your scraps all together with your 6×6 paper?

    • 3.23.13
      amber said:

      Hi! I do keep all the scraps together in this filing system. That way I know if I have a scrap that I can use rather than a full sheet!

  26. 3.23.13
    Jean MacNaughton said:

    Great ideas! Love the tag idea – think I just may have to try this. So much easier to look through than the stacks of paper I’ve accumulated.

  27. 3.24.13
    Debbie said:

    I can think of lots of uses for the tabs. It it is a great idea.

  28. 3.6.14
    janice said:

    Love this idea…

  29. 6.15.15
    megan said:

    I have to say dots but honestly stripes are more versatile.

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