As you know, the Masters are offering up lots of organizational advice this month. Today, Master '07 Lisa Tutman-Oglesby shares a story and photos of her favorite storage solutions. She's also answering your questions in the forum (click here to enter).

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Years ago, two of my favorite (and very first) scrapbook stores were located just miles apart in Illinois. They were the kind of shops where the owners and salespeople knew who you were and exactly what kind of product would appeal to you as an individual customer.  I would often get a call from someone at one of the shops to inform me about the latest and greatest product that had just come through the doors and I would love it.  Of course, they were always right.  These shops were also places where like-minded scrappers would meet, crop, shop, discuss trends and share projects and ideas.  It was very much our own little creative community.
 
After many years in business, both stores closed within a year of each other.  I think the competition from discount retailers and Internet product access was too much to compete with.  I think any die-hard scrapper has seen this kind of loss at one time or another especially in these tough economic times.  When the stores closed the customers were offered an opportunity to purchase the available product fixtures.
 
I remember when I was looking at the Laura Ashley armoire at one of the stores, I had to measure the cabinet to see if it would fit into my space.  I felt really awful about having to do that too.  I felt like it was disrespectful somehow to measure "my gain" at the "owner's loss".  I had a long discussion with the owner about it and apologized for bringing my tape measure under the circumstances of a store closing its doors after so many years.


(Above) I added metal brackets to the pegboard backing so that I could add shelves for additional storage.  The armoire has a matching 12 X 12 paper shelf and I added plastic 12 X 12 paper shelves to match on the other side.

I'll always remember the owner putting her hand on my shoulder and saying, "Lisa, I'm sorry the store is closing too but I'm thrilled this armoire will go to someone like you who will love it and use it wisely".   Wow.  She wanted me to know that she was OK with everything and was happy I'd be taking the fixtures to a new home where they would be appreciated long after her doors officially closed.
 
By the way, I shared a photo of the new armoire with her weeks later and she loved the addition of the shelves.   The fixtures have been invaluable to me and of course they're the ultimate perfect storage solutions because they're designed to hold exactly what I place in them. 


 
(Above, left) This is an awesome storage unit and it can hold a bit of everything.  It came with metal hooks and plastic circular containers. (Above, right) I use this metal rack to store glitter bottles and paints.

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The Masters are offering up lots of organizational advice this month. Today, Master '04 Nic Howard (and author of That's Life) gives us a tour of her scrap space (below). And all this week, Master '08 Lisa Pace is answering your questions in the forum (click here to enter).

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We renovated at the start of this year, and one of our many goals in doing so was to create an office space where the whole family could fit.  My husband studies part time and together we own a construction company. Pair those things with the amount of time I spend on my scrapbooking work, and the large office space really was necessary. Another one of our goals was to create a space where the children could come and sit alongside us and do their homework or just play. 


This is my desk. I have my computer to the right of me and a lot of storage all around where I sit. Straight ahead of me are my photos--the first thing I reach for when creating a project.

Right above where I sit are two large horizontal cupboards.  These house a lot of my smaller embellishments.  I'm not the type of person that likes to display everything. I love something functional and tidy, so these cupboards are perfect!

Above me is a lone layout.  As I mentioned, I don't have a lot on display in my room but I do love the easel above my desk.  Each time I finish a layout I place it on the easel.  This the most recent one I created.  I love being able to enjoy a layout for a few days.


To the left of me are my stamp drawers.  They look like regular drawers but when you open them up they have another smaller drawer inside.  The low height drawers are perfect for the many stamps I own.  I love being able to see each one, yet having them put neatly away.


Behind me are large cupboards, which fit a lot of vertical storage, which helps me keep supplies tidied away and safe from the sun.  Vertically storing paper is a great solution, and I store by manufacturer.  A lot of my work is separated by manufacturer so it’s easy to keep track for supply lists.


The final piece to my organizational puzzle is the desk spaces.  I have one, my husband has his own desk space, and there is a standing height bench right next to me for the children to work on.  There are three bar stools at this bench.  We can all work together in the room when we feel like it, and it's lovely. And when the kids are at school, I have space to spread out right around the room--and believe me, I do!

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Don't forget to enter the Save My Space! Sweepstakes. Click here to enter. Click here to purchase a copy of Organizing Your Scrapbook Supplies (it makes a great gift!). And don't forget about the special Get Organized issue. 


~Kristin

When I told my good friend Jennifer that I was going to craft a layout for her to hang on her studio wall and share it with you all on this blog, she decided she wanted to share some Good Fortune goodies with you! One lucky blog reader will win this gift set, nicely packaged in a wooden box with a bow ready to give as a gift (wouldn't it be nice to cross another gift off the shopping list?) or to keep as a pampering treat for yourself this season :



Sandalwood + Lavendar Gift Set
$45.00 Value

all natural handcrafted soap
The gentle sandalwood lavender soap scrub is made with the addition of finely ground oatmeal and cocoa powder.

element spray
Affectionately called sleepy spray! Try misting your pillows and linens for a great night’s sleep! Enhance your mood and soothe your spirit by spraying wherever a good scent is needed. Perfect for pillows, linens, rooms, tents and travel.

massage candle
Made with soy wax and shea butter. When melted, the soy and shea make a smooth, sensual massage oil for you to enjoy.

lotion
Restore your dry skin with our luxurious lotion packed full of vitamins with the amazing ability to renew, repair and protect the skin.

soft white wash cloth and soap holder
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• I didn't put photos on this layout and instead left space for Jennifer to add her own photos and memories.
• The washcloth on the layout serves a purpose by holding a journaling card that I left blank so Jennifer could write her thoughts/best memories on it.
• I wrote a note on the back of the layout with the date.
• I used all scrap paper and embellishments that I already had around the house (check out the super-cute Karen Foster bathtub brad with rhinestone bubbles in the center photo).

Do you have a friend or family member who doesn't have time to scrap? This idea would make a perfect holiday gift. Make a mini-album or layout and leave space for photos and journaling, wrap it up and you have a simple, handmade Christmas gift that'll bring joy for years to come.

Click here to enter our Scent-sational giveaway.

PLUS!

Click here to enter the Ask the Masters Sweepstakes.

Click here to enter our December Online Sweepstakes