Workspace Wednesday...Organizing Project Life Page Protectors

It's Workspace Wednesday and today I'm sharing a little bit of organization that I did with my Project Life plastic page protectors.  I think I have all the sizes and configurations that are available from Project Life + some from other companies.  Every time I wanted to find a certain page protector a landslide of plastic packaging happened.  I also had to sort through each package to find the design I wanted.  

To make things more organized I grabbed some plastic 12 x 12 organizer for paper that I had sitting idle.  I made dividers with scrap cardboard and got my page protectors all organized. 

So now when I'm ready to plan out a week of Project Life, I grab my planner with my Pocket Planner Pages + I always have my Project Life Pages Photo Pocket Reference Sheets (the blue and orange sheets you see tucked inside my organizer, above).  You can find them under the freebie section of Becky Higgins' blog.  I print them to fit in my planner below. 

 For weeks when I'm using just a Design A, it's simple.....but for when I want to mix things up, add in inserts or change to a new design, this organization has been so helpful.

So with that....I'm off to get caught up a bit more on my Project Life.  Thanks for stopping by.

Workspace Wednesday....Washi Tape + Twine Storage

Edit:  I wanted to say "hi there" to my friend Carol and answer a question....the white storage units in the background are from Pottery Barn.  I got them probably 10 years ago and they are discontinued now.

You know how it is when you're a crafter....you have lots of stuff.  You know how it is when you're a junker....you have lots of stuff.  I love it when the two worlds collide and you come up with some fun storage.  For me, my organizational system is not all about everything coordinating and being behind pristine, white shelving.  I like wood and texture and metal...and a little rust never hurt either.  I also like to have my crafty things out in plain view.  If everything was hidden away all nice and orderly, I'd never find a thing and I'd probably forget I even have it.  That's what happens when you get to your mid-40's.  The memory gets thrown out with the dish water.  Or is bath water?  See what I mean..

So today I'm sharing two crafty items...my Washi tape and baker's twine + two junkin' finds for storage.

First up I've been using old receipt spikes to stack up my Washi tape.  I loved this system for a while but I'm finding that my stacks are tipping over and the Washi I want always seems to be on the bottom of the stack.

 So I dug out this wooden nail divider that I've had for quite some time.  I made a deal with myself that I had to get rid of whatever Washi rolls wouldn't fit in the unit.

 I think I ended up with about 8 extra rolls I had to purge but I'm confident that about 120 rolls of Washi should be sufficient.

 So what about the receipt spikes?  These things are little junkin' gems to me.  I love searching for them in junk stores.  However, the prices have gone up on these.  I used to find them for about $3-5 bucks but now they're usually $8-15 bucks.

 I was storing my twine spools in this metal strainer but it was getting a little crowded.

 I decided to use one receipt spike for each spool and I love it!  I can take a spool on the spike over to my work table and just reel off what I need for each project.  The spool stays upright and doesn't roll all over the place.

So there we have it for today's Workspace Wednesday.  I hope you find the perfect little matches made in heaven for your crafty stuff + your junky stuff.

Workspace Wednesday...Sewing Station

As I make my way around my craft room, I'm slowly but surely making progress on getting organized. While working on my sewing station a quote came to mind that a college professor shared to me while I was studying Interior Design.  I was sitting in her office one day as she was my advisor also.  She said, "A place for everything and everything in it's place." She was referring to this in the design sense when laying out floor plans, office cubicles, furniture, etc.  However at that exact moment she opened her desk drawer and pulled out a 2 liter bottle of Diet Coke.  I kind of chuckled and thought to myself, "Not exactly the place where most store their Diet Coke but whatever works for ya." That moment always stuck with me and the Diet Coke scene added to my belief that our spaces are about whatever works for our specific needs.  

So my approach for starting a major reorganization in my craft space goes something like this....I just started digging in with specific areas.  First I realized that indeed each group of like items needs a place.  While working on my sewing station I could have sworn that I had about 10 spools of thread.  But when I collected all the spools of thread from drawers and little nooks and crannies, I came up with over 100 spools of thread. Who knew?! So this is when I realized that one of the first big steps to organization is collecting all like items in a pile.  

Then I started sorting out what I wanted to keep and purged the rest.  I either throw items away, recycle, sell or donate my supplies.  I'm being really ruthless and if I'm not going to use it, it goes away. For example, many of these threads are new but most of them come from bulk boxes of stuff that I got at auctions.  Spools of thread are always thrown into boxes with quilts and the like.  I finally took the time to trim all the thread, wind them up nicely and sort by color.  

Just look at the rainbow assortment I have now.  To think I was just making a list of new colors I needed.  Not anymore.  I organized all of my spools of thread in this one drawer that's in the sewing machine stand table I use.  It's full so my rule now is no more thread until there is room.

This is the space where I sew which is directly behind my work table.  My Baby Lock sewing machine sits atop this vintage cabinet which I think was used previously for a beauty salon station or in a lady's bathroom.  The inside smelled of stinky powder, had lots of bobby pins in it and the paint on an inside shelf had lots of rings which makes me thinks bottles and such were stored in there.  I was  attracted to the colorful Formica, speckled top and the 2 drop down leaves.  Upon further inspection at the antique shop I found a metal label that had been painted over.  It read "Hoosier" with a town in Indiana which made Hoosier cabinets.  For $20 bucks I thought I better take it home with me.  I've yet to find a similar cabinet like this online but I am very curious about it.  I'm thinking maybe it's original use might have been a small, kitchen island but who knows.  It's a sewing cabinet now in it's new life.  :)

So I have one more area in my craft room nice and organized. My goal is to make my way around my entire craft room and get everything in it's place.  Then I'm going to step back and evaluate the big picture.  I'd really love to get rid of some white storage units and replace them with a vintage, wood storage system of shelves and cubbies and lockers. I'm not sure just what yet but I'm hoping that Summer 2014 is my lucky year for junkin'.  Also, my dream find is a giant, vintage artist easel.  I know one's out there waiting for me in all it's painty goodness. I'll keep you in the know.  Have a great day everyone!

Workspace Wednesday...journaling card storage for Project Life

Welcome back to Workspace Wednesday.  It's a day that I share something from my work room with you.  I recently purged and organized all of my 3 x 4 and 4 x 6 journaling cards for Project Life so I thought I'd share my storage system.  

This little area in my work room is where all the Project Life stuff happens.  Today I'm going to focus on the left area. 

This area is directly behind my work table where I stand.  These units all sit on top of an old table that I got at an old school auction made by the local Grangers.  

The organization that works best for me is having all of my supplies out in the open so that I can see them, rifle and dig through them and remember what I have.  For my Project Life cards, I store them standing upright in a vintage, wooden utensil drawer.  I use Large Manila Parcel Tags for dividers which have the manufacturer typed on the upper corner.  I keep my journaling cards sorted by manufacturer since the styles of the cards remain somewhat similar for each.  My rule for my Project Life cards is that I can only keep what fits in this unit.  If I find that the cards get too snug, it's time to sort through the cards and purge.  

The brands of cards that I use most are: Gossamer Blue (from kits and the blank journaling cards available at the Gossamer Blue store), Evalicious, Banana Fish Studio, Elle's Studio, Ali Words for Technique Tuesday, Studio Calico and some of my own handmade cards.  

 I took out my Gossamer Blue stamps that are stored in this empty space below so that you can idea of what wooden utensil drawers look like.  Usually there are 4 divided areas.  I find these old pieces so endearing...always wondering who used them, what that kitchen looked like, what the silverware looked like.  I'm nostalgic that way and these fine, hand crafted works of art always make it home with me.  Many are crafted with dove tail joints and great craftsmanship.  Usually they are painted and have a chippy appearance due to wear and age.  I am finding that the prices for these are sky rocketing so if you find one in good shape for under $20,  you're doing good.  If I remember, I'll snap some photos of my other utensil drawers and share here on the blog.

 For my Project Life brand journaling cards, I have sorted and purged and have a nice sized stash still available.  These all reside in some old wooden drawers that I've collected along the way. I still use these from time to time and have also found other uses for them...like for card fronts, attaching to packages as thank you notes, making little lists, etc.

 The three wooden units sit on top of this industrial looking file drawer.  I keep ink pads in the two drawers right now but am in the process of rearranging all of my inks....purging ones that I don't like, making room for the new ones, labeling, etc.  I'd like all of my inks to be grouped together so these drawers will most likely be repurposed for something else and the inks will find a new home.

Workspace Wednesday.....constantly making exciting discoveries

Welcome back to Workspace Wednesday. I've devoted each Wednesday to discuss something about my workspace.  Today I'm talking about organization..or lack there of in my case most of the time.  I've been around crafting all my life but have been heavily into the scrapbooking and cardmaking world for about 17 years.  I've seen more supplies come and go in and out of my craft room than you can shake a stick at.  I find it fascinating to peek into the lives of others to learn about their organizational solutions. It seems to be just as enjoyable as our paper crafting hobbies.  

I have discovered a few things about my organizing ways.  I find that sometimes specific items are grouped together and I know right where they are.  Other things are stacked in organized piles and sit for months on end.  That's pretty much how I roll with everything in my house....and I don't sweat it. 

Let's discuss a few examples of my organization.  For my Project Life, I clean off my table and have very little visual clutter when I begin a week.  You can see the photos here of that organization. I think it's because I have an actual plan of what I'm working with from the beginning.  I can keep things condensed.  

But now let's discuss card making. For this process, I might have a sketch or previous project to refer to sometimes but usually I am craving inspiration.  I need "stuff" around me to inspire me..to get those creative juices flowing.  The photo below is straight from my work table this week.  You're getting a sneak peek at some March Gossamer Blue products at work.  Once I'm done with my assigned projects, everything gets scattered about on my table.  I need to see those pretty patterns and colors.  I love to see all of those embellishments.  Seeing those watercolors out makes me happy. It may look like a big hot mess when you look at the big picture......but then something begins to happen. 

A closer look shows that there is some creativity brewing.  Products are being gathered. Some bits of a project are coming together.  There's a little order amongst all that organized chaos.  

Before you know it, some finished projects are emerging.  The smallest of bits and pieces are finding their way onto what appears to be cards this time around. 

One by one, that's how projects happen for me.  A little something catches my eye.  I find a scrap of my  favorite patterned paper or a little snippet of ribbon...or a few sequins that would finish off a project beautifully.  It's amongst those little piles that I keep the process going.  I keep creating.  I keep making stuff.  I keep discovering......I hope you do too.  

I found this quote from one of my Pinterest boards and it was so fitting for today.  This year I've decided against choosing One Little Word but instead I'm choosing quotes that inspire me from time to time.  Enjoy your discoveries....

(Pinterest source)

How I organize my kits & newest supplies...

Hey there, today is the March release date for the newest Gossamer Blue kits.  This month's kits are full of vibrant colors and fun embellishments, perfect to lead us out of this wintry season.  You can find all the kits for March at Gossamer Blue's home page.  You can also visit the blog for some inspiring projects and more details. March kits go on sale today at 10am PST.  

Before I share my projects throughout this month.....I created almost 30 items from the kits.....I thought it would be fun to share my storage system for organizing monthly kits and my newest supplies.  I dug this wire dish drainer out of my stash and keep it on a table top in my craft room.  I don't have a source as I've had it quite awhile. I don't believe it was vintage so you might be able to find something similar if you're interested.  I also keep a stack of vintage milk glass relish dishes handy.  

This type of storage would work well for any monthly kits you receive or perhaps you just want to showcase some of your newest items.  I firmly believe that if you keep items out in full view, you will be more likely to use those supplies.  It definitely works for me.  Note: all of the supplies you see below are from a mix of this month's kits from Gossamer Blue.  It's like a rainbow!

The divided milk glass dishes are perfect for storing the tiny bits and pieces from kits.  I like to take everything out of the packages and just dump them in.  I do keep a few of the packages in case I want to store them away once the next month's kit comes along.

The dish drainer has a smaller section which is originally intended for cutlery and silverware.  I use this spot for the next biggest items in my kits.  Supplies like the enamel dots, small stamps, journaling cards, smaller packages of buttons and brads, mists, etc go in here.  I can easily thumb through them.

The largest section of the dish drainer is intended for standing up plates.  I use those divided sections to hold larger flat items like sticker sheets, chipboard sheets, 6 x 6 paper pads, larger packages of embellishments, etc.  When I get paper scraps, I clip them together with a clothespin and store them in a section too.  The dividers provide just the right separation for me to easily see what I've got in there. 

On the side of the dish drainer, I prop up my 12 x 12 patterned papers, sticker and embellishment sheets, etc.  I keep a piece of 12 x 12 cardboard at the very back so that the papers don't bend over.  A clothespin keeps the papers all clipped together.  

I love this storage system.  It's neat and tidy...unlike some other areas in my craft room.....and it's always a nice visual reminder.  It's also fun to see the kit items dwindle as the month progresses.  I mix and match in other items from my stash but I really try to reach for a kit item when I can.  When the month is over, I decided whether to store the unused items away, donate, sell, etc. It's the perfect time right then to make that decision instead of stuffing all the items away.  I keep the box that the kit items comes in under the table. I am constantly adding items to this box and when it's full I decide what to do with it.  My kids' art teacher is very fond of me as she loves my donations from my craft stash.

Okay, off to take Jordan in for her driver's test.  This kid....most want to get their learner's permit the day after their birthday.  Not her, she's waited til the last minute and she has Driver's Ed this next semester.  So off we go.  Then it's Sub State play tonight for Josey.  Go Cats!!

Project Life Organization....My Work Space + Favorite Products

Happy New Year! Here's to a fantastic new 2012 and for a lot of us, a new year of Project Life!! I'm very excited to be a member of Becky Higgins' first Creative Team. Please be sure to check out the other team members' blogs for more inspiring Project Life posts. You can also find links to their blogs and the PL product lineup at the left of my blog.

This will be my 4th year for Project Life(the 1st year was Becky's original kit). For me it's the perfect way to capture the every day moments of my family and preserve those memories in a manageable way of scrapbooking.
As I complete each weekly layout, I just smile a little inside. Knowing that each photo, each day, each week, and each month will be compiled into a wonderful album filled with all the little moments my family has shared....well, it's just a priceless treasure. Working on my Project Life pages is so rewarding for me. I get to fulfill my love of photography and scrapbooking while reliving all the little moments and memories. My little family is growing up. These are the days. The days I want to remember forever. Not just the big events like birthdays, holidays and graduations but all the little day to day moments in between. I'll hope you'll join me again this year as I share my love of Project Life with you here on my blog.

Just so you know my method for Project Life, I use the photo a day approach mostly. I try to take a photo a day and sometimes it works out that I just have a collection of photos for one week. These all go into a weekly Project Life layout with a few additional page protector inserts here and there. I use Photo Pocket Pages with Design A for my basic layouts but I'm excited to work in all the types of photo pockets this year for some variety. Here's the entire collection of Project Life products. You can purchase them through Amazon by clicking on the links. This year I'm excited to get the new Clementine Core Kit but I'll be mixing in items from all of the kits here and there, along with some of my own products from my stash.

Here's a sample below of a typical Project Life week from my album. This is the majority of the scrapbooking I do so I like to get scrappy with my layouts. I like to treat each insert space as if I'm doing a mini scrapbook layout, with all the spaces coming together to form what looks like a modified, traditional 2 page spread with 12 x 12 pages. This method totally gives me my scrapbooking fix. Here and there I'll add in some more traditional scrapbooked pages.

A while back I showed a snapshot of small portion of my Project Life organization. Since then I've had lots of requests for full photos of my work space + a listing of my favorite supplies to work with while creating Project Life layouts. So here we go....it's a long post because I decided that I'll just add everything I want to share in one post for easy reference.

My Project Life Work Space

This is a shot of my craft room work spaces. My room is compilation of about 15 years worth of crafting supplies and various organization items. It's a total mish mash of products that I'm always rearranging, purging, replenishing and organizing.
I have 2 standing height tables that I use for various tasks. The left table shown below is where I work on all my projects including Project Life, stamping and other crafting. The right table is where I work on special projects like my Daily December album, Etsy kit assembly, packaging, and sorting. One table is a yard sale find and the other was a cast off from my FIL's business.
Below I'm facing my Project Life work table. This is where 99% of my work gets done. The two off white divider units are the ones you've all been asking about. Each unit is 36" long. I got them years ago on clearance at Pottery Barn Kids. I believe they were intended for dressing table organizers. They're now discontinued...I did a lot of research trying to find something similar to link to but didn't have much luck. I did find some nice units from The Container Store that will maybe spark some ideas if you are researching Project Life storage for your own needs. You could also check out stores like Ikea, Target, office supply stores, thrift shops, etc for storage ideas.
The Right Divider Unit

I'll talk about each storage divider starting with the unit on the right. I love that both of the dividers are right in front of me when I work. Everything is in sight but just far enough back that I still have plenty of table space to work on projects and even lay out my fully opened Project Life album. I consider my Project Life a work in progress and keep all my pocket pages in the albums while I work. The pages are usually flagged with sticky notes of what needs to be photographed and blogged....what photos need to be added..what supplies I want to use, etc.
This divider unit is used for mostly my Project Life Core Kit components. This includes all of the 4 x 6 Title Cards, 3 x 4 Filler Cards, 3 x 4 Journaling Cards and Blank 3 x 4 Journaling Cards. You can see examples of more of those cards if you click on the thumbnail photos at this link.
All the components fit nicely into the divider slots as you can see below. I just reach for a stack of cards and thumb through them each time I'm working on a Project Life layout.
I've got a few other sticky type pads in this divider unit too. These include fun adhesive notes by Russel + Hazel and lined & gridded post-its from my local Staples office supply store. I use these both as organizing tools to mark pages, sketch ideas + as embellishments for my Project Life inserts.
In the back of this divider unit I have a section that I use to safely keep papers and collected items such as the Pottery Barn bean bag tag, notes from school, Eric's nice speeding warning ticket(!), miscellaneous photos and more. Kind of an in/out box of sorts.
The Left Divider Unit

Here's the left side divider unit. This lines right up with the right side divider unit on my work table.
This unit holds a ton of paper type products + stamps + labels + papers and more. Again, all in easy view so that I can do a quick scan and be reminded of what supplies I have on hand. I'm a total visual crafter. I like to have my supplies nicely organized but out in plain sight. That's why open divider units like this one, wicker baskets, old wire locker baskets and vintage items like jello molds and bread tins work well for me. My organizational goal this year is to get rid of all things plastic-y in my craft space.

I've photographed all of my favorite products that I use for Project Life. First up is labels, labels, labels. Check out this Project Life post to see how I love to use labels for journaling. Most of my labels come straight from my local office supply store or Walmart. You can run these through your printer, stamp on them or use them in a vintage typewriter which is what I do most of the time.
Here I've got a fun tin of Sticky Notes from Cavallini & Co. + index card file dividers from my local office supply store + small Chevron, lined and grid sacks from my Etsy shop (more coming soon)(you can see an example of how I used the yellow Chevron sacks here) + a sampling of plain, lined index cards + some handmade journaling cards that I made from a recent kit I had in my shop. The best way to use these little items is to just look at what photos and colors you have available for a particular week's layout. Then shop your stash. See what coordinates, or get mixy matchy. That's the best part of having a stash of goodies available at all times.
To keep all of my paper items in order but still in sight, I needed a way to keep them organized in small collections. I use simple Mini Clothespins and Small Clothespins. You could also use metal clips or paper clips too.
Here I've got another stash of the Russel + Hazel sticky notes + some regular office supply sticky notes that I use to organize my weekly photos & journaling + some old library return cards that I got from Etsy. Check out my post on getting behind & getting caught up to see how I use my sticky notes to keep my Project Life weeks organized. Sticky notes are my best friend when it comes to Project Life.
On to patterned papers, one of my favorite supplies for scrapbooking. Recently I have begun purchasing 6 x 6 paper pads for my paper crafting. I purchase most of them here at Two Peas in a Bucket. Usually I just add a 6 x 6 pad to my shopping card whenever a new line of products come out that I like. I'll add in a few of the 12 x 12 sizes that I like too + chipboard elements, sticker sheets, alphabets, etc from a particular line that I like. Shopping from a collection of a particular line like My Minds Eye's Everyday Fun line gives you a nice little selection of coordinating items to use if you want to have a PL layout all mesh together like this layout.
If you haven't purchased 6 x 6 paper pads before here's the scoop: The papers are usually 6 x 6 in size and are bound into a compact paper pad. The pattern is a smaller scale compared to a 12 x 12 piece of patterned paper as you can see below. The pads are easy to store and I love the smaller scale for the small insert cards for Project Life.
Here's some of my favorite lines of 6 x 6 paper pads. Picadilly from Basic Grey, although I don't see this particular 6 x6 pad listed at 2Peas right now. Sassafras Sunshine Broadcast, discontinued but you may be able to do a google search or find larger size papers if you like the line.
Studio Calico's papers which are available at 2Peas and the Studio Calico website. Currently there are 6 x 6 pads in the Autumn Press and Memoir . Studio Calico's papers give a great mixy matchy feel.
Crate Paper lines, some of my personal favorites offering wonderful collections of colorful and somewhat vintage looking papers. I often purchase 12 x 12 papers and coordinating embellishments from this company.
Lily Bee Designs papers, so colorful with a slightly distressed, worn look. I also love their Cardstock Sticker sheets. A whole lotta bang for your buck.
One of my all time favorite companies, My Minds Eye. Oodles and oodles of papers and embellishments and coordinating stamps.
Masks from Studio Calico. These are fun to use to create backgrounds using Studio Calico's Mister Huey spray mists.
Little sticky notes called Scrap Pads from Studio Calico. There are currently 3 differently styles, Autumn Press, Memoir, and Classic Calico. These are great to stick on journaling cards or use mini staples or machine stitching. I like to stick them to a piece of copy paper and run them through my vintage typewriter for journaling too. Look for them at 2Peas too.
Again, I keep all these groupings organized with my little clothespins.
Security envelopes from bank statements and bills. Kind of a weird thing to keep but I love the patterns on the insides of the envelopes. If you like to get scrappy with your Project Life, you'll be amazed at the new way you look at junk mail, catalogs, mailings, product packaging and more. Fun little items you can die cut, punch, etc. With that said, just be careful to not collect too much stuff.
Stamps! I am an avid stamper of cards so it's natural that my stamping would carry over to my scrapbooking. I really love Ali Edwards' line of stamps from Technique Tuesday. You can purchase Ali's stamps directly from the Technique Tuesday site or look for them at other online sites like 2Peas.
My Minds Eye has 2 fun stamp sets out that I've been using a lot too.
Jenni Bowlin has a fun Days Of The Week stamp set that is fun for making big and bold journaling cards. These are big, like 3" wide.
My Papertrey Ink stamps also get good use in my Project Life albums. I keep these in a separate cabinet nearby and reach for them as needed. There are lots of categories to choose from such as these Labels that have coordinating die cuts. The tags would be great to use on PL pages too. Most of the circles can be punched with a 1-3/4" circle punch. The background stamps can be used to create virtually any pattern you desire.

The Tool Basket

I think it's a great idea to keep a small basket that houses your most used tools. Tools you reach for almost every time you scrapbook. My little basket is from Longaberger and sits on my work table at all time.

The contents of my basket include my Tiny Attacher, We R Memory Keeprs Corner Chomper Tool, 1/16th hole punch, hammer, scissors, adhesive, date stamp, eraser tool and lip gloss.

The 3-Tier Storage Unit

This galvanized metal 3-tier stand from Pottery Barn is a favorite storage item in my craft room. It totally works with my *out in the open* method of storage. And going vertical is a great way to add storage to your crafting space. Whether it's stacking units, bins, baskets or shelves...use that vertical space to utilize more of your craft space real estate.
My 3-tier unit houses a variety of supplies that I use not only for Project Life but for my crafting projects in general. The little chicken is a vintage pincushion that I found at my local thrift shop.
I keep a small calendar clipped to my 3-tier unit so I can have it handy at all times. The small size is perfect for referring to dates of a particular week and when using my date stamp to create journaling cards.
You can find these small calendars at various business or banks that hand them out as freebie promotional items. I tear off the advertising and use just the calendar. Check out this post to see my calendar system that utilizes a bigger day planner type calendar.
Also in the top of my 3-tier unit is my growing collection of Washi tapes. Washi tapes, or Japenese masking tapes, are opaque tapes from from rice paper. They are tacky but can be removed easily so they're pretty forgiving. Most of the ones you see below are from Pretty Tape. You can see my tapes in action in this week of Project Life. To store my tapes I use vintage receipt spikes. I found these various spikes from Etsy, local thrift shops and Ebay.
In the middle tier of my galvanized unit I keep sprays, paints, and powders. Very easy to reach and see what colors I want to use.
Here I have a fun collection of Studio Calico Mister Huey mists, October Afternoon Sprinklers, and Zing embossing powders. I also have a small collection of Martha Stewart paints from Michaels.
I have this thing for clothespins. Tiny, small, big, plain, embellished...I love 'em. I keep a fun collection clipped to my 3-tier unit.
I use these to clip together anything in small collections.
In the bottom of my 3-tier unit, I keep a scattering of supplies that I reach for often.
Vintage jello molds are a favorite of mine for storing small embellishments like clips, tags, and buttons.
This vintage flower frog is perfect for storing pens and markers that I use for journaling. Circle punches are used quite often so they stay close by.
Here I've used more of the vintage receipt spikes to hold tags that I use for Project Life journaling cards, packaging and cards. Tags are just a staple item that I use all the time.
Here I have a vintage, aqua candy dish that holds mini clothespins and mini wooden spools + a small tumbler from Anthropologie that holds larger clothespins.
Marker Storage

I also love to use Sharpies and Bic Mark-its for journaling in my Project Life. You can find both brands of markers at Walmart or your local office supply store. The container for my markers is a wonderful vintage find from a local thrift shop. Here's a Project Life week where you can see my markers in action.
Wooden Tray Storage

I have an additional storage piece that can be easily moved to my work table when I need it. This wall is directly behind my Project Life work table.
The storage piece is a vintage wooden tray that is made from canteloupe boxes, I believe. I bought it at a local antique shop because it was just too cute to pass up.
Here's the top view of my tray. Another mish mash of sorts but all the supplies are neatly tucked into even smaller storage pieces inside the tray.
On one side of the tray I keep all of my Elle's Studio paper goodies tucked into a wooden divider that came with the tray + some smaller vintage jello molds. Elle has a wonderful selection of printed paper die cuts that are perfect for journaling cards. I use them all the time + they show up often in many of my Etsy kits. I also keep my Studio Calico chipboard pieces + brads, Smash items, tags and misc items in the little tins.
On the other side, I discovered that my prized enamel bread pan and muffin pan nestle into the wood tray perfectly.
If space is cramped I can take out the little storage pieces and keep them on my table.
The muffin tin holds more Studio Calico chipboard pieces, metal clips, more Smash items and wooden embellishments.

The bread tin holds more small stamps and a Smash date stamp.

Vintage Typewriter

My vintage typewriter is my special little aqua colored cutie of my craft room. A friend of mine called me one day from Good Will and asked if I wanted this vintage typewriter. She knew I was looking for one....who knew she'd find the perfect color! I purchased a new typewriter ribbon from Staples and to re-thread it onto the existing spools. Messy and inky but oh so worth the trouble. I use this for typing directly onto journaling cards, tags, sticky notes, stickers and more. If you're looking for one, I would scope out garage sales, antique shops, and thrift stores. About $20 bucks is a good deal around here. Mine sits on a vintage typewriter stand that has fold out surfaces. This tucks right under my table and I pull it out when I need to use it.

And this concludes the tour of my Project Life work space. I'm happy to answer any questions you leave in the comments section. I'll be adding this post to my Project Life Topics Page which is located at the top left hand corner of my blog. At this link you'll find my informational Project Life posts linked in one spot. For my actual Project Life weekly layouts, you can visit the "Labels" section of my blog on the left side and click on the labels "Project Life 2011" for last year's post and "Project Life 2012" for all of this years posts. All of my posts will be listed in the order they were posted.

If you're looking to get your supplies collected & organized, I hope I've given you a few ideas to toss around. I have a board on Pinterest dedicated to Project Life Inspiration that you can check too. Also, be sure to check out Lisa Truesdell's awesome blog post on how she makes Project Life work for her. Marcy Penner also did a fun series of blog posts on how she organizes her Project Life.

Whew. My fingers are cramped now so it's time to wrap it up. Here's to a great year with Project Life. Good luck, don't stress, dedicate time and most of all.....have fun preserving your wonderful memories! Check back often for more Project Life updates and informational posts.

Edited to answer questions:

1. I'm not sure about the acid content in the Sharpies but the Markits site said "no added acid; no measurable PH".

2. The Pottery Barn 3-tier unit does not have a rotating base available. If you found a lazy susan big enough I suppose you could sit the unit on it so it would spin. I don't mind just reaching around for what supply item I need though.

3. You can check the ways to add my blog to your feed at the left of my blog on the sidebar. At this time, I don't have an email subscription available.