Why Use a Binder to Store Embellishments

by Judy Larson

Recently while going through my supplies looking for a specific embellishment I wanted to use, I realized I really did not have a handle on what I had or did not have on hand. My supplies have been stored in divider boxes for years. Every time something new was purchased, it went into a small bag and then into the box. Yes, each different metal was corralled (stuffed) in one box (or three or four) making it impossible to see what was on hand unless a box section was emptied and out in front of me. Not ideal.

Instructions

Judy Larson's Why Use a Binder to Store Embellishments - , Store Wire Jewelry, , using a binder for storage

Over the past few years, I have been slowly moving some things to three ring binders. When looking through one of my boxes of silver looking for a specific head pin, I realized I could not keep going this way. Out came a binder and some of my son's old baseball card sleeves. It was only when I put the items inside their own resealable bags in order in the pockets of the sleeves that I realized I had used all my 24 gauge balled end head pins and was short on paddled head pins and needed to make more of both.

I was on a roll. I pulled out less often used silver and gold-filled beads, put them in shape and size order, and then into sleeves. Again, I found I was short on some that were used most often. It was then that I realized the benefit of the binder system for me. Each pocket can be written on with a Sharpie, which can be removed later with a bit of alcohol on a piece of paper towel, denoting what and how many to reorder. Since I would not always place an order when I started to run out of a particular item, it was easier to attach a colorful easy to see removable sticker tag on a pocket and note the needed items on it for the next time an order is placed.

The only drawback to the system for me is that larger beads and larger packages of beads easily slip out the top of the pockets if the binder is tipped the wrong way.

This system may or may not work for you. There are so many ways to store supplies. Try out different storage systems and find one that best fits your needs and works for you.

Judy Larson's Why Use a Binder to Store Embellishments - , Store Wire Jewelry, , storage

Materials

Silver Filled Headpins 22GA 2 inch - Pack of 10

S8-14

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $2.76
Gold Club Price: $2.07

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Silver Filled Headpins 24GA 2 inch - Pack of 10

S8-15

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $1.59
Gold Club Price: $1.19

Out of Stock

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Tools

Round Nose Wire Pliers

G2-507

G2-507
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $32.95
Gold Club Price: $24.71

Add to Bag

C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches

PLR-487.00

PLR-487.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $16.97
Gold Club Price: $12.73

Add to Bag

Add All Items to Cart

Category: Storage
Technique(s): Storage

Reviews

Judy Larson

My philosophy has always been "I will never live long enough to learn everything I want to learn, go everywhere I want to go and see everything I want to see!" So, what I make and how I create it is always changing and evolving. I was born shortly after WWII to parents who grew up during the Depression. They always had a "we can do it, we can make it" attitude which rubbed off on my two younger brothers and me. My brothers are amazing and can make and do ANYTHING! When I was a little girl, my mother gave me an old carved cigar box, which I cherish, filled with pop beads, wooden beads and yarn for stringing. That was the beginning of my jewelry making journey.

On a visit to the Grand Canyon when I was a young woman, I was fortunate enough to help a Native American silversmith sand cast my first silver bracelet and bezel set a large turquoise nugget on top. I was in love, hook, line and sinker! While working full time and having a family here in northern Minnesota, my artistic endeavors slowed down but never stopped. I am an artist, scrapbooker, seamstress, woodworker and jewelry artisan. Now that I am retired, I am able to indulge in all my hobbies. However, there just never seems to be enough time in the day to do it all, but I try!

I have been teaching community education beginner and intermediate jewelry making classes since my retirement. Many of my students have been bitten so hard by the jewelry making bug that they say I have turned them into monsters-they just can't get enough. Making jewelry, seeing something take shape from small bits and pieces, is so rewarding that I hope it brings out the "monster" in you, too!

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