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, , organizer using a binder for storage

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

Over the past few years, I've slowly started organizing materials into three-ring binders.

One day, while digging through a box of silver in search of a specific head pin, I realized my current system wasn't working.

So I grabbed a binder and some of my son's old baseball card sleeves.

By placing each type of head pin in its own resealable bag and sorting them into the sleeve pockets, I instantly saw what I had and what I didn't.

That's when I noticed I was completely out of 24-gauge balled end head pins and running low on paddled head pins.

Time to make more of both.

I was on a roll. I pulled out my less-used silver and gold-filled beads, sorted them by shape and size, and placed them into binder sleeves.

Once again, I discovered I was low on the beads I use most often.

That's when I realized how helpful the binder system really is.

Each pocket can be labeled with a Sharpie to note quantities or items to reorder. The writing can be removed later with a bit of alcohol on a paper towel.

Since I don't always place an order right when I'm running low, I now use colorful, removable sticker tags on pockets to mark what's needed for the next order.

The only drawback: larger beads or bulkier packages can slip out of the pocket tops if the binder is tilted 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, , mini zip lock plastic storage

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: $2.21
Gold Club Price: $1.65

Out of Stock

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

Extra fine Sharpie pen

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

Add All Items to Cart

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

Binder with baseball card holder sheets

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

Add All Items to Cart

Category: Storage
Technique(s): Storage

Reviews

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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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