Finding the Right Bargain: Part 2

This week we are going to take a look at some of the places you can get inexpensive organizing equipment.

Always check out thrift stores and garage sales. They are a crafter's delight. Look for baskets, large mouth jars and shelving. Even an old wooden door would come in handy. You could sit it on two file cabinets, two drawers high. You can cover it with Plexiglas or some thick cardboard and you have a great worktable, plus there is a lot of added storage underneath. Buckets and other carriers are good finds as well. You can store wrapping paper rolls, ribbon, odd shaped items, anything that will fit.

Next stop may be a home improvement store. Sometimes these stores have left over wood that is discounted and it can be used to create shelving, make small units to store paper in, and they are great for unmounted rubberstamps. Also check your local department store for good buys on storage units - these can be plastic or cardboard. Corner units are also great, as they don't take up much space and can fill an empty place. Another great idea is to put up a pegboard. You can find all kinds of hooks to serve your needs. I have some long hooks about five inches long and I store some of my ribbon on them. Very easy to access and looks neat.

Another place to keep an eye out for is companies that are going out of business. Some will get rid of racks, storage areas and displays. These can be bought at a discounted price and can come in handy.

I learned a great tip on the Pal's@Home e-mail list about storing all of those little booklets you get with clipart and other software programs. Depending on what equipment you already have you can gather them up and organize them the way that easiest for you and bind them with a comb binder. You can also take them to an office supply store in your area, and for a small fee they can bind them for you. Another tip, for those who don't have access to a binder would be to take a large ring and punch a whole in each book, then put them on the ring. I really liked this suggestion, because they you could hand the books up on a hook and they would always be there for you when you wanted to find a special picture.

Go To Page: 1 2