How to Make a Scrapbooking Organizer

Scissors, labels, papers, borders, glitter, glue, ribbon, tape – those are just some of the scrapbook supplies that you can accumulate in a short time. After scrapping for awhile you can accumulate quite an array of items, with now here to put them. Many scrappers shove everything in a drawer or a box, but while scrapping, it can be difficult to find exactly what you need without dragging it all back out again.

Make an organizer for your scrapbook supplies and you’ll bring neatness and order to the craft you love. They’re easy to make and will really come in handy. The design is made to hang on a closet clothing rod or over a door.

Purchase a hanger that allows swivel motion so that the organizer can be hung anywhere. Or, use a regular hanger from the closet that allows for the organizer to hang only on a closet rod or door knob.

You’ll also need some very thick fabric, preferably vinyl, to form the organizer. The heavy vinyl-type fabrics are best because they allow you to over-stuff the organizer without worrying about ripping stitches.

Cut one rectangular piece from the vinyl or cloth: 18″x42″. Lay the hanger at one end of the rectangle, and cut a piece of cloth the shape of the hanger, only slightly larger. Sew the hanger cover onto the vinyl fabric, while keeping the hanger in place. The hanging part of the hanger will rise above the organizer, while the other part of the hanger will be covered and sewn into place.

You’ll need two zippers, each one should be 32″ long. fold the organizer in half and install one zipper on each side. The zipper pulls should be
next to the hanger. The zippers should each run from the side of the hanger, across and down to the fold of the organizer.

Unzip and lay flat. Mark, with chalk, a center line, where the vinyl was folded when zipped. Above that line, about 2″, mark another line. Below the center line, 2″, make a third mark. This space will stay empty as you place pockets on the inside for holding supplies. You can, if you want, cut a strip of cardboard to place in this area to keep the two sides of the organizer from pushing against each other while hanging.

Now you’ll want to form pockets on the inside of the organizer, on each side, to hold your various scrapbook items. Use thick, clear plastic for this task. One side of the organizer can be designed to hold various papers. Cut a large, rectangular piece of clear plastic to 15″x19″. Use spray adhesive, found at department stores, to affix the plastic piece, on the sides and bottom, to the organizer.

Cut smaller sections of plastic to make many pockets on the opposite half of the organizer. Keep in mind the things you’ll need to store as you cut the pockets and attach them. For example, you’ll likely need a pocket to hold small beads or sequins. Make this pocket with a piece of velcro across the top to prevent spilling. Cut a large piece of wide elastic, and attach it across the top of the organizer. Tack it down in several places, then slip various scissors into each section. Make several different-sized pockets to hold other things like tags, stickers, bows, tape, glue sticks and other needs.

After placing the pockets, allow the adhesive to dry properly before adding your supplies to the organizer. When using the organizer, it’ll open and lay flat to accommodate your crafting needs. When finished, zip and hang somewhere out of the way.