Friday, January 11, 2013

102 Greetings! Card Organization

This month we are focusing on the Home Office and organizing bits and pieces within it.  Today, I am excited to say I have conquered my greeting card hoarding situation.

In the past, I had found myself without a card on a special occasion, or running to the store at the last minute to grab a card for a baby shower.  Trying to be better about being prepared and having to do less last minute errand running, I started collecting greeting cards to keep at home.  A few here and there and I had grown a nice collection....


Now I would be prepared, but still not organized.  This month, I decided to do something about the stack that lived haphazardly in my studio dresser drawer.

So, I picked up this darling polka dot gift box at Paper Source.


Sure, I could have just tossed the cards inside, but hey, that's not my style.  No more digging I told myself.  So, I DIY'd some dividers.

I started by making a list of card types to organize/divide.


Then, using brightly colored cardstock paper, I cut the paper down to size and used a label template to create tabs for the tops.


I grabbed one of the tallest envelopes in the stack to act as a guide for height.


A label maker later and I had labeled dividers!


After tossing the dividers into the decorative box, I started sorting out my cards into the correct categories.


All done with smiles!


I popped a label holder on the front and called it completed organized goodness.


Although I can't use the cover since the cards are too tall, I like the look of it with the pretty colors popping up.  It will make a great accessory on my studio desk shelves.


How is your home office organizing going?  What was the first project that you tackled?  This weekend I am tweaking our filing system, more to come next week!


102 comments:

  1. Love this idea! What a great way to quickly get the card you need without stressing about buying one last minute! I also love the colors poping out!

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  2. Love this idea, can you tell me where the label template was purchased.

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    1. Thank you! The label template is from a craft store in the scrapbooking section {either Michaels or Joann, I can't quite recall since I have had it for so long}.

      xo!
      Jen

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    2. just wondering how did you label the dividers? it doesn't look like handwriting

      thanks,

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    3. I labeled them with my label maker and clear label tape.

      xo!
      Jen

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  3. Adorable idea! I've got a Paper Source gift card from Christmas...so maybe I'll have to get one of those boxes!

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  4. I defiantly need to do this! Love your idea!

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  5. This will be "office organizing and redecorating" weekend in our house. I'm sure I'll put the inspiration I've got from this post to very good use! Thanks Jen!

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  6. U have no idea how much u inspire me , keep up the great work.
    Best wishes from Kuwait , yep u'r that famous ؛)

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  7. Love it! I am also interested in where the label template is from and how they were cut so precisely?

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    1. Thanks Brittany! The label template is from a craft store in the scrapbooking section {either Michaels or Joann, I can't quite recall since I have had it for so long}.

      I cut them by hand. Slow and steady. :)

      xo!
      Jen

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  8. What a great idea (once again)!! And I LOVE that box, so cute!!!!
    xo,
    Marcela
    http://tucasablogonline.blogspot.com/

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  9. I am actually building/organizing my own office space in my house too! I put my foot down during a recent remodel of our downstairs and declared a section of our newly painted family room "My Office Zone". Can't wait to put your awesome tips into good use for my very own space (sorry, the kitchen doesn't count as mine since everyone uses it). :) Btw, HGTV just reran the Clean Freaks show this afternoon here in the Chicago area. So cute!

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  10. Great idea! I just bought a box from the container store to organize our cards and it wound up being too small - never even thought of organizing them vertically! January is office organization month in our house too and I've already tackled (sort of) one of our bookshelves. http://pennyheavenpress.blogspot.com/2013/01/office-work.html Thanks for all of the organizational inspiration!!!!

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  11. My mom would like this. Maybe I should make her one... I hope our old greeting cards are still kept safe. Too bad nobody sends/gives me these anymore...

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  12. Such a great idea, this is so cute! I keep mine in a file folder, but I never know which kind of cards I'm low on and which ones I have too many of. Pretty sure I know what I'll be making tomorrow! ;) Thanks!

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  13. Where do you get your label holders? They are so cute!!

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    1. Hi Libby!

      They are the bookplates from the Martha Stewart line at Staples.

      xo!
      Jen

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  14. HOLY COW... seriously? I kid you not, I have my card "organizer" (and I use that term loosely!) on my bed right now so I can sort cards tonight while I watch tv. I have way too many, and they are just sort of jumbled right now. Clearly the Jan-Dec strategy doesn't work for me. Giving this a try!

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  15. So cute and practical. I recently prepared a card binder with pocket sleeves and dividers, but the cards kept falling out. One suggestion to add to this is that on the divider tabbed cards, you could add the birthdays/anniversaries for that month. This would keep the dates and info with the cards.

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    Replies
    1. Great suggestion! I keep all special dates listed in my planner and then just grab from the box each month.

      xo!
      Jen

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  16. I can't find it elsewhere on your blog. What label maker do you use?

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    1. Hi Jayde!

      I use the Epson LabelWorks LW-400 Label Maker found here on Amazon:
      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005J7Y6GS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=iheaorga-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005J7Y6GS

      xo,
      Jen

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  17. Very cute! I also love the card boxes from Costco, they come with home-made looking cards and are super nice to look at on a desk!

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  18. Brilliant! I love having a stock of greeting cards on hand :)

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  19. I won a box just like this one at my work. It was filled with 25 different types of cards and came in a great box. Really awesome gift idea! Maybe for a newly wed

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  20. So cute! Where did you find that label template that you used with for the cardstock?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Amy!

      The label template is from a craft store in the scrapbooking section {either Michaels or Joann, I can't quite recall since I have had it for so long}.

      xo!
      Jen

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  21. I love these simple little projects! You make it look so easy! Love those polka dots too!

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  22. So doing this...I even have a card sized box from a blank card set I purchased. I'd been holding markers for the kids in it, but now I'm covering it and setting up my own card box. Love the DIY dividers...I'd live to think like you for a day.

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  23. Genius idea. That box itself is just too cute.

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  24. Very cute! I have the same system but my box is NOT cute! : ) Hmmm, could you store the cards horizontally instead of vertically (and make the dividers horizontal as well, of course)? The cards would not be as visible when you browse through them but then the lid might fit -- ?

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  25. Fantastic idea! My cards are in a plastic bag and I'm getting very little use out of them. I can't wait to do this!

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  26. I purchase all the cards I need for the whole year in January (keep a list by month of birthdays, etc in my phone), write the individuals name and date to be sent in pencil where the stamp will be placed (can erase if not mailing the card), and file in a box by month. In the fron of the box I keep cards just in case I need them (sympathy, graduation, blank, etc). This way I never have to run out for a card. Love your box! So cute!

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  27. Jen, your dividers and the box are just darling! I love your ideas.

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  28. Always love your blogs Jen. I must say, this is pure happiness to look at. I'm very organized but I always seem to be changing things around. Within the last few days, I've been painting and glazing a small storage cabinet that was a Goodwill bargain.

    My office is full of computers and art related stuff for my business. It still needs some re-organizing in addition to jazzing up. You could say it's artistically “all geeked out.”

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  29. This is completely adorable. I always love the colors you put together! Do you have a method for choosing color palettes or do you just eyeball whatever looks good to you? Either way, I envy your taste! :)

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    1. Thanks so much Abby! I typically just eye ball things. :) Wish there was a method to my madness some days, lol.

      xo,
      Jen

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  30. I love sending cards, I love receiving carcs and I LOVE THOSE TABS sooooooo cute!!!!!!!! Beautiful.

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  31. I think this is a really great idea! I have a card organizer but I think this one is so much more appealing.

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  32. This is a wonderful idea! I will definitely have to use this in the future!

    ♥ Samantha
    http://busysweetlife.blogspot.com

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  33. Another organization tip I can't wait to implement. I have two boxes of cards, but sadly they are thrown in there haphazardly. Consequently, it's easier to go to the store and buy a card rather than dig through the boxes.

    This weekend is devoted to printing out my yearly calendar I ordered from you. Maybe I'll tackle the card box next!

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  34. First, let me say this is the first time I have commented on any blog that I read. I look forward each day to see what you have posted. I am always inspired by you. I love this idea - the only thing that I would change would be to alphabetize the categories. I'm just a little OCD - so my daughters tell me! Keep on organizing!

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    1. Thanks for taking a minute to comment! :) Glad you did!

      Love that OCD in you! I organized it by frequency of use, but alphabetically is absolutely a great options also!

      xo,
      Jen

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  35. Jen, this is great! I do keep a stock of greetings cards in a box (I love to pick them up when I see them discounted), but they are all mixed up, so each time I have to rummage through the entire stack. I love the idea of the divider tabs! Thanks for yet another great little idea :-)

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  36. Ahhh I love your blog you're such an inspiration to me !!!!

    Iris the frenchie
    from THE MARRIED LIFE
    http://matthewandiris.blogspot.fr

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  37. Very colourful! I organised our cards a few years back and keep them in an old file box which I covered in pretty paper. It's indeed great to have cards ready for special occasions.

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  38. I love this one so much! While I'm still working on my clothes closet, and refuse to be sidetracked from that project, the office is next. I'll be utilizing this one, alone with many more of your ideas. Brilliant, and thanks for sharing your sources as well. Makes like more ... organized!
    girlsaylor

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  39. Great job! It looks wonderful--- and so cheerful! :)
    Shayna
    www.thewoodgraincottage.com

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  40. Such a cute idea, Jen. Luckily, I can walk a few blocks to the Senior Center and they have a collection of donated cards, all organized (not as prettily as yours!) and only 10-cents each.

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  41. Great idea! I make homemade cards. This would be perfect!

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  42. Love this idea!!! I've often thought about doing this w/ giftbags too!!! I think I will tackle this someday soon!

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  43. I absolutely love this!! pinned

    Natasha @ www.serenityyou.com

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  44. Love! Have had this on the to do list in my head. Looks like I'll tackle it tomorrow!

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  45. Hello my new tab dividers for everything! Makes me wanna go file stuff.

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  46. What an amazing way to keep all my cards in order :)

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  47. I also store my notecards in a cute filebox like that. I currently only keep Thank You's and blank cards. I always love the extra colorful and organized touch you add to your projects! www.styleoyster.blogspot.com

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  48. Looks great! I made the same thing last year but I turned the cards horizontal so that I could close the box. Would that work for you???

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    1. That didn't work for me since my stack was so tall ;) But it is absolutely an option for those who like the lid.

      xo!
      Jen

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  49. Love this! Thank you for the tips on label making! The pictures are so helpful. Thank you!

    Love your blog! I think my life is slowly but surely becoming more structured thanks to all of this organizational wisdom!

    Happy Organizing to you!

    -Rest In The Nest
    Michelle L.

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  50. This is great!! Thanks for posting!!!
    <a href="http://www.organizebysuzan.com" rel="Organize by Suzan in Northern Virginia</a>

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  51. What a great idea - and it's so pretty! I love how you made the dividers.

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  52. This is great! I'm still on the "if I can buy it instead of make it, I will" wavelength so I purchased an adorable box from Dayspring. Love it being small, portable, and organized! And YES, this past year never had to buy a card. Just went in my closet and pulled one out!

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  53. Hi
    I admit to being a card hoarder :-) and started my system a few years ago, exactly the same as yours except as I need the lid to fit back onto my box,
    I turned my dividers horizontally and the cards also with the labelled section level with the top of the box, love the colour of your box, so pretty.

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  54. Amazing..just amazing Jen. I am addicted to this blog no question. Keep up the good work!!

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  55. Great minds think alike! I did this a couple months ago! Not as pretty but just as functional!

    http://allthingsfee.blogspot.com/2012/08/organized-blank-cards.html

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  56. Love it! So simple, but so genius.

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  57. This turned out so cute! Adorable project with a simple function!!

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  58. I just ordered the Epson Labelworks 400 & it came yesterday. I was wondering what font you used for your labels in this post, or what your favorite fonts/settings are. Thanks!

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  59. Hi Jen, Where did you buy the label template to create tabs for the tops?

    Thanks for all the great ideas!

    Xo,
    Ana

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    Replies
    1. Hi Ana,

      The label template is from a craft store in the scrapbooking section {either Michaels or Joann, I can't quite recall since I have had it for so long}.

      xo!
      Jen

      Delete
  60. What a fine innovative idea for organizing cards. Thanks for sharing because I am definitely going to use it. I love sending cards even in this internet era and I have collected loads of them. Your post has absolutely inspired me to get organized with them and a lot of other paperwork too, which I keep putting off for later and never find anything on time. I am going to use it in my office space too. So much one can do.

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  61. can you tell me what font you use?

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  62. What label maker do you use?

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    Replies
    1. I use the Epson LabelWorks LW-400 Label Maker found here on Amazon:
      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005J7Y6GS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=iheaorga-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005J7Y6GS

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  63. Will be linking to this post tomorrow! I was so inpired by it... Thank you!

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  64. Thank you Jen. That is so beautiful. What else do you use the labelmaker template for? Maybe you can do a post about that? I want to go search for one but don't want to have it just sitting around collecting dust after this project you know? Thanks so much for sharing your creativity.

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  65. I did something very similar to coral all the cards I had lying around - but my labels were just post-it notes on a manilla card and a Rubbermaid container. Your box and labels are so much prettier than mine - I think I need to revisit my project... thanks for the inspiration!

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  66. Sorry for asking if this has already been asked, but what do you do about the category of anniversary cards? I love this and I'm currently (like right this moment :-) ) how do you work with those? I realize we can just make this category, just wondering for you, I guess! :-) thank you for sharing your awesomeness!! Ps- also where did you come up with this inspiration (or other inspirations) thanks again!!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Lura!

      I would just create a separate category for those. I only purchase those once or twice a year, so I either toss them in the congrats/just because category or just purchase them as the time approaches. :)

      xo!

      Delete
  67. Hi Jen - love your site and love this idea - one question though - what do you do with oversized cards? Its always the odd ones that make a systemstart to fall apart - but having too big a box in the first place makes it a little unwieldy...

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    Replies
    1. Hi Chrissy!

      Great question! I personally just don't purchase larger cards, because I don't have the avenue to store them. But if you did, you could tuck them on the edge or under the box I suppose?

      xo!

      Delete
  68. Where did you find the cute box?

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    Replies
    1. HI Magan!

      The box is sourced up in the post, I found it at Paper Source: https://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/item/Pool-Dots-Shirt-Box/3640.070/45109018.html

      xo!

      Delete
  69. Love this idea! Did you use an Exacto knife to cut around the label template?

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  70. Hi Jennifer! I have that file system. I love it!!! Question I have is I make a lot of cards that I do not send out just because I like to see ideas or remake them again. So I have like 8 binders with them all in there from date of when I first started. What do you think is the best way for this?? Or do you think I am doing it the best way. I will be moving and I want to and have to reorganize my whole craft area. Thanks.

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  71. What size box did you purchase?

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    Replies
    1. Hello,

      I used the Extra Large - 11 1/2" x 6 1/2" x 6 1/2".

      xo!

      Delete
  72. Where did you get the greetings hardware on the front of the box?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Donna!

      I purchased adhesive label holders from Staples, they are the Martha Stewart line.

      xoxo!

      Delete
  73. I love this! Just what I was looking for to org my own stash of cards!

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  74. This is such a wonderful idea and the dividers look so much neater and bright on colored cardstock. Going to do this soon with my cards. Also, going to look for that template at Michaels or Joann's. Thanks.

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