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
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.
Judy Larson's Why Use a Binder to Store Embellishments - , Store Wire Jewelry, , using a binder for storage
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, , using a binder for 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: $2.91
  • Gold Club Price: $2.18
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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
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  • Category: Storage
  • Technique(s): Storage