How to Care for Your Scrapbooking Supplies to Make Them Last Longer
Scrapbooking is more than just a hobby — it’s a way to preserve memories, tell stories, and express creativity. But to keep your materials in top condition and ensure they last, it’s important to properly care for your scrapbooking supplies. Whether you're a casual crafter or a seasoned scrapper, the right storage, organisation, and maintenance habits can make a huge difference in the longevity of your tools and materials.
In this blog, we'll explore simple, effective ways to protect and organise your scrapbooking supplies so you can continue creating with confidence and joy for years to come.
Why Proper Care Matters for Scrapbooking Supplies
Over time, even high-quality scrapbooking supplies can degrade if they’re not stored and maintained correctly. Factors like humidity, sunlight, dust, and temperature fluctuations can all cause damage — leading to faded paper, dried-out adhesives, or warped embellishments.
Taking a few preventative steps can:
- Preserve the quality of your materials
- Extend the life of your favourite tools and products
- Save you money by reducing the need to replace items
- Create a more enjoyable and efficient crafting environment
Caring for your supplies isn’t just practical — it’s part of what keeps your creative process smooth and stress-free.
1. Smart Storage Tips by Supply Type
Different types of scrapbooking supplies require different storage strategies. Here’s how to store your most commonly used materials safely and effectively:
Paper and Cardstock
Your scrapbook paper and cardstock should always be stored flat in a dry, cool place. Use file organisers, plastic sleeves, or stacking drawers to keep them wrinkle-free and prevent corner damage.
Keep them away from sunlight to avoid fading, and avoid stacking too much on top to prevent bending. Label your collections by colour, theme, or brand so it’s easy to find what you need.
Adhesives
Adhesives such as glue sticks, liquid glue, and double-sided tape should be stored upright with caps or lids tightly sealed. Keep them in a cool spot and avoid extreme heat, which can dry out or warp the glue.
Use small caddies or divided bins to separate different adhesive types and prevent leakage or spills.
Embellishments and Flowers
Embellishments like flowers, buttons, sequins, and rhinestones are best stored in compartment organisers or small jars with secure lids. Clear containers allow for easy visibility, while labels keep everything neat and accessible.
Organise by colour, size, or type to speed up your workflow and reduce time spent digging for the right piece.
Brads and Chipboard
Tiny pieces like brads and larger, flat accents like chipboard are especially prone to bending or getting lost.
For brads, use stackable bead boxes or pill organisers. For chipboard, flat folders or binders with pocket inserts help preserve the shape and texture of each piece. Always keep chipboard dry to prevent swelling or distortion.
2. Protecting Your Supplies from Environmental Damage
The environment where you store your scrapbooking supplies plays a major role in their longevity. To keep your materials safe, consider the following factors:
Humidity
Excessive moisture can warp paper, destroy adhesives, and damage packaging. If you live in a humid climate, use silica gel packets or a dehumidifier in your craft room.
Temperature
Avoid storing supplies in areas that get too hot or cold — like garages, attics, or near heaters. Fluctuations in temperature can cause adhesives to lose effectiveness or warp delicate materials.
Sunlight
Direct sunlight can fade coloured paper, photos, and ink. Store all materials in shaded areas or opaque bins when not in use.
Dust and Dirt
Dust may seem harmless but can cause smudges and damage over time. Keep your supplies in drawers or containers with lids to keep them clean between uses.
By controlling these environmental elements, you can dramatically increase the lifespan of your scrapbooking supplies.
3. Set Up an Organised Crafting Space
Creating a clean, functional workspace isn’t just aesthetically pleasing — it’s essential for keeping your scrapbooking supplies in good shape.
Use Clear Storage for Visibility
Choose clear plastic bins, drawers, or containers so you can see everything at a glance. This reduces digging, helps you track what you have, and ensures less handling of delicate items.
Label Everything
Use labels for each drawer, shelf, or box to make tidying up easy and repeatable. For example, one drawer can be for paper, one for adhesives, another for flowers, and so on.
Create a “New Arrivals” Zone
Set aside a dedicated area for your new arrivals to explore new items before sorting them into your main system. This keeps fresh ideas flowing and prevents new products from getting lost.
Work Surface Care
Keep your crafting surface clean and dry. Use a cutting mat or work mat to protect both your desk and your materials. Wipe down your surface regularly to avoid ink or glue transfer onto your pages.
4. Travel-Friendly Storage for Scrapbooking on the Go
If you attend scrapbooking workshops or like to create on the go, investing in the right transport-friendly storage is essential.
- Rolling totes or craft bags with compartments make it easy to organise and transport a variety of supplies.
- Plastic sleeves or binders are great for keeping paper flat and damage-free.
- Zipper pouches are ideal for storing small tools, embellishments, or adhesives without them rolling around.
Limit what you bring and pack items in a way that reduces movement and minimises damage during travel.
5. Routine Maintenance and Inventory Checks
Regular maintenance is an underrated but important part of caring for your scrapbooking supplies. Set a monthly reminder to:
- Check expiration dates on adhesives, markers, or ink pads
- Wipe down tools and storage containers
- Reorganise supplies as needed to keep your system functional
- Declutter items you no longer use
You can also create a digital inventory using apps or spreadsheets. This helps avoid duplicate purchases and ensures you always know what’s running low.
6. Buy Quality, Store Properly
Caring for your scrapbooking supplies starts with buying quality items from reputable retailers like Papermaze. High-quality products hold up better over time and are less likely to suffer from early wear and tear.
Explore our range of premium scrapbook paper, cardstock, chipboard, and more in our product range.
Ready to Refresh Your Scrapbooking Supplies?
Looking to refresh your collection or organise what you already own? Browse our new arrivals or get in touch with our team for expert advice. With the right care and storage, your scrapbooking supplies can bring joy and creativity for years to come.
Keep Your Creativity Flowing with Long-Lasting Scrapbooking Supplies
Proper care and smart organisation don’t just keep your scrapbooking supplies tidy — they help keep your inspiration alive. By storing materials correctly, performing regular checks, and shopping mindfully, you’ll enjoy a smoother, more satisfying creative process every time you scrapbook.
Explore our full product range or speak with our friendly team today to find the perfect additions to your creative toolkit.
