How to Pack A Scrapbooking Tote
One of the biggest problems I see at crops is that people bring way too much stuff. One of the main reasons for that is that we don’t want to forget anything so we bring it ALL! I may forget papers and things but with a tool tote that is always stocked, you’ll be ready to go anytime there is a crop or class. I transferred from a tote that wasn’t working (it was actually a purse) to a scrapbooking tote with a wide opening:
I use my tool tote every day. Not only is this tote for travel, it is the place where my supplies live permanently. I do have more adhesive, inkpads, scissors, and needles than what is in my tool tote but I go to the tote first when I need to use something. This keeps me in the habit of using the tote so it isn’t a weird adjustment to use it when I go to crops. Additionally, by always accessing the bag, I am very aware of what supplies I am running low on, if I need to buy a new black pen at the moment, or if I should add more erasers because I am using pencil alot right now. I made a handy dandy video to share with you how I pack my tool tote.
http://youtu.be/gI-XVdTav74
Here are the essentials for any tool tote: (I’ve linked some of these to places you can buy online via affiliate links – I make a tiny commission if you buy but it helps me keep the crafty goodness coming)
- Craft Knives - my favorites are from Westcott
- Craft Mat for the Craft Knives – Westcott makes a tool-bag-friendly 6″ version
- Stamp Scrubber
- Adhesive Tape Runners – Tombow Mono are my choice but not what I had in the video
- Foam Dots and Squares – American Crafts Dots are my favorite but I have a mix in the video
- Adhesive Dots – these are in the bags with the foam dots in my video
- Journaling Pens – these Black Sakura pens are great as are Copic Fine Tip and Zig Markers
- Sharpie Markers + Pencils
- Adhesive Eraser – I use the one from Xyron
- ColorBox Wicked Black Inkpad
- ColorBox Seattle Sky Inkpad
- ColorBox Stylus and Tips
- ColorBox Cat’s Eye Inkpads
- Jewelry Boxes - make great dividers for a bag
- Needle Nest Case - keeps needles and pins from poking you
- Purse Hook – great for hanging your bag (and purse) from a table for easy access. Floors are dirty!
- Compact Cell Phone Charger
- White Acrylic Paint and FoamPaint Brush
- Liquid Adhesive – I use PVA, Elmer’s Craft Bond, and Tombow Mono Multi Liquid Glue
- Luggage Tag or Charms with your name on them
How do you bring your tools to crops and classes? Do you have a tried and true method for organizing that you use? Please share in the comments!
