I originally had all my stickers in manila folders within a single folder. I’m using regular sheet protectors and Martha Stewart Home Office secure-top sheet protectors to organize them in a three-ring binder. They were roughly divided by alphabet stickers, words and phrases stickers, and picture and specialty stickers. I also had folders for rub-ons, die cuts and templates, and glue/scrap paper for extra ink and to prevent surfaces from getting sticky. I built an index of these items and have them organized by type. All the alphabet stickers will still be together under “A,” but the other stickers are organized into categories such as butterfly, flower, quote, etc. for extra ease.

All these items are in the main large pocket as well as Fiskars templates, my spirograph, cutting mat, folders of inspiration, and magazines. I also have a small amount of space for precut cards, small albums, and two zip-up bags that sit on top. My paper cutter sits on top of the papers. Built into the lid of the bag is a pull-out, fold-out piece with loops for markers and pens. I’m sure you’ll notice the pens are organized by color (ROYGBIV FTW!)

Looking at the bag, you’ll notice there are large zipper pockets on three sides. These are where my tools, stamps, and embellishments are kept. On the right side (again while looking at it) is a mostly open pocket with a single divider. Most of my stamps are the plastic kind that require acrylic blocks so that’s where they’re kept.

On the left side, there are clear pockets with velcro closures and loops along the side. I use this side to easily see my embellishments and specialty scissors. There’s not a lot of thought to this side since the pockets are clear. I just put things where they fit.

The front pocket received a little bit more thought in organization. It is similar to the left side in the fact that it has clear pockets. My first thought was to make the tools I use most often the easiest to access. Those are the items in the top, right (because I’m right-handed) pocket. For those of you who may be curios, my favorite items are: cutter bee scissors, Elmer’s tape runner, glue dots (two sizes), a ruler, an artist’s eraser, plus a couple of glue sticks. Again, the rest of the pockets are used to hold whatever other tools and embellishments that fit. The large pocket on the front flap holds various items that don’t quite fit anywhere else.

I must reiterate that without my amazing bag, I would not be able to create Handmade by Shay as easily as I do. I hope you enjoyed the insight!

It was very easy to put this card together, but the extra effort of hand-cutting the butterflies makes it that much nicer!

I took a piece of neutral colored cardstock that was ready, scored it, and folded it.

I then took nine different papers as recommended and cut them into 1″ by 6 1/2″ strips.

Next, I pulled out my edging scissors and got to trimming.

After that, I simply decided order and started gluing.

The last step was a little embellishment with buttons and ribbons.

I have now found another great way to use scraps.

Technical specs: the kit recommends sewing the album together. I decided to give hand-binding a try. I used my paper piercer to make guide holes every 1/2” on all the pages. As I sewed using hemp, I pierced the holes again making them large enough for my string. I sewed in and out in one direction, looped over the top, and sewed in and out on the opposite direction. I secured the last outside loop with a double knot. I highly recommend keeping your paper piercer handy as well as scissors to cut off the tip when the string gets too loose.