Your magazines can be filed like the books in appropriate boxes with an index you make. However, I personally don't have enough shelf space for this and hate not being able to lay my hands on exactly what I want in a moment. So..I turn my magazines into pattern packets and information files. For storage you will need either a set of large ring binders and(I started this way) or a filing cabinet with suspension files and folders. You will need tons of plastic pockets too.
1. To turn your magazines into pattern packets you will need a good paper trimmer or a craft knife, steel ruler and cutting mat.
2. You will also need a packet of sticky notes and a planned trip to a photocopier.
3. Ok...ready? Here is what we do. Open the magazine up in the middle. Use a knife or similar to undo the staples holding the pages together and remove them. Keep you pages in order.
4. Trim each page right down the centre. Still keep the pages in order. This is very important!
5. Close you magazine as if it were still in one piece.
6. Turn to the beginning and work through selecting only the patterns and ideas you want to keep. This is important! The idea here is to cull what you don't like or are not likely to paint or find useful! Exclude the advertising!! As you select each one check the following:
*Does a page I want to keep for this pattern back onto a page I want to keep for the next one? If so, make a note to have one of the two pages photocopied. I usually pick a text page over a page with illustrations.
*Is there a pattern for this on the pattern insert? If so make a note to trace or copy that pattern if you can't just cut it out(because of patterns on the back)
*Are the instructions complete or do they continue on a page later in the magazine. Locate the extra page and note it for copying.
7. At this point, the magazine should still be complete. Now take the magazine to copy centre and copy the necessary pages. I am not too concerned about copyright here. You have paid for the magazine, and are storing the magazine in a logical manner. You have the original page probably elsewhere in your filing system. You are not going to sell it or make a profit from it. It is for your reference only, your private and personal use.
8. Once you get the pages and magazine back home, it is time to package up those patterns into plastic pockets. Once again, you need to clear the decks and make piles to suit categories. Because I use a filing cabinet, I have subcategories: Animals is now cats, dogs, farmyard, sheep, cows etc. Flowers are violets, pansies, hydrangeas etc. Fruit is citrus, berry and fruit salad!
9. Once you have them sorted, file them and make a record of what is in your cabinet. I used alphabetical order for the categories and then the sub categories within.
10. Now add your pattern packets into this file.
11. Finally, you need to record what you have. As suggested on the books organization, you can use index cards, or even simply write list of what is in the drawer. You can use your computer skills and create space for these in your database on books, or create a separate database. You can use a commercially provided database like the Decorative Painter Data Base.
To make the most from this system include technical notes like colour theory, information on paint products, paint colour charts and conversions, historical information etc. Even make a file for these tips!
What are big Conventions like?
How do I prepare glass and plastic for painting?
What is the best glass paint for opaque painting?
How can I store lots of paint?
How can I keep oil and acrylic brushes separate?
What tools should I put in my tool box?
What is a good data base program?
What lighting do you recomend for the studio?
What is a good way to store brushes?
Can I substitute different brands of paint?
How do I convert colour from one brand to another?
How do I join a styrofoam hat to a light bulb ornament?
How do I improve my student numbers?
Is there a conversion guide for 1837 legacy paint?
How do I paint Chezza bear fur?
Is there an easy way to draw ribbon?
What should I take to Convention?
How do I prepare light bulbs for painting?
What do I use for hats on light bulb ornaments?
How do I manage kids and painting?
How do I overcome the need to paint straight lines?
How should I photograph my work?
What are some tips for Time Management?
What is a quick and easy project surface?
What if the pattern doesnīt fit?
How can I keep track of my paint?
Where can I find pattern ideas?
What kinds of paint should I have for the kids?
How do you paint a lace border?
Is there a quick way to get paint conversions?
Is there a book with lightbulb ornaments in it?
What can I use for woodfiller?
Where can I get lessons in Rosemaling?
Should I worry about ridges in my painting?
Why should I trace a pattern out?
What do you suggest for shopping tips?
Where can I shop for a bargain?
How do I select convention classes?
What should I give the kids to paint on?
How can I organise my magazines and packets?
How can I store so much stuff?
What do I need to trace designs with?
What do you suggest for luggage at a convention?
What makes a quality pattern packet?
What is a good way to store paints.
What is wrong with my crackle?
Help! My graphite lines donīt show!
What wood pieces can I give kids to paint on?
What can I expect from a studio?
Where can I get support and information?
I am having trouble seeing where the light source is.
Where do I get conversions from ?
What is a good way to store paints.
What important tools should I have?
How can I hold small items for painting?
Can I paint on my regular dinner ware?
What sorts of shelves should I put in my studio?
What if my purchases are too big?
Where do I find supplies in the UK?
Is the a list of personal things I should take to convention?
Where do I find supplies in Australia?
Should I give the kids cheap paint?
What should I look for in a teacher?
What should I expect from a class?
What sort of studio should I have?
How can I draw circles quickly?
painting borders, using arm and shoulder, not hand
How do I get paint off my clothes?
How can I keep my painting space in order?
How do I paint on terra cotta pots?
What costs are involved in a big convention?
How do I keep my studio in order?
What are big Conventions like?
Where can I sell things on line?
Where should I put my painting table?
Who makes artist quality acrylic paint?
How do I get Colour swatches in my TCS software?
Is white a good background for photoīs?
How should I Advertise my Business?
How do I load a rake or comb brush for fur?
How do I use a rake or comb brush?
How do I transport my gear for classes?
I need some ideas for small designs
How do I clean a gourd for painting?
Is a painted surface food safe?
What will make painting lace easier?
What furniture should I have in the Studio?
How can I learn more about brushes?
What should be kept at the painting table?
Where can I find information on Aboriginal Art?
Where can I find information on Aboriginal Art?
What is wrong with my glass paint?
What is a double loaded flat brush?
What personal things will I need for a convention?
What is pemenamel Surface conditioner?
What do you recomend for brush Cleaning?
How do I paint on a floorcloth?
What pen do you suggest I use for pen and Wash techniques?
What will make a good noticeboard?
Is there a Society in New Zealand?
How can I clean my brush basin?
What is the best way to manage the paperwork?
What varnish should I use for heat resistence?
What do I do if my graphite wonīt show?
What should I not take to convention?
How do I prepare papier mache?
Is the any easy place to find a glossary?
Can I use a pen for fine lines?
How do I stop pieces from rolling away?
Why do I have trouble searching for Folk Art sites?
What mailing list should I join?
What should a mail out include?
Where will I find a Guild or Society?
How do I keep fabric painting nice?
Guru Spotlight |
Ray Lokar |