Many stampers and scrapbookers have carved out a niche for themselves in the basement or garage of their house where temperatures and humidity can fluctuate. It can be especially bad in certain regions or in older homes that don't have central air.
Nobody enjoys working with limp paper and soggy cardstock! Not to mention a musty smell, or worse, signs of mildew.
Fortunately, there are easy and inexpensive ways to suck the moisture out of the air and your supplies and have a more pleasant crafting experience. Here's some tried-and-true tips for fellow papercrafters!
Cheap and natural DIY tricks:
- Invest in sealed paper file containers (think Rubbermaid). Never leave the lids off. Put a Post-it Note next to the light switch to remind you to "lock" the lids in place when you're done with your crafty session.
- Put a scoop of (clean) kitty litter or absorbent small animal bedding in an old cotton sock and rubber-band shut. Pop one in all your paper totes and in the back of desk drawers.
- Keep envelopes in a sealed zippered bag with a desiccant packet (those little doo-jobbies commonly found in new shoes, luggage or purses). This will prevent the envelopes from sealing themselves shut and having to be steamed open so you can use them.
- Inexpensive charcoal briquettes are great for absorbing moisture from the air. Place some in a dollar-store aluminum pie pan in the bottom of closets or cupboards. Replace them every three months and burn the "used-up" ones in your outdoor barbeque.
- if you're into essential oils, use an electric diffuser (never an open flame!) with cinnamon or clove oil to naturally combat mold.
Other things to check:
- Get a portable dehumidifier unit. This is a great investment because not only will it keep your paper nice and crisp, your inks will also dry faster and you personally will feel cooler and more comfortable. Remember to clean it regularly according to the manufacturer's directions.
- Check your AC unit and change the filters regularly so they're working at top efficiency. Leave the door to your craft room open to promote airflow (use a baby gate to keep kids and pets out if necessary).
- Products like DampRid come in different sizes based on the space they need to cover. Make sure you get the right one for your square footage. Consider refillable ones to cut down on plastic waste.
- Bathrooms and laundry rooms are big sources of extra humidity. Try not to position your craft space right next to them if you can help it. Make sure those rooms have working vents. And ask that family member who just loves a long, hot shower to use the other bathroom, if you have one on a different floor!
These tips will make your crafty sessions much more enjoyable no matter where your stampy space is. Be sure to share these hints with your friends! and subscribe to my once-a-week crafting newsletter for more fun DIY inspiration.
