Four Ways To Add Some Panache To Your Personal Stationery

​There’s no point trying to deny it - everyone loves collecting stationery. The lure of an smooth, clean notebook is too much for even those with the strongest willpower to resist. But if your collection is growing too fast to fit on your shelves and in your cupboards, then it might be time to rein it in!

Image source:https://www.flickr.com/photos/passionlacks/2522966219/ ​

However, think of this as a blessing, not a curse. Instead of spending lots of money on low quality, similar styles, aim to get pieces that will enhance your collection. Or, improve on what you have already! Here are four tips to help you customise and clean up your stationery cupboard.
 
1. Make the most of your space

Image by https://www.flickr.com/photos/quiltingmick/1012041667/ ​

Whether you’ve got lots of storage space or barely any, you probably aren’t using it to its full potential. Take everything out of your cupboard and see how much you have to play with. Then look at adding accessories: hooks, shelves, baskets and boxes are ideal methods to help you store more than you thought you could. This article from Good Housekeeping.com features many different ways to help make the most of your storage.


2. Be ruthless with what you keep

As the saying goes, out with the old and in with the new. So, if you know that you’ll be buying more - you should make an effort to declutter what you’ve got. Go through all of your notebooks and diaries - yes, you’ll want to keep some for sentimental reasons. But do you really need six of the same black pads? Probably not.

​You should also check through all your pens and writing instruments. If they’re running out or dried up: chuck them. Though it might seem hard at first, getting into the rhythm of a clear out doesn’t take long. As long as you don’t throw anything away that has important details on - you’ll be fine!
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3. Give your existing items an uplift

Image credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/laurenmcnees/3333809720/ ​

If you want to buy more stationery because you’re bored with what your diary and notebooks look like, resist the urge! Instead, look at how you can customise what you’ve got already. This recent guide to embroidery might help you out with some inspiration, as might these 30 ideas from CoolCrafts.com. From covering your diary in wrapping paper, to crocheting bookmarks, there’s a whole world of possibilities to explore once you get started.
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4. Be more selective about what you buy

If you still want to buy a new diary or notebook, then avoid the tat. Plain books are ten a penny, so save your money for something of a higher quality. You might want to choose leather bound, rather than wire. Or, you might opt for thicker paper than usual.

​But the best way to add some serious style to your stationery is to go personalised. From your initials to a full address, you can have as much or as little as you want - just check out how much you can do with sites like Giftsin24.com. Plus, if you’ve got little ones around, it’s a great way to get them started on writing - with their own notebook that has their name on it.
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