How I Organize My Collage Papers (and Keep the Chaos Beautiful)

I am currently in the process of packing up for a move, which can be challenging as a mixed media and collage artist! However, I have developed some ways to organize and then re-organize my collage father stash

When I first got into collage, my paper stash quickly went from charmingly messy to completely overwhelming. Scraps were stuffed in drawers, tucked into sketchbooks, or just floating around the edges of my workspace like colorful tumbleweeds. It wasn’t long before I realized I needed a system—not only to stay sane, but to keep the creative flow going without constant searching and sorting mid-project.

Over time, I developed an organization method that works for me—simple, flexible, and (most importantly) sustainable. If you're a fellow collage artist or just someone with a growing pile of beautiful paper bits, I hope a peek into my process gives you some ideas for your own system.

My Sorting System

I organize my papers in a way that balances structure with spontaneity. Here’s how I sort them:

1. By Color

Color is a big driver in my work, so this is the primary way I organize. I have folders or small bins labeled by color families—reds, blues, neutrals, etc. This makes it super quick to pull options when I’m building a palette.

2. By Type

For specialty papers—like delicate tissue, painted textures, or vintage ephemera—I sort by type rather than color. These live in separate containers so they don’t get damaged or lost in the shuffle.

3. A “Working Pile”

I always keep a tray or folder of current favorites—papers I’ve recently pulled or just really love at the moment. This is my go-to when I start a piece, kind of like a mini curated stash within the larger system.

Organizing my collage papers isn't about being neat for neatness' sake—it’s about creating a space where inspiration can move freely. When my papers are easy to see and grab, I feel more playful, more focused, and less frustrated. It's not a perfect system (and honestly, I don’t want it to be), but it supports my process in a way that feels both practical and joyful.

Whether your style is hyper-organized or gloriously chaotic, I believe the best system is the one that helps you create with more ease.

✨ Stay tuned for my next blog post, where I’ll take you deeper into how I store my collage papers—what works, what didn’t, and how I make the most of small spaces (without sacrificing creativity).

Until then, happy collaging!