You know how when you open a package of say, stickers, or rub-ons, or whatever… and they come in a plastic sleeve?
Well, if you’re like me (and you KNOW you want to be!) you might not use every single item on said sheet of stickers or rub-ons, or whatever. So… what do you have to do?
Put the stickers or rub-ons, or whatever BACK into the packaging.
And what happens? Come on… every single time? What happens?
The product STICKS to the sticky part of the flap on the plastic sleeve.
ARE YOU WITH ME?
Well, I don’t want to toot my own horn TOO loudly, but I invented the following cure-all to this very common scrapbooking dilemma.
Watch closely:
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is EXACTLY what I’m thinking every single time I scrapbook.
Happy Easter.
Love,
Cathy
jennifer says
Ummm…I never thought of this. AND I had never heard of it. AND just yesterday I was swearing (using my “inside voice” since the kids were around) because of this exact problem.
Thank you for the tip. What a lovely Easter present indeed!
Victoria Murray says
Great idea. I hate those freaking sticky things. They make me use words like “freaking”. I usually cut them off, but this is much better. Way to rock my scrap world!!
Toni Brockliss says
Bastards Incorporated is the name I mumble when I attempt to slide my rub-ons back into the sleeve and it fails.
Bastards Inc also made the extra loud chip packets that crinkle at critical times at the movies, popcorn bags that give you 3rd degree burns when you go to open them and pens that run out when you only have one word left to write on your scrapbook page.
Karen Walker says
I have a metal ruler right on my cutting mat in the middle of my desk. Did I ever think of this? NOPE! Do I think you’re brilliant–again? YEP. Thanks. It’s always been such a pain.
ashley says
Dude… that is freaking brilliant! I usually just cut the top part off and leave the sticky part permanently stuck.
Shannon says
I don’t have a ruler…what now? what now Cathy?!?!?!
Terry says
I have no idea if you are the first–but what GREAT idea. I have struggled with a sticky package for the last time!
Bree says
This is slicker than my method – flip the sticky tab around and stick it to the Back of the packaging. Work okay, but then you have to unstick and reflip the package back. One of the corners always gets stuck.
Your idea looks a lot easier.
Kathleen says
That is BRILLIANT!!!! U-R-da-B!!!!
awesome girl!!!!!!
Tanya Summers says
That is a GREAT idea – thanks for sharing! ~Tanya
lisa says
Simply put, you are a genius! The best I ever came up with was to try and stick the sticky part to the back of the package. It never works. I bet this works every time.
Sara says
Sweet! You always come up with awesomeness! BRILLIANT, I say! 🙂
lisa tanner says
WOW – I’ve never been smart enough to figure this out. I’ve stuck the sticky to the back of the packaging and it never really works – at all. You are brilliant!!!
Melissa Raphael says
I just slice the package open and be done with it. Easier for me, who is too lazy to do it any other way.
Linda F. says
OMG! You ARE spectacularly (an exceedingly difficult word to say, even in my head) brilliant! This is my nemesis! Those d*#mned sticky strips! Thank you for the idea!
sesil in chicago says
you are soo smart. I think I am just lazy because I just cut the rub-on off the sheet with the plastic on it and then I am only getting the rub-on I want and the other rub-ons are still in tack. LAZY!
Vanessa says
As a full fledged “original packaging” person I appreciate the practicality of your tip!!! Where has this been all my life?
Okay..JUST noticed your blog header..murals at Animal Kingdom are awesome aren’t they!
Here is a link to a shot I took of one with our tour guide–we got the full scoop behind them-well the disney version anyways 😉
http://grooveygrover.blogspot.com/2006/11/disney-details.html
Nadia says
you ARE the smartest person EVER! who makes that metal ruler? I’m sorry I couldn’t resist and I swear if you are sitting even remotely close to me at Inspired you have my permission to smack me over the head with the ruler. Of course I will be the one who will be so excited to finally meet you that I will be speechless. Should be easy to spot me!
Candi Tardio says
i wanna know what company those rockin’ rubon’s are from???????
inquiring minds wanna know 🙂
michele says
When I grow up, I want to be as smart as you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Courtney says
You are simply brilliant.
Shaunte says
You should submit that tip/idea to Memory Makers or Scrapbook Trends or something….(snicker)
Christine Villacarlos says
LOL!!! Cathy!!! Yes, that is a brilliant idea!!! Thank you!!!
LOL Shannon! Lovin’ your comment!!!
LoRi says
You are such a freaking hoot and I am way too dumb to have ever thought of that. Thanks for making me laugh every effin day!
karen lee says
those are annoying & that is a good idea,
but…
i fold the sticky part over, onto itself,
and then when i am done,
i pull it off and close the package,
no ruler needed!
try it!
karen lee
~amy~ says
THANK YOU for this…you are a genius!!!
Carrie says
I’ve done the same thing for a long time now EXCEPT I attach the sticky stuff to my plastic ruler and not a metal one. 🙂 I still think you’re brilliant! Truly.
Carolyn from Vancouver says
Sorry to burst your bubble Cathy, but I’ve always done what Bree did, only easier. I don’t flip the sticky part backwards, I just fold it forwards onto itself. No problem, no need for a ruler.
And yes, I do say smugly to myself that I’m the smartest person ever when I do this.
Darn. Karen Lee just beat me to this post.
I guess I’m only the second smartest person ever. Darn you Karen Lee (see me shaking my first a you)!
jen says
Genius I tell ya. You’re brilliant. Now my Thickers can go back in easy peasy!
Donna says
Brilliant Cathy!!!
Like Michele said When I grow up I want to be as smart as you…
Have a Great Easter Weekend!!!
Cel says
Why oh why didn’t I think of this?! This is genius Cathy!
Ruth in OZ says
Whilst I absolutely appreciate the fantastic idea, personally, I don’t open my rub ons at the sticky flap end, I cut off the top bit,(the label)revealing the opening there, no sticky, no mess, and then I file them in an my psb or similar display file, so I can just flick through them looking for the PERFECT sticker, however, as my rubon obsession grows and grows, I have had to file those in storage containers marked by theme, Just love those damm rub ons. Hey Cathy, man I love your sense of humour, just so much, your blog is a highlight of my day. Ruth in Western Australia
Sara says
I know the sticky edge of which you speak. I had never thought to use a ruler or edge to hold it down. You’ve just saved me valuable scrapbook time. Thanks Cathy!!! Seriously, brilliant. LOL.
(no seriously, thank you from OCDers everywhere)
Stacie says
TOOT TOOOOT ! I’ll toot your horn for you! You are a freakin Genius ! Really, this was such a pain for me….Thanks, Cath…You Rock!
Darlene says
You really ARE the smartest person ever…and yes, I do want to be like you. I even tell my friends that fact.
Maggie says
You are a rock star and I am having t shirts and posters made. They will be black with orange sleeves (remembering the sweatshirt of course). On the front will have biblical icon dude from your banner and on the back will have CZ ROCKS…. no no wait SMART CZ ROCKS! …and don’t do drugs! Scrapbooking is a family affair. I will make sure my people send one to your people…
I was going through my pix and came across an old CKU from San Jose where I had the most incredible fortune to sit in on your class while you were wearing a suit coat, glasses. Great stuff! Maybe I will have them slip some glasses on religious dude at the top for memory sake! Life is good and you are the queen of goodness. Gotta go… gotta find my medal ruler and be free at last with my rub ons.. Watch out Daisy D’s here we come!
Sharon Larmour says
I bow down in humble acknowledgement of your sheer brilliance. Dare I say sheer bloodyflippinfreakinfarkin brilliance.
I worship at the altar of your brilliance.
Amen
brilliant
Kathryn Booth says
LOL, glad i’m not the only one who gets fed up with those sticky flaps! I usually end up folding them over to the sticky is covered up, or, a tip i did pick up from a class once – i snip the long side of the packet off. so then you can slide them in and out without worrying about stickyness!
BUT i deffo think you’re the first with this ruler idea cathy!! GO YOU!
Jana says
You are awesome!!! Thanks for the great tip!!
Patricia says
Pure genius I say.
Bev says
I took a class with Rhonna Farrer once, and the best tip I’ve ever picked up was, don’t even open the package, just cut out the sticker or rub-on that you want with the packaging still around it, then the rest of the pack stays nicely protected inside it’s packaging.
It was worth a trip to Paris just for that one tip!
Izzy says
Oh geez! I’ve hated those stupid things for years. My biggest issue was getting 12×12 paper back in without the adhesive ripping a piece off the dead center. I shall retrieve my metal ruler at once!
Izzy
Tina says
OMG you are a genius! I knew it…just knew it!!!
LaurenC says
I just want the rubons. Those are some cool little symbols.
Oh yeah. And I guess your idea is kinda genius! 🙂
tiffany k. smoot says
that is freakin’ awesome! i bow down to your simple genius.
Beth Gianturco says
*Excellent* idea! If you didn’t think of it first, I haven’t heard about it. Thanks! XX’s
AmyInKy says
Cathy, you are the smartest person, ever…Ever!
Thanks for the idea. 🙂
Nathalie says
You are too funny and sooooo clever!!! Thanks for the great tip. 🙂 You are revitalizing my ruler! LOL
I battle with those all the time and my best trick for this so far was to do it with a friend… one holding the package and the other one putting the rub-ons back in but it doesn’t work 90% of the time since I mostly scrap alone… LOL
deana says
I usually either cut off the top OR just fold the sticky part back inside the packaging. Drives me nuts, too…
Sara says
What an absolutely fantastic idea. I have loathed those packets ever since the first one I opened. In fact I think I’ll have to go and make something right now just to test it out!
Lisa Bracale says
Great idea Cathy. I invented the simple just cut the small sticky strip off and nothing sticks. Granted the top doesn’t close shut but it still folds over.
I hate when that stuff sticks so annoying.
Lisa
Deborah P says
I struggled with this last night and thought – there’s GOT to be a better way, but I didn’t think of it. Thank you!!! Looks like for at least 98% of us, your illusion is quite safe.
Carla says
I bow before you— great idea. I usually just lose my patience and cut the sticky part off and cram it back in and curse and then throw it in another plastic keeper thingy… put in my quest to be more evolved in scrapbooking I will try to practice this!
Bridget =) says
damnit, why didn’t i ever think of that!!!!!! awesome idea!
Betsey Terry says
Well Cathy, there is absolutely NO DOUBT you are the smartest person ever. My favorite trick though with those, learned from the lovely Jennifer McGuire, is to never take them out of the package in the first place..just cut out the portion you need!
PJ says
I cut the top art open with an exacto knife, to totally avoid even touching that ugly sticking part… but you… it’s just AMAZING… you genius you!!!
Ellen G says
What a great idea! Time again I have struggled with this very thing. Didn’t even cross my mind to put a ruler over the stick. You ARE the smartest person ever!
Michelle Gauthier says
Totally stinkin’ brilliant! 🙂
Michelle Gauthier says
Totally stinkin’ brilliant! 🙂
Wendy H. says
You mean I actually don’t have to fight the sticker/rub-ons sticking to the package on the way back in?? What a brilliant idea. I used to try and fold it backwards without much success. Of course this now leaves me wondering: WHY didn’t I think of this??????
I am scrapbooking tonight with my girlfriends. I am FOR SURE bringing this idea!
BTW – even if you haven’t thought of this 1st: to ME you will always be the person that did. 😉
Malinda says
You’re Brilliant! I have never thought of that and it has been an issue with me forever! I will now follow in your glorious footsteps and henceforth will bask in the glow of your greatness.
Etta says
Well I didn’t think of it. THANK YOU SO MUCH because I had given up on putting things back in their plastic sleeves. You’re a genius!
Jill says
hahahahahahahahahahahaha – brilliant!
BeckyKay says
Brilliant! Thank you, Cathy!
Sophie says
I don’t know if you invented this…
but THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING !!
I can’t repeat here the words I mumble everytime I try to get my rub-ons inside the package…
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU !!
Sophie
Hillary Chybinski says
Brilliant!! You rock – and quite frankly, who the heck does not want to be just like you???
As for me – I roll the sticky part back onto itself. . .slide my rub-ons/stickers back in. . .and unroll the sticky part and re-seal.
If I were half the woman and creative force you are – I wuld document that in slides or a video or something. . .but alas. . .I fall short again. 🙂
Have a heck of a great egg day!
Hillary
nancy_scraps says
Never heard of this. Never thought of this.
I always just try to peel off the adhesive…to varying results.
So… you ROCK and you are a GENIUS!!! How’s that for a belated Birthday present?
Ruth Pannell says
I cut the bloody thing off.
And think about going digi.
Gina says
I am one who folds it back and sticks it to the package.
Lord knows I’d never be able to find the ruler on the scrap table. If only they could make one the size of the ATG.
gitz says
The brilliance it just took to come up with that idea burned enough calories to lose 5 pounds. Now you are a genius AND skinny. What a Good Friday.
🙂
LisaTO says
I’ve lost many a rubon because of that sticky part of the packaging.
Great idea.
jenn says
Great idea!!!! I’m always cursing at that sticky stripe! lol
Julie says
SHUT UP!!! (Let me assure you that is a compliment of the highest form, blurted out at moments of being so impressed, I am rendered speechless, with the exception of those two words. Often followed by “………thud!!!”, which is indicative of me being knocked out by another’s sheer brilliance. *grin*)
……………..thud!!!
jennifer says
i hate it when that happens! you ARE BRILLIANT! 🙂 enough said…
Abby P. says
Nothing pisses me off MORE than having my paper, rub-ons, etc., stick like that. It happens EVERY TIME! Thank you for your gift of knowledge! Now I won’t have to use the “F” bomb so much when scrapbooking!
Kelli Johnson says
what a hot tip! THX!
Theresa says
You. Are. A. Frickin. Genius.
Word.
Nancy says
oh please Cathy, can your brilliance solve the problem of the wimpy little package edges ripping open, too? thanx!
Nicola says
“…and you KNOW you want to be!” <– how did you know, what gave me away?!
You know you get to use those letters after your name now right? ie; Cathy Zielske SPE.
Leslie says
Absolutely brilliant!
Sara says
It’s so genious in it’s simplicity that it’s scarey! I bow to you CZ!!
Happy Easter!!
Maeghan says
UGH. That is sooo my pet peeve when it comes to scrapbooking and cardmaking. Other than trimmers that don’t cut straight, of course. And maybe sticky scissors. Oh, come to think of it, most of my pet peeves are creatively related!!!
Heidi says
I roll the sticky flap over backwards so it is out of the way, but I can still unroll it to keep all the stickers in the plastic bag.
Karen Russell says
Bloody genius (this problem has plagued me for years – seriously – years).
Faith says
Your blog makes my day. I love your sense of humor!! Also, your idea!!
Gretchyn says
This is a great tip that I will be using. Very nice!
Another option would be to make the darn packing here in the US like they do in Europe — put the sticky stuff on the PACKAGE and not on the FLAP so that you can get things back in the package w/o fighting with it. Just a suggestion to any manufacturers who might be reading this blog, it’s a big pet peeve of mine… 🙂
susan keuter says
Hey there lady – I must correct you.
That is NOT a metal ruler. That my dear, is a PICA POLE!
I have the exact same one, got me thru J-School and all of the line-o-type we had to lay down on our mock ups. Damn Professor Book if they weren’t perfect. Thank GOD for my trusty Pica Pole. 🙂
daniellemarieclaire says
Well I’m glad to see that I am not the only one who came up with an idea to have the sticky side away from the rub-ons ! I have been sticking the sticky side inside the plastic bag for the last couple of years at least. The flap sticking everywhere was driving me nuts but I knew that I wouldn’t stop using the rub-ons so I had to find a way to bring my frustration to a zero level and still get to use my rub-ons ! 🙂
But, miss Cathy, you’re still a genius ! 🙂 Great minds think alike, I know … 🙂 LOL
Danielle (daniellemarieclaire)
Stephanie T. says
Oh Divine Ms. Z! YOU are headed straight for Mensa. LOL!
(now go gloat over your brilliance!)
Beth says
this is so funny….
I just cut that bottom flap off and get rid of the sticky completely
Valerie says
I just usually cut that bastard right off, after cursing for several minutes. I love your idea, though, as I hate when the rub-ons, stickers, etc., etc., have opportunity to break loose. Preservation of the sticky flap is key…
Thanks Cathy!
Paula H says
The cool rub ons are from BasicGrey:
BasicGrey Element Rub Ons – Symbols – Black
Scrapbook.com as about 10 of them in stock right now..
Sharon F. says
You are absolutely brilliant! I would wrestle that piece over and stick it to the desk or counter, then attempt to keep it down and slide the piece back in…no one really knew who was winning this battle and usually there were casualties….
thanks for sharing !
sharon f.
oakland, ca
Linda says
We’ve all had that problem I’m sure. Thanks for the tip! You are just too cute and I love you!
NanaBeth says
In my book you are without a doubt the fricking most intelligent human ever-I sure never thought of it! Nobel circumventing annoying scrapbooking packaging prize to Ms Z please!
pipw says
Now that idea deserves a TimTam!!
Laura says
Awesome idea!
Happy Easter!
Kitsa says
I too, bow down to your almight genius and thank the scrapbook gods for sending you to us. We are so not worthy…hee hee! Love ya, girl!!!
Angie Olson says
You rock! I love it when something like happens. I have a l’il tip of my own regarding rub-ons…
You know how the backing sheet of the rub-ons shifts around after you’ve cut into them? Staple the sheets together (in between individual rub-ons)& the problem is solved. No more shifting & losing parts of rub-ons cuz the backing strayed while cutting or adhering.
katie scott says
yep i’m thinking the same thing myself & i’m convinced i came up w/the ranger dauber paint things one year ago
Carolyn from Vancouver says
Ooops. I just realized from re-reading your post title that I was supposed to hold my “sorry to inform you post” for another day… don’t I feel like a big jerk.
You’re still my scrapbooking hero if that makes any difference.
Kay Drenth says
I usually fold the sticky part on to itself but still had issues with the packaging crinkling up, making it hard to slide in. I would get all 7 ways of pissed off. Tried your way this morning and viola! They slid in like a charm! Thanks for the tip oh brilliant one!
Katy says
Cathy,
Coming from someone who can’t even open those packages without tearing them down their sides, your idea is wonderful.
If I can get a package to survive, I will try your idea.
Otherwise I staple the backing sheet ( if they are rub ons) to the front, and throw them in a document keeper.
Carolyn says
You’re Fabulous!!!
I will also use staples, to keep the cut parts together, which also helps when putting back the extra back into the packaging.
Gayle says
that’s why you work at simple cathy. simple idea for something I wouldn’t have thought of, yet curse everytime the packaging sticks together!
Jane Swanson says
This IS a totally brillant idea, Cathy.
I’m wondering if anyone else does what I do. I simply grab my scissors and cut through the entire package around the rubon that I want to use. That way I never have to open the package and the one I want to use is oh, so conveniently removed from the others.
~jane
Lisa Russell says
Well, I can’t say I thought of putting a ruler on the sticky part, but instead I always just folded the sticky flap part backwards and then slid it in. Try that, the next time your ruler isn’t handy! 😉 I’ll definitely try your ruler method, though!
Lisa
sherry Eckblad says
What a great idea and I wish I could say I had through of that, but I didn’t and I always end up pulling part of my rub-on off. Think I will scraplift that idea.
Susan C says
That’s an ace idea mate. I was the fold the sticky stuff back on itself kinda girl but if you didn’t get it folded right you couldn’t get the stickers back in properly but this is a ripper idea.
Melissa says
You are a bloomin’ genious! This is the single most aggravating thing about those packages and I struggle with them EVERY TIME. Now, I ask myself….why didn’t I think of that? You are not only entertaining, but informative as well! 😉
Glee Scrap says
You Rein as Most Brilliant! Happiest of Easters to you and your adorable family!
Jeani says
thank you for this idea! I´m absolutely sure, you are the first one thinking of this!
Tina johnstone says
You made me laugh on a very un-fun, stressed-out, family Easter afternoon! Thanks! I needed that!
Tina J.
September says
This is a great idea! I usually just carefully fold the sticky part back into a roll on itself. Then when you are done, you can unroll it and it will stick again. 🙂 Your way sounds great too!
Brandi says
Wow! I hadn’t thought of that! I was once a part of a discussion group for a popular scrapbook product company. They were wanting comments and suggestions and I mentioned that it would be great if the packaging adhesive was on the package insteasd of the flap. How hard would that be to change?!? Thanks for the most wonderful solution!
Jac says
That’s just B-R-I-L-L-I-A-N-T!
Laurie U. says
one word….Ingenious!!
Linda Joona says
What a great idea! How come I never even thought about it? It annoys me soooo much everytime I put my thickers back into the plastic bag!
katie scott says
can’t wait to see the stacy video tribute!
Celeste says
brilliant! 🙂 you are brilliant! another idea staple the rub-ons to the backing sheet – that way if they slide around they won’t come up!
i usually try and fold the sticky part back on itself and that doesn’t work so well!
cheryld says
You truly are a freaking crack up … people around my little pod think I must be insane because I laugh out loud when I read your blog. Thanks for that … it helps to keep most people from asking for stuff from me. 😉
cheryld
Alina says
those rub ons are from basic grey, good job CZ
erin says
omgosh, at our last crop, we were all talking about this very topic! that is the MOST brilliant thing i’ve seen this year! congratulations for thinking of it and thanks a ton for sharing!!!
Kristin says
You are freakin’ hilarious. love love love reading!
leslie says
You ARE the smartest person ever! I never thought to do that. I was going to struggle for the rest of my life if I hadn’t read your post. Thanks!!
Veronica Norris says
YOu are brilliant and have used the idea numerous times these weekend, less swearing from the scraproom now! THanks.
Brooke says
I usually just cut the sticky part off. 😉 I guess that wouldn’t work so well if you’re using one of the hanging organization thingies, but I keep mine flat so it’s not an issue. 🙂
Holly says
You are a far more brilliant person than me because I have lost every battle with those damn packaging flaps. But now that you’ve shared this idea, I may actually be able to claim victory!!! Thank you!
DonnaC says
Thank you so much Cathy. Those sticky edges have been driving me crazy. I love your idea and will definitely be putting it to use!
Lucy says
How amazing and simple that idea is… You totally ROCK….. so going to try this one!!
cindy mandernach says
why don’t they just put the sticky goo on the back of the packaging instead of the flap. problem solved. if i were in manufacturing, that is what i would do.
cindy
i’m a flippin’ genius……
sharis says
Actually, that is a erally awesome idea. I run into that same issue all the time
sharis says
Actually, that is a erally awesome idea. I run into that same issue all the time
Janean Campbell says
Very brilliant..Why didn’t I think of this?
Jena says
Great tip! I use to do as many others and fold the sticky part backwards onto itself. Now I stick that part to the table and leave it that way until I’m finished and the product is back into its bag.
Gina Carvallo says
This really help me!! Thank you!