I am excited to share my new system for organizing my dies and stamps. I, like most of you, have tried several different systems, all of which have not worked out for me. I was getting frustrated until I chatted with Lydia from Understandblue who I credit for the original idea. I have made a few changes, fine tuning the system to become my system. Previous to this system, I used the ArtBin storage bins for storing my dies, and my stamps were in a large container and out of control. The ArtBin didn't work for me for several reasons, mostly I did not like the layers of dies. It just made looking for a die miserable.
This is a completed sleeve example, broken down like this below:
I have the sleeve, the cardstock, and the magnetic sheet. I reused my magnetic sheets from my Artbin case, cutting them in half and cutting off the labels. The cardstock is cut to 5" x 8.5" and scored at 7", with the 1.5" folded up to catch anything if it falls of the sheet and to protect the sleeve from the edges of the magnetic sheet.
These are the sleeves I have used, as recommended by Lydia. I purchased them through Amazon.ca. They are 5" x 7". So when I say I cut the cardstock at 5", it acutally is 1/16th less in order to allow the stock to slide into the sheet.
In the back of each sleeve I have these mini sleeves for extra die cuts that didn't make it on my card.
For my stamps, I did the same system, but the cardstock is cut to 5" x 7" as I did not need support in the bottom of the sleeve. Filed along with my stamps are the coordinating dies to the stamps, if there are any. In this way, I am not taking out 2 containers, just the 1 needed to complete my project. I also have the mini sleeves in the back of these dies to store left-overs.
This is one of my die containers, I have 2 filled. I did not use the same containers as Lydia as they are extremely pricey here in Canada. Instead I used containers I already had and they work perfectly for me.
This is one of my completed stamp containers. I also have 2 of these so far.
And, for my Spellbinder dies and the like, I have them stored in a separate place as I felt there was a lot of dead space if I used this system. They hang on S hooks on a tension rod in a closet along with other craft things. If I need to move them to get the things on the top shelf, they just slide up and down easily. I take the hook when I need to use them, so everything remains together.
I hope you enjoyed my little show and tell. Thanks for joining me today.
Oh, Kia, it's wonderful that you've finally found a solution for your stamps and dies. After seeing the video by Jennifer McGuire and how she has organized many of her stamping supplies, I've started doing much of the same. It's a lot of work but so worth it. I have a long way to go, but I am working on it a little at a time. And it sure will save more space for me, and I hope to also weed while I'm doing some of it. I've also organized my card stock too and have them in cut-down file folders that are in one of my above the counter cabinets. I love being able to see the rainbow of colors and find the paper I need. So many ideas, and it's wonderful that you've shared yours. Hugs, sweet friend! xoxo
ReplyDeleteTFS your organization system Kia. I need to do some organizing too. Your ideas will be helpful. TFS my friend. Hugs, Nancy
ReplyDeleteKia, I think you and Lydia should come to my studio and get me in check!
ReplyDeletelooks great mf...I wish I could get more organized but right now I prefer to spend what little money I have for spending on this craft on stamps. You are right, a lot of these supplies are pricey here in Canada.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great wknd and TFS