Ryann
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Location: PNW
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Post by Ryann on Apr 22, 2024 22:07:49 GMT
I need help! For those of you that have a large collection of standalone wafer thin metal dies - how are you storing them? From searching on YT last night, I've seen these options: 1. place on magnetic sheets, into a clear pocket and and then filed into a crate/open container 2. magnet sheets placed directly onto the wall/sides of furniture/inside large frames 3. a small chest with shallow drawers with magnetic sheets attached on the bottom of each drawer (like this or this) I found white magnetic sheets that I'm going to mount to the wall behind the door in my craft room to house all the dies I use just for cutting felt/stitching. I'm left with trying to find a storage solution for the rest of the metal dies that are used in paper crafting but do not coordinate with a stamp set (those I keep with the stamps). As I've been unpacking from last summer's move, I found that I had been squirreling away metal dies and that weren't put into my current storage solution (three (3) Artbin magnetic storage cases). The cases are completely full and really heavy, so I want to move away from this method, rather than get additional cases. I'm working on setting up a "die cutting area" that will have a small strip of wall (15" wide, 36" tall) that I can use for this storage, in addition to the countertop in front of that section of wall (15" wide). I have a tall/thin IKEA Alex 5-drawer unit that is empty I can utilize as well. I don't think the Alex drawers are sturdy enough for holding a lot of dies, so I thought I would use those for cutting plates and other related tools, etc. I can take a photo of the area if that will help visualize the space. Do you have a storage solution that you use (other than the three I listed above), or have seen someone else use on YT that you can refer me to? |
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Post by karensay on Apr 22, 2024 22:12:38 GMT
I use the Totally Tiffany system.
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Apr 22, 2024 22:24:19 GMT
I use your option 1 above. But I'm interested in seeing other more user-friendly options.
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Post by dewryce on Apr 22, 2024 22:24:52 GMT
I do not have a large selection, but I can’t see myself ever not storing them in individual pockets, and it’s based on how I use them, not how many I have. But I’d say it depends on your crafting process. I like my items stored by type/theme, not manufacturer. For me: - I’m not a visual organization person so while I love the idea of my most frequently used dies on a big framed magnet it would drive me batty having it out. I do like Jennifer McGuire’s idea to put those on the inside of a cabinet door very close to her desk, I just don’t have that in my room.
- I like the freedom that comes with having them in individual pockets. For looking through them and comparing, having a lot less in my visual field helps.
- Rearranging them is much easier than it would be if they were on larger sheets
- I like flipping through a bin and grabbing those I’m considering and being able to take them to my workspace without fear of losing them…and then remembering where they go when I put them back. Right now I have several pockets on my desk while I make a selection.
- You can put extras in the back of the pocket, I do this a LOT. I don’t want a separate area where I keep my extras organized.
- You can take an entire bin easily back to your work surface to more leisurely go through your options, with a drawer that’s not an option.
- I used to have many of my embellishments stored in those binders (crop in style?) where you flip through pages and I didn’t like that at all. You have to take the binder some place that has room to open it, unzip it, then flip through the pages, trying to remember what you saw 3 pages ago. Rather then stand there and taking out relatively small pockets as you go and holding them up next to each other to compare.
- But most of all, like some people make page kits, I make project kits so I want to be able to easily throw them in there without them getting mixed up in the papers and other embellishments when they’re loose.
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Post by MichyM on Apr 22, 2024 22:30:29 GMT
I do option 1. It’s the most space effective way to store them as far as I can tell. I have them divided by themes.
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Post by Linda on Apr 22, 2024 22:37:04 GMT
I have the artbin magnetic sheets in an open bin - sorted by theme/type -no plastic sleeve/envelope. Both my standalone and my stamp/die sets are stored this way - the stamps are slipped in next to their dies.
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pantsonfire
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Post by pantsonfire on Apr 22, 2024 22:39:03 GMT
Option 1 - thick magnetic sheets in clear heavy plastic folders that are kept organized in one of my 3 tier cart shelves.
I do also have several QK magnetic folders with older dies.
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Post by Linda on Apr 22, 2024 23:09:24 GMT
I do also have several QK magnetic folders with older dies. My 2x2 and 4x4 QK dies are still in the QK binders with the pocket pages. My QK cookie cutter dies are stored with my other thin dies. |
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pantsonfire
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Post by pantsonfire on Apr 22, 2024 23:14:44 GMT
I do also have several QK magnetic folders with older dies. My 2x2 and 4x4 QK dies are still in the QK binders with the pocket pages. My QK cookie cutter dies are stored with my other thin dies. My 2x2 are in the pink QK metal tins they sold. I have the 3 original. Never got the little cubby for them. |
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azcrafty
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Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Apr 23, 2024 0:03:07 GMT
I use 1 and 2. I love both system.
1. Chipboard covered with magnetic sheet and placed in a page protector. In a wooden box that my dad made for me
2. I had 2 big cheap canvases that I covered with magnetic sheets. Its easy to move them if I have too. I even used some framed pictures that I got at Hobby Lobby 90% off to cover with magnetic sheets to put my SB flowers on. I can take these to my table when I want to work with them.
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Post by cmpeter on Apr 23, 2024 1:04:03 GMT
Option 1. But, I only use magnetic sheets if they have lots of little dies I want to keep more organized. I put a sheet of 110lb cardstock in my stamp pocket and mostly just slip the dies in there. Cuts down on the weight and cost of the magnetic sheets.
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Post by joblackford on Apr 23, 2024 1:08:13 GMT
I don’t have a large collection but prefer magnet sheets in plastic pockets or original packaging sliced open. I like seeing them laid out flat and evenly distributed inside their pockets.
But I know at least one person on the boards (can’t remember who) who says that they really don’t need to be on magnet sheets at all - they can be stored in envelopes or containers loose and no harm will come to them. The magnet sheets add a ton of weight, and even more so if they’re attached to a board. Mary Polanco showed some of hers stored loose in plastic bins that attach to a wall bracket. I think they were mostly border or coverplate dies. I think even Jennifer McGuire has moved away from magnet sheets for some of her dies.
Maybe some of your dies could be stored loose in plastic containers in your drawers? Without the magnet sheets they might not be too heavy.
The mounted magnet sheet frame idea makes a lot of sense if you have wall space over a die cutting station. Probably the easiest way to store nesting shapes, words/sentiments, and most used dies.
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Post by dewryce on Apr 23, 2024 1:31:59 GMT
I don’t have a large collection but prefer magnet sheets in plastic pockets or original packaging sliced open. I like seeing them laid out flat and evenly distributed inside their pockets. But I know at least one person on the boards (can’t remember who) who says that they really don’t need to be on magnet sheets at all - they can be stored in envelopes or containers loose and no harm will come to them. The magnet sheets add a ton of weight, and even more so if they’re attached to a board. Mary Polanco showed some of hers stored loose in plastic bins that attach to a wall bracket. I think they were mostly border or coverplate dies. I think even Jennifer McGuire has moved away from magnet sheets for some of her dies. Maybe some of your dies could be stored loose in plastic containers in your drawers? Without the magnet sheets they might not be too heavy. The mounted magnet sheet frame idea makes a lot of sense if you have wall space over a die cutting station. Probably the easiest way to store nesting shapes, words/sentiments, and most used dies. I think this would take up more space with all of the dies falling to the bottom and making it thicker. So it would depend if you want to take up less space or have less weight. But I do like the idea of doing this where there is only a single die or two in the pocket. I’ll need to switch to better cardstock though. |
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pinklady
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Post by pinklady on Apr 23, 2024 1:45:30 GMT
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Post by 950nancy on Apr 23, 2024 2:07:39 GMT
I have alphabets in larger sb.com envelopes on magnetic vent covers, small sets with multiple pieces in Avery Elle envelopes and the majority of my dies on 10 tall skinny mirrors with vent covers glued on the glass. I also have a 2' x 10' piece of magnet in my Amazon cart so I can put it on a wall. Not sure how I want to do that yet.  |
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Post by Embri on Apr 23, 2024 2:12:37 GMT
But I know at least one person on the boards (can’t remember who) who says that they really don’t need to be on magnet sheets at all - they can be stored in envelopes or containers loose and no harm will come to them. I think this would take up more space with all of the dies falling to the bottom and making it thicker. So it would depend if you want to take up less space or have less weight. But I do like the idea of doing this where there is only a single die or two in the pocket. I’ll need to switch to better cardstock though. Yes and no; some die sets store perfectly just in a pocket, but it's heavily dependent on the size and number of pieces in the set. Single cover plates, absolutely. Alphabet sets? Don't even consider it. They'll make a messy hump down at the bottom and potentially get squished. Personally I use an unlisted option #4 - half-sized planner binders with magnetic boards and pockets. I have nine or ten of them now, all for different themes (basic shapes, domestic animals, exotic/fantasy animals, action/mechanical, objects, sky, ocean, borders, floral, etc.) Bigger dies go on the boards, anything tiny goes into a trading card sized folder and pocket. Clear plastic acetate sheets keep facing dies from rubbing if there's no pocket page. Charms on the zipper identify what's inside.   
I've also seen people with horizontal magnetic storage in a shelf-type box with removable boards. Might be pricey for a large collection given it's a custom storage solution. There's also some DIY videos on making your own binder/folio type storage with magnetic sheets inside. Ultimately it comes down to how do you like to view your dies? Are you a flipper or a bin fanatic? A 'sets must always stay together'er or heathen like me who happily tears sets apart to put them into themed groups? Do you go for stuff based on brand, theme, or collection?
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PaperAngel
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Post by PaperAngel on Apr 23, 2024 6:20:39 GMT
The majority of my dies are Quickutz (QK) organized in QK magnetic folders & QK zip-around binders, while all other brands are stored in Sizzix envelopes/magnetic sheets in an iDesign square clear/fridge bin. HTH.
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Post by mom on Apr 23, 2024 7:10:20 GMT
I do option 1. It’s the most space effective way to store them as far as I can tell. I have them divided by themes. Same. I then store them in a pull out drawer. They are easy to access, but stored away where they can't get lost. |
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Post by quinmm14 on Apr 23, 2024 10:49:28 GMT
I ran across a bunch of the 4x6 and 5x7 Iris containers that I had stored away, I used to use them for storing embellishments by color but got tired of messing with them.
I'm using them for storing smaller dies, I cut a magnet sheet to size for the bottom, used a teeny bit of glue dots to hold it in place and it seems to hold the dies in place pretty well so far. Of course, I'm just storing them flat in one of the cubes of my Kallax for now.
I use the magnet sheet and envelope option for almost all the rest of my dies, but this seems to work for now for my most used smaller die sets.
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Shakti
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Post by Shakti on Apr 23, 2024 11:45:25 GMT
I bought this link to cut into strips and put on the card stock inserts in my storage pockets for storing dies. I haven't deployed much of it yet. A lot of mine are loose in the pocket on the other side of the insert from the stamp set or still on the sticky sheet they came on. |
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Ryann
Pearl Clutcher
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Posts: 2,641
Location: PNW
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Post by Ryann on Apr 23, 2024 18:00:22 GMT
Thank you all for giving suggestions. Since I have so many of the (heavy!) magnetic sheets that go in the Art Bins, I'm leaning towards taking them out of cases and putting into a wooden crate to flip through. That might the be least expensive way to move forward. I'll have to see how many empty sheets I have once I get the stitching dies on the magnetic wall. The white magnetic sheets for the wall won't ship for another week or two, so I have some time to figure it out. I'm also going to keep searching YT to see if there's anything else out there than what we've all come up with.
Thank you!!!
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Post by brenda89 on Apr 23, 2024 18:45:34 GMT
Most of mine are stored #1 way. I use Stamp & Storage magnet cards though, so most aren't in a pocket. I get the 5" x 7" ones because I'm a bit OCD. Also these fit into Stampin' Up stamp cases when I need them to. I'm currently a demo, but just hobby, so I try to keep current product together. I suppose just in case I'd need to use only current product. This a rabbit hole I'm currently in, so I won't go into detail here. I'm just thinking I probably don't need current separated, we shall see what I decide to do. Also, the Stamp & Storage magnet cards now have a wonderful cling material on the back of them, so stamp sets with matching dies are stored on the same card!!! If there's tiny dies I will slide it into a clear sleeve, just in case. And I store my stamps & dies by theme; or alphabetical order if it's a set with multiple themes. I need to start an inventory soon of that alphabetical category so I remember what I have. Sorry for rambling.  |
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Post by mbanda on Apr 23, 2024 20:45:50 GMT
I also use Option 1 and sort by theme. I like to take different sets to retreats twice a year and this is an easy way for me to pick out the sets I want to take (versus taking an entire binder or taking them off a magnetic sheet in a cabinet).
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Post by dewryce on Apr 23, 2024 22:21:37 GMT
Most of mine are stored #1 way. I use Stamp & Storage magnet cards though, so most aren't in a pocket. I get the 5" x 7" ones because I'm a bit OCD. Also these fit into Stampin' Up stamp cases when I need them to. I'm currently a demo, but just hobby, so I try to keep current product together. I suppose just in case I'd need to use only current product. This a rabbit hole I'm currently in, so I won't go into detail here. I'm just thinking I probably don't need current separated, we shall see what I decide to do. Also, the Stamp & Storage magnet cards now have a wonderful cling material on the back of them, so stamp sets with matching dies are stored on the same card!!! If there's tiny dies I will slide it into a clear sleeve, just in case. And I store my stamps & dies by theme; or alphabetical order if it's a set with multiple themes. I need to start an inventory soon of that alphabetical category so I remember what I have. Sorry for rambling. I’ve never seen these, thanks for the recommendation! How thick are they? I like using the Avery Elle type of pockets rather than the firmer ones and I’m wondering if they’d fit. I’m also considering getting a larger size and cutting them down, do you think I could do that with the old Fiskar’s rotary trimmer? I wish they came in 6x8 as that’s the size I’m considering switching to. They are expensive, but I wouldn’t need them for most of my dies, just the ones with stamp sets. |
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Post by Embri on Apr 23, 2024 22:36:43 GMT
If you can't cut those to size, you can make something very similar by sticking magnetic sheet on one side of chipboard and a laminated sheet on the other. I've done something similar for the few stamp sets I have. Downside of course is that it's more upfront work and might not look as finished.
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Post by brenda89 on Apr 25, 2024 13:15:07 GMT
I’ve never seen these, thanks for the recommendation! How thick are they? I like using the Avery Elle type of pockets rather than the firmer ones and I’m wondering if they’d fit. I’m also considering getting a larger size and cutting them down, do you think I could do that with the old Fiskar’s rotary trimmer? I wish they came in 6x8 as that’s the size I’m considering switching to. They are expensive, but I wouldn’t need them for most of my dies, just the ones with stamp sets. I've never tried to cut these. I only order mine when they are on sale. So if you can wait, just get added to their mailing list and wait for a sale. They have them fairly often. |
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Post by Restless Spirit on Apr 25, 2024 15:54:57 GMT
I use a binder system.
1) Binders from Amazon - 2” Mini View 3 Ring Binder, Heavy-Duty Round-Ring Binder, 5.5" x 8.5", White
2) Samsill Sheet Protectors, 5.5 x 8.5 Inch Page Protectors for Mini Binder, Heavy Duty, Clear Protector Sheets, 7 Hole, Top Loading, Acid Free, 100 Pack
3) Deflecto Magnetic Vent Cover - 3 Pack, 8”x 15”, from Menards
- Color photocopy the original die packaging.Trim to fit the sheet protector.
- Trim the magnetic vent cover to fit the sheet protector. If the dies are heavy (I use the system for my hot foil dies, too) or there are a lot of them, I’ll sometimes glue the vent cover to a piece of very heavy card stock. (White 8.5” x 11” Cardstock Paper, 120 Lb, 325 GSM from Amazon).
- Place the dies on the magnetic sheet and slip inside of the sheet protectors along with the product packaging photocopy. (This makes it easy to find what set a die came from if you forget. Ask me how I know. Ha .)
- Each binder has a category. I use shapes, sayings/words, Christmas, etc. Label the end and front of each binder accordingly.
Note: The only brand I keep the dies together is Stamp ‘n Up.
Because of the smaller binder size, the binders don’t get overly heavy. (I originally used Jennifer McGuire’s - I think it was her - that used Avery Elle envelopes and a tray system. It was just too heavy for me.) I still have some polymer stamps and embossing folders stored that way. )
The binders easily store on a bookshelf and I can visually scan and quickly see where the dies I want are located at a quick glance. All I need to do is grab the binder and flip through the pages.
I think this method works for me because of the way my mind works and the way that I craft.
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Post by scrappinheather on Apr 25, 2024 16:38:43 GMT
I have 4 methods:
1. Frequently used does I bought large magnetic sheets from stamp and storage and mounted them into frames or the side of my kallax next to my desk and keep them on those.
2. Cover plate dies are stored in stamp market pockets by manufacturer but all the cover plates are together and kept in fridge storage bins. Similarly with banner dies, alphabets, etc.
3. Interactive dies and other large dies stored on 8 1/2 x 11 magnet sheets with all their parts inside a clear plastic sheet in some large metal bins I can thumb through. Stored alphabetically. Or house, platform pop up, etc.
4. If there are a lot of add on sets to certain dies I do the method in number 3 but put them together in a binder so all the sets are in that binder. For instance all my jaded blossom gnome dies are placed on a magnet sheet by set but all those sets are in one binder.
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angel97701
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Jun 26, 2014 2:04:25 GMT
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Post by angel97701 on Apr 28, 2024 1:28:16 GMT
For collections that include dies/stamps/stencils etc those are stored together in labelled pronged folders in hanging files in my new cabinet. Before the move:
Those that are stand along are now in medium Create Room boxes. Photos of new room coming soonish? I think by shapes and seasons. So I finally put both my stand alone dies and embossing folders into these categories that work for my brain.
Stand alone dies are adhered to the original packaging (sometimes trimmed to fit the box) with magnetic strips that are adhesive on one side. This was more cost effective, allowed me to use original packaging, and weights less. So all things circular are stored together, followed by ovals, square, rectangled (cover plates) and so on. I am constantly reorganizing in my new space, and will also be de-stashing. I am realizing that some items will get more love in another home. Plus I have much less space!
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Post by papersilly on Apr 29, 2024 21:35:56 GMT
mine are on magnetic sheets and then clear sleeves (mostly Sizzix)
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