Thin, versatile, durable -- Stencils are all of that and more! If you haven’t amassed a collection of stencils yet, we’re confident that once you give them a try, you’ll become quickly addicted! Whether you use them as a mask for applying color or a texture medium, or run them through your die-cutting machine to add subtle texture (using the Embossing Pad Combo), you’ll never run out of creative uses for these supply staples. Today the My Favorite Thngs Design Team is sharing their storage solutions for stencils!
I've changed my storage solution for stencils slightly since the MFT team shared their solutions back in September. You can find that original post HERE. When available, I still use the original retail packaging and just slice the top hanger portion off, as seen on the left in the photo below. This just makes the stencil quicker and easier to access -- I'm all about things being quick and easy to be put back in their place!
Stencils for which I do not have the retail packaging, I've started using 6x6 scrapbook page protectors. Considered a top-loading protector, turn the protector so the opening is on the right or left (your preference) and this provides an area at the top (where the binder holes are) where you can label the stencil, if you choose. Since the name of MFT's stencils are already etched on them, I skip this extra step! I place a piece of inexpensive heavy (110 lb) white cardstock (Georgia-Pacific from WalMart) behind the stencil to help protect it from getting bent and it also makes the stencil easier to see.
Since my Stencil categories were pretty much the same as my Background Stamps (<= Link to detailed stamp storage post) and I had room in my background stamp container, I decided to combine the two!
EDITED TO ADD: The dividers I used here are the same kind I use for my stamp bin. They are sturdy white plastic and came from another type of stamp storage system I purchased several years ago. Unfortunately, they are no longer being made and I haven't been able to find them even on the secondary market or close-out stores. :( Alternately, you could cut down plastic report covers/pocket folders from any office supply store -- that's what I plan on doing when I need more!
Divider Categories:
Alpha-Numeric, Chevron, Dots, Floral-Frilly-Patterned, Geometric, Stripes, Squares, Texture, Text/Words, Wood/Nature/Animal
So behind each category, I file my background stamps, then the stencils:
The clear plastic storage bin I use is the InterDesign Fridge Binz 8" x 15" (approx interior dimensions = 7.50" wide x13.50" long x 4" tall, also known as the "Wide Deep"). These bins can also be found at Bed Bath & Beyond, The Container Store, or Amazon, which I've linked above). This option at Amazon doesn't have the pull handle mine does, but a hole in it instead. Here is an option with the pull handle, if you are doing a lot of reorganizing and need six bins at a discount!
This bin sits in the center of my IKEA Expedit/Kallax (5x5) storage unit, so it is easy to pull out and work with the stencils on my table, within easy reach of my die cutting machine.
My stencil pastes are stored beside the stencils, in another long, narrow Fridge Bin (approx 4.25" wide x 3.75" tall x 14" long).
Be sure to head over to the MFT Blog, to find a list of all the MFT designers participating in today's blog hop AND find all the details on how you could possibly win today's prize package:
Check back again tomorrow for another day and area of organization!
Great storage
Posted by: doudou2106 | January 20, 2015 at 07:48 AM
Sharon? What do you use AS the Dividers? They look tall and very sturdy. Did you make the tabs on them? Hmmm....did i see you make these a long time ago? Now I need to look. The 6X6 page protectors - you're a genius. I'll be using these for my stencils. Thanks. (I laughed at all your IKEA stuff, my room too has Alex and Expedits and the Fridge Bins (thanks, Jennifer) and the IKEA boxes...... they're a life saver.
Posted by: Kim Sharabba | January 20, 2015 at 07:53 AM
Great solutions! I'll have to look into the 6x6 scrapbook pages and the 'theme' dividers. What did you use for the dividers? plastic or paper? Thanks for the chance to win.
Posted by: MA Evans | January 20, 2015 at 07:54 AM
Wow, so neat and organized. Great idea about storing the background and stencils together. Love it. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Joan VanCourt | January 20, 2015 at 07:59 AM
Love this idea....never thought of the 6x6 page protectors. Thank you so much!!
Posted by: [email protected] | January 20, 2015 at 09:23 AM
WOW!!! I love this idea. I have been trying to figure out the best way to organize stencils. I don't have a lot but as I aquire more this will be a great help. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Rhandi D. | January 20, 2015 at 09:47 AM
Neat solutions for all of us crafters. I like how neatly everything is stored!
Posted by: Barb C | January 20, 2015 at 09:47 AM
So neat, I don't have much stencils. But a very clever idea for organizing them small or large.
Posted by: Marilyn Cruz | January 20, 2015 at 09:48 AM
I don't have very many stencils, but your post makes me want to go buy a bunch so I can get them organized! LOL
Posted by: Misti | January 20, 2015 at 10:21 AM
I like that you have items separated by subject. For those of us without huge collections but one designed this is much more practical. I will be using you subject headings!
Posted by: Beth | January 20, 2015 at 10:31 AM
As I am going through the stencil storage posts I am thinking doesn't My Favorite Things typically have coordinating stencils and background stamps. Thank you for answering that question. Great storage idea!!
Posted by: Tracie | January 20, 2015 at 10:32 AM
Hi, Kim -- They are the same dividers I used in yesterday's stamp storage post. I've edited my post above now to include this:
The dividers I used here are the same kind I use for my stamp bin. They are white plastic and came from another type of stamp storage system I purchased several years ago. Unfortunately, they are no longer being made and I haven't been able to find them even on the secondary market or close-out stores. :( Alternately, you could cut down plastic report covers/pocket folders from any office supply store -- that's what I plan on doing when I need more!
I hope that helps!
Posted by: Sharon Harnist | January 20, 2015 at 10:42 AM
Hi, MA Evans -- They are the same dividers I used in yesterday's stamp storage post. I've edited my post above now to include this:
The dividers I used here are the same kind I use for my stamp bin. They are white plastic and came from another type of stamp storage system I purchased several years ago. Unfortunately, they are no longer being made and I haven't been able to find them even on the secondary market or close-out stores. :( Alternately, you could cut down plastic report covers/pocket folders from any office supply store -- that's what I plan on doing when I need more!
Posted by: Sharon Harnist | January 20, 2015 at 10:43 AM
I love all this organization! I've seen these bins in Bed, Bed & Beyond. Will have to look at them for this purpose. Thanks.
Posted by: CardsCookiesCarrotCake | January 20, 2015 at 11:07 AM
Love the idea of storing the stencils and background stamps together!
Posted by: Brenda Lee | January 20, 2015 at 11:49 AM
Sharon thanks so much for sharing your storage ideas with us, we can all use a little help in that area.
Posted by: Gretchen Wilson | January 20, 2015 at 04:24 PM
Great ideas here. You can NOT get enough organizational tips! TFS!
Posted by: Treece | January 20, 2015 at 04:35 PM
Very innovative storing the stencils with the like background stamps! Thanks for sharing!!! Greatly appreciate MFT showcasing this organizational series.......they're the bestt!!!!!!!
Posted by: Marcia Taylor | January 20, 2015 at 05:15 PM
What fantastic organization tips! I love your tabbed dividers!
Posted by: Celeste Goff | January 20, 2015 at 06:11 PM
I love how it all looks so uniform since you used the same dividers. LOVING all the great ideas. Awesome hop!!
Kim A.
[email protected]
Posted by: KIM A | January 20, 2015 at 10:30 PM
What a completely beat storage solution! I m looking for a good sutuon for storing my stencils, this may be the solution.
Posted by: Victoria H. | January 22, 2015 at 02:07 PM
Great idea!
Posted by: yvonne | January 23, 2015 at 09:11 AM
Great idea and that your stencil accessories are right beside them! Smart GF!
Posted by: Wendy Bond | January 23, 2015 at 05:54 PM