How are you storing your dies? Have you outgrown your system? This is the predicament that I faced. My old system relied on baseball trading card page protectors in a zippered notebook. I really liked being able to see several dies on a page but that created problems when there was "a series" of dies and they definitely couldn't be put in alphabetical order without a lot of shifting.
(TIP: If you decide to use these I would suggest a 4 1/4" square instead so that you could get 4 pieces from each sheet. I didn't think that through and I just couldn't change midstream.)
Next I used my trusty Brother P-Touch label maker to put the name of the die on the paper. I made sure to put how many dies were in the collection.
I also put a piece of a magnetic sheet in each pouch that contains an alpha or number set. Did I mention that each pouch has a back flap so you don't lose anything?
For collections that have different blooms for example, I traced around the die and labeled them on the page.
I was really surprised at how many of my dies fit the pouch. Even the tiny envelope die that is pretty large fit.
I made dividers using lots of different pattern papers. This is a great way to use up the stash. I cut two 5" squares of patterned paper. I sewed them together with the journal tab that I had die cut and stamped the letter with Fresh Alphabet from PTI. I think they are the perfect weight and look cute too.
I have categorized my dies alphabetically by company. I briefly considered grouping them by floral, etc. but decided my brain doesn't work that way.
The final piece of this project was the container. I found what I think is the piece that makes it all work-- the perfect file box at Target in the bathroom area. The reason this box is so perfect is the size 3 1/4" x 10". At 3 1/4" it allows me to flip through the box. I tried higher sides but that made them hard to see.The length is great for being able to stick in a cabinet or leaving out on your work area. There are over 100 pouches in this container. Yeah, UM, I know. I have too many dies!
I smile each time I spy my little box of dies in my craft room. I hope you have a beautiful week. ~Rhonda
PS - Want to know what I did with the long dies such as the scallop border dies? Tune in next Monday for another installment of die organization.
Wow, Rhonda! What a great way to organize dies! Thanks for sharing this, it looks awesome.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Rhonda, and fabulous organization! Looking forward to your next installment Monday.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE how you've got everything set up! Your post today is just what I needed to start on re-organizing my own storage system. I've totally outgrown it!! Can't wait to til next Monday to see what you do with those long dies!
ReplyDeleteok, yep, you totally sold me on those clear CD pouches! and darn it, i was just at target on saturday (30 miles away from my home) :( thats ok though. I am going to go this route...right now mine are just all stuffed in an all.too.tiny bin, in no order whatsoever! love this, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteRhonda, this is similar to my organization of dies except I use paper cd envelopes with a window. I use the same envelopes for my $5 sets. I also put how many dies are in the envelope. My problem now is that I have been storing dies and stamps in the same box, and now it is full. Time to find another box. I'll be checking Target now. Getting my stamps and dies organized last year was certainly worth the effort.
ReplyDeleteGreat way to organize your dies. Can you come do mine too? I really need to do something with mine but no time right now.
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful! I like those sleeves so much better than the paper CD ones with a window. I like being able to see the whole thing. I will be CASE-ing this for sure!
ReplyDeleteThis is perfect, Rhonda! I didn't think the magnetic binder thing would work for me, but THIS will! Thanks so much for sharing. I wanted a quick flip through container, too. Love that they are alphabetical...I was originally thinking separating them all by manufacturer but I think I like this way better! Will definitely invest in those bigger clear envelopes.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant. What a great way to tame the die-beast. Thanks for sharing. I'll look forward to your next installment.
ReplyDeleteThis is brilliant, Rhonda! Thanks for the detailed post!
ReplyDeleteThis is the perfect way to store dies! TFS! :)
ReplyDeleteYou are one very organized person. Love your system. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea Rhonda...love all the thought you put into your system. I have so much patterned paper, this would be a perfect way to use some of it up, I just need that labeling thing and I will be set to go. I know exactly which basket you are talking about too! Looking forward to seeing what you do next week, make sure to put a notice in the forum so I don't forget!
ReplyDeletethis is great. I have been thinking about redoing my dies.
ReplyDeleteI loved your binder, but this is adorable.
ReplyDeleteGreat. Can't wait to see how you store the longer dies. I had mine in (sounds like) a similar file system to your previous trading card folders and have just placed them in a tub. My issue is/was if I don't see it I don't use it!
ReplyDeleteGreat storage solution! Plus they look really cute in the basket :)
ReplyDeleteGreat system to store your dies!!
ReplyDeleteRhonda this is just fabulous! Thank you so much for sharing. I am getting ready to reorganize my dies and I will use your tips. I'm very grateful. Thank you much
ReplyDelete