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I desperately need a better way to store my ever-growing Copic marker collection!
I have about 80 Copic markers, a mix of Ciao and Sketch, and right now they are in a nice box. I wrote the color letter and number on the ends of my Ciaos (with an ultra-fine Sharpie) to help find the right marker but I still have to dig and dig to find what I'm looking for and it's driving me crazy!
I know the markers can be stored vertically or horizontally but I really just want a way to store them so I can see the ends. I thought about the holders that Copic makes but they are not for a mix of markers - I don't think I could fit both Ciaos and Sketches in the same case. Also, none are big enough to hold my whole collection. So I was thinking about this item (a silverware holder):
When I add in the flatware cylinders (the stainless steel cups) it comes to just under $100 - that seems like a lot to store some markers! But I like it a lot so I'm stuck on the fence.
Ooo, I never thought of make-up pencil organizers - thanks, Marianne! What a neat idea and much cheaper, too. I wonder if the cups are too short - not tall enough to keep the markers upright? And do the markers in front block the markers in the back? Hmmm...
The acrylic holders work for me. I am acquiring the Sketch markers so cheap storage that hold quite a few markers is what I need. I also use the narrower acrylics to hold my Prisma pencils.
For the Sketch I have 14 containers.
Each hold the following groups:
-C/N markers
-T/W markers
-B markers
-BG markers
-V markers
-BV markers
-R markers
-RV markers
-E markers (I have these in 2 containers)
-G markers
-YG markers
-Y markers
-YR markers
Now, I'm looking at getting a couple more containers to hold the refills that I have.
Ooo, I never thought of make-up pencil organizers - thanks, Marianne! What a neat idea and much cheaper, too. I wonder if the cups are too short - not tall enough to keep the markers upright? And do the markers in front block the markers in the back? Hmmm...
-Gwen
These work perfectly. Like I say, this is what our other graphic designer keeps on his desk. They don't hide each other. Also, if you have a pegwall organizer these just plug right in.
Personally, I use old damaged store displays, mugs, and whatever random cases I have on my desk.
Ooo, lots of good ideas! I love all the links. Part of my problem is I don't have a lot of counter-top storage space or even wall space so I'm thinking I might like something sort of portable so I can put my markers "away" when I'm not using them (not like that happens a lot - LOL.)
Love your blog, Skicio! And the acrylic boxes are neat, Ginger. Lesa- that storage system is really pretty and would look nice in my room, if I could find a place for it. I'm still looking for the "perfect" solution. :-)
I have 2 (72)sets of Sketch markers that came in plastic containers (I assume these are the ones that can be purchased empty from Copic) ~ the Ciaos fit just fine in them (I have one & I put both sets in order) ~ the only draw back on these cases is that if you lie them on their sides the markers will fall out (unless the lids are on). I love that I can bring my sets out, use 'em, and put them away. I do wish they were a bit more mobile ~ for the car, but beggers can't be choosers...
I have two of these and really like them. I flipped them over and switched the drawers so they are on the top. Each space will hold 30 sketch markers. I have my other markers and Prismas in the second unit. Drawers are great for storage. Look very nice.
I finally found MY perfect solution. I've been working on this for a couple months now....and asking here for ideas....so now that I've found it, I'd like to share....
I started out buying the original style and then branched out into sketch. The barrels are different shapes and lengths so the manufacturers boxes would not work to keep them interspersed.
I like both and wanted them to be stored together. I wanted to be able to put them away and to grab the whole set for a family roadtrip, (i.e. I needed storage with a lid). I wanted my storage to group the like colors together for ease of use with the number system. And I heard that the multiliners and spica should still be horizontal so I put that into the mix....
I found a "basket" in the sewing dept. of Wal-Mart for just under $20. It is fabric, has a solid bottom and a lid that flips up from two sides. And it is just the height of my copics! There were four divided interior pockets that I added chipboard to, dividing each of those sections into four. That gave me 16 spots to keep my markers separated by color. There is a zippered pocket in the lid....that always stays horizontal....a perfect place for my multi-liners and single spica. There are also a couple exterior pockets. I am currently filling less than half the basket so the other side will be used for inks stamps and cardstock pieces. (The space is just shy of a half-sheet of cardstock, my only negative!) OR room to grow into!
There are at least three color combos if solid Navy doesn't suit you. Look closely at the tag for a second one. I don't buy much at the Mart, if possible, but this worked out perfectly for me.
__________________ My Avatar = Me at Providence Regionals, pointing at my swap on the display board, submitted at Convention 2006!
I use the Spacemaker cubes with the "X" in the middle. I have 2 of these, which I have clipped together. I have divided the markers into 8 colour groups. So far, they seem to be enough to store the Copic Sketch/Original markers that I have.
I finally found MY perfect solution. I've been working on this for a couple months now....and asking here for ideas....so now that I've found it, I'd like to share....
I started out buying the original style and then branched out into sketch. The barrels are different shapes and lengths so the manufacturers boxes would not work to keep them interspersed.
I like both and wanted them to be stored together. I wanted to be able to put them away and to grab the whole set for a family roadtrip, (i.e. I needed storage with a lid). I wanted my storage to group the like colors together for ease of use with the number system. And I heard that the multiliners and spica should still be horizontal so I put that into the mix....
I found a "basket" in the sewing dept. of Wal-Mart for just under $20. It is fabric, has a solid bottom and a lid that flips up from two sides. And it is just the height of my copics! There were four divided interior pockets that I added chipboard to, dividing each of those sections into four. That gave me 16 spots to keep my markers separated by color. There is a zippered pocket in the lid....that always stays horizontal....a perfect place for my multi-liners and single spica. There are also a couple exterior pockets. I am currently filling less than half the basket so the other side will be used for inks stamps and cardstock pieces. (The space is just shy of a half-sheet of cardstock, my only negative!) OR room to grow into!
There are at least three color combos if solid Navy doesn't suit you. Look closely at the tag for a second one. I don't buy much at the Mart, if possible, but this worked out perfectly for me.
This will work perfectly for me. My craft room is right off of our foyer so I try to keep the room tidy. I can sit this under my table when not using my Copics. Thanks so much for sharing! Tomorrow I'll go check out my local Wal Mart.
__________________ Debbie
I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end. - Margaret Thatcher
i have bygel rails in my craft room, and i bought some of the plastic cutlery containers that hang on the rails. then again, i only have 20 copics. so i don't need tons of copic storage.
i wish i had a picture, but i haven't taken one. if you do a search in the gallery, for like, IKEA or something, it should bring up the rails and the cups.
__________________
Ashley former SU! Demo, taking a break. but i'll be back soon enough.
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Here is my "silverware holder"...it is the kind that is made of hard plastic, even the removable cylinders are plastic. Bought mine off of Ebay and I think I spent about $50 total. I love the angle...perfect for viewing. Probably my most favorite storing solution! I currently have about 90 Copics but as you can see there is room for a lot more :mrgreen: !
I love seeing all the solutions for marker storage! Awesome! I like SnazzyStamper's portable case - I'll have to look at those next time I'm in Wal-Mart.
And Tdodd00 - we had the same idea! I love seeing the silverware holder in use - the Copics look GREAT in there. Nice to see you got a good deal on the 'bay.
And LOL Michele - storing my markers at your house - why didn't I think of that?? :-D
Here is my "silverware holder"...it is the kind that is made of hard plastic, even the removable cylinders are plastic. Bought mine off of Ebay and I think I spent about $50 total. I love the angle...perfect for viewing. Probably my most favorite storing solution! I currently have about 90 Copics but as you can see there is room for a lot more :mrgreen: !
What are you storing the stickles in? (not meant to hijack)
I am not sure if I was dreaming or what, but I think I read somewhere that is recommended to store copics laying flat, same as other non-alcohol based markers.
So I carry mine in a zip-lock bag, but however they are always in my bookbag as I use them in the train to kill time going to work and back
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I am not sure if I was dreaming or what, but I think I read somewhere that is recommended to store copics laying flat, same as other non-alcohol based markers.
So I carry mine in a zip-lock bag, but however they are always in my bookbag as I use them in the train to kill time going to work and back
You really don't have to! The manufacturer and all their reps claim no...something to do with the barrel design....and type of ink. So they store fine upright. I really want to know the science (I am an engineer by day job).
__________________ My Avatar = Me at Providence Regionals, pointing at my swap on the display board, submitted at Convention 2006!
You really don't have to! The manufacturer and all their reps claim no...something to do with the barrel design....and type of ink. So they store fine upright. I really want to know the science (I am an engineer by day job).
LoL, I wanna know the science as well, I am engineer too (electrical power eng. I am glad I see other engineers being crafty, sometimes it's rare to find )
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What are you storing the stickles in? (not meant to hijack)
Actually, I don't store them this way any longer but it was just a little plastic container (for beads or something small) that I found in the dollar section at Target (I took the lid off). I did like the fact that since I stored them upside down, they were always ready to use. They are now in a basket that hangs from the IKEA bars!
I have a small Longaberger basket with liner in it that we got for our wedding 2 years ago (and never used). It holds a LOT of markers in it, and I don't have to worry about the markers leaking onto the basket! It' on my coloring table in my craft room.
What are you storing the stickles in? (not meant to hijack)
I store my stickel in mini stackable storage bins, I have couple of those and on top I have stickled, on bottom ink refills, I am planning to get couple more of those as I am running out of room in the two I have
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Right now I do not have a lot of counter top space to store all my Ciao Markers and Sketch Markers. So I took two the larger Plastic Clam shell boxes that my TAC stamps came in.
And I'm using these to store my Copic Markers in. I can store them in my desk.
Plus I can take them with me when I travel. Or go to crops. For me it was a easy and very inspensive Solution for me.
I just use the storage box from Copic and it has worked fine for me. I need to be able to put the markers in a locked cabinet when not in use, so little fingers do not get into them.
As for the vertical vs horizontal storage....Copic says you can store them vertically. If one end is juicier than the other you just need to remove the caps and it will even itself out. It has something to do with the alcohol being wicked into the barrel rather than sitting in the tips like water based markers. All I know is that one time little fingers did get some of my caps off and when I went to use my markers next there was a noticeable difference in the amount of ink in each end. I took the caps off, let it sit for a minute, and the ink was evenly distributed once again. They are like miracle markers
I have always stored mine in an enamel utensil holder. I like the divided compartments and the handle makes it easy to transport. And, of course, they look so pretty!
I store my markers in a clear see through plastic container with a snap lock top. It's perfect and very inexpensive. Lock and Lock at QVC now have clear containers. Mine was one I had here not the Lock & Lock. When my Copics arrive I might have to purchase another container too.
__________________ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
I simple love my A Muse marker bucket for Copic storage. It's very portable(takes up very little space), stores both Ciao and Sketch easily(vertical), is cute(love the sage green color), and was only $20. Check them out...wish I knew how to post a link to it....