Question about stamp storage

[lroberts1977]

I am trying to "clean" up my craft room. I have my SU! stamps stored in thier original boxes and that works well. My problem is all the single wood mounted stamps I have. Right now they are in a plastic drawered cabinet. I would like to be able to store them on a shelf. Does anyone know if it would damage them if they were stacked on each other in a shoebox? I didn't know if it would damage the rubber or not. Any help or suggestions will be appreciated.

[kphorse]

I found lucite clear frames at Target for a couple of bucks each...They are about 1" deep and I use them like stacking trays...you could line up your singles in them and stack the trays 2-3 high without too much stress on the rubber...

I did this until I unmounted all of my stamps...

[lroberts1977]

Thanks Karen that's a great idea. Maybe I'll have to make a trip to Wal-mart to see if they have them. Unfortunately I don't have a Target close by, I wish we had something besides Wal-mart, they need some competition where I'm at.

[isewquilts2]

I purchased empty SU containers (ebay/SCS/my SU demo) and put all of my single wood-mounted stamps in them, categorized by image/subject.

[Iriseyes]

Lisa, I have purchased those clear acrylic frames at A.C. Moore -when there's a frame sale they are quite cheap. I stamp each of the stamps on the white back of the insert that comes in the package. Then you know where they fit in that frame when you tidy up! Also, put a label on one of the frame sides for the theme in each. They stack up nice and neat. HTH.

[KY Southern Belle]

I throw all of mind in a big glass jar from Hobby Lobby and then decorate it.

[Allistamps123]

I have mine in an old printers box...the kind newspaper alphabet letters were stored in years ago. I used it as a shadow box for many years and finally took it down and had it stored to give to the local thrift store when I saw one in someone's stamp room, here on SCS. I was soooo glad I still had it. Michael's $1.00 stamps fit well in the narrow spots and there are about 15 bigger spots. My other single stamps on displayed the top of my wooden ink pad shelf. Also, I have a few in two little plastic three drawer boxes from Wal-Mart.

[jeaniebean55]

Originally Posted by isewquilts2

I purchased empty SU containers (ebay/SCS/my SU demo) and put all of my single wood-mounted stamps in them, categorized by image/subject.

Me too.

[lynnewithane]

Does anyone have a photo of these clear lucite frames? The onluy ones that I can think of sit kind of on a slant. I can't picture how this would work.

[cjbapp]

Originally Posted by isewquilts2

I purchased empty SU containers (ebay/SCS/my SU demo) and put all of my single wood-mounted stamps in them, categorized by image/subject.

Same here!

[Skilo]

why not use unused pizza boxes? fairly cheap! I think I paid .50 per box at my local pizza shop. just a thought!

[Stampin' Sooz]

Originally Posted by lynnewithane

Does anyone have a photo of these clear lucite frames? The onluy ones that I can think of sit kind of on a slant. I can't picture how this would work.

Click here -- http://www.misterplexi.com/boxframes.html -- to see an example. I use these too, and they work like a charm.

[lynnewithane]

Aaahhh, now it all makes sense! Thank you for the link!

[suziscrapin]

I've been using the box frames since 1960, I use them for my classes and for embossing in, glitter laying card etc in so it doesn't get all over and they come in all sizes, michaels have them and they go on sale alot good luck.

[suziscrapin]

I've been using the box frames since 1990, I use them for my classes and for embossing in, glitter laying card etc in so it doesn't get all over and they come in all sizes, michaels have them and they go on sale alot good luck.

[suziscrapin]

I've been using the box frames since 1990, I use them for my classes and for embossing in, glitter laying card etc in so it doesn't get all over and they come in all sizes, michaels have them and they go on sale alot good luck.

[Stampin' Sooz]

Originally Posted by suziscrapin

michaels have them and they go on sale alot good luck.

All frames are 50% off this week at ACMoore -- here in NH that makes the 11 X 17 size only $2.99. But don't go to the Manchester store . . . I bought them all . . .

[meluvstampin]

I bought these as I have ALOT of clear and wood mounts that are single stamps. I LOVE these as they stack and there is alot of room to group stamps together by theme. They are cheap also! I bought mine at Archivers last month when I was visiting my SIL

STAMPENDOUS STORAGE

[Sambini]

You can also find them at a lot of thrift shops as well.

[craftycarrie]

I use a combo of both the clear box frames for frequently used stamps, and unused pizza boxes (got them free when I picked up a pizza) labeled by theme for the less frequently reached for stamps. I had to line the bottom of the pizza boxes with a 12X12 piece of chipboard since the boxes have corrugated bottoms and I don't want the stamps to get indented. Same reason I don't like to stack them more than one layer or have them loose in baskets or jars. I am too paranoid that will leave a mark.
I made shallow shelves from the wire grid cubes like people use for storing 12X12 paper, and each shelf gets a box.
I am just starting to collect the SU sets in their boxes, probably only have 10 or so sets so far, so I guess I will have to start to figure out how to store those boxes, too.

[Stampin' Sooz]

[quote=craftycarrie;14446339]I made shallow shelves from the wire grid cubes like people use for storing 12X12 paper, and each shelf gets a box.
QUOTE]

That's what I use too! I got one of those packs of 4 that are supposed to be for paper. I found that the grid was always dinging the corners of the paper but it's perfect for the frames -- one to each shelf!

[joyk]

Since I don't keep my background stamps in the SU boxes (I store them on their side on a shelf) I use those boxes to organize single stamps.

[Stampin Penguin]

I remember reading that cardboard can damage rubber - so when I store stamps in boxes or wood drawers I line them with transparency sheets first.

My solution for stamp storage is perfect for my use. I scored big time with a library card file. I have my stamps stored by category in the drawers. I can pull out a few drawers at a time and easily put them back when finished. It also has the pull-out shelves to sit the drawers on while sorting through the contents. The shelves are great for a quick stand-up project when I'm in a hurry.

[diane7]

Does that mean that you have to be quiet when you stamp???
Sounds like a very handy find though...
Diane

Originally Posted by Stampin Penguin

I remember reading that cardboard can damage rubber - so when I store stamps in boxes or wood drawers I line them with transparency sheets first.

My solution for stamp storage is perfect for my use. I scored big time with a library card file. I have my stamps stored by category in the drawers. I can pull out a few drawers at a time and easily put them back when finished. It also has the pull-out shelves to sit the drawers on while sorting through the contents. The shelves are great for a quick stand-up project when I'm in a hurry.

[Stampin Penguin]

Giggles! Love the comment about being quiet.

[diane7]

Originally Posted by Stampin Penguin

Giggles! Love the comment about being quiet.

Tee hee
I had nothing else of importance to add as everyone else had great suggestions already...

[mscrafty]

You can get those acrylic boxes at Michael's. They are in the frames department.

[Cibi]

My wood mounted rubber stamps are placed on plastic trays, one layer only, picture on top. Trays are 16" x 11". Each tray is covered with strong clear plastic. There are four trays stacked one on top of the other. As I have no shelves to place them on, this is my solution for the present. So far it works. OK, I have to lift them up to locate the one I need, but it takes just a few seconds to do this.
How I would LOVE a large work area for paper craftsing.

[Kbock]

I store my stamps in a big tool box. The small drawers are just deep enough for single stamps and the deeper drawers are great to stack the stamps in containers.

[eaparham]

Hobby Loby carries what looks like a plastic briefcase, the top is pink or blue, and the bottom is clear. I put my stamps upside down in the bottom part (rubber up) and then store the case upside down so I can see the stamp picture. They also have snap together containers with a purple lid, 3 or 4 sections, they work really well for ink spots and full size pads, and I use them to separate all the thousands of pens and markers I have. Target has the Sterlite brand smaller than a shoebox container that I keep all my Changito stamps, and other stamps that "go" together...like sentiments.

[darloudasha]

I put mine in a "Nuts and Bolts" sorter, those big multiple drawer (mine has 60) contraptions that guys use to sort all their bits and pieces.

The box frames are a good idea too and they carry them in some of the dollar stores around here for a buck.

[cher77]

Now don't laugh...I have umm...LOTS of stamps..This is my method and has been for quite some time. I keep my SU stamps in their clear plastic boxes all labeled and sorted on a 5 tier shelf that is very tall. Sentiments shelf has them all on their, separated as birthday, sympathy, etc. But my shelves are so full ...I have 8-10 stacked in several rows across. Then there are those darn individual stamps I have to have! So..I tried to keep them on the appropriate shelf at least, eg..holiday, sentiments....But it was not working for me to find things quickly. SOOOOO...Came home from Sams Club one day and washed grapes, straberries, raspberries....etc. Thought I should at least keep these plastic containers...and so glad I did. My dollar stamps from Mikes (tall and skinny) fit perfectly in the raspberry containers. Then I took some of my *collections* and put them in the other larger containers eg birds, humor, vintage...labeled all of them so they can join the others on my shelves. It really looks very neat and nice and I can see thru them all. I only keep 4 stamps on my work area...all are some form of HAND MADE so I can just grab for any project. Good luck! Cher

[mhs50]

I use those decorated photo boxes. I stamp each image into a sketch pad and identify the stamp maker and the number of the box it's going into. Each box is numbered and some are for specific kinds of stamps, e.g. sentiments, holidays, etc. When I'm looking for inspiration, I leaf through my sketch pads and am reminded of all the awesome stamps I have

[sriegel]

I ordered some frosted storage boxes from Oriental Trading to keep mine in; I keep them in a deep drawer in a vertical position. These come in sm, med & lrg and they also have a label space for you to write on. These were very inexpensive and each of them have snaps on them to keep them closed.

Just another thought - Good Luck - Sheila

[volesky]

I use the Artbin narrow boxes. They stack wonderfully and I can easily see my stamps through the top of the semi-transparent lid. They fit perfectly in the wire Organizer cubes from Target. Just be sure to use some of the plastic zip ties at the joints to make them stronger.

[HollyWatts]

I use a plastic shoebox container. I call it my odd box. Each of my stamps is stamped into a stamp index binder and labeled as to what set it belongs to or if it is in the "odd" box. Not only are all sets stamped onto their own page, but I have made a page for hearts, flowers, sentiments, etc. It really works for me. As the earlier post said, when I need inspiration, I flip through and see the images of my wonderful stamps.

[mschele64]

I really need to be able to see what I have, and luckily I have a room of my own (now that my eldest is on his own!), so I bought some drawer organizers from Bed Bath & Beyond. Mine are wire mesh and have only 3 sections--each section about 3 1/2 x 15 and two inches deep. These are made for large utensils and when hung flat against the wall, make a great little shelf just deep enough for stamps. I put a couple of drywall screws right through the mesh--REALLY easy! Background stamps and others that are too big can sit on the top. I think each divider was around $15, but I rationalize by reminding myself that I have spent very little in fixing up my room (organizationally speaking!). I don't have a HUGE collection of individual stamps, so three dividers held all of them and left room to grow.

[starsia70]

I have started hanging up 1 inch wide molding and putting my stamps on that. Love to have them out and visible. Need to hang some more up. The rest of my singles are in pizza boxes by category. Have used the pizza boxes for years, they hold up pretty well.

[heartsong47]

wow...thanks for all the wonderful Ideas........will check Michaels for theose clear photo boxes...sounds good. ty

[blizlady]

This is a great idea! I have a partial wall where I have curtain rods mounted to hold all my punches. I may pick up some of that molding to hold my single stamps. Right now I have them all piled in a small basket because I only have about 25 or 30. But seeing them at a glance is really nice and I'd probably use them more often.

Originally Posted by starsia70

I have started hanging up 1 inch wide molding and putting my stamps on that. Love to have them out and visible. Need to hang some more up. The rest of my singles are in pizza boxes by category. Have used the pizza boxes for years, they hold up pretty well.