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I bought the cases with magnetic pages to hold the dies, but I've filled two cases and think there must be a better way, because both cases are VERY heavy. I have about 20 extra dies I want to store. How do you store your dies?
I bought the magnetic cards from Stamp n Storage and the box they fit in. While this is good, I am not sure that I totally love it. The dies that have matching stamps, I put with the stamp in some Avery Elle sleeves, and store those in frig bins. Again, not the best, I am on a budget and working with what I have. 😬
If I had unlimited funds, I would probably still use this method, but they would all match and be pretty and be stored in a beautiful and functional studio that everyone would be envious! But alas, that is not so. 🤪
I buy these magnetic sheets from Lowe's or Home Depot (can't remember from which store) and then I put them in Avery Elle clear sleeves or I have them from Taylored Expressions and put them in bins above my desk. I just had to make a 2nd bin because my first bin was getting too heavy. I got these bins at Aldi a long time ago and got the smaller ones on the left hand side recently at TJMaxx because I needed more.
I buy these magnetic sheets from Lowe's or Home Depot (can't remember from which store) and then I put them in Avery Elle clear sleeves or I have them from Taylored Expressions and put them in bins above my desk. I just had to make a 2nd bin because my first bin was getting too heavy. I got these bins at Aldi a long time ago and got the smaller ones on the left hand side recently at TJMaxx because I needed more.
I also use these vent covers. I purchased a couple of packages two years ago last trip south before Covid.
as well use use Avery Elle pockets. Went to town when I got labeller last Christmas but fell off the wagon…… must get back to it.
have you noticed that not all dies stick well on these?
All my Dies stick like glue with these magnetic sheets…….however my recent purchase of dies from Mama Elephant do not. I believe these dies are Made in England and perhaps not as strong.
I am really happy with this cover and price point is great.
Each of my dies or die sets is stored in a large A9 envelope (way cheaper than plastic sleeves), with a label having identifying info and a sample of the diecut or a photocopy. There are acrylic containers large enough for them, but the weight could still be an issue. Mine get filed in an Ikea "Malm" chest of drawers, which, surprisingly, is great for all kinds of craft storage. The larger drawers can handle four rows of envelopes, and the weight isn't a problem.
I like the envelopes for holding spare diecuts, and I use magnetic sheets only for the sets with multiple small pieces. A smaller paper envelope might work just as well as the magnetic sheets.
Each of my dies or die sets is stored in a large A9 envelope (way cheaper than plastic sleeves), with a label having identifying info and a sample of the diecut or a photocopy. There are acrylic containers large enough for them, but the weight could still be an issue. Mine get filed in an Ikea "Malm" chest of drawers, which, surprisingly, is great for all kinds of craft storage. The larger drawers can handle four rows of envelopes, and the weight isn't a problem.
I like the envelopes for holding spare diecuts, and I use magnetic sheets for the sets with multiple pieces. A smaller paper envelope might work just as well as the magnetic sheets.
I always have a few extra die cuts which I store with the die cuts in the storage pocket
if the stamp set is small for example like some Lawn Fawn I will put a couple along with die cuts in pocket as these smaller sets don’t have a lot of dies as a rule.
I have mine in white plastic bins from dollar store. But as they are old and getting brittle I have to start replacing.
I have several IKEA storage items which work really well. As I am 10 minutes away from the store I will check out these bins. Thanks for the tip.
I use the magnet cards from Stamp N Storage because they are spacious and sturdy. My dies do not fall off. I then put them in plastic sleeves also from Stamp N Storage. Everything is stored in a basket from Five Below (I'd bought it for my daughter as a Christmas gift several years ago and when she went to college, she gave it to me - works perfect)!
I use the magnet cards from Stamp N Storage because they are spacious and sturdy. My dies do not fall off. I then put them in plastic sleeves also from Stamp N Storage. Everything is stored in a basket from Five Below (I'd bought it for my daughter as a Christmas gift several years ago and when she went to college, she gave it to me - works perfect)!
the vent covers are great. I think the single mama elephant die that does not hold as well is because it is a very very fine outline, perhaps not enough metal to magnitize
For those dies with coordinating stamp set, I use the StampNStorage cases with magnetic sheet included. Then I place a small round masking dot on the spine, indicating a die is included. I put a label on the front of the stamp case that gives the name of the stored die set. For dies that are general shapes (circles/rectangles/etc), they are stored in the ArtBin (locking) case that holds magnetic sheets. I use the Krafts Inventory app that has categories to accommodate matching/coordinating accessories for dies, stamps, punches, etc. All my acrylic-mount stamp sets are stored in acrylic DVD holders (each one holds 14 cases)--very easy to pull just one set out without collapsing the stack. When crafting, I am a very visual person, so all toys are easily found in open/appropriate storage racks. While my craft studio will never win a pretty space competition, it is very functional--and definitely my happy place!
I'm still using my original method, which I decided on because I realised the specialist storage available for dies would be far too heavy when full. I have a row of A5 ring-binders, with magnetic sheets inside A5 clear pockets to hold the dies. Even the fullest ones never get too heavy and, because the storage is upright, I'm not having to sort through sheets of dies kept in horizontal storage, which can get to be a heavy job itself if you need the set at the bottom of the pile.
I used to use the magnetic vent covers to hold the dies and plastic cases. Got too bulky and heavy. I then moved almost all to the plastic envelopes, dies one side of heavy card stock and stamp on the other side. Stack them vertically in baskets with dividers and by theme on open shelving. I have some basic dies (without stamps) still stored in the plastic cases....the square, rectangle, circle dies.. I label each plastic envelop with mfg. and title. I have way too many stamps/die sets and my shelves are full. I usually re-organize every Jan/Feb time frame...sort out some that are not being used. Sell or donate. It is a process.
__________________ Have a creative day, every day.
. I moved last year and a crafter for 50 years, I splurged on a dedicated craft studio. I have 2 walls in my craft studio lined with shelving I had custom made to the width of DVD shelving. I purchased the DVD cases with magnetic sheet from Stamp n Storage https://www.stampnstorage.com/stamp-n-die-bundle/ I store my Stampin Up stamps with matching dies together the original case with a magnetic sheet from Stamp n Storage. I also store any dies that do not have matching stamps in these cases on separate shelves. I have labeled each spine of the case with company name and die type name IE Sizzix Labels 9 or MFT (My Favorite Things) Stitched Edge Basic Framelits. I keep all SU lined up together, MFT, Sizzix, Paper Rose. Seems my mind remembers a particular die by company.
I also have 2 of the ink, marker, refill holders from Stamp n Storage. So worth the price.
The following 2 users liked this post by ondinesgirl:
Originally, I bought binders and magnetic sheets from Taylored Expressions to use with my die sets. I kept the coordinating stamp sets on a different shelf. Eventually, I had quite a few die sets and wasn't sure which stamp set they went with. So I ended up using Avery Elle clear envelopes large enough to hold both the dies on the magnetic sheet and the original sleeve the dies came in. I store them on the shelf next to the stamp set they belong with. The dies that are universally used (circles dies, ovals dies, etc.) are still kept on a magnetic sheet in a binder. Thanks for all your shared ideas.
If they are part of a bundle, I store the dies with the stamps in clear plastic sleeves according to category. Large die sets such as big alphabet letters and cover plate dies are on magnetic sheets in a small craft suitcase (but it gets heavy!) The majority are on magnetic sheets inserted in frames on a wall in my craft room. Instant art installation. I use the dies so much more now that I see them all the time. In my sight, in my mind, to twist a phrase.
How do organize your dies?
I have all dies that are shapes like circles etc together.
dies that have matching stamps on magnetic sheets both together in storage pockets separated by white cardstock.
My delima at present is do I sort by Manufacturer or by category like Christmas?
Not sure which is best. At present all Lawn Fawn for example are all together but with a variety of companies that is the question.
How do organize your dies?
I have all dies that are shapes like circles etc together.
dies that have matching stamps on magnetic sheets both together in storage pockets separated by white cardstock.
My delima at present is do I sort by Manufacturer or by category like Christmas?
Not sure which is best. At present all Lawn Fawn for example are all together but with a variety of companies that is the question.
Canada Goose, I sort by categories because I never remember which company made which die (or stamp, or ink, etc.) That way, all my trees or butterflies or deer are together and I can see them quickly.
I also use the magnetic sheets from Lowe's or Home Depot. I make a copy of the dies before I take them off the sheet they come on and then cut the magnetic sheet to fit the sheet the dies come on and adhere it to that and put the copy I made on top of the magnetic sheet, this way I know what dies go where and if I'm missing one. I also label the plastic sleeve they come in with the name of the dies and the coordinating stamp set, if one. I also label the stamp set that coordinates with it with the name of the die. I do all this because I store the dies in a box and the stamp sets on a shelf just above them. The box is heavy but not unmanageable. Let me know if you need a picture.
I've got a combination of things going... I started with the ArtBin container with sheets but as you all said, it got heavy. Now, I have a small trunk-like box (photo) with the art bin sheets holding border dies, basic shapes and words (other than bday and christmas). I also have my hot foil dies tucked in the back. It's also heavy, but because it's set up for me to flip through I don't have to lift anything.
For the dies that go with specific sets, they are stored with the set. Other stand-alone dies are in their packaging or clear pouches sorted by theme (bday, nature, etc.) and those are in one fridge bin. I used the vent covers to help keep sets untangled in the pouch. It's not pretty but it works!
I use the magnetic vent covers as well - just last year I paid $5.99 at Busy Beaver, and last week I paid $8.89 for the exact same ones. They come 3 in a pack, and I cut them down to fit clear plastic envelopes I buy at Dollar Tree. The plastic Poly envelopes come two in a pack, and I cut each envelope in half giving me 4 per pack. Then I use packaging tape and tape the cut side. I then store them in plastic bins, also from Dollar Tree. I subscribe to the Spellbinders Small Die of the Month, and each months die fits perfectly in each envelope.
I use the Sizzix books that zip up. I have a number of them and got them when they had sales. My only problem with them is that if I put too many leaves of dies in (2 ring binder) they fall out as the rings must not close really tight. Otherwise, I love them. I sort by type of die and just put two, back to back in each sleeve. Again, they do come off the rings if I am not careful as the rings don't compress tight enough but it does work out well for me. They have a label sleeve on the binder side to fill out with what is in there. Easy to store and easy to pull out.
__________________ ~You never know how strong you are until strong is the only choice you have~ ~Proud Member of the Fan Club Gallery~
I had bought into the plastic three ring cases with the heavy duty magnetic pages and yes-they are lousy. To my shame I initially said it was a nice system here and I pray no one else bought them bc of it. They could arrive cracked already and G-d forbid you dropped it even a little bit onto your desk once full and heavy bc they would crack more. Total waste of time and money.
So I switched to plastic pockets and the vent covers. I cut down the pages from the old system to save that much of it. I store them in 5 buck plastic boxes I get at Ace hardware. The boxes are labeled with categories. I have boxes dedicated to stamp/die sets. SO much better!
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If I don’t see them I don’t use them. I have a bookcase full of stamps sorted by theme. I glued magnet sheets to either side and stuck the dies on them. Makes dies really easy to find. I put a label by the dies if they have matching stamps.
I use the Art Bin cases with the magnetic sheets that fit. On the side of each bin I have a label indicating what is inside. So, some of my categories are: winter/snow; Christmas; Easter; Valentine's/love; Halloween; Nature (fishing, trees, animals); layering dies; fancy frame dies; word/sayings. I keep these on a shelf. Very easy to find and use. I keep the dies that come with the matched stamps separately, with the stamps. I have two drawers I keep all my Heartfelt Creations stamps, molds, and dies.
(If I don’t see them I don’t use them. I have a bookcase full of stamps sorted by theme. I glued magnet sheets to either side and stuck the dies on them. Makes dies really easy to find. I put a by the dies if they have matching stamps.[/QUOTE]
Last edited by montessorigrandma; 01-16-2022 at 12:02 PM..
Reason: change
I use Jennifer McGuire's method of storage. I cut up the magnets vent covers (each sheet into 6 pieces, 4"x5"). I put my dies on the magnet piece & slip it into a plastic CD-sized sleeve. I use fridge bins to hold the dies. They are separated by category.
I store them on 5x7 self-stick magnetic sheets (buy them on eBay - last time I ordered it was about $16 for 25 sheets and free shipping) which I adhere to the same size piece of cardstock and then place in plastic envelopes along with the packaging from the die so I know what company they are from. They are put into a plastic drawer from an old 3-drawer storage unit which I have put a divider down between the rows (I can get 3 rows) and that sits on a table. It's not portable but I don't need to move it.
Let's face it-dies on magnetic sheets are going to be heavy. The only solution I know is to keep the storage boxes open so you can flip through them and also easily accessible so you don't need to lift them.
Let's face it-dies on magnetic sheets are going to be heavy. The only solution I know is to keep the storage boxes open so you can flip through them and also easily accessible so you don't need to lift them.
I agree My dies and stamps are finally sorted with labels so I can flip through. I decided to categorize according to Company rather than category. As I tend to have some fav company stamps, I have one category labelled Misc Christmas stamps for example.
if I am doing Christmas for example Ican just go to my company of choice and find what I need, if not that company then I go to my next one.
No matter what, they are HEAVY! I did a LOT of Stamp-n-Storage in my studio. I have two Big Shots (no, I have not bought the new SU machines because these work fine) and I use one for just embossing and one for die cutting. I have two of the wooden storage boxes next to the embossing station, one for the smaller embossing folders and one for the larger 6x6 embossing folders. These aren't too heavy but I rarely move them. I used Connie Stewart's method of organizing these folders and I love it! In the die cutting station, I have a stamp-n-storage box full of dies on their magnetic sheets. Let me tell you, that box is HEAVY! I never move it. To the right of this station is the three shelf stamp-n-storage unit that holds stamp sets with the coordinating dies inside. I hated hunting for those coordinating dies and this method works great! I bought the cases from stamp-n-storage that come with the magnetic sheet inside. I can't remember offhand but I think you can buy those cases in lots of 10 or 12 and they are a little cheaper. It was a big job setting all this up but it works so well for me! If I had to move the die boxes, though, it would not work at all.
One more thing........ I bought the wooden boxes from stamp-n-storage that don't have lids. I wondered if I would have trouble with dust but that hasn't happened. I really like the look of those boxes!
Last edited by VeronaSue; 01-20-2022 at 02:32 PM..
Reason: word change
Some people probably got started using magnetic sheets from watching Jennifer McGuire store her dies on the magnetic sheets inside a plastic sleeve. Last time I watched her talk about storing dies, though, she said she had ditched the magnetic sheets and was just storing the dies loose in the plastic. I reserve the magnet use mainly to stuff with sets of itty bitties or nesting dies.
I use Jennifer McGuire's method of storage. I cut up the magnets vent covers (each sheet into 6 pieces, 4"x5"). I put my dies on the magnet piece & slip it into a plastic CD-sized sleeve. I use fridge bins to hold the dies. They are separated by category.
I do the same with my dies which are grouped like with like. I also file them with my unmounted stamps which are filed by theme. No more looking here and there since both can be found in the same spot.
I just completed a purge of stamps and dies, along with embossing folders and stencils. I kept only those that were more versatile. Now they take up 6 fridge bins and there's room for growth.
Handy Storage for Dies
