Help! Copic Marker Storage Issues!
 

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):

http://www.instawares.com/space-save...-10166.0.7.htm

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.

Any feedback? Any other ideas? Help?

-Gwen

try this- this is what we use on one of our desktops. Really inexpensive and it looks nice. Each cup holds about 10 Sketch or 12 ciao:

http://www.azardisplays.com/productc...idproduct=1047

it's the two-tier cup display for pegwall or slatboard.

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

http://www.overstock.com/Crafts/Magp...product.html?#
These work great and are inexpensive. Shipping is cheap and it's fast.

This is what I use...they are from the Container Store. I have the clear ones that are 3-7/16" sq. x 6-5/16" h/$2.39 each.


http://www.containerstore.com/browse...2&PRODID=71490

I think they will hold about 40 each. I have them stored on their side without the lid, although the lid will fit with the markers inside.

HTH,
Ginger

Hi Gwen! I just want to share with you how I organize my pens/markers. I organize them according to the Copic colors (R, RV, Y, YG, B, BG, BV, etc.):

http://craftski.multiply.com/journal...me_to_organize...

I think you can buy these in Office Max, but a friend of mine said she bought hers in Save A Lot.

Hope that helps :)

Those are neat! TFS :)

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.

Ginger

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.

There are lots of options. Good luck!

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. :-)

-Gwen

Ohh--I don't have a pict. but someone used a wine bottle holder with plastic cups laying where the wine bottles would lay.

HTH,
Ginger

this is a cheap storage idea, I have ~100 Copics. I got this at Target for $20.
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ga...6675?cat=12274 Enjoy deciding with all your choice!!!

Why is that with all other markers you have to lay them on their sides, but you don't have to with the copics?

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.

My portable copic solution!
 

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.

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 think the only logical thing to do would be to store them at my house. :)

Giggle!http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/teehee2.gif

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.

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.

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

-Gwen

What are you storing the stickles in? (not meant to hijack)

this is what I use as well. Will try to take some pictures soon.

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).

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 :) )

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.

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

Oh, I LOVE seeing the pictures of the Copic Marker storage systems everyone is using!

I use a retired Pampered Chef Turn About (got two on EBay). I only have 40+ markers (hey...just ordered 12 more yesterday....)

Here's a picture:
Attachment 350132

There's only one thing wrong...not enough markers! {grin}

bump

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 am hoping to find something too. I started by making my own - see it on my blog here : http://dianastout.blogspot.com/2009/...der-pages.html

However, I've got so many markers that the binder will no longer close. I either need to find a MUCH FATTER zip binder, or do something else.

I like/need my markers to be portable, and since I have mostly ciao's, I need horizontal storage so that I can see the #s easily.

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.