Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Sizzix Storage

So today's post is on Framelit and Thinlit storage.
And trust me, it was born out of necessity.
I had Framelits that were released earlier in the year that were still in the molded plastic packaging, which is large.  I work in a small room, where storage is at a premium, so when I saw that Sizzix had introduced plastic envelopes I wanted to try them out to see if I could recoup some storage space.  

The envelopes come in a 3 pack.  They fit both Framelits, which come with rubber stamps and the "frames" to cut them out, as well as Thinlits which are only the wafer-thin metal pieces.  An easy way to remember the difference is that Thinlits cut a shape or word and Framelits always "frame" a stamped image.
I used my P-touch to add the name across the top.  My Brother P-touch is about 25 years old and it still works like a charm!
Once I had all the envelopes labeled, I went to Home Depot to get a few packages of Magnetic Vent Covers ($4.50 a package).  Each package 8 x 15" can be cut into pieces to fit the Sizzix envelopes.

NOTE: In Home Depot they can be found right next to the metal registers or vents.  I found them both on a lower shelf and hanging on a plastic 'clip strip' at eye level.  They are also sold at Lowe's.
The magnet sheets are thin which is perfect to use inside the Sizzix envelopes.  I used my roller cutter to cut the magnetic sheets, but a metal ruler and X-Acto knife would work also.  I cut 2" off one side (save this piece) leaving a piece 15 x 6".
NOTE: The roller cutter can cut at least two sheets at a time.
  
Turn the 15 x 6" piece and cut into three - 5 x 6" pieces.  With each package you can get NINE 5 x 6" pieces making it about 50 cents per envelope.  I don't think that's to bad!
For Framelits - the stamp is already on plastic.  I faced the stamp to the front with the label.
NOTE: the magnet sheets are white on one side and black on the other.  
Only the black side is magnetic.  

Then added the metal Framelits pieces to the magnet sheet and slipped it into the back.  Easy.
Tim's Framelits will always fit onto one sheet.  However, Thinlits do not come with the rubber stamps...just metal cut pieces and I found that many of the new Thinlits (that are being released soon) required more than one sheet.   For instance the new Holiday Words has two or three words that will not fit on the one sheet.  This is where the 15 x 2" piece of magnet sheet (the one we saved after cutting) comes into play.  Just cut to the size you need and slip it into the plastic cover.

Alphanumeric is one of the new sets that starts shipping in August.  I found it to be the hardest to control.  Once you open the package all the letters have to be removed from the backing.  If I moved them to the envelope it would be a nightmare to find the letters you need quickly.  Enter the magnet sheet - problem solved.
It took 2 magnet sheets to hold all the pieces but well worth the effort.  I can now easily find the letters I need.
Now if you are smart, maybe you saved the picture packaging and you can skip this step.  I did not.  So I created a document on my computer to print the images for the new envelope.  Drag and drop or right click until you have 4 pictures per page.  Then print and cut the images apart.  You can see I just pulled these images from Tim's blog post about the new product. 
Once cut apart, I used a small amount of adhesive to adhere the image to the front of the magnet sheet.
I currently store my envelopes in a turquoise bin that I already own.  These are made by See Jane Work, found at Office Depot. 
If you're looking for something that can stow them away, out of sight, I would suggest the linen covered box Sizzix makes for Bigz dies.  The box is super sturdy and the plastic envelopes fit right inside.
I hope this post gives you some ideas on storing your Framelits and Thinlits.  I know I am super happy I took the time to add mine to the envelopes.  I cut all the magnet sheets to size, then worked on them while I watched Project Runway.  That's a win-win situation in my book!

It just so happens that Linda Ledbetter's 
 happens to be Framelits! 
The challenge is open till Friday Aug. 29th 
so you still have plenty of time to join in on the fun 
(and maybe win a great prize).

now carry on,
paula



55 comments:

  1. Totally Awesome...love great organization!!

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  2. OMG, Paula!! You are sooo clever!! I've got a couple of packages of those magnetic vent covers (they did not work on our vents) just sitting around! Thank you for the Fantastic idea--You Rock!! XOXO-Shari T.

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  3. You are too clever! Love your storage idea.

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  4. I've been using the magnetic vent covers for lots of the thin dies and they are super! I also found some OLD Sizzix hard plastic covers for the original red dies and they work just as well as the plastic envelopes. At least for now! lol

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  5. That's exactly how I've have neen storing all my dies. it's a great was and you get your money worth with the magnet sheets.
    Hugs

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  6. Super clever to use vent covers to hold the dies on place. I'll definitely be checking this out next time at Home Depot. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  7. thanks for sharing ... lucky you - look at all the toys you have!
    Sandra ltb

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  8. Great storage idea...I have these pockets, but love the tip of the vent covers!!!

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  9. Fabulous share/tutorial ! Now can I come to your house to play ?

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  10. Great tips! Being organized really helps to be more creative. Thanks!

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  11. Thank you for the tips! Storage ideas are a big help.

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  12. Brilliant Paula! I now have a little collection and wondering only last night I had to find a better way for storage. Not sure we get the vent covers here but I have ordinary magnetic sheets. Now to find a UK outlet selling the plastic envelopes!

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  13. what a wonderful share; thank you ever so much; my wheels are turning in my head!

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  14. how awesome are these , love them :)

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  15. Having just acquired my first Framelits set, this storage idea is very timely, the packaging is very big so I love your idea for storing them - thank you Paula.

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  16. Love, love, love this idea. I'm an organizational freak so this is right up my alley! Thanks Paula!

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  17. Magnetic register covers? Brilliant idea! I'm rushing off to home depot right now! My little ArtBin container for my dies is in serious need of organization. thanks!

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  18. What a fantastic way to store those, mine are still in the packaging too so I really need to do this. Thanks for the idea.

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  19. I have just been leaving mine in the plastic they come in as I think that saves the stamp and die space, but the vent cover is absolute genius! Love the labeling too! You rock!

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  20. Fantastic ideas! TFS!!!

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  21. Paula what a GREAT idea, thank you !! Stowage is an eternal problem .....

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  22. Fantastic storage solution Paula. I have a few sets now and store the stamps separate to the dies. I like this solution so much more. Thanks for sharing. :)

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  23. Love all of Tim Holtz products....

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  24. BRILLIANT doesn't do this brainstorm justice! WOW! Thanks so much for sharing this tip! Terrific!!!!!

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  25. Great idea! Glad Mario shared it with us!

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  26. This is right up my alley! I already store my dies in the Sizzix envelopes on recycled magnet sheets that are on the front of phone books or are give away by real estate folks. Sometimes I have to supplement that with magnet sheets from a local art/craft store. This is a better idea! Love the fact that I won't have to mount the magnet on a piece of white cardstock. Looks like the stamps cling to the white side! Thanks for sharing this!

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  27. I like those envelopes too, but hadn't thought of cutting a magnet sheet down to size so it fits in there. Great idea!

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  28. What a great idea, I'll be getting me some magnetic sheets quite soon :)

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  29. Now that's what I call organisation!! Nicola x

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  30. Love your idea Paula! At this point I only have one Framelit, the Tree Blueprint, but plan on purchasing more.

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  31. awesome ideas. Thanks for the share.

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  32. Any Aussies interested in this I got the magnetic sheets at Bunnings $14.99 for 3.. Typical that they are 3 times the price here.. Great idea went straight out and got them to do this.. My dies where in a mess now can get them all sorted and filed away.. Thanks for the great info.. :)

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    1. Thanks for that - I wondered if they would be available here!!! And you are right about the price - I get freaked out everytime I buy anything here because I'm from the US and I know what you pay for things there! It's not right what they charge here!

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  33. Home Depot vent covers? Hey I have some vents that could use these, but great idea for the Thinlits & Framelits too!

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  34. What a great idea! Thanks for sharing.

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  35. What a wonderful storage idea! So doable and not too expensive, thanks so much!

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  36. Great idea to have both stamp & die sets together. I've been working on converting my thin dies to this type of system as well. Thanks for the tip on the vent covers!

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  37. Thanks for sharing this Paula - it's a fabulous idea! Who would have thought magnetic vent covers!

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  38. Thank you for this, Paula!!! I am in a constant struggle to figure out what works best for me for storage...and especially after just downsizing to a house about half the size of our old one, which means my crafting space has diminished significantly, I need all the organizational tips I can find. Your post came at just the right time!

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  39. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

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  40. This will be a BIG help. Thanks.

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  41. you are brilliant!!! i just got a GC for HD so i know now exactly what i NEED to buy with it!!! thanks for sharing that with us all!!

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  42. Even Helpful Heloise isn't this smart! Thank you for the GRRRREAAAT! idea.

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  43. You are so clever! I'm so glad Wendy shared a link back because I had totally missed this one. Thanks for the great idea, Paula.

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  44. While I do not have very many of the Thinlits or Framelits--yet--this is a great way to organize them. Thanks

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  45. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  46. Thank you so much for this post. I recently bought Tim's Holiday Word dies and was looking for a storage solution. We don't have air vent covers in NZ but thanks to your post I was able to show people what I was looking for. Here's how mine turned out: http://shellhonig.blogspot.co.nz/2015/12/a-little-storage-solution.html

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  47. So happy to find this idea! The Close to my Heart Thin Cut dies come on magnetic sheets, which is great and I'm spoiled. I recently bought some Tim Holtz dies for the Crazy Birds, though, which have lots of little tiny pieces, and those DON'T come on a magnetic sheet. Your solution is FABulous!! Thanks a million!!

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  48. So great and yet so simple! Love it! I'm always looking for new storage ideas. You might say I'm a bit of a... storage fanatic or something.

    Fred @ Self Storage Units Omaha

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