I Cannot Believe I Found This & It's Inexpensive

[@rtd1791]

I not only store stencils in binders, but stamps and dies as well. The dies are on magnetic sheets and the stencils are on laminated cereal boxes. I tape the printed acetate from stamp sets to a cereal box and then laminate the whole thing. I use a thicker magnetic sheet so it slides in and out of the page protectors easily. If you want to use less expensive thinner magnetic sheets, you could always glue the sheet to a cereal box or heavy weight cardstock. I have a couple of practical tips for using binders for storage. I use 6x9 inch binders for most of my wafer thin dies. The weight is easier to handle in smaller binders. I have two of the standard size binders for larger dies that won’t fit in a 6x9 binder. Second tip is how to repair the holes in your page protectors. The holes eventually tear from the weight. Not that much of a problem with stencils. A torn hole can be repaired with packing tape. Tape over the hole and then use a hole punch to reestablish the hole. Third tip is specific to stencils. If you use stencil adhesive like Pixie Spray store your stencil with a release paper backing. Wax and baking paper also work. Otherwise the stencils stick to the page protectors. Final tip is using a Fuse or wood burner to customize pockets in your page protectors. You can DIY pockets or use page protectors meant for baseball cards or coins. I love binders for storage. Binders are easy to store on shelves and super easy to label. And binders are inexpensive too, especially when purchased in bulk.

[@tinashaffer307]

Paper definitely goes behind the stencil so you can see the design way easier

[@sandyzuehlke7736]

I bought the same book, but mine came with a cover and 70 pages. It was down a little further beyond yours. I just love it. The only thing I did different was I use the second page to put a sample of the stencil and layering stencils❤

[@jillf24]

As soon as I get a new stencil, I make a sample to store with it! Yesterday I made 8 samples at one time, using the same ink pad and brush-made samples quick and easy and only 1 brush to clean!

[@justtere]

I am planning to do this with my dies and embossing folders. I would also use a piece of those acetate separators between each type, not by brand.

[@ingrid2543]

The multi color paper as backing cards and Divider Tabs, to make the stencil design easier to see and sorted.

[@michellepaperchaser]

I’ve been using heavy duty sheet protectors in binders for years to store my stencils. I have my stencils categorized by flower/rose, bird/peacock, background/trellis etc. Paper behind the stencil helps me to more easily see the pattern. If you like layering stencils you might want to check out Jean Hansen designs - she’s been a layered stencil designer for decades. Enjoy the magic of stenciling😊

[@deborahmougeotte3563]

I’ve been doing the same for years. It’s inexpensive and accommodates all different sizes of stencils, not just 8x8.

[@rtd1791]

Yes. I do this as well. I’m storing stencils and masks in a large variety of sizes 1x3 to 12x12. The binder shown in this video is cute but limited. I use standard paper size binders 9x12 for 8.5x11 inch paper. And I have a couple of larger binders for 12x12 inch stencils. You can customize the size of a pocket with a Fuse tool or a wood burner or a soldering tool. I make custom pockets for ATC stencils and Tim Holtz’s tag stencils. I have a few border stencils that also go in custom pockets. My binders are organized by theme. Lots of crafters seem to organize by manufacturer, but I’m not going to remember anything based on manufacturer. I need something more intuitive. So I use themes like “botanical” and “geometric” and “words and letters”. Everything that fits the theme goes in the appropriate binder regardless of who manufactures the stencil.

[@mandalaartist4423]

I use sheet protectors too, but I have bigger stencils. Any suggestions for that size? What do you use? Thanks.

[@michellepaperchaser]

@@mandalaartist4423 My bigger stencils are a challenge. I use hangers with clips and hang them on a closet rod.

[@Ms.W529]

Me too.

[@susanfernandes7748]

I have the same binder system only from Temu. I love it too! I took things a few steps further though. Each stencil pocket (front and back) gets a number printed on a label. I use Word to do this and use Avery 2311 labels. In an Excel spreadsheet I have the number and a series of columns recording the following: - STENCIL # (0001, 0002 etc) - THEME (one or two words - this is a SORT order - BORDER, BACKGROUND, ABSTRACT, PLANTS, INSECTS etc) - DETAIL LEVEL (relates to the detail level of the stencil - TINY, SMALL, MEDIUM, LARGE ) - SHAPES (curves, geometric, letters, numbers, organic, abstract) - ELEMENTS (lists individual elements in the stencil -- a background stencil might have Bricks, Butterflies, Flowers, Numbers, Leaves) - SIZE (mine are pretty much 6x6 but some are smaller) - SOURCE (I create my own stencils too) - LAYER LEVEL (I'm a recreational collage artist and I do a lot of gel printing long hauls - the stencils need to be arranged in a particular way -- this identifies the layer level where I would put this stencil) - COMMENTS (If I use three stencils together, I'll make notes for each stencil) - LINK -- each stencil is scanned and saved with the STENCIL # as the name. A second tab breaks the stencil into ELEMENTS with one row per ELEMENT. One stencil may have several elements -- BUTTERFLIES, BRICKS etc. One row per ELEMENT with the STENCIL # repeating for that row. The LINK is also repeated from the first tab. I can easily find all my Butterflies and then sort by whatever order suits me. What this lets me do is find all my background stencils that have butterflies, flowers and bricks. I can sort by layer level. I can look at the stencil using the link. Once I figure out which stencils I want, I remove the numbered pages from the binder. Use the stencils, clean or dry and then put them back in the pocket and back into the binder. When I'm contemplating buying another stencil, I can easily look up and see if I already have it or something similar. When I scan, I put a black paper behind the stencil so I get a strong contrast to see the stencil detail. I can flip through the stencil images far faster if I just want to look and with more detail than I have when using the binder. If I find something that might be interesting, I copy/paste to a folder and continue to work up a collection. I also scan all my art work and record the art number (it's also numbered) against the STENCIL # entry. This is a lot of work up front and not for everyone! I worked with litigation databases for many many years so I'm really good at classifying things! I have 300 6x6 stencils so I find it's more efficient when I'm trying to find stencils of a type to use the spreadsheet rather than the binders. I catalogued all my stamps this way too. I have 180 stamp "packs". That's 1,655 individual stamps. In the case of stamps, all the sentiments are listed on a separate tab so I can quickly find sentiments with a particular word or that are in a particular category like BIRTHDAY, CHRISTMAS, GET WELL, CATS etc.

[@marshiahobson3727]

Wow you take organizing to the nth degree.

[@bethbenson1931]

I do the same thing with regular page protectors (stronger plastic) bought at thrift stores. The larger size accommodates more stencil sizes and makes it easier to get the stencils in and out. And binders are super cheap at Goodwill. I like the idea of text-weight paper instead of cardstock in the pockets. Thanks! 😊

[@Kat-gx3se]

I have found binders at Dollar Tree as well. This is the ultimate solution imo.

[@barbclark69]

I love storage ideas too. Thanks for this video. I did keep my stencils like this in one 6x6 book and then another letter-size book. But flipping the pages in the book became a thing. So I pulled them out of both binders and stuck them in the same order in a bin.All upright. Now I can just flip through the bin and see them all.

[@2cor4hope]

The paper is a backer for the stencils so you can see each stencil easily. It is also to provide stiffness to the pocket. I use card stock, not lightweight paper. Technically, each stencil (design) should go on one side of the pocket, not numerous stencils in each pocket. Hope that makes sense :) Happy creating!

[@elisabethdowd1869]

I've been storing my stencils like this for years. I bought a regular school binder and sheet protectors, stencil the design on a sheet of paper, and file everything. Because my design is on a sheet of paper I know exactly which stencil it is and where to return it to. The paper acts as a divider so I can store front to back. Because the sheet protectors are for 8 1/2" x 11" paper, they easily hold larger stencils. The binder was $3 and sheet protectors were given to me so it cost me next to nothing and works great.

[@chantalle7340]

How do you store your embossing folders? I’m looking for a better solution than what I already am using.

[@notevenalittle8363]

I am totally jelly over your stencils. Very lovely collection. I had mine in a regular binder and then found I was not using them because I could not see them. I had them color coordinated with sheets in between pages to signify the brands but looking at the spine of a binder for some reason made me reach for them less. I went back to open storage again and find not only do I reach for them more but seeing them all together kind of forces me to pick some I have not used. I wonder if that binder you found has a slimline size? Great video. Makes me rethink the possibilities.

[@sheryl5252]

they sell this exact thing on temu, which is likely from the same seller as the amazon one. with dies and stamps on amazon, most are the exact same as temu. amazon is just a bit more expensive. and sometimes you can get it faster... i have a couple of these binders... funny thing, i coordinated the colored paper that goes behind the stencil with the 'type' of stencil. my colors are all pastels. pink for baby, etc... lol i am smiling that you are having the best time with this! its contagious! lol happy crafting!

[@dianepeter3625]

You could probably use these for embossing folders too.

[@dhauxhurst]

I went through all my stencils , stenciled on a white standard size paper wrote down what matching set it goes with and made a flip book in a standard binder then when I do a project I grab the flip book and flip through it then I can go to stencil box and get it . I divided them by seasons and themes. Helpful tip if you put stamps in a box, container I put the cheap drawer liner from Dollar Tree the one with the wholes in it on the inside box of the container to the pockets/packaging do not slide . Makes it east flip through them ! Thank you for sharing this binder idea love the double sided pockets that would great for all my

[@gerilynne1955]

I just saw a video about those stencils today. It was really neat. The papers are used for the stencils. The stencils are for making cake and food decorations. You take the sugar candy cream and pull it through the stencil on the papers with a plastic card. Take off the stencil and let them air dry. Once they are fully dried, they pop off the papers and you can store the confetti candies in a jar to use later. I'm not sure where you get the mix for the candy toppings. But it was fun to watch them make it. Now you too know what the stencils are for. And the papers. 😊 You're cute. Two pockets! Shut your mouth. Sounds like something I would say.😅

[@bunnytoes7200]

I’ve been using binders for ages but these little 6.25 ones will be soooo much easier to handle! Love it thanks!

[@katemills9834]

Great idea. I went to Amazon and saw it there. Wendy if you watch the product video it shows you what the papers are for. Makes sense so you can see the stencil better.

[@sherleneholloway1627]

Wendy, Girl, thank you so much for this video, I got mine on Friday, and I’m 16 pages away from it being a full binder of 6 x 6 stencils. WOO!, do I love stencils. I like the fact, that now I can see them, and will use them, more often. Your AWESOME!!!

[@marthacueva8574]

Paper probably go behind the stencil.

[@sianevans1178]

That’s what I thought too! Makes sense as the paper is thin

[@debbietramundanas6518]

My thoughts exactly.

[@nicoleflath9441]

As in on the ‘back’ pocket and the stencil goes in the ‘front’ pocket.

[@leishafahey41]

I have a similar folder and def the paper behind is great. I just brought a pad of letter size kids coloured paper it’s thin but there’s enough colours for a colour for each brand.

[@mumstheword8851]

Yes. Shows up the pattern well 👍

[@heatherr296]

I just ordered this and haven’t even finished the video. This is PERFECT! Your leaving Stampin Up video popped up in my feed and I’m now subscribed. I love the fact that you use other products. I’m a “hobby” SU demonstrator, but I don’t use SU products exclusively. I’m pretty sure you’re going to cost me money, (you already have, lol), but I’m looking forward to watching you create.

[@gracevaughn8132]

I have some stencils with dies. This will work perfectly! So excited! Thanks for sharing this magical product!

[@dogmomfirrello]

Wendy the paper is to put in between the stencils, so you can easily see the stencil design from both sides. I have two of them and I love them, so much easier now to find the stencil I want.

[@susanweber6861]

Yes, you absolutely need the paper behind

[@kathyroberts9703]

I was thinking for those layering stencils, i would put them in one pocket and the paper in the second pocket. Then they would slide out easier. You definitely got enough pocket pages that the layering stencils can have their own page. Thanks for sharing!

[@gfrosie5997]

I purchased mine onTemu for my Avila Rosa quilt patterns. I keep them alphabetically and check if I have it so I do not buy a duplicate. Temu has different sizes.

[@robintassin9523]

Thanks for sharing this with us. I too find joy in organizing. Not sure why but I love everything neat and tity so I can find what Im looking for! Totally ordering these

[@caroloconnor1688]

I use 12x12 binders and sheet protectors . I insert a color paper in between them so that I can see them. For small stencils I use regular sheet protectors and insert them between the larger sheet protectors. I use the card board from paper pads and orgsnize the srencils by theme

[@dabailey1000]

I wish there was similar storage for embossing folders

[@longlivedemocracy756]

I actually bought zippered binders made especially for embossing folders (allegedly). Unfortunately whoever designed them did not allow any “give” in the pocket so it’s tough to get them in and out. They stick to the clear front of the pocket & it’s a very tight fit. Definitely doesn’t fit 3D. In the end I found a 12x12 fabric bin and it’s the best storage solution so far. It only is 6” high so I can see and organize by category easily. I haven’t bought any in a several years but I got them at Walmart. If you like this idea, but can’t find them, it would also work with those storage bins folks use for stamps (clear refrigerator bins). I also use the fabric ones for my stamps & dies. At the time they were super affordable about $5-$6 each and they have held up w/o issue for years. Good luck.

[@saundragrose7550]

The front pocket could fit dies or stamps that go with the stencils stored in the back pocket.

[@katiemclaneak5182]

Love how excited she is to share it!! Seems like a great find. Too bad the price has gone up so much……showing for $40!! Video remembered $15. Would be good if there were refill pages. I am really glad I found the video though - thanks for posting!

[@debbiezipoli3768]

I use a variety of sheet protectors in standard binders, but was looking for something a little different for my Dash brand mini appliance manuals/recipe books which are 5-1/2 x 5-1/2, this set will be perfect for them, so glad I saw your video. Thanks.

[@terrydeason1689]

That's really cool. If I have stamps, stencils, dies, etc. that go together, I keep them all together. I would lose something or forget it had other components if I didn't.

[@terryholland2526]

OMG, stop!!! You're going to make me spend money!!! I love this product. I love how there are so many pockets to store my stencils. Thank you for showin g me this.

[@bethbenson1931]

Thrift stores often have page protectors at cheap prices. Larger pages make it easier to take the stencils in and out. 😊

[@tammydownhour5610]

The paper is a backing of the stencils

[@linda123]

If you put the coloured paper behind the stencils it will be easier to see what they are.

[@linda123]

And of course as soon as I typed that you figured it out!

[@carolloye3700]

I bought this same product on Temu. Was $14.95 for 1 folder, 50 plastic holders. 50 colored papers. You can also buy the items separately as you need them.

[@lightmom14]

I bought same thing from Ali for about $8.00

[@LiteratureLady22]

I've done this for a while as well. I put a sheet of brightly colored 6x6 DSP so the stencils stand out well.

[@ellen-marie6692]

This is definitely very cool! I checked it out on Amazon 🇨🇦 & depending on which set / quantity it appears to be around $17 to $30 CAD. I noticed they have a taller version, too, Wendy, so that might work for your other stencils. I think this is a versatile storage option for other crafting items, too, like lightweight 6 x 6 inch paper, self-made swatches for paint or markers, etc, adhesive sheets or masking sheets, & probably more! I can so relate to the joy of finding or making the perfect storage solution for my craft room. Thank you for sharing this as well as your excitement for it!

[@WendyCranford]

I couldn’t contain the excitement lol

[@ellen-marie6692]

@@WendyCranford I think this is an excitement that crafters & organizing fans can so relate to. I often get 🙄 this response from hubby or daughter since these are not their go to hobbies, but they do so in fun as they have gifted me with craft supplies & other things they know will delight me. Have a great day!

[@karenlusby6230]

The top pocket could hold a completed stencil sample, the back pocket would hold the stencils themselves. Heck, I could make several of each stencil so they would be ready for card creation! Very cool! Are the hole punches the same distance as for a 3 ring binder?

[@lindadubey2041]

I used a regular 3 ring binder with index tab sheets, and paper protectors all from Dollar Tree.use a piece of colored behind stencil to show what stencil looks like😊

[@longlivedemocracy756]

The falling leaves stencil that came with all the leaves cut out. Wouldn’t those leaves be useful for masking if you wanted to do different colors more easily? I hope you can still retrieve them if you decide that they might be useful.

[@darlene2861]

Thank you Wendy for sharing this awesome idea ❤

[@CatherinesCreations7]

It looks like a wonderful solution. My challenge with stencil storage/organization is that I have an assortment of stencil sizes and many that don't fit in a book this size. I keep watching stencil storage videos but most of them don't address the different sizes of stencils.

[@lightmom14]

That's my problem too

[@lornamikkelson5690]

I finally decided on a regular size notebook and sheet protectors because of the various sizes of stencils I have

[@ChristalGill]

Thank you so much for sharing this stencil idea and the link! I think you could use paper size for the larger stencil's in a 8x10 note book! Love, Love, Love! 💖💖💖 Crafty Hugs!

[@beverlymeaker7566]

Yay, I just ordered this for my Lavinia Stamps because I ran out of storage for them, and they come as single stamps. So excited!!!!

[@daisyrivera9299]

Absolutely love this the thin papers I put in the sleeves so the stencils show through. I ordered it as soon as I saw your video. Thank you

[@sharonmesdag7687]

I have four of these, love them. Yes the paper is to put behind each stencil to see it better.

[@ginnysundeen9400]

Hello, I’m a beginner at all of this crafting. I came up on your channel and thought you have shown a great idea to keep all of your stencils. Can I ask what do you use them all for?

[@chantalle7340]

There’s a lot of great card makers stenciling videos out there. Just do a search. Layered stencils are very popular right now.

[@Tessiefaye]

Wendy, are you going to demonstrate for Altenew? I them and Honey Bee and Pink Fresh. I am so glad that you will be expanding your talents to other companies. There are so many great crafting communities.

[@inekegeernaert801]

Brilliant storage solution, thank you for sharing!

[@reflectionsbyjane]

I already do this for my larger stencils in an A4 binder. I need this for my 6x6 because my A4 binder is rammed full 😛

[@cardzbyzanne]

Taylored Expressions also has the same option in sturdy teal and sleeves.

[@chantalle7340]

Thx for the info😊

[@chantalle7340]

Great idea. Do you think it would be sturdy enough for embossing folders?

[@agolliver]

Taylored Expressions has a very similar stencil storage system in teal.

[@BetsyJ555]

Just ordered one. Thanks so much for the recommendation!

[@cherylmccann6641]

Purchased this last July. I love it. I put a price of paper in to allow the design to show better.

[@jayd2450]

Taylored expressions has a product like this in blue. Great idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@anaraposo522]

Great idea, it is a brilliant idea.

[@gloriametcalf538]

Very cool, Wendy. Thank you for the information. Have a great rest of your day.

[@kellywentling4549]

Love this Wendy! Unfortunately it’s currently sold out, but I will be checking back!😊

[@anniekempton9193]

Awesome!! Definitely need that!! Thanks for sharing this video

[@donnacarraway9182]

I make pretty inexpensive pockets from cheap laminating folders (yes, you do need to shop around to find the cheapest ones). You just put one inside another only inside out so that the two pieces fuse together but leave one side open. They are super sturdy and uniform in size, and larger than the small book How do you manage the variety of sizes? Thank you!

[@liznystrom7898]

I use 8x8 photo albums and put black paper behind them. Works great

[@sherryharris8511]

Years ago I purchased a 12x12 photo album and placed 12x12 paper in the pages so that I could store my stencils and easily see what I have.

[@pattyfromherz9965]

do you have any ideas on storing embossing folders, it is hard to keep them from warping

[@chantalle7340]

Right now I’ve got mine stored flat in a large ziplock bag.

[@PennyWhitlock-Scentsy]

Great storage solution for you. I do have a question though, as a SU demonstrator, are you allowed to use and demo products from other companies? Thanks and Bless you.

[@mariejones726]

I like these binders. I brought on TEMU. They are different sizes. You have to buy the pockets separately. I use for my died and stamps. I have to buy more. The pockets are thicker and a variety of sizes. Just got a bookshelve. Getting rid of boxes. Yeah

[@karinpost9176]

I just organized mine similar and feel the same joy flipping through now❤

[@sandracapps5543]

Why not just use plastic paper protector sheets?Place in a cheap plastic binder. They could be double sided as well just by slipping in a colored piece of copy paper - one stencil on one side, one stencil on the other? These could also hold embossing folders.

[@subigland5600]

thank you so much for finding this folder it's fantastic I've just ordered myself 1 ❤🎉😊

[@SoulfulXprssion]

Oh I am getting several of these for my stencils and coordinating dies and stamps thanks for the share ❤

[@tracyatthepurplepad1145]

thank you for sharing this i have bought one and I know i will know use them so much more.

[@LindaWert-zs5cy]

I have 2 of these,,,love them. I use a different color paper for each brand

[@marykaywerry5284]

I use these. Have 3 so far!! I need to do some purging next.

[@CraftyCornerstones]

I have the same one and love it!

[@lesliev7874]

Organizer by type rather than mfg. I have tabs for florals, geometric, circles, etc.

[@mynotecards2513]

Fabulous! Thanks for posting this video. I ordered one and can't wait to get it!

[@Mgas1115]

I just bought it!! I’ve been looking for something like this!!

[@lyndalowe2438]

That's so cool and nifty ❤

[@sandraduval5956]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@deborahbeatty]

I use sheet protectors in a 3 ring binder. This would be great for my little stencils.

[@Marilynlovesebiking]

I have stencils here there and everywhere. I may have to get this binder and sleeves. Amazing.

[@melgrimm5346]

😱 Love this!!!

[@lindalindagrayoils6703]

I bought them! My card making is so much easier! Thanks!

[@hairdebi]

Will the embossing folders fit in this?

[@cassiegreene9528]

The little plastic pieces you threw away were all the leaf masks. Should have saved them for silhouettes. Great storage idea though. thanks!

[@katiemclaneak5182]

Yes yes! They are worth saving- especially if you need to apply color outside the area you stenciled!

[@arlisarohloff2622]

Ordered this from Temu for $2.79! Excellent bargain!

[@sheryl5252]

its been two months so you might have figured this out... if you take the paper out of the sleeve with the stencil, it's easier to get the stencil back in. the stencils with a lot of cut out area that catch on everything when trying to get them in.... if the paper goes in with it at the same time, it helps the stencil from catching/paper from catching on each other...

[@barbibarnum]

So how hard is it getting the stencil in and out? I’m wondering about clean up afterwards

[@nainajani7825]

I use binder and put my stencils in sheet protectors with color paper so u know what stencils are one in back and front of the paper

[@gailbarrett3366]

Ure the papers are to put behind stencil on solid background to see pattern better !! Gail new subscriber ❤️

[@jmccreates1337]

I found this about 3 months ago by accident and it's amazing!

[@ktwagner1]

Will this work for embossing folders?

[@galean46]

Would a couple glue dots hold the paper in place?

[@dawneaschollmeyer9162]

I bought mine on temu, and the paper goes behind the stencil and you use one pocket with 2 stencils.

[@crmuirhead]

Just purchased! Tfs.

[@christinaps]

I have bigger and BIG stencils. I use harmonica folders and a A3 folder

[@saryramossilva4081]

Incredible..... i need 2

[@susanbollinger2844]

I just ordered this and those colored pages are to use as a backing

[@lindastarr6569]

What would you said to pick for the back up?

[@leoniepreece1784]

I wonder if Amazon has got a longer booklet?