PERFECT STENCIL STORAGE (and why I DON'T use it!)

[@ardyth]

If your storage system works for you, then it's PERFECT! (and I'd love to hear about it!)

[@nuvoclassic]

I prefer binders... I have so FEW stencils that i store them using your old 'perfect' method: small stencils in small page protectors in a small 3-ring binder (from office supply store) and large stencils in large/A4 size page protectors. Both sizes of page protectors have white copy paper behind the stencil, with 2 stencils in one protector, as needed. I re-use the many A4 size binders in my 1st floor craft rooms that I have leftover from my corporate IT jobs [I'm retired]... I also use the smaller binders to store planner and BuJo stickers and planner/BuJo cling stamps on a bookshelf near desk in my upstairs office. I use a few tabbed dividers in each binder. In 2023, I started buying small size dies - so they also fit in small page protectors in small 3-ring binders near my Big Shot and Sidekick carts in craft room... tfs!

[@ardyth]

Glad you have a system that works for you! Thanks so much for watching!

[@barbaraspiegel5046]

I use an 8-1/2x11 page size binder for my stencils. They all fit including some rather large masks. I can still use both sides and with some stencils I can fit 2 on a page. I just find the binders easier to store. One binder takes up a lot less room than a bin with the same amount of stencils.

[@ardyth]

Glad you found something that works for you! Thanks for watching!

[@mrsmcphate]

Barbara, that's what I do! Works great for me!

[@nangustafson8110]

UPDATED: Loved your method of using the 8” pockets. I got some pockets that load from the ring (left) side on Amazon. I love this method as it’s very easy for me a disabled crafter to get the stencils out. I’m not able to lift binders anymore. This storage works so well for stencils I’m switching all my die and stamp storage over to it also. Currently, I’m using the Tim Holtz storage boxes from years ago. They’re a bit to tall but they will do as the fridge bins are to expensive. Thank you for sharing. 💖

[@ardyth]

So glad your system is working for you! Thanks so much for watching!

[@KerenTamir]

I used to have them hanging on clips in a cabinet but I have way to many and I'm not putting them back so I'm actually switching to a binder now. 6x8 for the small ones, a scrapbook album for the 12x12 ones and an 81/2 by 11 binder for the other ones

[@ardyth]

I've seen your hanging system and really liked it! I'll be interested to hear how you like the binders. Thanks for dropping by, Keren!

[@barbf.3420]

I love your bin idea! Mine are just in a bin loosely. I hadn't been able to think about how to organize them. Thanks for sharing!

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@JenniferSKinney]

We are two peas in a pod, Ardyth. 😊 I have my stencils in page protectors and in a frig bin so I can flip through them, just like you. I found the album to be just one step too finicky for me. I’m contemplating storing my stencils with/near my background stamps since they serve the same purpose.

[@ardyth]

We ARE two peas in a pod - my stencils are next to my background stamp bin! lol! Thanks for stopping by!

[@jackiejohnson7158]

Good idea

[@maggieb4648]

The binder/page pocket system works for me at the moment as I don't have any oversize stencils, and it's a space saver as I can double up the stencils in each pocket with black card stock in between so the pattern can be easily seen. If at some point I get any larger stencils I may use a second, larger binder/pocket system. We'll see. For now, what I have works. I do admit though, flipping through a bin is appealing!

[@ardyth]

I get it - we're all different and as long as it's working for you, it's the right system! I like the idea of the black carsdtock you use, and definitely having two stencils in a pocket is more efficient, space wise. I love that we can both appreciate the appeal of the two options! Thanks for watching!

[@maggieb4648]

@@ardyth What I don't like about the binder system is the way the pages droop. It had never occurred to me to use the page pockets as storage envelopes in a bin, and after thinking about it, I may just experiment a little and put my pages in bin and see how that feels to me. Won't know if I don't try. That's been my new philosophy lately! :D

[@debschoen5581]

CLEVER!!! I currently have mine in a large 3 ring binder but I really like this idea less cumbersome. Thank you!!!!

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@momofdiego]

I LOVE Evernote! I’ve been using it for a couple years now. I started with a number system. There’s times I wished I hadn’t started numbering but in the long run I can always find the number I need. I really like your idea of the fridge bin. It is kind of a pain with all the different sizes of stencils. Thanks for your ideas!

[@ardyth]

The nice thing with numbering is that there is no question of where it belongs. Do you destash ever? If you do, do you keep track of the 'unused' numbers and use them when you buy new things? Thanks so much for watching!

[@nuvoclassic]

@@ardythEons ago, I used to number my 33 1/3 vinyl record album covers that were sorted alphabetically by Band and album title. But that system failed fast when I bought new record albums 😞! Last year [2022], I gave away 99% of all my 33 1/3 vinyl record albums to the music department of a Chicago charter high school. THose albums had been stored in milk crates in our basement for about 30 years!!!!!! The music teacher and art teacher picked them up - and LOVED the covers. They even knew some of the old bands! 🙂But I kept all my Beatles records and classical music albums...

[@michelleharr7330]

I use a binder system and place a coloured piece of paper between the stencils so that seeing the pattern is easier

[@ardyth]

That's smart! Thanks for watching!

[@aquilaclark814]

I was in the process of arranging my stencils and I think I like your system better..They would be easier to access in the open bin instead of flipping through a folder..Thanks for including the link for the storage bin..🥰🥰

[@ardyth]

I like that aspect too. So far, so good - I'm still loving this system, but of course as long as something works for you, then that's the perfect one, right? Thanks for watching!

[@f.joclemmons5799]

I really like that idea. I’ve been buying directly from clear bags. I buy their crystal clear, four mil Ziploc bags. I buy 7 x 7 for the regular stencils and 5 x 12 for all of my slimline products. The four mil is sturdy rarely tears and you can cut the Ziploc part off if you don’t want to mess with that. But I really like your idea also.

[@ardyth]

That sounds great! I'll look into that! Thanks for watching!

[@marblegal7372]

I don’t have anywhere near the amount you have, but I keep mine in a full-size binder so all sizes fit. I can then insert one stencil in front of my sheet of white card stock and one behind it. Each manufacturer is in alphabetical order. Whatever works!

[@ardyth]

As you say, if it works, it's perfect! Thanks so much for watching!

[@created2bless322]

I love this idea of the bin being used sideways! Thanks Ardyth!

[@ardyth]

So simple, but somehow not obvious! lol! Thanks so much for watching!

[@Ladycrafty6]

I too was using the binder but once I got the bigger ones keep them in a draw but I didn’t use them as much like that! I really like your system and plan to set it up! Thank you! Love your videos!😍

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@inkhillrevival289]

Love how you showcased changing up your organization system as your needs change. But carried over the same pockets, yes to less work! Really like the color coding! How did you add your color? I keep mine in a bin as well for the very same reason, I want them all together, even the big ones. I don’t have many, so the bin also holds my background stamps.

[@ardyth]

That colour coding is similar to what I do for my stamps. Just a line of Copic marker. Cheap and easy! Thanks for stopping by, Kerry!

[@MichelleShortTheCardGrotto]

This is great, Ardyth! I have been storing my stencils in binders for about 7 years and it’s still working for me. I only have one stencil that doesn’t fit but if I buy some slimline ones, I will have to rethink! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@ardyth]

Thanks for stopping by, Michelle!

[@Lisa_G3]

Great ideas. I have a few very big ones too so this would work great for me. Thanks!

[@ardyth]

Yay! Thanks for watching!

[@IshaniScards]

I love your organization skills, I wish I had them! Also, thank YOU Ardyth, I started Evernote too 😍 though I just started, It may take a long time to put everything in it, but I am in no hurry 😄

[@ardyth]

Haha! It was a big commitment at the beginning, but now it's so useful! Thanks for stopping by, Ishani!

[@bertas-cards]

I have been using a basket same concept as yours & keep my stencils in their packaging. I only put in new pockets when original breaks. I use the company’s insert instead of making new ones. I like seeing my supplies. If they are hidden in binders I forget to use them. Great video on making storage work for your supplies.

[@ardyth]

I like the precision of using all the same pockets, and as you say, the original packaging sometimes rips eventually. I agree completely with you about seeing my supplies! Thanks so much for watching!

[@familyleaves]

I have been using refrigerator bins & pockets with dividers for LF & MFT but all others are just in ABC order with colored cardstock behind them. As for slimline, I store the dies & stencils together, at least for now. They are in a smaller but longer bin (4x14). I was using the small long bin from the Dollar Tree before my collection grow bigger & that fit them perfectly in the original packaging, laid on their side.

[@ardyth]

Sounds like it's working for you! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@tracyparks533]

I was watching this with a smile on my face because all of my stamps are in Evernote but none of my stencils and I’ve always wondered why I did it that way… With my stamps they all have a number and I've tagged them by the manufacturer such as Catherine Pooler or Simon and include an image of the stamp. Whenever I need a stamp I just pick up my phone and do a search using the assorted tags such as the manufacturer name or heart or even something like thank you because Evernote reads those images as words automatically. The search results show me a selection as well as a number. All of my stamps are in refrigerator bins labeled on the front of the bin like 1-60. I find the stamp - verify the image and identify the stamp number in Evernote reach for the correct refrigerator bin and flip through then numerically, grab the stamp and I’m off :-) Super easy to find super easy to put away. Yes it took some heavy lifting to get them all in to Evernote this way but it’s been a great system :-) hope it makes sense love your videos!

[@ardyth]

Oh, I think we're soul sisters! Love your numeric system! Thanks so much for watching!

[@tracyparks533]

@@ardyth Goof grief; I don't even know how you made sense of what I wrote yesterday! Note to self...don't attempt to type anything while riding my stationery bike to nowhere! The anal me just edited the first post....

[@ardyth]

@@tracyparks533 OMG, I think we're related! First because I completely understood what you were saying, and second because I would have gone back an edited as well (I am not saying that I noticed any mistakes, just that I tend to re-read my own posts!)! lol!

[@lisak2575]

Great idea! I do not have that many, so will keep your system in mind.

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@MelsHobbyCorner]

I've been using the binder method for several years. It was PERFECT until I started purchasing slimline stencils over the past year. I've been trying to come up with a better solution, but hadn't yet. I love your idea of the fridge bin, so I may have to give that method a try!

[@ardyth]

Yay! You probably noticed that my slimline stencil is kind of sticking out on its own still, but I'll worry about it if I end up with more of them! lol! Thanks for dropping by, Melissa!

[@MelsHobbyCorner]

@@ardyth They don't stick out nearly as far as mine do from the 6x8" album, so that's still better than what I've got happening now. LOL Loved the video!

[@rhondita95]

@@ardyth if the fridge bin is wide enough and you only have a handful, you may consider putting the slimline stencils down along the length of fridge bin perpendicular to all the rest. It won’t look as pretty, but they will all still be organized and nothing will be sticking up above the others. Depending on the size of the bin you buy, there is often wiggle room down the side of the bin or you can intentionally buy a wider bin just for your stencils (say 8”)

[@Babs-Veterans-are-Family]

I do that but use cheap sheet protectors from the office supply section with poster board and bins from the dollar store. Labels with my lable maker. If the page protectors are too big I fold over the back and tape it. Too tall I use my rotary cutter slice off the top. Much much cheaper!

[@ardyth]

Glad it's working for you! Thanks so much for watching!

[@nuvoclassic]

I LIKE this!!!!

[@JoanOrloffDK]

Great storage 🥰 I am a flip through person lol ❤ thanks for sharing and happy crafting Hugs xx

[@ardyth]

😊 thank you

[@stefaniestaniak4329]

I love all your ideas. Currently my stencil storage is the same as your ne system with on difference. I have an Art Bin and it has a cover which I don’t like. I may have to move to a frig bin. Thanks, love your channel.

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching, Stefanie!

[@denisf1981]

I struggle with stencils storage. Right now I have mine in 6x6 clear stamp storage pockets. But they're tough to get in because they're JUST the right size. Love the binder idea. Maybe once I feel safe to go in stores again I can browse for one that's just right!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@christinecox9625]

This is a wonderful system, I have been using it for years with my stamp sets too! Thank you for sharing great ideas! Blessed crafting! 😊

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@TraceyMcNeely]

Love this video Ardyth! Your new storage system is brilliant!

[@ardyth]

Thank you, my friend!

[@shellidoyle7975]

Great idea!! Sideways...ingenious!! Thank you for the great ideas!

[@ardyth]

Haha! Sometimes the littlest idea makes the biggest difference! Thanks for watching!

[@beckyreeder993]

I use a fridge bin also. But I include the package backer so I have the manufacturer and stencil name without needing a separate label.

[@ardyth]

That's smart. I like mine to all look the same (I know, I know! lol!) Thanks so much for watching!

[@mpbailey18]

Turning the fridge bin sideways is such a great idea! Will buy some of the smaller page protectors & finally get to use up some of my stash of full size ones too.. NOW, what about organizing all our embossing folders? Wish they were all the same size ...LOL!

[@ardyth]

Haha! I only have about 10-15 embossing folders, and I have them in a smaller bin. I do put labels on the tops so that I can flip through (no page protectors, since they are quite sturdy). And I completely agree about the sizes! Thanks for watching!

[@WendyColeArt]

I use a container too for just about everything. The binders didn't work for me either and I was surprised at how much I hated them, ha ha! So colored copy paper makes a good backing to be able to see your stencils if you don't mind that it's thinner than card stock.

[@ardyth]

I've seen people do that and I like the visibility it gives! Thanks so much for watching!

[@Tiffany.Solorio]

I love this video! Funny enough I have always had my stencils in a bin. When I saw Laura's video I immediately thought. What took me so long to change to a binder LOL! I am changing from a bin to a binder after many years! LOL!

[@ardyth]

Haha! I noticed that you used a bin when I did my 'research'! Whatever works for you is perfect! Thanks for dropping by, Tiffany!

[@Tiffany.Solorio]

@@ardyth Yes. It worked for many years. I might even go back to the bin. LOL! Thanks for this video. I loved it!

[@created2bless322]

Thank you! I am all over the place with my stencils. I have a combination of refrigerator bins and file folders. Trust me it’s not organized just stashed like this. I’ll try your method with labels 🏷

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@ChlorJ16]

Wonderful ideas. Your system makes perfect sense.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@GerrysCraftRoom]

fabulous solution and another awesome title😍💖

[@ardyth]

Thanks! Titles are hard! lol!

[@GerrysCraftRoom]

@@ardyth you make it look super easy, admiration all over😍😁

[@staceylovespaper]

Ardyth, I love this idea!! I have been using the binder but it isn't a perfect system. I had been thinking about using a container but couldn't make it work in my head, now that I see it in action I am going to change it next chance I get!! I like the color coding as well, it only for a bit of a pop of color, but it will also be helpful, since I like to group my stencils as dots, stripes, flowers etc. Thank you!!

[@ardyth]

I 'invented' that colour-coding (I'm sure many others do it) ages ago for my stamps. I find it so easy, cheap and helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@racheljolley26352]

Both are excellent ideas, thank you! ⭐️🏆

[@ardyth]

I agree! And I'm sure there's more excellent ideas out there - as I say, as long as it works for you, it's perfect! Thanks so much for watching!

[@vickidavis4207]

I'm glad I watched this video. I have been struggling with a stencil storage system and I think yours is just what I'm looking for. Thanks! 💖

[@ardyth]

Yay! Thanks for watching!

[@lisaconklin5094]

I like your storage solution here, it looks like it will work for me too. Thank you for the awesome ideas. Sending you love and hugs from Chicago, Illinois. ❤🦋🌸😻🌺🙏🌺🌻

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@franciscavanbochove2465]

This storage is great and also a bit obvious, I like the colour strips too. But what is most awesome, is that I saw in your video, the doublesides tape on that ‘pole’ !!! How do you work that way? Seems ideal!

[@ardyth]

Haha! That 'pole' is the base of my Arkon camera mount, which holds my camera when I'm filming. I love having the tape there - its' easy to grab it and cut off the amount I want. Thanks so much for watching!

[@Vintagecomfort]

Love your organization skills - they're "mad" ;)

[@ardyth]

Haha! thanks!

[@crazycornishcrafter]

I use scrapbooks. 12x12 and 8x8 ones. I've also got an old craft tonic sticker storage folder for my TH stencils.

[@ardyth]

Smart! Thanks for watching!

[@rtd1791]

I store my stencils in page protectors and binders too. Only I use the binders meant for 8.5x11” paper. I also have page protectors/pockets meant for trading cards that I use to store masks. As the card pockets are off size for any of the regular binders, I made a cover from an old board game. I bind everything together with rings. All of my stencils that are too large for the 8.5x11” binders are currently stacked together in one of this racks meant to store pot lids. I’m waiting to devise a better system. Maybe one of the 12x12 photo albums? I use 6x9” binders to store dies. For die storage I use 30ml magnetic sheets in page protectors. I always make sure to get my magnetic sheets from Georgia Magnetically the original manufacturer of magnetic vinyl sheets and in my opinion still the best. Currently my stamps are in 8.5x11 binders, but I’ve decided to transfer everything to 6x9” binders. Smaller binders take up less room on tables. The are simply easier to manage. My organizational guide is categories so all my botanical stuff is together, all of my seasonal, all my animal, etc. Each category is subdivided, for example botanical is broken down into leaves, branches & stems, trees, flowers, and fruit. I photograph all supplies and use a cloud based database for inventory. Pictures are essential so that I can compare potential purchases to what I already have. I like the idea of color coding. I don’t know if it would work for me since I rarely keep sets together.

[@ardyth]

Wow, you are very clever to put that all together! I love the idea of the smaller pockets for masks - thanks for sharing!

[@MaryMoisan]

I have mine in a bin also, but not neatly labeled like yours. LOL. I keep the package they came in, but I don't always place the stencils back into their package after I use them... I'll just place it in front of the package or brand info sheet for quicker access to it. I use AirTable to keep track of my stuff, but I'm waiting for new functions to the Color My Life application that would make it a better craft product database.

[@ardyth]

Hey, if it works, it works! I have not heard of Air Table - will try to check it out! Thanks for watching!

[@CaCaCraftbyErica]

You always have such great ideas!

[@ardyth]

Thank you! 😊

[@ThePaperedKindnessCo]

Amazing! And I love that I can use bins I might already own. Also, I think you might have inspired me to finally use Evernote!

[@ardyth]

Yay! Thanks for watching, Jess!

[@michelegourd5742]

Great idea!! Right now I use a notebook with page protectors

[@ardyth]

As long as it works for you, it's perfect! Thanks so much for watching!

[@coolstamper]

I use the bins also, but I store my stamps, dies, stencils, embossing folders by types, not by company. That way if I want a flower die, but not sure which one, I just flip through my flowers and the stamp and die sets that go together are in a pocket together. With the flower stamps/dies I also have some sub categories i.e. Roses, Daisies, Misc., etc. the stencils/embossing folders are in the back of each group. I have been stamping for about 30 years and have never kept track of the companies. It would be so much easier if companies would put their names on their products and they would sell more too. 💕

[@ardyth]

Sounds like your system really works for you! I do store by company, but mostly because I'm on Design Teams, which means that 'who' I'm using is important. I used to store by category and had a colour-coding system so I knew which sets were sentiments, florals, backgrounds etc. I have a couple of videos about my stamp storage system and also about how I use the Evernote app to help me find what I'm looking for, if you're interested! Thanks so much for watching!

[@aquilaclark814]

These Tips are wonderful..thank you so much🙌🏽🙌🏽🥰

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@nangustafson8110]

Nice. I currently keep some stencils in a large 3 ring binder. It’s too heavy for me now as I have limited use of my hands. Where did you get the pockets/page protectors you’re using?

[@ardyth]

The 6x8 pockets for the 6x6 stencils are from scrapbook.com and the larger ones ( 8.5x11, cut down to 8.5x8.5) are from Staples. Thanks for watching!

[@susanwareham6170]

I use The Scraprack by totally Tiffany, there are different pocket pages you can use, right now 6x6 stencils are in pages that hold 4 I like to be able to see more than one stencil at a time so far it works and there are probably pages to use for slim line stencils also.

[@ardyth]

Neat! I'll have to check that out. Thanks for watching!

[@kendraturnage3702]

I use refrigerator bins and the pockets as well.

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@debrapascoe2806]

What do you use to list your inventory? Loved your ideas

[@ardyth]

Thanks! I use Evernote (check back a couple videos for a tutorial on how I use it!) Thanks for watching!

[@743linda]

Great tips. I use something very similar to you. And it works for me!

[@ardyth]

If it works, then it's perfect! Thanks for watching, Linda!

[@JessicaFrostBallas]

This is fantastic! I may need to change things up a bit! 😉

[@ardyth]

Thanks for stopping by, Jess!

[@taniab2018]

I have mine in a Thirty-One container I bought. I can't decide if I love it; I may change it up. . @Ardyth Percy-Robb could you please post another link to your stamp storage video? I couldn't get it to work. :(

[@ardyth]

Here's a link to the cheap craftroom hacks video where I talk about my stamp storage. Thanks for watching! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYOZc3x_rphrmLM

[@taniab2018]

@@ardyth Thank you!

[@tinamariehenry7251]

Hi Ardyth, what material are your inserts behind each stencil please?

[@ardyth]

Michaels 65 lb white cardstock. For the larger ones, I use the Penguin Palace insert they came with. Thanks for watching!

[@Pattilrfour]

Where did you get your pocket inserts? 🤩

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching! Here's a link www.scrapbook.com/store/sbc-pp-6x8kit-1.html

[@SheRozieDragon]

this may be silly but can I ask why people store their stamps and stencils by person/brand as opposed to category? Why by company? I'm not a card maker - a mixed media, but it seems everyone does this, I'm a bit confused. btw: I love the open-bin idea and pockets! I've been searching for an idea for my stencils and haven't found one I like, but I think just did.

[@ardyth]

Haha! Not silly at all! I used to store by category, but as I was asked to be on more design teams, it became more important to be using a particular company's product on a project. Now I'm just in the habit of doing it like that, and I use my Evernote app (see previous video) to help me keep track of anything I want to search. If doing it by category meets your needs, then it's perfect! And thanks for watching!

[@nuvoclassic]

SInce I'm not any design teams, I also store everything by category. And sometimes, I even organize alphabetically within category!! 🙂

[@gloriaslaughter7700]

This makes sense to me. Thanks.

[@ardyth]

Yay! We must be on the same wavelength! lol! Thanks for watching!

[@annihilator45]

I use a plastic box and stack all my stencils in baggies!

[@ardyth]

Smart! Thanks for watching!

[@VDUTCHR]

Great idea!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@Renee292929]

What a good idea!!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@ellenbornstein7203]

that is how I store mine. Much easier to flip through!

[@ardyth]

I agree! Thanks for watching!

[@yelena86]

👍✌️🙏❤️

[@creativebeanart]

The only thing about your system I don't like, is it takes up valuable real-estate on my desk. I am very limited on space, so prefer a book option. I'm going to try making my one accordion folder that I can store as a book, big plus, it uses stuff I already have in my stash.

[@ardyth]

There are lots of things to think about when designing something perfect for you and it sounds like you're on it! Thanks so much for watching!

[@tamaramaus6726]

If you used colored paper instead of white it would show much better

[@ardyth]

Oh, that's a great idea! I could assign a colour to each company.... now you've got me thinking! Thanks for watching!