MFT Design Team Creative Chat - Die-namics Storage

 MFT has come up with a new monthly feature and we think it's something you'll really enjoy. The My Favorite Things Design Team Creative Chat is a new monthly feature, where we are challenged to explore our creative spaces and share valuable organizational methods, tools, and shopping strategies with you. You'll be able to peek into our creative spaces, ask questions, and share your own ideas in the MFT forum.  This month, we were asked the following questions:  

How do you store and organize your Die-namics?  

Any fun or helpful Die-namics purchasing strategies you'd like to share?  

How do you store extra Die-namics die-cuts? 

Visit Kim's Blog for a full list of designers that have taken up the challenge and get ready to delve into the minds of our creative team!

Well how much fun is this?  I'm so excited to see how all the other designers are storing their Die-namics.  My system is working for me - but I'm always on the hunt for new and improved ideas!  So let me share a bit about my system.  Obviously this post is pretty picture heavy - my apologies but I didn't want to leave anything out.  It's pretty simple and there's still room to grow (which is super important).  It all starts with these photo magnet sheets that I get at my local Dollarama.  The sheet is 6"x9" and costs a buck.  It's adhesive on one side, so I cut a piece of cardstock to size and adhere it for added strength.

The magnet sheets get stored in a plastic box - also found at Dollarama.  As you can see, this one was big bucks - a whole $2 - what a splurge!

My dies stick to the magnetic side of the sheet and here you can also see the back covered in cardstock.  

Each sheet is labelled with the Die-namics File Tab die so that they're easier to flip through.  To do this, I take a 2" strip of cardstock and score it lengthwise at 1".  

Then I line the top of the file tab up with the folded edge of the cardstock.  I position the fold just under the cutting edge as you can see in these two pictures.  I use a piece of tape to hold it in place while I run it through my Cuttlebug.

           

    

This results in a double tab which is still attached along the top edge.  

I use my label maker to mark each tab and then simply use my ATG gun on the inside of both tabs to adhere the label to my magnet sheet.  Here you can see an example of how I organize my dies.  I find it easiest to keep "like" items together, so I have the three sizes of Decorative Doilies along with the matching Faux Crochet border die all on the same sheet.  

All the sheets are stored in the box and I can flip back and forth to find what I need.  It's also easy to grab them quickly off the magnet and slap it back on when I'm done.  It's essential for me to be able to tidy up quickly, otherwise I don't get it done. 

Honestly, I don't actually keep the extras of my die cuts.  If I've cut them from felt, then I will generally keep them - I just throw them into this tiny plastic bucket.  It's easy to dig for what I need.  If my extras are paper I generally chuck recycle them.  For me personally, I don't like to dig and I'd rather just cut another one with extra paper.  

The final part of the question was about buying strategy.  And I haven't got much to add - because you need them all!  LOL!  I use my dies a lot.  I rarely make a card without at least one die and although I have my favorites, I like to mix them up.  I especially love the dies that have accompanying or co-ordinating stamp sets.  They make really cute, quick cards - and I love that!


And before you leave, I have a card to share too!  Bonus!  I used Pure Innocence Lollipop Girl and mounted her on the smallest die in the Open Scallop Doily Duo set.  I also used the Upsy Daisy die.

For the inside, I finished it off with a sentiment from the set More Essential Sentiments and some flowers from Pretty Posies and the Little Open Scallop Border die along the bottom.  

I hope you enjoy this new monthly feature and that maybe you've seen something that will work for you.  Thanks for stopping by and I'll see you back here tomorrow for the first of the September Teasers!