stencil storage

i think functional stencil storage is one of life's great mysteries!

i love stencils and as you can see i have a few....but storing them is a bitch.

i am NOT the kind of person to use my stencils...clean them...place them gently back into their packaging AT ALL. as a matter of fact the ones you see hanging in the packaging are either duplicate sample runs of my own personal line or brand spanking new ones i bought and have never been used (but i have them if i want them, dont judge! LOL).

after about 2 weeks of boring the hell out of my husband babbling on and on about my ideal storage and how come there isnt anything out there...Bill finally turned to me and said, "so make it yourself."

what?!! that just gave me something else to obsess about!! however at 3AM the next morning, i woke straight up out of bed and began sketching my idea out. 

by that afternoon (black friday) i was walking out of Lowes hardware with a cart full of pre-cut wood to my dimensions, wood glue, wheels, screws and a nail gun!

with the necessary guidance of the lowes employee we made some structural changes to not only make it more lightweight, but also cheaper.

i would call this a prototype...if i built it again (or when i build it again) i would make some changes, like maybe make it thinner, but for the most part it is so functional for my needs.

it is 2 sided so it holds a "shit-ton" of stencils. i can see them all at a glance. they don't stick or get tangled up in each other and i can organize them just as i want. the best part is because it is on wheels it is fully mobile.

both the bars and clips are from ikea. (i had these already because of the storage in my other house and really designed the frame around them.)

right now the top of it has artwork in the beginning stages drying. i have been using it a make shift worksurface at times too.

i contemplated painting it, but really i kinda like it raw...perhaps the next one i think i would make it industrial looking. like using reclaimed wood and metal brackets, but to be honest my cabinetry skills are not quite what they need to be at this point so i opted for the path of least resistance.

overall it took us about 2 hours to build start to finish and without the cost of the nail gun, approximately $80. however i must say, i totally LOVE the nail gun!

i know it might not be the solution for everyone, but what do you think? and if you have ideas for storing your stencils I WANT TO HEAR IT. i am a voyeristic creative space lover of all organization ideas!!

Comments

[pam]

I love it ! I wonder if there a way to use the space inside too ? I have so much stuff, I need to eke out every inch. lol.

[Kim Gillaspy]

Great idea...tfs

[NANCY APER]

Whoop whoop! I didn't dare asking but you read my mind! So cool you show us how you came up with your cool stencil storage and so brave of you! (You should have filmed it :-)!). You can add more storage on the sides, maybe inside as well, since it's wide enough. Oooh have fun with your clever idea! X Nancy

[dawn]

This is awesome! I can totally see mine (just haven't showed the hubs yet) in old fence or barn boards with black iron bars. The clips are curtain clips basically?
3 am waking out of a dead sleep and scribbling on paper....so me. I re-designed the entire upstairs floor plan of our house that way. Way to go!

[Angela Weber]

Oh my goodness! This is exactly what I need! Bars with clips... why didn't I think of that!

[Heather]

Genius!

[Saskia van Boom]

That is a brilliant idea! Thanks!

[Ellie Knol]

I always spray mine at the back with a spray of non-permanent glue (or add stencil glue), let it dry overnight and have them in a binder with plastic sleeves. I can flip through easily, use them, clean them and tuck them back. Advantage of this is also that when working with the stencil you don't have to hold it that much when sponging, mediums won't seep underneath it that easily either. Works for me, I will need a second binder in near future though :).

[Caroline Duncan]

OMGlitter.... I laughed so hard with the imagery of Bill's eyes fogging over as you went on about stencil storage! Only cause my Joe's eyes do the same when I get a brain fart about my studio space. LOL He helped me build a magnetic wall for the metal dies. Your stencil cart came out GREAT!! My stencils used to be in those 12x12 clear plastic flat scrapbook paper boxes... complete nightmare. Couldn't see, they got tangled, and I cussed a lot. And I normally don't cuss! Finally the brain fart happened and I hung them up by using a shower curtain rod between 2 cabinets on either side of window. I hung a small steel rod from the shower curtain rod using 3" metal book rings. Then I put a j-hook on each stencil to hang on the small steel rod. This link is to my blog to a fairly recent post about my studio space: http://stampingsandinklings.blogspot.com/2014/07/art-space-organization.html In the photo of the stencils, that is about 400+ stencils believe it or not. I'm such a stencilho! Since then I have gained another 100 or so stencils and added a 2nd shower rod above and moved all the smalls up top and the large 8x8, 9x12, and 12x12's on the lower one. I love it cause now I have them by company and theme and can just flip through to get what I want.

[Tanya Cole]

Awesome! I have been struggling with this too and it's so annoying when they hook up into each other or get bent out of shape. I have popped mine into an upright document folder but they can still bend a bit. :(

[Anita A]

I love it and wish I had space for it.

[Susie]

Brilliant! This will be happening in my space very soon...thanks for sharing!

[Molly Downing]

Great idea. And I am so with you when it comes to obsessing over finding organizational ideas that really work...in real life creative situations. Thanks so much for sharing this great idea!

[Elisa Michele]

You're a frickin' rock star heroine!!! I just think you're so...smart & funny & let me not forget uber talented. I'm so doing this storage in my studio. Brava!

[Pat Healey]

Donna, you are amazing! Is there anything you cannot do? I love this idea, and lots of us could use this as we LOVE our stencils. Maybe you could sell your pattern???

[Domalice]

It is a good idea, as I have less than you, I simply use the covers that I put in a folder and voila. That said your furniture is nice! ... 😜

[Linda K]

You rock girl!!

[Judy]

I store mine in 3 ring binders In Sleeves with construction paper in the sleeve. This way I can put 2 stencils in each sleeve but see each clearly divided by categories. This makes it easy to add stencils in any category.

[cairsa]

ok, this is just freaking awesome! I don't have nearly that many stencils but my wheels are turning on a better storage solution rather than stacked in a drawer. haha clean stencils and back in packaging?! never!

[Victoria S]

I love this, do you think it would work for my multitude of Gelli prints?

[Marylyn Barnett]

Ms. Donna: I think you should refine this idea to the point you can produce and sell it!! Are you kidding me, stencil lovers everywhere would flock to buy something like this!!

[Peggy mcdevitt]

Go girl, I am so impressed. Will try similar thing, thanks to you.

[Lynne W]

OMG! This is exactly what I've been looking for to store my stencisl, I just didn't know that!! LOL Thanks for sharing....now to figure out how and where I can do this!!

[Barbara M]

Totally genius!

[Marie]

I love it..... You are amazing..... You stop in front of nothing.....

Luv from Montreal

[Jodi Ohl]

You're idea is great and I totally admire the fact that you did it yourself!! Mine are in 3 (quite full) 12 x 12 plastic scrapbooking storage containers. One for large stencils, one for small, and another not really for stencils but punchinella, handmade foam or rubberstamps and other textural tools.
I'd like something that I could see and grab quickly, space would be my issue to build a rack...hmmm ya have me thinking now! :)

[Yvonne Garner]

I had the same thought as Marilyn! You could definitely sell a version of this! Donna, you and Bill are just so "real!" Thanks for just being you and for sharing of yourself.

[CARMEN Hays]

For those of us on a budget a clothes drying rack would work too. I happen to have two. Hmmmm - Laundry or art BWAHHHHHH!

[Charlotte]

Great idea! Now if only I had a studio space to put something like this up, my stencil collection is growing along with so much other supplies.

[Sharon]

Great solution. Wish I had room for it myself. I could see shelves in the middle space for Golden products. And racks on the sides for punch storage...

[barbara copeland]

Now why doesn't this surprise me. Looks great and I would put all my money on you.

[Kathy]

This is so cool. To utilize the space in between you could put shelves or attach baskets to keep spray inks and paint in. Right now I use a scrap rack with the sleeves but I love this I might have to change.

[Velvet]

Awesome! Since I don't have quite so many (yet!), this is giving me a good idea to add to my giant pegboard!!

[CeeCee]

Love the system, Donna! I use a D-ring scrapbook but it's now full and I still have to fight to get some of them back into their sleeve. Your system eliminates that problem. On my way to to Ikea!

[Kathryn Harpold]

How about using that space in the center for shelves for storage or drying racks? Obviously as your collection grows you can always put wood dowels in the center for more hanging storage of stencils. If you don't have floor space in the new place you can also mount this on the wall but it would be sad to loose the wheels.

[Tia]

I love it! What a fantastic idea! I love to make diy custom wood type things. And I love your idea to do the next one from re-claimed wood, that would be really cool!

[Kathryn Harpold]

PS it is BEAUTIFULL

[Tommy McDonell]

Hi. I have them in something Carolyn Dube suggested and they are hanging in different categories. Similar to you and Carolyn, I don't clean them. My only extras are for a second place I work or those stencils that I use with alcohol ink (AI).

However, what I find difficult is deciding categories, naming and placing. AND, I don't do my art with a plan in mind. White paper doesn't scare me And I just start. SO I really need to know my stencils.

I have stamps in a place I saw online but find they are the worst. Plus try as I might, I don't find stamping to be easy.

Sorry this was long.

[Esther Perez]

I love this. I'm trying to see how I can incorporate your idea into the space I have. Thanks so much for sharing this.

[Lynda]

So cool, to imagine and then build. You are an organizing queen.

[Raquel Ayuela]

Wow... that is a great idea, but... where can I found the space in my room to place that nice storage? ha ha ha

[Tracey]

Maybe adding adjustable arms so that there are multiple racks inside and out! Great idea though! I love seeing my supplies.

[Joanne Martinson]

You have mad skills woman...I love it!

[bette]

A super, super idea!! Love it

[Ali B....]

Donna Downey...you are WOMAN, hear me ROAR!! I see that you your included your supply list in your sketch but you mentioned when you went to Lowe's, they suggested some changes. Would you mind listing what your final supplies were and indicate a brand name if there was one.
The reason I'm asking for brand name is because I'm on the hunt for STURDY caster wheels that can function on carpet because I recently had 2 of them bust off of 1 of my craft storage units that has drawers. I was beyond MAD when this happened! I think you've found a nitch in creating storage solutions that will last for years!

[Rosann]

This is over the top awesome ... love the idea !

[Donna]

BRILLIANT! Just plain brilliant. Wire baskets on the sides for washi tape storage? A shelf or two or three in the middle for more drying space? If I had a hammer....

Just promise we won't have to use a nail gun for Inspiration Wednesdays!

[Raine]

Brilliant idea! If you don't want to have to fuss with the clips, I use plastic J-hooks from Uline. They are self-adhesive. That way you don't even have to unclip and reclip them. Just grab, use, and hand it back up. Easy Peasy!

[Donna Knabe]

Great idea! I think I'll take the rod and clip part and put them on the backbof a door. I don't have room for that super cool cart!

[Robyn Seaniger]

Donna this is a fabulous idea!

[lorraine williamson]

pure genius I need one for future storage because I plan on having a lot of stencils thanks for sharing have a great day

[Greta from Oz]

I love it Donna, so impressed by your design and construction skills! but I don't have the room. My storage is very simple - 12x12 display book! Multiple stencils in each page and they are kind of grouped by "like" so I can find them relatively easy. The smaller ones are in a small binder again store in display pages. Takes up far less room!

[Stacy]

this is so kick ass! you go girl! :) I think when your woodworking progresses a reclaimed wood version would be even more cool. but, What I love best about this is that you did it yourself.

[robin gasser]

I did something similar--but not on wheels. I might have to add them!

[Vicki ross]

Just wheel it on over to my studio :) I'll make room!

[Megan]

Genius idea! Great job building it. :)

[linda Shewchuk]

Love it. You could ship this one to your wonderful, missing you, Linda from Saskatchewan friend!!!

[Rhonda Hereford]

Fabulous!! Now that you have a nail gun you can rule the world. ;-)

[louise]

My hubby is an engineer and I showed him the pics of this and he said " a fine job" yep she did a fine job!!

He has put this on his honey do list of things to do for my new art studio!!! Yippee thank you for sharing.

[Linda Crowe]

Love this idea. My stencils are in plastic containers and are always tangled. Will show this to a friend to see if we can't do something like it. THANKS!!!

[susan salyer]

Brilliant idea. I showed my son and said I have a project for you hahahahahaha
hugs
susan s

[Melody Herbert]

Thank you Donna! I love your work. I was wondering how to store and organize my stencils - like you I like to see them. It helps me know what I have and gives me ideas as I work.

[CrystalB.]

This is a fantastic idea! I don't have near enough stencils to need one of these, but they really are a pain to store! And, as far as your husband's advice, it sounds like something mine would say! :)

[Pam Hall]

Love, love, love your stencil storage idea!!!!
Would love to add drawers somehow for stamps. Hmmmm.

[Roberta]

Use spring tension rods inside to hold ribbons or extra stencils that are seasonal ;)

[Roberta]

Wow! I thought I had too many stencils...lol. I keep my big stencils in an inexpensive 12x12 screw post album that I got on sake for under ten bucks and it works for creating on the road but I love the rod and clip idea for storing in my studio and can't wait to adopt your idea. Thanks for the inspiration ;)

[Bronwyn Smith]

Thanks for this idea love it.Carnt wait to put it on my art trolley,great idea thanks.got to love IKEA🐞........

[suzanne watson]

Congratulations on making the cabinet and thinking it all out so well! My tip would be to use those skirt and trouser hangers that have a movable clip on each side: that way you could hang two small stencils in the same space as one. Your inner space in the cabinet would allow for that wider use.
I don’t have anything like your number of stencils, so I put mine in an A4 office-type spring folder: one each side of a coloured sheet of paper within a plastic protector sleeve so they stay flat. Little ones I double up, or when I find I’ve got a few versions of spots or squares or rules. No idea what to do with the big scrapbook size 12 x 12 ones though, I’ve only got a few but they don’t seem to fit in anything I own!

[Ellie Moore]

Love it!

[paula]

Soooo awesome. I need to get my honey bunny busy on making me something like this. I tooo don't want to put them back in packaging. I keep my separated by the big pieces of precut deli paper. Works good but this is better.

[peggy dannel]

that is so good .perfect .I want to come play

[Sue Chesley]

Awesome smawsome!!! I think that pretty wood needs to be painted and stenciled though.

I am using a heavy wire rack I found at the goodwill that was originally intended for dvd's. the shelves are adjustable, so it works really great. I also have a round shoe rack found on Amazon that when you assemble it, turn the shoe holders upside down and viola, you have a stencil rack! Here's the link:
http://www.amazon.com/Household-Essentials-Three-Tier-Revolving-Chrome/dp/B0002TG2HO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421010617&sr=8-1&keywords=round+shoe+rack
Yours is definitely the coolest though, Donna!

[storagewalthamstowvillage]

It is really great! Pretty handy and beautiful as well!

[Celia]

It looks amazing! I love it! Great job!

[Lisa]

Nail guns are awesome things! Love your cart!