Hi crafters! This is an updated version of my original Stencil Storage post from 2017 that you can find here. I’ve changed the way I store things so I thought I’d share what I do now in hopes that it helps someone out there looking for a stencil storage solution.
I store my stencils in this Kitchen Organizer bin because I can see them and flip through them easily. *I, like many other crafters use different versions of these clear bins throughout my craft room. The original idea for these bins came from Jennifer McGuire with her stamp storage ideas.
If the product(s) are available online (usually where I purchased it), I will list and link for you. I do link to products in my store and I use affiliate links when possible (at no cost to you), but none of the products I’m listed were provided or sponsored by anyone. (I stock my store with my favorite products!) These are simply my personal favorite products that I use when crafting. Full Disclosure Here.
This is the step by step process of my stencil storage:
Step One:
First, I take some thick cardstock, I use Accent 120lb cardstock for all of my organization and storage needs in my craft room because it’s SUPER thick, sturdy and inexpensive.
Step Two:
I laminate 6 1/4 x 6 1/4 sheets of my cardstock to store my stencils on (in the pockets). You can use any laminator but I use this one (and have for YEARS). I also get my laminating sheet in bulk (cheap) from Amazon. You can get them in packs of 50, 100 or 200.
Step Three:
I store my 6×6 stencils (and smaller) in the Stamp-n-Storage 6×7 Paper Storage Pockets which are tabbed and allow me to see all of my stencil names at a glance. I store my taller stencils in the back of this storage bin, in Clarity Stencil Folders. (I will be updating that later this year).
Step Four:
Next, I spray my stencils with Pixie Spray. This is a repositionable adhesive that allows me to use and store the stencil without it slipping and sliding all over. It never has to be cleaned off and you can re-spray it if it wears off after time. Not only does it work when using the stencil but it also holds the stencil still on the backer card in my stencil pocket!
Step Five:
Next, I put the stencil on the laminated piece of cardstock and slide it into the pocket and label it.
You can use any label maker but I use this one.
Label Maker – PTouch CUBE
I used to use the (PTouch label maker) that everyone else uses but I do a lot of labels at once and I hate punching it in by hand and the waste for the labels weven when using chain print so…..I recently switched over to the PTouch Cube.
The PTouch Cube uses the SAME labels that the basic (PTouch label maker) uses. The difference is that there is no waste, you can use different sizes (6mm, 12mm and 24mm), as well as the fact that you can use the software to type out the labels on your computer OR on your phone. I really like doing them on my laptop and i make less errors when typing them out. I will never go back to the basic one now that I have the cube!
This is my finished stencil storage bin. You can use a smaller bin if you have less stencils, but i wanted room to grow so I used this one. I hope this helps you with your stencil storage!
These are the products I use for my stencil storage.
I like this idea. I never realized you didn’t have to not remove pixie spray! That alone is worth this post! Thanks
Thanks for all the ideas. I like the idea of laminating backings for the storage pockets and using Pixie Spray to hold them on the laminated sheets.
Hi, Kat, I love the idea for small stencil storage. I’m going to convert mine. But how do you store large stencils (12 x 12)? I have mine in a large binder but it has gotten very awkward to handle.
Hi Diane, I don’t have any 12 x 12 stencils. I would put them in a binder/scrapbook with sleeves if i had any though