It's already day FIVE of My Favorite Things' series on organizing your craft supplies. I hope you've gotten some great ideas so far for your own stash!
Today, we're focusing on ink!
Here's a peek at how I store my ink pads. This is right across the front of my desk; so I have super-easy access to whatever ink I'm looking for. These wonderful cubbies are from Organize More. I have two of the 60 Ink Pad Holders and one of the 48 Ink Pad Holders, which fits beautifully into that space across the front of my desk. Some of the ink pad holders have wider spaces, which allow you to store wider ink pads OR the narrow ink pads plus a refill in each slot. I wanted to fit more ink pads into the space that I had; so I went with the narrower slots. I gotta tell you...I'm in love! :)
Here's are some close-ups of the different sections:
This one stores my MFT Hybrid Ink Pads. As you can see I have some empty slots. I am awaiting a lovely package from MFT (shipped yesterday...woot!) that has some of the yummy new colors in it, which will fill in those slots beautifully. :)
This is the center section, which stores all of my MFT Premium Dye Ink Pads. It is such a beautiful site to behold, isn't it?!
This is a peek at some of my MFT Pigment Ink Pads. I do not yet have the entire collection (soon, dahling, soon); so I still have some other ink pads stored on this side. Now that MFT has every kind of ink pad you could ever want in every color you could ever want, who needs any other ink pads?! They are even carrying the fabulous Delicata Gold and Silver ink pads, as well as VersaMark ink.
As you can see, I label all of my ink pads on the ends, which obviously makes it a whole lot easier to find the color I'm looking for. I use the same Brother P-Touch Labeler that I use for everything else I label in my office. That thing is worth it's weight in gold!
Now...let's chat about refills. I store mine all together in a plastic drawer unit that sits right by my desk. I like to divide them up with sweet metal tins, which keeps them all upright and in order, regardless of how quickly I whip open that drawer.
Just like everything else in my studio, I've labeled the drawer with the contents inside, eliminating the guess work. ;)
Once the refills are all lined up in the tins inside the drawer, it's kinda hard to tell which color is which without having to take them out one by one until you find the one you're looking for. So, I've punched out coordinating card stock circles, and adhered them to the top of their coordinating refill bottle with a bit of X-Press It Clear Gel Glue. After a bit of experimenting, I've found that 1/8" circles are too small, 1/4" circles are too big (over-hang the top of the lid), and 3/16" circles are just right. I used my Crop-a-Dile to punch the 3/16" circles. I also put them in ROYGBIV color order, which makes it even easier...and is a pretty site to behold as well. :)
I meant to share this photo with you the other day when I shared my stamp storage; but I didn't, so I'll share it now. The plastic holder is another product from InterDesign, just like my Fridge Binz. This one's called a Packet Organizer. As you can see, I use it to organize my clear blocks. It sits right on my desk, where I can quickly access the size I need. Accessability is the key for functional storage, as far as I'm concerned...and pretty doesn't hurt either.
So, you want a peek at a little more of my crafty organization? I made a purchase this past summer (spring?) that I am in l-o-v-e with. It's the Raskog Kitchen Cart from IKEA. It comes in gray, cream, and aqua, and I just had to have the aqua one...so pretty!
I had no trouble filling mine up, and even found a handy way to store my frequently used paper towels...right on the end of the cart! I roll this cart right under my desk next to where I work; so it's very handy for me. I can also take it into another room to work, as it's on wheels. I think I may need to buy another one soon... :)
Here's a look at what I store on the bottom shelf: Paint palettes, all of my texture and embossing pastes, Gamsol and other blending mediums, Peerless Watercolors, glue guns, and a big beautiful set of Faber-Castell Gelatos.
The middle section stores all manner of paint brushes, blending stumps, water brushes, distress paints, spray mists, and various other artsy fartsy tools. I've stored them all in fun little ceramic pots that I also purchased at IKEA.
Finally, the top section (and my favorite) holds everything planner related, including my planner itself when it isn't traipsing about with me. Stickers, washi tapes, clips, labels, elastic bands, extra covers, gorgeous erasable pens, and my On-the-Go Notebook all fit in there perfectly. It really makes my planning sessions easy-peasy, as well as giving me a little extra time for creativity. I have enjoyed it so!
Okay, friends, that is it from me! I do hope you have THOROUGHLY enjoyed MFT's fabulous series on organizing your crafty stash. Today's prize is a BIG one! Check it out:
Isn't that AMAZING?! Those Hybrid Inks are seriously the best ink pads EVER, as are the Organize More Ink Pad Holders! That is one of the best prizes I've seen in a loooong time! Get on over to the MFT Blog for your chance to win, as well as for links to the other designers' blogs.
Have a beautiful day, friends!
~Cindy
I LOVE how organized you are!! Your ink pads and storage system is making me DROOL!! Thanks for sharing how you store your acrylic blocks!
Posted by: Jessica H. | Friday, January 23, 2015 at 09:03 AM
Thanks for the great tips-so organized. I love the cart. It looks like it can hold so much.
Posted by: Barb C | Friday, January 23, 2015 at 09:24 AM
MORE awesome ideas!! I particularly love that kitchen cart! Guess I need to break down, brave the crowds and check out the IKEA by me. Thanks for walking us thru your craft room - it looks like an amazing place to be creative. :)
Posted by: TamiB | Friday, January 23, 2015 at 10:29 AM
Love your craft room organization. (My daughter calls me the organizational QUEEN! I love it so! LOL)You can NEVER have too much organization in this business! BTW, your coloured tops on your refills? I do the same with embossing powder jars and Glitter Ritz jars as mine are in drawers. Easy to find!
Posted by: Treece | Friday, January 23, 2015 at 10:30 AM
You have so many inks...I am so jealous :).. I love that cart from Ikea..
Posted by: Rebekka K | Friday, January 23, 2015 at 10:33 AM
I have that cart from Ikea... I love it... your ink storage is fabulous and I agree a second cart is in need...... for both of us ;P
Posted by: LesLee Stone-Rasmus | Friday, January 23, 2015 at 10:59 AM
I love your ink pad storage and that Ikea cart is gorgeous. I saw one when we were at Ikea last week and almost bought it, now I wish I had.
Posted by: Jackie | Friday, January 23, 2015 at 11:31 AM
IKEA here I come for another cart ( however, I just found one like it at Sam's for about $10 less. I use my first one for my Sizzix plates, etc and the bottom basket holds my Copic Air Brush. Love the paper towels on the side, you are a genius Cindy. Thanks for sharing. Hugs
Posted by: Gretchen Wilson | Friday, January 23, 2015 at 12:28 PM
I very much love the "cart & cup" idea. Perfect for the smaller things like the stumps, the misters, etc. Can hardly wait to be able to get one. Hopefully I won't have to wait until next Christmas.
Posted by: PARKER O | Friday, January 23, 2015 at 01:32 PM
You are SUPER organized! I LOVE that! A cart like that would be really easy to work with!
Posted by: Michele H. | Friday, January 23, 2015 at 02:21 PM
Love your organization. I have me too the ikea cart ☺
Posted by: doudou2106 | Friday, January 23, 2015 at 02:42 PM
Oh my, I just love all your ink colors and organization. Wow, I didn't know MFT had so many ink pads and types. See, always learning something. Oh, I love that Ikea cart and you are so organized. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Joan VanCourt | Friday, January 23, 2015 at 02:51 PM
I have the Raskog card too and love it. You have given me some go ideas for organizing mine better. I wish IKEA made inserts with varying designs and uses for it so that they fit perfectly. Thanks for inspiring me to give my cart a makeover.
Posted by: Michelle Simone | Friday, January 23, 2015 at 02:54 PM
I just love that cart, it holds so much, I specially like the fact your paper towels are just within reach, fabulous.
Thank you for inspiring us to get more organized and be able to enjoy our craft rooms a lot more.
I'm getting that cart ASAP!!!!!
Posted by: Maria A. Rodriguez | Friday, January 23, 2015 at 05:17 PM
You know how jealous I am right now!!! I wish I had room for those, well, in my new place anyway. But I will improvise! And how many times have I walked past that cart at Ikea, now I must have it!
Posted by: Wendy Bond | Friday, January 23, 2015 at 05:36 PM
Love how awesomely organized your space is and I love, love, love that gorgeous teal cart!
Posted by: Celeste Goff | Friday, January 23, 2015 at 06:44 PM
Cindy,
The bit about the crop-a-dile punching just the right size circles of cardstock is terrific! Thanks for sharing...
Posted by: Pam | Friday, January 23, 2015 at 07:42 PM
ooooh this prize is too good to be true! I love the aqua cart,,,,what a perfect rolling unit! Wow is my head swimming with great ideas - now I just have to get to work!
Posted by: Darci Powers | Friday, January 23, 2015 at 08:56 PM
I really love your beautiful cart and how you organized it. Your room looks amazing!!
Posted by: KIM A | Friday, January 23, 2015 at 09:05 PM
Thoroughly enjoyed looking at the photos of your crafting space and your organizing ideas! No wonder your cards are so amazing you are so very organized and talented too! Thanks a bunch.
Posted by: Nancy Leppek | Friday, January 23, 2015 at 09:09 PM
I'm in envy of how organized you are!! I have 2 of those carts. Never thought to add paper towel to the side...AWESOME tip!! Thank you.
Posted by: Brenda Lee | Friday, January 23, 2015 at 11:36 PM
I have had my eye on one of the carts for awhile now. The paper towel on the side is genius. All the organizational tips and tricks have been very helpful.
Posted by: Rebecca | Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 01:41 AM
Wow! Love all the ways you store the ink pads and re-inkers especially how the top of the re-inkers have the color...plus the cart is wonderful along with the tray of acrylic blocks...fabulous area and loved watching all week long!
Posted by: Elizabeth S. | Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 02:43 AM
Fantastic ink storage! Wonderfully organised. :-)
Posted by: Bev Karolak | Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 05:18 AM
love how the crop-a-dial punches just the right size circle for the top of the reinkers! no need to buy another punch! love, love, love your aqua cart!!!
Posted by: cynthias | Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 05:59 AM
Ha, I had to laugh when I read this, "metal tins, which keeps them all upright and in order, regardless of how quickly I whip open that drawer." I can so relate, great idea with the metal tins, now I have a reason to buy those cute little things!! I love your use for the Packet Organizer to for your clear blocks!! Cool, and so handy! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Pati L | Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 05:46 PM
Wow, love your organizing ideas. Just catching up, this is a great series!
Hugs,
Antonella :-)
Posted by: Antonella | Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 08:04 PM
Love that you added the paper towel to the side of the cart for easy access. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Yola | Sunday, January 25, 2015 at 11:40 AM
AMMMAAAAZZZZIIINNNNGGGGGG! That ink storage is so completely fabulous! WOW - I want to come over to your house and play! Thanks for sharing with us! Have a great day Cindy! XOXO
Posted by: Wanda G (stampcat) | Sunday, January 25, 2015 at 02:07 PM
Thanks for sharing the tip about the Packet Organizer. I will definitely need to get one of those. Love your organization for your inks and for your other supplies in your Raskog Kitchen Cart from IKEA. I would love to have one of those. Thanks, too, for inviting us into your crafting space this week during the MFT organization series.
Posted by: Marcia Taylor | Sunday, January 25, 2015 at 05:19 PM