Sunday, January 3, 2010

Get organized in the new year!

I was looking around over on the Cricut message boards this morning and came across a post from a member suggesting that someone make a cut file for a folder to store the Cricut books and overlays.  Well, it just so happens that I made my own storage system back in 2008, and I thought, what better time to share that with all of you than the start of a new year!

I want to apologize for the bad pictures.  I wasn't very good at taking them back in 2008.   I've been nursing a terrible cold for 3 days, and I'm not feeling like taking new ones, so these will have to do for now, but hopefully you can get the idea.  I really do LOVE this storage system because it can grow as my cartridge collection does, and it's easily adjustable to whatever your needs are.  Since I put this all together, the Snap-Ware containers are also much easier to find. Back in 2008, I could only find them online and I paid much more for them, plus the shipping.  Now that you can find them in stores, it's a very inexpensive storage solution!

One final note: People have asked me if I keep the original boxes, and the answer is "yes."  I don't intend to ever sell them, but I LOVE those boxes with their magnetic closure.  In true packrat style, I keep thinking I'll do something crafty with them one of these days!

Cricut Organizer System files for Design Studio
Cricut Organizer System files for Gypsy

34 comments:

Sharon said...

I use this system as well. If you cut the tabs a little closer you cn fit 40 cartridges in the thinner layer. It is a great system thanks for sharing.

scootingranny said...

Thank you, Cindy! You have become one of my favorite websites.

jan farnworth said...

very nicely done. Currently my carts sit on a bookshelf behind my cricut and then when i go to a crop i put the 6 ones i think i need in my jukebox with the matching overlays etc. Since i have design studio i don;t use them quite as much. Thanks for your tips.

farmhouse-story said...

this is such a great idea! thanks for the files, cindy!

Unknown said...

A really well thought out system, Thanks Cindy

Lynette said...

What a great way to organize your stash! Thanks for sharing!

KimberlyO said...

Thanks Cindy!! :)

Anonymous said...

Thanks Cindy,
great idea, you are so creative thanks for sharing your ideas.

Unknown said...

Thanks, Cindy! You have such great, creative ideas! I can't wait to go and organize my cricut cartridges. I have been enjoying all of your fun creative projects.

Jazzy said...

Tthank you Cindy for posting this for us. I'm trying to get organized for the new year and this wil be a great help
Hope your feeling better.

Mary Jean said...

what a great idea! I've already been using the storage containers but never organized the books...this will make it much easier! thank you!

SweetSassyDiva said...

you have a lot of great ideas! TFS!

Anonymous said...

Thank you! Your blog post will be advertised on the DigiFree Blog Cutting Freebie search engine today (look for timestamp: 03 Jan [LA 03:00pm, NY 06:00pm, UK 11:00pm] - 04 Jan [OZ 10:00am]).

Crafty Carrie said...

This is great because I already have the purchased the container and have them just jumbled in there thanks for the idea of organizing them

JustJules said...

Wonderful idea. Everything together. I like it! Thanks

scrapiegirl75 said...

Thanks for sharing, I love the boxes too, and haven't been able to bring myself to not use them, but if I ever do I will have the file already!!!

Kraftychick said...

Cindy: this looks like an excellent idea! Will have to get started on this for an upcoming "Cricut" day we are having on the 16th and I need to carry everything Cricut to the scrap! TFS!!
Jackie

Scrapperdee said...

I love this...wish I could find the container in Canada (or a place that will ship to Canada).

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your talent! I still have my carts in boxes but as my collection grows, I need to find a more compact solution. This will be great!

cyimbugbitten

Anonymous said...

Love your blog! Will be back - thanks for the files!ca

forever_rose said...

Joann's has the Snap-Ware containers on sale this week (til 1/9) for 50% off. I just bought the large 3 tiered one (big enough to hold 12 x 12 paper) for $12.50.
I hope that helps everyone!

Kraftychick said...

Cindy - in your instructions you said you got 2 of the ribbon dispensers - can you explain why? Was it just for the bottom tray? Or did you make 2 of these because you have so many carts?
Thanks,
Jackie

Cindy McVey said...

Kraftychick, I got 2 because I wanted extras of the bottom parts. I was able to fit all the carts in one tray. I have 3 of the bottoms filled with books, and one of the other tops with extra accessories like needles, spatulas, etc.

Kraftychick said...

Thanks Cindy - I thought that is what you are doing! I am getting started on this today since I found on of the Ribbon Dispensers in my stash (I have stuff I don't even remember getting) - thanks again!
Jackie

Jodi H said...

What a great system. What size Snap Ware containers did you use? I'm very inspired by your blog. I hope to share some files of my own soon!

C&M Creations said...

I just recently bought some of these containers to start storing my cartridges in I can't wait to get them finished. Hopefully this will really help with space and give me more room for more goodies :).

Anonymous said...

What a great idea! They do take up so much room in the boxes, but this will save me so much room. You are an angel to share with us!
Teresa
rdrepublican@windstream.net

Judee said...

Thank you so much for the information about the flexible stylus...I think it will work great with the Gypsy.

Judee

Pam said...

This is so amazing! I came up with the same storage system back in 08 when I started to get a lot of the carts. I thought I was the only one...go figure if it's good it's sure to be out there somewhere! I bought the snap wear on line also and soon after saw it in Joanns. I use the plastic crafting mesh to make the divider pockets for the carts to fit into and then I cut out tags with mt cricut E and then put the cart number and name on them and then I attach the tag onto the carts booklets with a colored hair band. This makes it easy to get everthing back into its place even if the kids get out a bunch of carts and don't put them back right away.
allhoneycreations@yahoo.com

Scrapperdee said...

Anyone seen these containers in Canada?

♥MizSusan♥ said...

Thank you for both files and the instructions. I made dividers for my books and cartridges, but mine isn't nearly as well designed as yours - so I'm off to redo them using your cuts.
Thank you again, Susan

Roberta Guditis said...

Hi there! I was curious what cartridge you used for this - George or Plantin? Thanks :)

AndreaA said...

thank you for the cut file.
I have made the ones with the plastic canvas but I am ready for another.

Julia said...

What is the cut file and how do I get it.

About Me

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Midlothian, Virginia, United States
Lifetime crafter, beginning with sewing clothes for my troll dolls when I was 5. Stampin' Up! demonstrator since 2000. Wife of almost 30 years to my high school sweetheart and planning on 30 more! Mom to 2 great kids and one awesome new son-in-law. "Mom" to 3 furkids, Pomeranians Roxy and Lulu, and a Calico cat, Sugar aka "Miss Fattypants." Addicted to all things Disney!
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