Things Looking Up and Clear Stamp Storage

 Clear Stamp Storage

Is it too much to ask for a container for clear stamp sets (or unmounted on EZ foam) that is big enough for most sets, sturdy enough to withstand normal opening and closing, completely enclosed, and cheap enough to keep Mr, DP happy?  Let's see!

Note:  I use a sharpie marker and write the names of the sets on the sides of all of these cases. 

Option #1:  Clear CD Cases

Pros:  they are cheap -- in fact Papertrey Ink includes them as part of the cost of the set.  You can find these everywhere.  Easy to store.  

Cons:  Many stamp sets are too big for a typical CD case.  CDs are not deep, so that even if the stamps fit, if you put them on both sides of the case, they stick to each other.  CD holders have an open space on the end, letting little clear dots and what not escape onto my light carpet.  Thin and can break easily. And, if you leave too many on the floor, you can slip and slide on them, possibly breaking bones (yes, this happened to someone I know.)  My least favorite...

Option #2:  CD Clear Calendar Cases by Papertrey Ink You can find them here.  5 for $3 or $1.67 each.

I haven't used these but they are marketed as sturdier than the standard CD case, and they are completely enclosed. 

Option # 3: 6" x 4" Clear Card Boxes by Flourishes.  I posted about them here.  6 for $12.50 or $2.08 each.  (Note Flourishes holds 10% off sales, so that's when I grab these!  That brings down the price to $1.87 each.  Papertrey hasn't had a sale). 

Pros:  Sturdier case, real clasp to open and close, no empty space in back, bigger in size and depth than a CD case.  Of all the choices, these are the deepest (literally twice as deep as a CD case from PTI) so that stamps clinging on both sides do not touch in the middle and stick to one another.  These are fabulous cases, especially for the thicker unmounteds on EZ foam. 

Cons:  Not as big as the Stamp By Step cases (see below).   More Expensive than CD cases. 

Option #4: Stamp-By-Step -- Stamp Storage  You can find them here.  Price:  If you buy them in bulk (50 at a time) they are 1.05 each.  This is the sale price, but that sale price has been good for at least a month now.  Check before purchasing and check out the website for the price when purchasing 5 at a time.  I had very good service from the owner (she canceled my order when I realized that I could buy them cheaper in bulk).  And, they came right away.

Pros:  The size is great! -- 7.5" x 5.5".  In many respects these are identical to CD cases, except they are larger and are easier to open.  You can store larger sets in these.  And, although they are not deep, because they are large, you can spread out a smaller set to avoid stamps sticking to one another. 

Cons:  Because they are like CD cases, they have the open space in the back and they are kind of thin. 

My bottom line:  If Flourishes can get its cases in an additional, bigger, size, they would be the perfect case!  Until then, I'll use both the Flourishes and the Stamp-by-Step cases. 

I'm sure there are many other storage options available.  Feel free to share what you use.

****************************

Sunday -- a cold, dreary, and rainy day....yet things are looking up!  My Mom is pretty much the same, but for some reason, I'm feeling pretty perky today.  Starting at 4 am, I stamped, made sauce and lasagna, dough for chocolate chip cookies (for Andy's school), took care of my Mom, nagged my kid, enjoyed a gingerbread latte with Mike, did loads of laundry, blogged, etc.  I'm a one woman whirl wind/happy camper and so appreciative of my life and my blogger friends!  Thanks for lifting me up!

Oh, and the Giants beat the Redskins!!!  11 - 1 so far.  Go Big Blue!

Comments

[marciad]

Of course your mom is happy today--Giants did it again. Question: did you make the gingerbread latte? If so, please share the how to.

[Deb Singleton]

Joan, I just want you to know how much I admire you and what you are doing for your mom. Your posts bring me to tears sometimes (my mom has Alzheimers so I'm dealing with a healthy body and no memories, etc.). I said a prayer for you today.

[Renée K]

Joan -

Thank you for the review of cases. I've gotten some of the Stamp by Step ones - specifically for lareger sets - and was considering Flourishes' cases also. Now I may have to get some from "F" as well - love that they are deeper and stamps won't "kiss!"

Have a great week!

R.

[SueB]

Glad to hear you so perky.

[denise:)]

Very impressive- I can see you spent hours researching and here you are sharing your professional opinion with all of us... THANK YOU JOAN! LOL- i love those 4x6 hinged card cases by Flourishes... some definite possibilities there...

[Tracy]

My stamp storage is ToTallY different (kinda like me! - hehehe)
I use the Clip It Up and keep the stamps in the original packages -

If they get worn I replace the plastic with ziplock bags. I have two layers and love twirling it to find what I need.

http://www.clipitup.com/

and NO I do not work for the company and yes it is expensive but if you use an Archiver coupon it is OK AND DO NOT buy the extra clips - I havent even used all the clips that come with it yet!

[diane mcveyd]

Thanks ever so much for the great information. That is truly helpful! I did see where a gal got an Iris Card Keeper box, used the dividers to write stamp company names on, and put her unmounted stamps onto a piece of laminated card stock cut to fit the box. It was really neat, but I don't know if the laminate might harm the stamps??? It was a great idea, and some of the online stores have the Iris boxes (she got hers at an office supply store). Surely someone will eventually make THE PERFECT way to store the stamps! In fact, I believe Gina K. is about to introduce a new system...or did I dream that?? I use my SU empty cases for a lot of mine!! they work beautifully! :D
So sorry about your Mom being ill on Thanksgiving...I know it's VERY hard to keep your spirits up...but you are doing well! You really are, pity parties and all. We wouldn't be human if we were just happy ALL the time!!
Take care, and have a good week...

[debb]

Thank you for the in depth info! I need to figure out a good storage system and this really helps! Smiles for you and your family! debb

[Juanita D]

Keep your chin up! Remember this saying "When the going gets tough, the TOUGH get going!!!" You enjoy each good day you have and don't feel guilty for them.
(Remember I speak from experience)
You still inspire me, with all you can get accomplished in one day!

[Joyce]

Thank you for sharing your stamp storage research, Joan! I was looking for a new source for the large DVD cases. A Super Size! I needed several for XL clear/unmounted stamp sets and to protect some XXL Nestabilities. I placed an order (including a 5-pack) with Stamp-By-Step late last night, and she shipped it early this morning.

I have a stack of Flourishes cases. They are great, just not quite big enough sometimes.

I also enjoyed (grin) the forum discussion on how to use Liquid Pearls. After checking out several of Laurie's tutorial(s),I added her blog to my list...

Please take very good care of yourself, Dear Paperlicious. You matter to many of us.

[Elizabeth Ecsy]

thanks Joan. I have been researching solutions for awhile now. I purchased gads of regular CD cases on Ebay.. and they seem to work for most of my unmounted (or soon to be unmounted) Stampin' Up sets (I have been putting them onto cling vinyl if the foam is still sticky after I microwave it).. but those alphas take 2 CD cases.. so these bigger ones are perfect! thanks for sharing.

thinking about you and your mom! Liz