Something new.....Creative Chit Chat with MFT!

MFT has come up with a new monthly feature and we think it's something you'll really enjoy. The My Favorite Things Design Team Creative Chat is a new monthly feature, where we are challenged to explore our creative spaces and share valuable organizational methods, tools, and shopping strategies with you. You'll be able to peek into our creative spaces, ask questions, and share your own ideas in the MFT forum.  This month, we were asked the following questions:  

How do you store and organize your Die-namics?  

Any fun or helpful Die-namics purchasing strategies you'd like to share?  

How do you store extra Die-namics die-cuts? 

I have to admit....I had mixed feelings about this segment. I've never considered myself a very orgnaized kind of person, at least in my craft space. I mean everything has it's place, but my craft room is FAR from clean and tidy. BUT I am always curious about my fellow crafters and their spaces, I LOVE to see where you create. So I thought about it.....hmmmmm, maybe some of you out there would enjoy a peek into my space and can learn something from me and how I organize ( and I use that term loosely, LOL!).

My craft room is also our spare bedroom.  Seriously, the only time it really gets cleaned is when someone comes to visit (usually my parents!).  There was a bit of discussion amongst the MFT DT about cleaning up our spaces to show off our die-namic storage this month.  I dedcided to share a picture of how my room looks most days.  If I'm going to share with you, you might as well see it all....the good, the bad and the ugly. hahaha! Remember.....it works for me!

 So here is how my die-namics are laid out almost all the time.  Right on the bed, open and exposed so I can see them all. Makes it really easy to see what I need at a glance.

Now some more details about how I store my die-namics. I found these great magnetic folders by QuicKutz.  I buy them one at a time with a 40% off coupon from Hobby Lobby.  I HATE spending money on organizational things....I'd rather spend my dollars on crafty items! So I ALWAYS use a coupon when I can. Otherwise I just wait until it's on sale.

I love that I can keep all the dies together and I can close up my folder and take it with me if I need to. This works great for me when I travel to a crop or class I'm teaching.

As my die-namic collection grew (and is still GROWING!!!) I decided to pull out the larger dies (doilies) and lables.  I keep those together in one of the packaging baggies die-namics come in. 

When I do have to clean up my crafty space and clear off the bed so my parents have a place to sleep, I do have a canvas bin (got on sale at Target. I store my MFT stamps in a matching larger bin right next to my desk) that I store the folders in. This sits a desk, right next to my Big Shot.

Here's a full on picture of my die-cutting station.

Do I store my extra die-cut pieces??? I had good intentions and started to put the extras in a baggie, but honestly, I never rarely reach for that baggie. So truthfully, most of the time I just toss my extras. Why waste the time storing the extras when I don't use them?  I like to cut fresh, rather than dig through a bag only to find I don't have what I need.

A couple quick tips about my die-namics.

1. I always purchase a matching die if there is a stamp set to match. I love that MFT makes that internal debate easy...and sells them together. I would much rather crank an image through my big shot than cut it out!
2. I try to keep the teeny tiny die-namics hooked together when at all possible or as long as possible. If I seperate the small pieces I'm afraid I'll loose them. I strategically position them on my paper to cut only what I want, therefore not wasting cardstock.
   

   
3. I store similar dies together....you'll see my borders are all lined up in the same folder. The clouds/nature items are stored together, flowers, and branches are near each other, flourishes are together...and so on, and so on.
   

   
4. LABLE your die-namics! I use a copic marker (wait for the ink to dry before storing them) or sharpie to write the name of each die-namic on the back. 

5. I also like to store my die cutting materials (felt, cork, chipboard, ect.) right next to my big shot.  Again....I like it all to be within easy reach and visible.  If I shove it in a drawer, I'll forget I have it. Here you'll see I keep my felt in a plastic baggie. Hmmmmm, maybe I need another cute canvas bin.
   

   

I really hope you enjoyed today's post.  While I had some reservations about what to share and say here today, I'm so glad I did it.  Take what you want from how I store my die-namics.  It works for me!  I can't wait to see what the rest of the team does.  I know I'll pick up a tip or two.... I always do!

Visit Kim's Blog for a full list of designers that have taken up the challenge and get ready to delve into the minds of our creative team!