I am always excited when I find a storage solution that works for me. I have to have things very easy or I don’t keep up on the system. They make embossing folder binders. I tried that. It was too much effort for me to flip through the binders to find the folder I wanted, (I needed three binders for all of my folders) and even more effort for me to place the folders back into the pockets in the binder. Some people love the binders! I am too lazy for them. This clear Iris box system was a winner for me. And since embossing folders are all the same standard size, this system can work for you too – follow along as I show you how to organize embossing folders!
This is my way of how to organize embossing folders and how I set up my Iris Card Keeper. Here is what you will need to organize yours too!
How to organize embossing folders supplies:
- Iris Card Keeper.
- Sharpie Permanent Marker.
- DYMO Label Maker.
- Gather your Embossing Folders.
First you will want to separate your embossing folders. I had four sizes. Well, technically the first item isn’t an embossing folder, it was my Easy Frames, Embossing Frames. I still wanted to store these with my folders. They fit into the box too- in the same slot as my 5″ border folders.
The Iris Card Keeper comes with six plastic dividers. The box itself has pre-made slots for the dividers to slide into. For this how to organize embossing folders post, we will be using two of the plastic dividers.
Slide one divider into the first set of box slots, and another divider into the third set of box slots.
The first divided area is for the 5″ border folders, and the Easy Frames. The box dips down slightly on both sides in front, it was a perfect place for my border folders to stand upright inside the box.
Seriously, it was like this Card Keeper was specially made for ME!
The next size I organized was my larger sized (5×7″) embossing folders. I used a Sharpie marker to identify all of the patterns on my embossing folders, so I could easily flip through them, and not have to pull them up out of the box to see what the pattern was. The larger folders are going to be lying in the box horizontally, so mark them on the side.
Mark your folders any way that makes sense to you. These larger sized folders will find their home in the second divided area of the box.
Next up was my large stash of A2 sized embossing folders. These will be placed into the box vertically, and need to be marked that way.
These fit perfectly into the largest divided area of the box. You can fit 80-90 embossing folders into this divided area. EIGHTY TO NINETY. I currently have 55. I have a lot of room to fill in this box! I guess I will have to buy more folders…
The last thing I did to organize this box was label it.
I used a simple DYMO label strip.
The Iris Card Keeper was created to organize greeting cards. I was just thrilled to have it work so perfectly for my out-of-control embossing folders!
I hope this how to organize embossing folders post helps you too!
I am planning on getting another Iris Card Keeper to organize my cards- like its intended purpose. I am sure it would work for a lot of other crafty organization as well!
What would you use one for?
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Scrapbook Retreat
Shaunte is a 30-something, chocolate-loving, SAHM from Utah. She has been scrapbooking since 1997, the dreaded era of photos cropped with deco scissors. Since then, her work has evolved into a clean, linear, photo-focused style. Her favorite subjects to scrap are her husband and five kids (never a lack for subject material there).
Thank you! What an easy and useful suggestion! My eyesight has been dimming and it has been harder to tell the design on my embossing folders without really looking taking out each one and examining it. Therefore, I have not been using my embossing folders because it was always such a pain to find the one I wanted.
My black sharpie marker and I have a date with a cup of coffee and a good lamp. After they are marked, I’m sure it will be a joy to use them again!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I was trying to come up with a new solution for my embossing folders. This makes it so easy. Thank you again.
Thanks for the tip. I have had the box awhile and use it for cards I have made, but I like hour idea better. I have been organizing stamps and need to move my embossing folder to a more permanent user friendly box.
Any tips on organizing dies?
Hi Rita, check out this post on using a binder to organize your dies: http://blog.consumercrafts.com/paper-crafts/die-cut-organizer/
This is an old post, I see, and I just came onto it. Love the idea. Got the card keeper yesterday. Tomorrow. . . .
Need ideas on storing stamping magazines &included stamps, folders, etc. Right now, they are in two different areas! Lack of space is a huge problem. Thanks! Jan
Wow! Terrific idea! I am in the process of organizing my craft stash. I have this box
Sitting empty. Now I know why I bought it.
May I please say that this is a BRILLIANT idea!!! I have two of those boxes for home made cards, never thought to “think outside the box” and use it for something else. Thank you so much…I can’t wait to get organized.
Fabulous idea! Thanks for sharing.
I do something similar, but took it a step further. I labeled each folder with its description as well as a number such as N1 for nature one. Then I made a little 2 by 3 sample of each folder, labeled with name and number. I hole punched each sample and put them on a ring. That way I can go to the samples, find the one I want to use, and locate it in my box. I used the dividers to separate each type (nature, all over design, words, etc).
Sat 7 20 19…..Chandra…..THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your great suggestion. I thought I was the only one that did double duty with my inventory codes. I put my sample in a binder, at least for now…but will be changing to your “ring” system. I also inventory each folder with a code….It’s so much easier. Thanks again Chandra.
Thank you!
I have lots of card backgrounds waiting to be made into cards, as well as cards I’m keeping as reminders or to give, plus card blanks I cut. I’d love to see how you store your cards in this box.
Thanks so much . . . great method . . . I don’t have this kind of boxes but will give it a try with a nice shoe box.
Thanks for the sharpie idea !!! Cannot wait to do this !!!
Next to my art chair for easy viewing/ access in a 2 drawer filing cabinet top drawer: I keep embossing folders AND Die Cuts by theme, organized in $1 store bins. Bins are placed sideways for easy viewing/ access/ flipping thru. Bottim drawer: (labeled) regular hanging file folders. In front: my basic cardstocks (white, ivory, kahki, and black w/ matching envelopes. (No, l don’t have black envelopes, but could make w/my cricut). In back of drawer: labeled, pre made embossed card fronts. My cuttlebug sits on top of the cabinet, also for easy reach. It’s a great work station too! I just put the cuttlebug plates in the back of the top drawer.
Shaunte,
You unlocked my confusion…HIP-HIP-HOORAY! I would never had organized the way you did, I have the IRIS boxes but can now see how to organize into one. Thanks for showing me the light!!!
What size Iris storage box did you use? I checked online & they come in different sizes.
This one: https://www.consumercrafts.com/Store/Details/catalog/storage-home-organizers-and-storage-files/iskp-crd
Redoing my craft room and plan to use this for my folders. Thank-you.
I’m a flipper, too! though currently mine are all stored in a photo box. I made envelope pockets for them but I’m thinking now this might only be taking up space I might need for MORE embossing folders. hehe I think I’ll keep my photo box as I don’t have a lot of folders but labeling them with the sharpie does make sense. Creative Blessings!
I’ve been using the cloth “boxes”, and have labeled on each box what subject(s) are in the box. Even my 6 X 6 fit along side. Embossing folders are the best for just that little something extra to a card. Thank you for the great idea of one box and not several…may have to re-think my style.
great tips. i’m going to have to check out this storage box.
Hi there Shaunte and Everyone what an Amazing idea so so clever.
tks for the suggestion. I use 2 of these boxes for my birthday cards for the year. 1 is January thru June and the other is for July thru December
How do I sign up to make sure I get all your posts. I can’t find anywhere to sign up here.
There is a email signup form on the right hand side!
I love this idea. Right now I have some in a binder and some in a wood box from a scrapbooking organization place but is full. I am going to do this later. Right now mine are numbered & my son embossed a sheet with each one & it is numbered to match. Then they are on rings. I thing I might separate them by size & put each size with that section so I can just pull it out when I need one. I think it should work.
What have you done with they tiny rectangle folders. Right now mine are in a skinny basket.
Thanks for such a great idea.
This is an awesome idea! I was looking for a better way to store my embossing folders. I have everything you included in the picture and I can’t wait to start organizing. I have the same dymo as you as well. đ Thank you for sharing and I will post your idea on my Pinterest page. I have to share this with my embossing endowed friends too. LOL
Thank you fir sharing this,cool idea.
Can we get this storage in England .
Thank you so much for this idea. I just received my Iris container today! I can’t wait to organize all my embossing folders!
Where can I get a card box like that?
Deb, you can purchase the card keeper here: https://www.consumercrafts.com/store/details/catalog/storage-scrapbooking-and-paper-organization/iskp-crd
All supplies are linked in the supply list at the beginning of each project post.
Shaunte……….I love you! This is a great idea! I know what today’s project is!
This would work for dies as well. I already purchase bags for them and can easily Sharpie on the flap. Sorted by type.
This is brilliant! I can’t wait to get an IRIS card sorter so I can organize my embossing folders in the same way. Thanks for sharing this amazing tip.
Just finished using this method this week. I also typed up a list of folder names, sorted in alphabetical order and reduced the size so I have a small set of papers to carry with me. I discovered 4 duplicates while sorting. Thanks so much for the tip!
Love this great idea. I also tried the binder and if you could a embossing folder that was not a standard size you out of luck. As soon as I get off work today, I am heading to the nearest craft store to pick one up. Thanks again for the fabulous organizing tip.
This is brilliant! I was already storing my embossing folders in one of these Iris card keepers, but not this efficiently. It’s so terrific how everybody problem-solves differently. Thanks for sharing this tip.
What a wonderful tip. Thanks for sharing. .. (*_*)
Fabulous. I have one of these boxes just sitting around. Found this on pinterest.
I did mine the same as yours, now I need more folders! Sounds ;like a trip to Michael’s is in order, thanks
Shaunte!
Thanks for the wonderful tip. I am always flipping through my folders to find the right one. I will be using this storage tip.
Just found this post on Pinterest. I had one of the Iris boxes and rearranged my cards so I had an empty one. I hand the binder but my folders got stuck all the time so I never used my folders. I love this organization set up so much better. Thanks for sharing.
I have organized and re-organized my embossing folders so many times as I have not been happy. I think I am going to have to get one of these boxes and try this way. It makes sense and takes up a lot less room than other things I have tried.
Wow! I thought I was writing your thoughts myself. Sounded just like me. I also have three binders and hesitated using my embossing folders because they were so cumbersome. I am currently organizing my folders in a shoe box in a drawer in my craft room. If the Iris Organizer fits my drawer, I plan to get one. Thanks for the tip!
Absolutely life changing! So love this clever idea. I have one of the card holders, and I can’t wait to go to the studio and use this idea. Thanks so much for sharing. I’ve shared this on Pinterest, too.
Thanks for the tip and the brand name. I think I will use your idea!
I would like a better way to store my unmounted stamps.
I love your idea for storing embossing folders and have purchased the card box I’m finding it difficult to keep the dividers in place. Do you have this problem? If so how did you remedy it?
I’m having the same problem. If I don’t plan on moving the dividers I’m thinking of putting a line of super glue along the bottom of the divider. That should hold it in place and make it permanent. At least it’s an idea that might work. Hope this helps!
I used printed duct tape to keep the dividers in place, one piece on each side of the dividers. It seems to be working. Hope this helps!
Thank you so much for your organized Embossing folders!! As mine grew, I knew I was in big trouble. Nothing was keeping them organized for me that I tried. I now have them in a pocket hanger..looks like a mini shoe organizer..LOL OUT GREW IT!!! I was ready to go to the binder but not excited…So far no card frames. Seeing these could put me down another avenue đ
For now I will organize these in what I have until I get the newest arrival. I can almost hear my containers applauding. Thank you again. Keep on Crafting…
Blessings, Kat
Love this idea!!! I’m going to get started on this right away!! I was wondering…have you set up the card box for actually holding your cards yet? If so, how well does it work for you. I have heard mixed reviews and would really love to know your opinion. Thanks!
I have them sorted by brand first such as Anna Griffin or Darcie and then by theme. It works great for me. I like the Iris storage box for my folders , but my Anna Griffin folders have borders too. How do you keep them with the main folders in the same box?
I’ve been using this method for a long wile and I have two boxes filled with a 3rd one waiting.
Oh I did need to read this!!! Filling the third box…I am quite new so I see what my future is.
Blessings, Kat
Brilliant use of the card organizer. It is way to small to be any use as a card storage container. I am going to put this to use this week! Thank you thank you for thinking “out of the box”.
If I use the labelmazer to put the names right on the embossing folder will it interfere with the actual embossing when I use the folder?
I have all my folders labeled with a labelmaker & it causes no proplem.
H.T.H. đ
Hi,
I looooove this idea but I live in Australia and wonder if I can buy them from you. But would the freight cost be more than the item?
Found the box at The Container Store today. Just under $14. Anticipating this will be a solution for my large collection of embossing folders.
What local stores carry these? I love this idea and want to get started! Would I find them at Michaels or Joann fabrics?
Thanks
Hi Cara, since we are an online retailer, we have no idea what local stores would carry the Iris Card Keepers. You can, however, purchase them here: http://www.consumercrafts.com/store/details/catalog/storage-scrapbooking-and-paper-organization/iskp-crd
Thanks!
I bought mine at Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Store.
Yes…l know Michaels has them. Bought mine when they were having 50% off storage.
Yes Cara that’s where I bought mine.
GREAT IDEA I have all my labeled and my card box will be here tomorrow. Best way I have seen to do this. Thanks so much
Great idea. I’m a travel scrapbooker and a lot of the time I leave my Cuttle Bug and folders @ home.I hope the plates fit in this box. Thanks for the closeup pic’s.
Thank You Thank You Thank You – I have the cases and can never find the ones I want – my 40% off coupon will be put to good use this week! đ
I’m not kidding, I JUST told my daughter yesterday that I need to organize my folders and my 6″x6″ pads…going to use this idea đ
What a great idea! I have found that like you I am too lazy to look through a binder. I tried the just rite boxes but they filled up too fast. I’m definitely going to try this.
Hugs
Just another tip, as I did this several years ago. Put a piece of clear tape over the Sharpie writing or it will wear off.
Oh, I wish I saw this before I ordered an emboss folder organizer in December. Ah, lesson learned to think about a box instead.
Smart cookie, love the idea. Will be using it. My scrap room is a total mess. I need to get organized and just can’t make myself do it. It’s little idea’s like this that get me inspired. Thank you.
When I saw that you wrote on the folder what it was, my hand immediately smacked my forehead! OF COURSE! Why didn’t I think of that?! Thank you for the great tips! I’m definitely going to look into that case!
great idea! Just bought 2 of these for photos but I think I will use one for embossing folders. Thanks!
You’re a genius! Love this idea!
I am also using the card keeper for my embossing folders, after trying various methods including binders made to store the folders.
The method I am using is:
I numbered each folder and punched out a label which was embossed & then numbered with the corresponding number. The embossed labels were placed on large rings in numeric order and hung above my desk. When I want a folder I go through the samples get the number and easily locate the folder I want. Becasuse I have a large collection of folders, it became tedious to locate the one I wanted; this method seems to work well for me. Not entirely my idea, I got different ideas from Pinterest. I too tried the binders made for storing folders but I needed too many, I kept to store only my seasonal folders.
I love the number and label idea. I have mine in an Artbin box, too. Having the samples so close by would be handy. Thanks for sharing
I have mine in an Artbin box (the narrow one) but it doesn’t seem to work as well as this does Going to have to get one of these boxes. Thanks!
Thanks for the great tip! I happen to have several of those Iris boxes and will use one for my ever growing assortment of folders. I also use one of those same boxes to organize my magnetic sheets for my thin metal dies instead if the Artbin box. I found that it was easier to handle the sheets in the Iris box…the only thing I did different was glue the dividers to the bottom so they wouldn’t move from the weight of the sheets against them…works perfectly!
I love this idea! I can’t wait to try it!
Great idea. I returned my card holder because when the dividers were in there wasn’t room for more than 1 card.
great idea. I have some 5×7 that are leaning in my current system. I have tried many containers and my favorite is from IKEA. The are clear and the lid is removed You can get 3 sizes do it workeds for the small borders and the for the tea bag size I used a tea bag acrylic container from the Cobtainwr store. Pricey but well worth it because it has 6 divided areas and that help organize. I too have several hundred thanks to consumercrafts.com charging $2 or under! Guess what I got for Christmas! I use to organize by pattern background, birthday, flower…. I am f trying a number system and have them now in order and listed on my computer by category! Still testing this organization. Some things will be double listed ex: heart background could be under background patterns, romance, birthday, friend… What ever works for you. I thank you for you idea. I like removable lids! I use to take mine and share with a church ladies group. This made it easy to travel. They also stack nicely.
I love this-Mine are half organized, but I have an overflow of newer folders and 5×7 folders that won’t fit in the box I am currently using. However, I also have the 12 inch plates, as well as a few of the long folders – I was hoping they would fit on the long side of the box but it doesn’t look like it. I will try to find a similar solution that will work though!
Aora, You might try using ArtBin Super Satchel Double Deep with removable dividers. Item 6990AB. You can get them at Joann’s or from http://www.artbin.com . I use them to store my 12×12 card stock also my embossing folders and plates. They are 12 x12 and 6 inches deep and they have a handle for carrying them.
https://www.artbin.com/super-satchel-double-deep-with-removable-dividers-6990ab.aspx
I have some 12″ embossing borders as well. I also have some 12″ border dies. I keep them in a Sterlite 6.2 quart container that I picked up at Walmart. I don’t use those nearly as often, so it works for me to have them separate. Hope that helps! (http://www.walmart.com/ip/20699700?www=true&productRedirect=true)
What an awesome idea!! I have 2 of the folders full, but they are so inconvenient! The embossing folders stick to the pockets and are hard to remove. I had purchased 2 of these Iris Card Keepers for my cards, so went out today and bought 2 more (50% off!) and am now going to use your idea. Thanks for giving us a better way to store our folders!
I’ve been racking my brain trying to find a way to organize my folders. This is great and that’s how I’m going to do it. Thanks!
I’m glad you like it! I hope you will LOVE it when it is finished!
Luv this idea – I just purchased one of these, and I sooo need to organize my embossing folders! Gonna do this tomorrow, THANKS!
Well Shaunte seems your idea has caught on too well! Iris Card Storage Boxes appear to be all sold out đ Back to the drawing board for me. Maybe mine will stay in that box file a little longer! Happy New Year x
Hi Lin, the Iris card keeper is back in stock. You can get it here: http://www.consumercrafts.com/store/details/catalog/storage-scrapbooking-and-paper-organization/iskp-crd
Hey, I have one of those! Hmm….might have to give this a try. Hope all fits – kind of scarey how much I have of those – LOL! Thanks! Happy New Year btw! Hope you are doing well xo
Thanks, Margie! Maybe I will see you at CHA?!!
FAbulous idea!
I love this idea! I am currently starting my collection (which is growing faster than it should – LOL), and I am using binders. I agree that it is not the easiest to use. I will be buying a box like yours. It was so helpful to see your system. Thanks for the info and photos to see it in action!
Good luck, Susan! It makes crafting more enjoyable when everything has a designated place. đ
This idea is wonderful. I have two of these keepers now and the contents can be easily relocated! I was wondering if you would give me your opinion. After reading this I went and counted and have about 200 folders. Do you think this system would work as well for so many? I also have quite a few of the undersized folders too. Because I would probably have to use two of three of the Iris card boxes, do you think it would be wise to sort them by season also, and then alphabetize the individual “sharpie” names at the top? For example, Halloween, Christmas, Fall, Thanksgiving, etc. That would group folders that probably wouldn’t be used for anything else together. Thanks!
I’m looking forward to using this system for my folders. I use 2 boxes for birthday cards. One from January to June and one from July to December. On the separaters, I put an index card with all the birthdays for the month and date,