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Sunday, April 26, 2026

Organizing Your Craft Space: Series 8




Stampin' Up! Demonstrator's Secrets for the New Stamp and Die Organizer

I am so excited to share my latest tips for organizing with the Stamp & Die Organizers that I will keep my post brief. Stampin' Up! has changed its packaging, which I described in an earlier post. (Read more here.) Adapting to the new organizers has been a source of reflection for many paper crafters. Follow along for my tips for storing stamps and dies that have been working well. 

In Series 8 on organizing your craft space, I am including one of my favorite ideas to provide additional counter area. Do you have ways to increase your workspace? Please share your tips in the comments. 

PS: I prefer to have images to guide me when placing stamps and dies on containers. If this doesn't matter to you, then I highly recommend Stamp-n-Storage products! They are quality items manufactured in Minnesota. Follow my affiliate link for additional information: 

Take care,
Linda Ann 

Some posts contain Amazon affiliate or Stamp-n-Storage associate links, where I earn a small commission from qualified purchases. It is important to me that I only recommend quality products that I use and enjoy! I am also an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. 

Tips for Storing the Stampin' Up! Stamp & Die Organiziers

Current Products

Begin with the Stamp Set:

1. Start with making a copy of the cover, select one of the following options.
  • Photo copy the cover using Basic White Cardstock. 
    • To save paper, make a copy of two stamp covers and cut in half. 
    • Mirror image the copy if you desire. 
    • There is a possibility the cover image is scaled at a smaller size. 
  • Copy and paste the online image and print.
  • Take a photo of the stamp set cover and print. 
Note: If I am only preparing one stamp set, I will make a copy of the dies at this time. 

Copy the stamp and metal die sheets.

2. Using the Paper Trimmer cut the copy so that the dimensions fit inside the Stamp & Die Organizer. An approximate size is 4.5" wide x 7.75" tall. 

3. Round the corners using a Corner Chopper punch or cut by hand. 

Cut the photo copy to size.

3.  Time to laminate! My favorite brand is Scotch Thermal Laminating Pounches, which are photo and document safe. The 3 MIL letter size fits two stamp cover sheets. 

I run the pouches through the laminator two times. 

I have had my Scotch Laminator for years; therefore, there have been updates to the product. Click here for a current product is you are interested in learning more about a laminator.

Laminate the cover.

4. Tips for selecting a laminator. 
  • Choose a laminating pouch that is photo safe.
  • Laminates 3 and 5 MIL thicknesses. 
  • Fits a minimum of 8.5" wide paper, 13" opening is recommended. 
  • Has an automatic shutoff. 
  • There is a release slide. 
  • Quick warm up time of one minute or less. 
  • Uses clear laminating pouches. 
  • A brand that eliminates wrinkles.  

Competed lamination.

5. Using an older scissor, trim the laminated paper leaving approximately one-eighth of an inch around the edges. In this image, two stamp covers were laminated at the same time. 

Trim the laminatated cover.

6. The laminated sheet is ready for your stamps. Remember, the images will be backwards unless you mirror the copies. PicMonkey and Canva are helpful resources to mirror image your photos. 

Placing the stamps on the laminated sheet. 


Let's Prepare the Dies for Storage in the Stamp & Die Organizer.

1. Keep the dies taped to the packaging cardstock and remove the wrapping materials. Save the heavier plastic to cover the dies when finished. 

There are a couple of ways to prepare the dies:
  • Make a photo copy using Basic White cardstock or choose a lighter weight photo copy paper.
  • Trace around the outer die shape onto photo copy paper.
  • Cut the package label to 5" x 6.75".  I prefer to use this method because it doesn't require the photocopy step. Note: the package image may not be to scale. 

See the photocopied die sheet on the right side.

2. Prepare the magnetic sheet for the die copy. After much searching, I found the Salex brand of Flexible Magnetic Sheets. They are 30 MIL thick and non-adhesive. I prefer to purchase the precut 5" x 7" magnetic sheets for convenience. 

The magnetic sheet needs 1/4" cut off the longer side to fit in the clear envelope. I use a Fisker Trimmer or Cutterpillar Pro Paper Trimmer since they are made for heavy duty products. A rotary cutter and self-healing mat works, too. I suggest you keep a rotary blade and older mat for cutting magnetic sheets. The magnetic sheet cuts easily with a scissors, if you prefer this method. 

Note: Cutterpillar has discontinued manufacturing its paper trimmers, and only available through second-parties. 

Trimming the magnetic sheet.

3. Using two small pieces of Tear & Tape Adhesive, tape them to the top and bottom of the die copy on the backside. Adhere the picture of the dies to the shiny side of the trimmed 5" x 6.75" magnetic sheet. (See image 1.)

4. Add the dies to the magnetic sheet. Yes, they will stick with the image paper on top, if you have 30 MIL sheets. (See image 3.)

5. Next, insert the magnetic sheet with dies inside a 5" x 7" clear envelope with tabbed flap. It took purchasing a few brands until I finally found a size that fit. Hukado Store on Amazon sells the correct size!  (See images 2 and 4.)

 Finishing adding the dies.

6. Tuck the laminated sheet with stamps into the labeled Stamp & Die Organizer. Place the labeled envelope containing the dies inside, facing the back. 

 Assembling the Stamp & Die Organizer. 

7. The final step is finding a container that holds the Stamp & Die Organizer. I am excited to share TWO containers! (Target and Michael's are not sponsors.) Both the older style containers and the new Stamp & Die Organizer envelopes fit in these two containers. 

Target: Brightroom Stackable Bins come in a frosted (white frozen and gray colors) and a clear color. They are 9" long x 6" wide x 6.5" high. Check the bathroom section of Target. I like the smaller bins because they aren't heavy and fit on narrow shelves. 


Michael's: Watch for sales when it comes to the Clear Storage Bin, 13" x 6.5", with Handles by Simply Tidy because the price varies. The item number is: 10738096. 

The Standard Cases and Stamp & Die Organizers fit in this container.  Two bins will fit side-by-side in an IKEA Kallax. 



You may be wondering what is he purpose of the colored dots. The colors represent the release of a product. This image was taken before the annual catalog was discontinued. 

Current Color Coding:
Green - Online Exclusive
Yellow - May to August Catalog
Red - August to November Catalog
Blue - December to April Catalog 
No Dot - Last Chance Product


What dividers label the stamp categories? 

The tabbed Henoyso Comic Book Dividers are available here. The width is trimmed and one corner cropped to fit into the bin. Watch for more information in the Organizational Series #9. 



Retired Products:

I prefer to keep my current and retired Stampin' Up! separated; therefore, two storage symptoms are used in the studio cottage. Years ago, I bought four mini cubes to hold retired standard containers. 

If the dies are specific to the stamp set, I store the bundle together. The Magnetic Cards from Stamp-n-Storage are sturdy and strong to hold a large assortment of smaller dies, while the bundles with less dies are stored in the same manner as the organizers. 

This past year, I switched from alphabetizing stamp cases to using categories. I am finding this system easier to use when Memory Keeping. 



My Favorite Extra Storage Tip

Looking for extra storage in your studio or craft space? Open cabinets or drawers and lay a piece of shelving across them. I purchased an eight-foot shelf from a hardware store. The extra space was beneficial when I was working on a card share. 

For the Alex drawers, I use a shelf divider from a hobby store. It's important to keep the items on the "drawer shelf" lightweight so the drawer hinges don't bend.  A Brother P-touch label maker, Cricut Joy 2, and an Epson PM 400 are a few of the items that sit on the shelves when I am in need of extra room. 



Need a last minute light studio for taking pictures? 




Click on the "Shop with Me" bag to learn more about Stampin' Rewards and Customer Appreciation Gifts.

Looking for additional information? Click on the red maple leaf for helpful links.


Click on the yellow maple leaf for a detailed disclosure. 



Thanks for shopping online!
https://linktr.ee/tranquillitycottage

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Saturday, April 4, 2026

Must-Try Springtime Organization Tips for Paper Crafting from Tranquillity Cottage Designs: Organization Series 7



Springtime Updates from Linda Ann

Are you experiencing springtime excitement, too? I worked out in my cottage studio on Monday, hoping to highlight finished tasks in my planner, only to admit it will take more than a day to get caught up!


The good news is that I have a list to follow:

  • Stamping' Up! posted the latest catalog online for demonstrators; therefore, I have been busy updating my storage. I can't wait to show you the latest stamps, dies, DSP, and the newest In-Colors that go live in May, in addtion to the Online Exclusives. 
  • Stamp-n-Storage has a week of sales. Yippee! I ordered my much needed  plastic sleeves and magnets. I love their quality wooden paper and punch holders. See Shopping links here.
  • I decided to move my hi-low desk in front of the window to create a U-shaped design. What is your favorite desk shape?
  • During the move, I destashed a few products that will be listed on eBay within a month. 
  • Did I tell you that I love to organize? I think it's the challenge of finding a place for everything, when a person has years and years of hobby supplies. Look for my latest ideas for storing supplies. I am very pleased with the outcome of my newest purchases. Today's blog post is all about 6" x 6" Designer Series Paper.
  • To read the blog posts on the Series of Organizing, click HERE. 


In my 2025 organization blog tips, I introduced ToteScan to my readers. It's a QR Code that has helped me with my quilting projects. Now, starting in March of 2026, my goal is to finish UFOs (unfinished objects).


I have a good start on Memory Making Stampin' Up! kits, and after joining Craft Some Joy's POPs and Monthly Meetups by Creative Memories, Lauren Hines. She doesn't sponsor this "shout out" - I tend to accomplish much with her techniques.


Then there's the chart for following unfinished quilting projects with The Fabric Patch in Ironwood, MI. The end of March is coming soon. YIKES! I only have a few days to complete a seasonal stitchery. I will share it with you when I finish. Have you ever joined a UFO group? It's an excellent way to complete projects you have been putting off.


I can hear USPS at my door. My Stampin' Up! order has arrived! What fun.


Take care,

Linda Ann 



Questions? Click on the navy button for additional blog information and quick resource inks.
Some posts contain Amazon affiliate or Stamp-n-Storage associate links, where I earn a small commission from qualified purchases. It is important to me that I only recommend quality products that I use and enjoy! I am also an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.


Organization: Series 7

Creative Storage Solutions for Your 6" x 6" Designer Series Paper Collection

 I prefer to keep my current and retired products separated.  My Six-inch square DSP is organized in a Stamp-n-Storage Paper Holder. Each slot holds one paper collection and a sleeve. The Paper Sleeves are purchased separately; I use the sleeves to hold scraps of DSP. 

Click on the leaf to learn more about Stamp-n-Storage Products. 
Thank you for using my affiliate link. 

 Tips on Storing Current 6" x 6" DSP

Place the Designer's Series Paper into the Stamp-n-Storage Paper Holder. I prefer to use the Paper Sleeves to hold my scraps. The sleeves fit into the slots.

Stamp-n-Storage Paper Holder

Stamp-n-Storage Paper Sleeve

Stamp-n-Storage Paper Sleeve Fits in the Paper Holder

Place the index sheet in the back of the Paper Sleeve to identify details about the DSP. 

Tips on Storing the Retired DSP

Once the DSP retires, I transfer the collection to a 
7" x 7" clear envelope with a flap. The hook and look closure keeps dust off the papers. I liked these envelopes so much that I ordered them mulitple times! 


Notice how the Paper Sleeve fits inside the clear envelope! 



This clear iDesign, 14.5" L x 8" W x 4" H, refrigerator bin works perfectly for storing the retired collection. I store the container in a space next to the paper holder, which keeps the 6" x 6" papers together. 



My Brother's Label Maker is vintage, and highly recommended for a quality product to label and identify your paper collection. Presently, I store the DSP alphabetically but I am in the process of switching to a themed organization system that coordinates with the 12"x12" papers. 
                   

Before Picture of Tranquillity Cottage Designs. 

Watch for a After Picture.


To Read More About The Art of Organizing Series:

 Interested in Memory Making Kits? See the available products from Stampin' Up!



Click on the "Shop with Me" bag to learn more about Stampin' Rewards and Customer Appreciation Gifts.

Looking for additional information? Click on the red maple leaf for helpful links.


Click on the yellow maple leaf for a detailed disclosure. 



Thanks for shopping online!
https://linktr.ee/tranquillitycottage

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