Organize Your Embossing Folders

A detailed embossing folder system. Check out http://catricks-creations.blogspot.com/2010/06/cuttlebug-embossing-folder-storage.html

Much like other tools that you have, how you store your embossing folders revolves around how many folders you have and what space you have available for them. You might also want to think ahead to consider how many more you want to add. There are a few ways to get your embossing folders organized that will cost you little or no money. So, getting this organization project done, should not break your budget!

There are as many different ways to do this as there are variations of the same recipe. We are offering some suggestions and ideas with the hopes that you will find the solution that is right for you. 

The first thing to consider is where will you store your embossing folders? The ideal answer would be to keep them as close to your embossing machine as possible. But in your craft space that might not always be possible. So, decide where your collection of embossing folders will be stored. 

There are quite a few options when it comes to sorting your embossing folders. You can easily categorize your folders that you can find what you need easily and quickly.

Other folks like to create an inventory of their collection on their phones or computers.

Most really good systems have two parts. The first part is the storage of the folders themselves. each of the folders should have the name of the folder and a number for each one.

The second part is a catalog of samples of the folder design. There are lots of different ways to do this. Again, with whatever catalog or inventory that you create, the name and number of the embossing folder is marked. 

Ideas For Your System

There are several different ways to organize your embossing folders. Taking this one step will give you lots of extra time in your craft space. You won't be looking through dozens of folders for the right one for your project.

You can sort them in several different ways to store them. Here are a few ideas.

Theme

There are quite a few themes that you can choose from to make to save time and see your options.

• Birthday
• Holidays
• Backgrounds
• Florals
• 3 D Folders
• Backgrounds

By Size

While manufacturers may vary in size, there are some standards to the size of embossing folders. For the most part, these are the most common sizes for them. Storing them by size might be the right system for you. Most 3 D embossing folders are the 6" by 6" folders. The most common sizes are:

• 4” x 6”
• 5.5” x 4.5”
• 5” x 7”
• 6” x 6”

There are also border embossing folders that come in sizes of 2 1/2" by 12" These might be used to create borders for scrapbook pages. I like to store these types of embossing folders in a separate container. 

Storing them by size makes sense. You will be able to find the right sized folder for your embossing project.

In Alphabetical Order

Just place the embossing folders in alphabetical order by name. Make sure to write the name of the folder with a permanent pen. So easy! Then create a catalog of your embossing folder with a number and the name.

Gather Your Embossing Folders

 You can store your embossing folders by theme, size or manufacturer. It is basically up to you. There are no set rules about storing them.

Just gather them all together and look at what you have.

While you are gathering your folders, it is a great time to consider doing sample inventory tags. These are great to keep by your workspace, so that while you are designing your cards, you have a flip through system to show what embossing folders you have and where they are.

You can also take these with you if you are shopping or use them for shopping online to make sure that you don't purchase the same folder or something similar (I have a couple myself) This is a great use for some scrap paper you may have laying around.

Create A Sample For Each Of Your Embossing Folders

This is a time-consuming step, especially if you have a lot of embossing folders, but it is huge in helping you save time. Being able to see the design of the embossing folder as you plan your project will help you make your selection faster. All you have to do is emboss and cut a piece of paper. You can store it inside the folder for easy reference. 

Another option is to create a sample of each embossing folder that you have and give each folder a number. Place a number sticker to correspond for each of your folders to correspond to the design. 

Create A Embossing Folder Inventory

Supplies

• Card stock in either white or color 90-110 lb weight
• Corner round punch (optional)
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Hole punch
• Eyelets
• Eyelet tools
• Label maker or permanent marker

1. Cut a rectangle of sturdy card stock for each embossing folder that you have. Should measure 2.5' wide and 3.5 inches long You can use white paper or colored paper. you can cut these on your electronic cutting machine to save time.
2. Round the corners if you would like with a round puncher or leave them squared off.
3. Punch a hole in the corner of each card.
4. Add an eyelet if you want to make the hole last longer (You could also add hole protector stickers
5. Emboss a paper for each folder that you have.
6. Label or write with a permanent marker the name of the folder on both the folder and the sample.
7. Thread them onto a metal ring

Another Embossing Folder Inventory Idea

Here is another embossing folder inventory idea. I really like this one because you can use a lot of scrap paper that you might have laying around.

Supplies

• Cardstock in either all white of colors
• Sharpie or another permanent marker
• Clear tape
• Die cut machine.
• Tag die cut or tags cut from an automatic cutting machine.
• Binder rings

1. Count the number of embossing folders that you have.
2. Arrange them in the order they will be stored.
3. Write the name of the folder on each folder with a permanent marker.
4. Place a number on each folder.
5. Cut one tag for each embossing folder. 
6. Following the order that you arranged the folders, emboss each tag and give it the corresponding number.
7. Punch a hole at the top of each tag.
8. Place the tags in order on the binder rings.
9. Place the embossing folders in the container you have chosen to store them in. 

Embossing Folder System Options

Iris Box System

If you want a simple system, that does not require a lot of work, then this is the system for you. 

Supplies

• A clear Iris plastic container 
• A permanent Sharpie marker
• A label maker

1. Separate your folders into different sizes that match.
2. The Iris box has dividers that come with it. Place the first divider in the first slot in the box.
3. Place another divider into the third slot notches.
4. Place any border frames that you might have in the first section upright (they should be 5" to fit.
5. The next group in should be your 5" by 7" folders.
6. With the Sharpie, write the name of the pattern on the outside of the embossing folder. They will fit in horizontally, so write them so you can see them as you flip through the box.
7. Next would be the larger A2 sized folders. You will place these vertically and need to mark them at the top.
8. Place all the folders in their slots.

Using this system. you should fit 80-90 folders in a box.

Bin System

The simplest bin system is either a box a bin or a basket. It is an open bin. All you do is create labels or mark the name of the embossing folder on the outside where you can see it. Then arrange the folders any way that pleases you. The container must be as large as your largest folder. Or store your larger folders in their own container.

Binder Storage For Embossing Folders

There are a few systems built to take all the fuss out of storing all your embossing folders. 

The Darice system comes with a binder, but it can only hold the standard 5 by 7-inch folders. Comes with 49 storage pockets at about $20. Not really good if you have other sizes to deal with.

Totally Tiffany has a larger binder system (binder is 12 by 12 inches) that has an interesting page that can be added. It is called a Flippin Storage Page. It will hold 12 embossing folders 6 4 by 6 inches and 6 5 by 7 inches on each page. Each section folds over so you can see and access each folder.

There is another binder system by Recollections, but it is limited to smaller folders.

They also carry a three-inch binder with the same kind of pages on a smaller scale available.

If you are using a binder system, it is smart to create a sample to put in front of the folder in the pocket, so you can see what it will look like

You can, however, create your own binder system.

Clip It System

If you have wall and/or closet space, then the clip it system may be right for you.  Using simple clips, you can hang as many folders as you have in your collection. You use a wall mount wherever you have space. Easy to do!

• There are different ways to create an embossing folder inventory. You could use a rolodex system to make samples of your folders. Then just name and number them. 

• DIY Embossing Folder File System