Jan 8, 2014

Quilling Paper Storage


I recently built a new storage method for my quilling strips out of foam core. It's 27.5" wide x 10" long x 1.75" deep and fits in my Ikea shelf drawer. I like seeing and choosing from the whole range of colors at a glance.

I use scrap paper to "belt" the unruly waves so they stay orderly. To allow for different amounts of paper I ordered online, I varied the gaps between the 1/4" foam core divider walls. Notching a half moon out of the sides allows me to lift each layer up. Then I put elastic bands around each layer to keep them from doing any accidental back flips.


I used to throw all the leftover bits into a bin, but found myself literally looking for a needle in a haystack, only to find what I wanted after I cut a new strip. Now for the smaller scrap pieces, I enjoy using my binder method. It's compact and I can quickly see what scrap I can use up before pulling out a new strip. It takes some time to put them in, but it saves much more time when finding what I want.



If a finished shape isn't quite to my liking, I'll store it in a fish tackle box like this and use it up some other time.

OK, I know I'm not the only one out there who likes to organize. What's your favorite storage method?
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12 comments:

  1. Jan CastleJanuary 8, 2014 at 8:05 PM

    I'm in awe of your Quilling and hope to give it a try soon.
    When I cut a piece of Washi paper that I use for Iris Folding projects, I cut the entire sheet and store my strips with a mini binder clip at each end and store in a plastic Art Bin type container by color. I have limited storage space so the container is portable.

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    1. Paper ZenJanuary 9, 2014 at 10:05 AM

      Thanks Jan! Binder clips are great and I tried that with my quilling strips, but they left a small indentation on the edge so I stopped storing it that way. I try not to buy/use plastic, but it can't be beat for portability and price. I do hope you'll give quilling a try - and then you'll be looking for more storage solutions!

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  2. UnknownJanuary 9, 2014 at 8:02 AM

    It looks like you have really made an investment in your quilling: I have no such detailed organization with any of my projects, which is why I get so little accomplished. Great work, thanks for sharing your state of the art storage!

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    1. Paper ZenJanuary 9, 2014 at 10:08 AM

      Hi Linda, thanks for commenting on my storage! I simply found my bin constantly overflowing and had to come up with a solution. I probably spend as much time organizing as you do hunting!

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  3. RubyMarch 14, 2014 at 5:14 AM

    You are a very organized person! That’s a nice way of organizing quilling strips. Mine often get mixed up or lost that sometimes I end up spending much time looking for them.

    Ruby Badcoe

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    1. Paper ZenMarch 14, 2014 at 7:55 AM

      Thanks Ruby! I guess I get so frustrated digging through my box of bits which kept getting bigger that I had to find a solution. I do enjoy finding the exact strip quickly now.

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  4. agrimonyAugust 13, 2015 at 5:16 PM

    I really like your idea about the foam core. I have made several things from the foam core and don't know why I did not think to do it for this project as well. I guess because that is why we have other friends like you to show us or jogg our memory. Just to let you know what I have made from the foam core maybe to help you or others also: I made an ink pad holder which holds several ink pads, a box for my polymer clay tools and a file box to store my embossing folders in. There is so much you can do with it. So thank you again for jogging my memory. Happy Pinning!!

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    1. Paper ZenAugust 18, 2015 at 7:18 AM

      Hello agrimony, thanks so much for commenting on my quilling storage post! I'm happy I was able to trigger your memory of using foam core. It's really useful isn't? I'm really quite happy with how they all lay straight and it's easy to see what color I need to pick. Happy quilling to you!

      Cecelia

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  5. PennyfpDecember 22, 2020 at 4:04 PM

    I LOVE your storage solution!!! That may be in my future if this new quilling hobby becomes a bigger deal. I just bought my first kit last week. For now though, I'm thinking a tackle box is Per-FECT! Hubs will love it if he sees me walk in with a tackle box! Won't he be surprised! Thanks for the tips!!

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    1. Paper ZenDecember 23, 2020 at 7:29 AM

      LOL!!! Don't you love it when hubbies take an interest in what we do?
      Here's an updated video about how I store the quilling strips that I cut myself:
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj4VVeMIg3Q

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  6. Judy S.January 2, 2021 at 4:54 PM

    I'm just getting started. I want to do lettering. What size Canson Mi Teintes paper do you order. Do you order it directly from Canson or is there another source or suitable substitute?

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    1. Paper ZenJanuary 2, 2021 at 6:10 PM

      Hi Judy, welcome to quilling! I buy 8.5x11 sheets at my local art supply store in BC, Canada. There is a limited color selection on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0042SUM2M/?ref=exp_paperzen-cecelialouie_dp_vv_d
      I suggest you try looking up fine art supply stores in your city for the best selection.

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