I have started 2016 with a variety of storage and organizational projects and I am so happy with the results. Next I am tackling my stamp and die storage, which I have kept in their original packaging and thereforeĀ looks unorganized because of the differences in package sizes and types.
I decided to adoptĀ the method of using plastic storage pockets with liner white card stock and labeling that many folks use, but I was daunted by the cost of these storage pockets (yes, I have that many stamps and dies — LOL). Ā So I did a side by side comparison of the Ellen Hutson, Avery Elle, Simon Says Stamp, and a couple of DVD storage pocket vendors on eBay and Amazon.
I love the feel of the Ellen Hutson storage pockets (their stamp sets come in the same storage pockets). They are thick and feel like they would be super strong. However, the couple that I have have split along the seam at the sides and bottom! I may have defective pockets, but I wasn’t going to risk buying more for my new system with these as samples.
The Avery Elle and Simon Says Stamp storage pockets are great. I believe they are both 100 microns thick and they are made for stamp and die storage. The Avery Elle storage pockets are about $8.99 for a package of 25 ($0.36/each + shipping), and the Simon Says Stamp storage sleeves are $11.99 for a package of 50 ($0.24/each + shipping).
But I did not want to spend this much for storage (I’d rather spend it on fun crafty goodies). So I went on the hunt for equivalent storage solutions on eBay and Amazon. I found lots of vendors who sold DVD plastic storage sleeves that looked the same as the Avery Elle and Simon Says Stamp pockets, but most were only 80 micons in thickness. I ordered one bundle, but they were not as good quality and easily split along the seams (looks like I have a lot of plastic for making shaker cards–hahaha). Then after a lot of back and forth with a whole bunch of online vendors, I found Mediaxpro, whoĀ sold these: 200 CPP Clear Plastic Sleeves with Flap
This is a video share of my review (and the details on the small giveaway):
Disclaimer: I purchased all of these materials with my own money, and this is in no way a sponsored post. If you use the link to purchase the Mediaxpro storage sleeves, I get a small commission as I am an AmazonĀ affiliate, but that does not affect your price at all.
Thanks for stopping by, and I hope this review was helpful to you.
Im trying to get started. Embarrassed to say ive already spent 115$ and i cant seem to get started….. oh geez anything would help..
cant wait to see you when you get back
awww I know that daunting feeling when trying to get organized. I put off making my Distress Ink pad storage unit for several months with piles of ink pads stacked on my desk. I am sure that once you get started you’ll make great progress. Fingers crossed for you! Hugs, Kristina
This was very helpful. I am in the process of organizing my clear stamps (and craft room) as well. Your tip will save me valuable time, and money. Thanks much!!!!!!
So glad I could share some helpful information! TFStopping by! Hugs, Kristina
Thanks for the review. I’ve gone to storing my stamps and dies this way too and I was just about to order more pockets. I’m going to try these out. Have a wonderful weekend! Good luck on your special project.
Hope you like these pockets as much as I do. I was thrilled to find them for such a great price. š TFS stopping by! Hugs, Kristina
I am so glad you made this video! I really need these at this price point and quality. I have been looking at the other name brands and felt they were kind of pricey and I didn’t know the quality. Thanks for this info.
I’m glad I could share helpful info with you. I love finding cost saving crafty deals, especially when the quality is the same. š Hugs, Kristina
Thank you so much for the research! I have bought some of the SSS pockets, but haven’t really been using them enough to test their hardiness. I did go to Amazon through your link, but it says they are sold by StarTechDeals. Do you think that’s the same envelope?? The only other question…the size…does it just fit your basic 4 x 6 stamp set? Thanks for a chance to win a pack of yours!!
Yes, I didn’t notice that it was sold by StarTechDeals but that is the correct link to the pockets that I bought and liked. And just so you know, I had exchanged emails with StarTechDeals about different storage pockets they were selling on Amazon and they said those other ones were only 80 microns thick. These pockets by Mediaxpro the said were 100 microns thick. Yes, the stamp sets that are pictured there from Mama Elephant are the standard 4×6 stamp sets. Hope that helps! TF stopping by and I hope you like the pockets if you decide to get them. I love mine. š
Thank you. I was glad to go check out that link. I have been looking for pockets and paper bags both. I found them . Edwina Brown
Oh I’m so glad Edwina! Yes, I spent waaaay too much time searching for the best deals and quality on these storage pockets. I didn’t want all my research to go unshared. š TF stopping by! Big hugs, Kristina
Thank you for the review. My biggest problem with the stamp sets is that they are all different sizes. I am confused as to what to buy for storage. I don’t want to spend a lot of money and find that they will not be right. Please enter me so that I can try out this new system. Thank for sharing and don’t work too hard!
Barb B. CZT
Thanks so much Barb! Good luck in the giveaway and in finding the best storage solution that works for you! Hugs, Kristina
I to have been trying to figure out how to store my stamps & the few dies I have. Your video is very informative, so thank you for doing this. I love the price also.
Certainly am going to miss you while your working on your new project. I missed who you said it was for.
Did you make your storage for your distress inks? If you did, did you do a video on it?
Hugs & Happy Crafting, Linda
Yes, when I finally found the ones that were 100 micron and at such a great price ($0.07/each), I was thrilled. Oh yes, I did make a video on the Distress Ink Storage. It’s here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3_7BkBqRaU If you want the exact measurements, they are in the blog post which is linked in the description box of that YT video. Hope that helps. š Hugs, Kristina
Thank you so much for this review. I have re-organized ‘most’ of my clear stamp sets into Avery Elle pockets but I’m thrilled to know of a cheaper source. You can be sure my next order will come from there! Thanks!!
So glad I could be helpful. Yes, I love these well-made great storage pockets by Mediaxpro. TF stopping by! Hugs, Kristina
I wish I had thought of these pockets before I started with the Zutter storage. It has really run into some money since I have a bad shopping problem with stamps, dies, embellishments, etc. Thanks for putting this out there to help people before they go in the hole for organization. If I ever get a craft room I think I will go to this type storage and use at least my containers for other things. Btw, I love when you have pics of your dogs as in the Frosty Pillow Gel Mat review. They are so cute!!
Awww thanks so much Cynthia! Yes, my pups are always around and are often my muses, but they don’t always end up in pics on my blog. š I too have a different storage solution — an Art Bin — for my larger nesting die sets, but everything else is now in these pockets and I love it. TF stopping by, hugs, Kristina
Thank you,
I also was looking towards clear envelopes as storage for stamps and dies. I use CD cases (similar to SU) but with more lovely stamps and dies come a need for more space. Please update if you find a similar product for larger image stamps and dies.
I will order your recommendation for use with my smaller stamps. My bins are getting full. ; )
I appreciate you sharing your time and efforts. Have fun with your project!!
I’m glad I could be helpful. I actually do have one Art Bin with about 10 pages for my larger nesting die sets, which won’t fit into these pockets. Everything else seems to fit. If I find anything else, I’ll be sure to share. TF stopping by! Hugs, Kristina