Tutorial: Paper Storage Rack

1.05.2011

You'll forgive me for repeating a post from way back.  I wanted to make sure that the new readers here got to see this tutorial and these WIRE STORAGE GRIDS are going to make various appearances this month in my Organized&Inspired event!  So go and buy some...a.s.a.p!  They're fantastic!

By slightly modifying white wire storage grids you can create a personalized paper storage system which will hold any amount of 12x12 papers in an efficient and very organized way. And it's wicked cheap. I'll go through the steps of making your own here.


1 box Wire Storage Grids (available at Target and Walmart) cost: $15-20
1 package Zip/Cable Ties (available at any home improvement store) cost: $1-2
1 wire cutter or seriously heavy duty scissors





{Make sure your grids measure at least 12" square so your paper will fit. Mine are 13" square...perfect.}


1. Start by throwing out the weird little white plastic clips that come with the cubes. You won't be needing these.


2. Build a basic cube (leaving one side open as shown above) by attaching the grids together using your zip ties. Make sure the little square nubbies are facing towards the outside of your cube so they don't catch on the paper. (photo below)




3. Next take the remaining white shelves and slide them into your cube and attaching them at 1 inch intervals where the grid already exists. If you need a larger slot for some paper sets just make it a 2 or 3 inch interval instead.



Make sure when you slide a shelf in that the wire grids are on the underside so that you get a slight lip on your paper tray. (photo below)




4. Use your wire clippers to remove excess plastic end from zip ties.


Fill with paper sorting by color, manufacturer or whatever makes you happy! Voila! Isn't it genius?!! I made 3 separate cubes out of 2 boxes of these grids and had some grid pieces leftover. I have even given these cubes as gifts to fellow scrapbookers with rave reviews!




I think these are a great solution for organizing a paper-crafting area on a budget.
I would love to know your thoughts!


17 comments:

learning montessori said...

I love how organized your scrapbook paper looks. My paper on the other hand 12x18 construction paper is a mess. I stack them on top of each other. Any ideas?

Veronica said...

BRILLIANT idea!!! I am so anal about my paper that I have so much!! I definitely need to incorporate this idea!! It was DEFINITELY worth repeating! Thank you!

Holly Denghel said...

i actually keep the clips and use it to put the outside frame together. Then you can still add shelves on the inside with the zip ties, like you suggested. The clips provide a very stable outside frame, so that you can create larger structures, like a 2x3 or a 3x3. Good for those of us with a tad too much cardstock.

BBQGAL said...

I love your idea. Esp. how easy it is and you can see everything! I've been using magazine holder for my paper but I might give this a try!

Deanna said...

brilliant. I wish I had room for these!!!!!

Mindy said...

I made these when you had them on your blog a few years ago. I have 2 for all my paper and gave another to my 6 year old daughter for her scrapbooking stash. They are great and definitely last!

Crafty Mom said...

Ya know, this is one of those things that I look at and think, now why didn't I think of that?!! Such a great idea and I've seen a bunch of these wire racks at thrift stores recently. Thanks so much for sharing! I'm going to have to make one. :)

Erin I said...

Thanks!! One of my resolutions was to use what I have, and if I can't see it, I don't use it! Now, I'll be able to see what I have vs. having to pull out the storage tote and flipping through piles. Thank you for repeating!!!

Alayna said...

Cool - I did that too! The wire cubes I had for college got all wired up a few years ago and then a couple years after that my husband made me a scrapbooking cabinet to put them in. You can check it out on my blog http://alaynascreations.blogspot.com/2009/07/my-new-scrap-cabinet.html

PEACHES said...

GENIUS! I have been planning to reorganize my art studio for a while and was looking for ways to avoid spending $$$$ on paper sorters (I have mucho paper!)....thanks for sharing :)

shirley said...

I had seen this before but then couldn't find it again. The idea, however, stuck. I had been hauling my wire racks since I was in college and used them in various rooms for different things, and now I finally have organized paper and that is how my little racks shall stay. I think this is the best idea ever!! Thanks for reposting so I can send to my SIL

Victoria said...

Yep. Love it!! I'm not a scrapbooker (as of yet), but I hoard scrapbook paper like no tomorrow! I love using the fun prints for cardmaking and labels and paper decorating! FUN FUN! can't wait to try this!

[MONSTER] said...

Very clever! I was looking for ideas for the extra wire cube walls I have.

reedandemma99 said...

I saw this. I made this. I love this! Thank you!!!!

Anne said...

I made it this afternoon and I love it! I blogged about here:
http://prettyladydesigns.blogspot.com/2011/08/scrapbook-paper-organizer.html

Thanks so much for the great idea!

Lydia said...

I'm planning to try this for puzzle storage for all those woodboard puzzles my kids have. The pre-made ones are usually $$$ and don't always fit every size/type of puzzle, so this flexible design should be perfect. Thanks!

Susan T said...

emile
You are a life saver. I can't afford ascrapbooking shelf like this . You are a life saver my husband will love you. Thank you . you saved my Day !!!
\Susan