Sunday, August 24, 2008

Cricut Storage System

My first project to actually design something with my Cricut and the Design Studio software was a storage system for my Cricut cartridges and their overlays. It was getting rather cumbersome to take everything to crops. I needed a system to get them out of the boxes but still protect them.

Thanks to other members of the Cricut message board, I discovered that the
Snapware Ribbon Dispenser was a perfect size for the overlays and the additional tray would hold the cartridges. However, I did not like the idea of the cartridges jiggling around all over the place. I tried several different things to hold the cartridges in place but wasn't happy with anything. I finally decided to design my own little boxes.

Of course, that led to designing dividers for the overlays and tags to identify the cartridges without taking them out of the boxes. The boxes, dividers and tags were cut with my Cricut from colored file folders. I felt that the file folders would hold up to use better than cardstock. The tags are attached to the cartridges with ribbon by removing the top screw in the back of the cartridge, tieing the ribbon to the screw and replacing it.


Here are the cut files for the boxes and dividers. The boxes file was created using George and Basic Shapes; the dividers file uses Fabulous Finds and George. The tags are cuts from each cartridge. I have them divided into 3 different files: Tag 1, Tag 2 and Tag 3. I do not have a cut for all of the cartridges. You can design your own, but this will give you an idea.

The ribbon dispenser holds approximately 35 overlays with dividers and the shorter tray holds 45 cartridges in the boxes. I've been using this system since February and have been VERY happy with it. It's now so much easier to take my Cricut supplies with me--and SO much lighter. To the left is a picture of the system all put together along with an extra tray holding Stickles, paint and some of my Cricut tools.

17 comments:

Diane said...

I remember when you first shared this idea on the Cricut Message Board - it looks great and so handy! Someday I will get around to adding some cute tags to my cartridges with the ribbon - I love the way that looks!

Congrats on your new blog!

MCHS Class of 1989 said...

I loved this went I saw it on the message board. Thanks for sharing! I am going to try and lift it myself.

Christy said...

What a handy idea!!!!

Linda said...

I continue to be in awe of the talent and creativity that you have. I hope you don't mind, but I "lifted" this system and it is working wonderful!! My carts are now happy and secure, plus they like having neighbors (lol). Again, thank you for sharing your talent and ideas with the rest of us.

Mary said...

This is a great idea! Where did you find the extra tray for the bottom? Thanks -- I just got my machine and a few cartridges and this looks like the perfect way to store all the Cricut goodies.

Pam said...

Great idea! Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH for the file and tags! What an awesome job. thank you so much for sharing!!!

Anonymous said...

thanks for sharing your boxes and file folders with me

Anonymous said...

Im using your organizer divider patterns. they are great. Thanks for all the hard work and time. sincerly Margie

Joy Tracey said...

Thank you for sharing these patterns and this whole idea! I am using it and LOVE it!

craftaddict said...

So glad someone was looking for these files as I missed them before and they are just what I need. Thank you for sharing them.
eileen

Suzanne said...

I am having trouble getting your files for the CRICUT STORAGE SYSTEM to open on my computer. Do you have a helpful hint?

Jill said...

Suzanne, Are you having problems with all of the files or which in particular? I haven't had any other reports of problems. There are also some more updated posts and files that you might try until I can test these. Look under Storage for the other posts.

Stephanie said...

Jill

I am currently working on puttingmy stoarge system together and have all the cart boxes together..perfect, dividers cut and am labeling, but I dont think it will hold 35 overlays with the books. Or do you not carry the books with the case? thanks
steph

Jill said...

Hi, Stephanie. No, I don't keep the books with the case. The books are in photo storage boxes. With Design Studio, I rarely use the overlays and mainly just keep them organized to take with me to crops.

Mona said...

Jill, I have lost the file to cut the boxes...with a dead computer! HA! The link here says that it is no longer available. Can you send to me? My email address is mfordham@mulhearncorp.com
I have tried may different ways to carry my cartridges. This is just the best and I want to go back to it! Thanks, Mona

Jill said...

Mona,
Glad you like the system. I'm still using it myself. Just sent you some files.