PRODUCT REVIEW: Stamp-n-Storage Paper Holder for Ikea

For Christmas this year my husband was oh so nice and got me a Cricut Cuttlebug, which is an embossing machine. After purchasing several embossing folders for the machine I concluded it is truly designed to make custom cards (birthday cards, anniversary, Christmas, etc.). I decided this is a great thing because I now have another reason to also use my Cricut Explore.

As I began using these machines to make cards I decided my storage system for my supplies was not accessible enough. In order to make one card I had to pull out the Cuttlebug, the Cricut Explore, the bin of Cuttlebug embossing folders, the bin of scrapbook paper, the bin of Cricut tools/mats.... pretty soon I could hardly move around in my office because there were bins of stuff EVERYWHERE! Not to mention once the bins were out I still had to thumb through the embossing folders and paper in order to find the right materials I was looking for.

So I set out on a Google search to find some HELP and new storage solutions. I was completely surprised and excited when I found this paper storage system for 12X12 paper that would fit in the Ikea Kallax Shelving Unit that I already have in my office/craft room.

I hesitated at first because lets face it $76.75 for one cubic foot of storage a LOT! I researched other ways I could make this myself and found no instruction and honestly was so frustrated with my current storage situation I decided to take the plunge and purchase two of these paper storage systems from Stamp-n-Storage. The company is based in MN and does offer a frequent customer rewards program which I believe gave me $10 off and free shipping on my first order, so that helped out a bit.

When they arrived about a week and a half after I placed the order my paper storage/accessibility issues were taken care of! The units were super sturdy and well made, which makes me happy because they could be stand-a-lone units as well if I no longer use this Kallax bookcase, and they fit right into the cubicles like a glove. Take note that these are WOOD units. When I was doing my search I found a TON of inexpensive units on Amazon that looked like they would work out great as well but when you read the fine print they are made out of cardboard.

I am very happy that I made this purchase. Not only did I solve my storage problem, but I am 100% confident that if I were to have purchased another product I'd eventually hate it and purchase these anyways. Now to find the next innovative storage solution for the embossing folders etc. For now I'm one bin down when I dig everything out to create a Birthday Card! 

Cricut Explore Product Review

I LOVE MY CRICUT! 

There, I got that off my chest. If you are a project person, scrapbooker, crafter, organizer, decorator, or even think you might be, even in slightest bit, GET A CRICUT! I received mine as a Christmas gift in 2014 and have been busy busy busy using it ever since. 

This machine is SO versitile and can create such a LARGE array of unique items it will literally make your head spin. Visit my Pinterest Board for Cricut Projects and Ideas if you do not believe me. I have personally used the machine to cut: 

stencil material

vinyl

cardstock

printer weighted paper

window clings

label paper

And that list is VERY small compared to what the machine can actually cut. I recently used the "custom" dropdown list when searching for the stencil material and found there are about 1000 items it can cut.  

I love that once you purchase the machine you do not need to purchase ANYTHING extra. You can upload your own images into the Design Space and turn them into cut images in the matter of a few simple user friendly steps. You truly do not have to purchase anything else. No cartridges, no stencils, no dies. IF you decide you cannot find the image you're looking to cut on the world wide web, you CAN view and design with Cricut's surplus of images and only purchase images once you are truly ready to cut. In the mean time you can play around with them for as long as you want until you get your design just right! 

I would recommend getting the 12" x 24" mat to be able to create larger projects if necessary.... trust me you'll use it. If your machine doesn't have Bluetooth (I believe the newer Cricut Explore Air does) I'd recommend getting that for convenience sake. If you want some tips on some good accessories here are a few of the tools I use A LOT: 

I've used it to create so many items already! Here are a few of the projects I have used my cricut with.

Window Clings.... and the green window cling roll was a gift to me so there will be Xmas trees next year as well. 

I use the vinyl to make stencils for easy vintage sing making like this. 

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I used the cricut to cut out this apron recipe card holder that I used as part of a Christmas gift this year.

I used the cricut to cut out stencil material I used to trace out these patterns for burlap ornaments. 

Another sign made with cricut vinyl as a stencil. 

First cricut project ever! I used card stock to make this sign and modge podged it to a board. 

One of my favorite quotes cut with the cricut out of cardstock and vinyl for this cute Valentine decoration. 

Upcycled these old frames for a friend with some cricut vinyl. 

Made a stencil used to paint this planter for a friend. 

Custom Birthday invites from cardstock for my baby girl! 

Vinyl used as as stencil for these shabby chic garden signs. 

Another sign for a friend. 

These are only a few of the many projects I have completed with the help of my Cricut. Overall I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE my Cricut Explore and cannot say enough good things about the product and all of the accessories. My husband was 100% right when he decided to get me this gift for Christmas. Every-time I use it I remind him of how much this was the best gift ever! He got me the Cricut Cuttlebug this Christmas so watch for a review on that one in the coming months as well. 

Happy New Year!