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Post by michelle on Aug 28, 2019 20:04:34 GMT -6
Let’s talk about storage of finished pieces. When I started, I laid them in this flat, wooden box, because I liked seeing them. I thought it was pretty and gave me a sense of accomplishment. Um....., this appears to have outlived its usefulness. It’s a freaking mess! What do you all do for storage?
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Post by gbobmi on Aug 28, 2019 20:19:00 GMT -6
I put each item in a plastic bag and I have plastic boxes that I keep the bags in. All that plastic keeps my jewelry from tarnishing, as I use sterling and fine silver.
I wish I didn't have to use so much plastic but I don't know of any other way to keep everything airtight.
Yikes, Michelle! You have some cool, tangled goodies!
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Post by michelle on Aug 29, 2019 0:16:45 GMT -6
Gayle, your method makes sense. I have my jewelry sets in bags - either plastic or organza-like bags. I may have to go to that for all of my jewelry.
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togan
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Posts: 231
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Post by togan on Aug 29, 2019 6:34:43 GMT -6
Michelle! I love storage...I'm an organizational nut who loves trips to places such as The Container Store whilst everyone else in the car is like "Really?".
I went to Target a few months ago and bought some of those plastic shoebox-sized bins with lids to coordinate with my studio color scheme. My old jewelry collection is stored in those. Precious pieces are in plastic bags, the rest are not. That's the current system since there's such an overwhelming amount of jewelry. My mother left a nice jewelry armoire that I keep in my bedroom b/c it won't fit in my studio. But my purchased jewelry is mostly in there, and pieces she gave me.
For a while I stored earrings in Darice bead boxes (I love the no-spill large ones)...but then I kicked the earrings out and filled the boxes with beads and findings. Stuff I'm making now (inventory I suppose it's called) goes onto display cards and then plastic bags. Right now I'm on a basket kick...so I have lots of natural fiber weaved baskets to hold all that stuff. It's like bringing a little bit of nature into the studio.
I'm about to experiment with an acrylic box setup in my workspace. The final pieces arrive Friday! =D #weekendplans I might store finished jewelry in those at some point...not sure. I'm kinda sold on my current method though..at least for the old pieces.
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Post by DawninCal on Aug 29, 2019 10:47:01 GMT -6
I started out storing in small plastic bags, then I moved to wrapping them in tissue paper and storing in jewelry boxes with a note on the outside of the box telling me what was in the box. As time went on, there were more boxes than I had room to store. Now I wrap each piece in tissue paper and store in small white paper bags which I buy by the 1000. On the outside of the bag, I write what is inside the bag. They take up a lot less room and when I sell a piece, I can reuse the bag, cross out what was written on it and write whatever the new thing is inside. All these bags are stored in big plastic tubs with lids. With this method, I can store a lot more things and it's environmentally friendly as well. I'm not sure that the tissue paper wrapped piece inside a paper bag is as protected from tarnish than the plastic bags, but I haven't noticed my pieces becoming tarnished. Like Gayle, I started feeling bad about using so many plastic bags and this was an acceptable alternative to me. For earrings, I mount them on earring cards and secure with plastic earring nuts. They are then put inside small plastic bags (hmmmmmm...maybe I should be wrapping them in tissue as well) and stored in a smaller version of the plastic tub with lid. So far, it's the best way of storing that I've worked out for me. Dawn
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Post by michelle on Aug 29, 2019 11:36:42 GMT -6
Ha! Togan, I’m with you, I’d love the container store! 😄 Space is at a premium at our condo, so no craft room here. But, my mom is 10 minutes away, and she has a craft room. 🤔 I could store my pieces there. Strangely, I never thought about that until now. I’ve grown so used to being able to see my work. Dawn, I love the idea of tissue paper and sacks due to being environmentally friendly. I think I will incorporate that. I knew you ladies would help me figure this out!
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Post by DawninCal on Aug 29, 2019 14:20:37 GMT -6
Another organizing fool here. I've never been to a container store, but I know I would love it! michelle, being able to bounce ideas off one another is one of the best things about our little forum. Glad you've found some ideas/info that might be useful. Dawn
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Post by caeterle on Sept 4, 2019 12:46:33 GMT -6
Even though I'm a librarian, I'm not a storage fan at all at home. Mine are in little gift bags in some plastic containers with drawers. The librarian shows more in a little computer file that says what is in which drawer. IF something tarnishes, I clean it up before shipping it, but most of my copper pieces are oxidized anyway.
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togan
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Post by togan on Sept 5, 2019 11:01:56 GMT -6
Thinking on this, I realized that I get torn between wanting to see my stuff...and then wanting it neatly tucked away in its own spot. Seeing it gives me inspiration I think...especially if it's a favorite piece...or a new shipment of beads/gems. But then...I also need it all out of sight when I have to start working on a new project because it causes mental clutter and distraction. I'm eccentric...lol And I did get the acrylic boxes I mentioned earlier in the thread....they ended up filled with findings and beads for the most part rather than jewelry. I DID initially put jewelry in there and it was nice...but then before I knew it...I had taken it all out and put beads there. Also..this is the 2nd time I ended up in the make-up storage section of stores to find a solution. *Boxes before I filled them all to the brim*
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Post by michelle on Sept 5, 2019 11:43:57 GMT -6
These are all great ideas! I think Togan hit up on my dilemma - being torn between wanting to see my work and wanting it safely stored. Thanks for the pics ladies!
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Post by DawninCal on Sept 5, 2019 17:11:04 GMT -6
This isn't for finished pieces but it's a great way to store findings such as head pins, clasps, jump rings, etc. I bought a carousel spice rack at the thrift store for $5 (new they are about $50). I use the clear glass spice jars to store the small pieces mentioned above and keep the carousel on my work bench. When I need something, all I have to do is reach over and spin the carousel around until I see what I want. Everything is within reach and easy to see. I can also see at a glance if I'm running low on something. I liked it so much that I bought another one. One holds all my copper findings and the other holds gold and silver. They aren't big enough to hold everything in my stash, but they are perfect for storing the things that I use all the time. Dawn
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togan
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Post by togan on Sept 5, 2019 18:17:06 GMT -6
I love that idea Dawn, I feel like I have to try it now. lol
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Post by michelle on Sept 5, 2019 19:26:17 GMT -6
You mean like this? 😄
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Post by DawninCal on Sept 5, 2019 23:55:12 GMT -6
Now you have to get one, togan! Or, two or three... Ha,Ha Michelle - great minds! One of mine is that exact same spice rack! Dawn
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