After searching extensively for a great way to store my 12 x 12 loose paper and paper stacks, I finally found something that’s perfect for me!! I am so excited about it, I just have to share it with the world…although this blog is so new I’m not even sure anyone will read this – ha!
First off, I must admit that despite the amount of 12 x 12 paper that I own, I don’t do any scrapbooking. I just have been a lifelong paper lover/collector, and am a beginner card maker. I guess it’s time I start using some of this pretty paper, huh? (Although I must add that these paper companies are making it REALLY hard for me to use as much as I’m collecting. I know – I have a problem.) Second disclosure is that I am a big fan of the elfa line of products from the Container Store, and that’s what I’m using for this system. It can be pricey, but it’s great quality, and right now they’re having their annual sale for 30% off (that ends on 2/28/17). Plus, it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than some of the other 12 x 12 storage options that I’ve seen!
This is a medium 4-runner frame on casters with a melamine driftwood top. The finished assembled dimensions are 18” wide x 21” deep x 21” tall, including the top and casters. The key to this working for 12 x 12 paper is that you need to use a 3-runner drawer – it must be in the medium width, at the least – with the drawer file channels.
I realized that if I used regular letter-sized hanging file folders, I would need to leave the top runner open rather than putting in a 1-runner drawer, as the 12 x 12 paper extends several inches above the top of the hanging folder. I was totally okay with this though, as it allows me to see a few inches of the paper. Having things visible makes them more likely to be used, at least in my craft area. :o)
However, in order to minimize the amount of unused space underneath the hanging file folders, I opted to get the ones that have the option of a box bottom. I got the letter-size hanging file folders with a 2” box bottom, but by not expanding it into the box shape, it gives me another inch of hanging depth into the drawer. You can see that the gray folder is the regular letter hanging file folder, and the green one beneath it is the one with the 2” box bottom.
Now, the 12 x 12 paper is wider than the actual hanging file folder, and the paper does stick out about 1/8” on each side. This doesn’t concern me though, as there is still space between the paper edge and the file channel. The folders are able to slide back and forth without the paper edges dragging or touching anything.
There is about 1.5-1.75” of clearance above the top of the paper depending on how much I’m putting in each hanging folder, and about 1” below the bottom.
I went ahead a put a piece of 12 x 12 paper in one of the regular gray hanging folders, and there’s still some room above. So either hanging file works, it just depends on how much top clearance and bottom wasted space you are comfortable with.
I am also using the platinum mesh drawer, as I think it provides more stability than the open wire drawers, and there is a significant amount of weight on these file channels. I chose platinum because it matches some other drawer units that I already own, but there is an option to get it in white. My other drawer units have a top surface in a silver color that works well with the platinum, but unfortunately it is not offered anymore. So I chose the driftwood, and it is the perfect place for one of my paper trimmers to live. As you can see, this Fiskars trimmer fits nicely on the top, even with the extension open. I also really like the idea of having one trimmer right near this paper so I can cut it down to size and immediately put any scraps away, as I rarely will use a whole 12 x 12 sheet at one time.
These hanging file folders usually come 25/box, so that gave me a good amount to start separating my paper. I placed the pads/stacks into the folders, using one folder per stack. I’m sorting my loose papers by colors and other categories initially, but that may change as I start using this system.
I know my husband (who is helping me set up and run this blog) thinks I’m crazy – I mean, why so many pictures, right? It’s only a storage cart for paper. But I just can’t help it, I love it so much!! I was so excited about this that I literally could not wait a day to pick up an online order, so I went back to the Container Store for the second time in 4 hours (yes, you read that correctly). And that second time I even brought my two kids (ages 3 & 4) with me – that’s how determined I was to get everything so I could assemble it that night! Anyway, I get a lot of organizational inspiration from the interweb, so I thought I’d put this storage option out there. Hopefully it’ll work for someone else, too!
