Organization: Embossing folders

Hi friends,
Today I want to share how I organize my embossing folders. I luuuuuv embossing & these folders make it quick & easy to do! I have a few ;) so let's get on with the deets:

I began with a bare wooden box I got from Michaels for around $3 (with coupon.)

I painted it white & then added Tim Holtz Distress Crackle paint on some of the surfaces to give it that look of "I've had this for years." (It looks soooo cool!) I didn't want to do anything else to it-- just kept it clean & simple.
A little closer look:
I took inspiration from my SU! Swatch Book


to create a swatch book of my embossing folders.

I punched them out on white CS ('cause I've got loads of it & you can see the embossing really well on white.) & put them on an O-ring. The swatches are numbered & correspond with the number on each folder. (It is very helpful to also write the name of the folder.)
I printed the numbers on clear labels so the number was visible, but didn't block out any of the pattern. (I simply wrote it on the card before embossing.)


Another plus of having swatches is that I can see (at a glance) all the patterns I have & can easily choose the one I want. I also get to see the embossed & the debossed side as well. The numbering system makes it very simple to both find & put away folders.


As you can see, it all fits nicely into this little box.
As I get more folders I add the next number label & swatch and add it to my stash.

Now I have a little surprise for ya :) Here's a sneak peek at the new Cuttlebug Embossing folders being released. (click on the pic to see greater detail.)They are: 30.Victoria, 31.Fleur de Lis, 32.Morrocan Screen, 33.Diamond Plate, 34.Harlequin, 35.Herringbone, & 36.Stars.


These are the folders for a full A2 card. They are: (top)Flourished Frame, (left)Celtic Knot, (mid)Journaling Card, & (Rt)Owl Flourish.

Aren't they awesome!! I was so excited to see all these great designs! Seriously, it's so hard to pick a favorite one. Be on the lookout for these and they are available for pre-order at many online stores.

I hope this inspires you to think of ways to maximize organization of your toys. Thanks so much for taking a peek! We're going to the Bay Area for a few days & I've gotta get everyone packed up --- Gotta go!

Edited To Add: To answer a few questions...
YES! The new 5 x 7 embossing folders will fit in this box. They stick up a little out of the top, but since there's no lid, there's no problem :)

This box is in the wood crafts section of Michael's next to the recipe card, & file folder boxes. They're $5.99 each. (but I used a coupon :)