Pre-Cut Card Layers & Original Storage Boxes

Hello Everyone!

I was in the mood tonight, not to make cards, but to make card-making faster, and more efficient. I searched on google for one question:  "if pre-cutting white and black cardstock was smart, and if it was a good idea, to what size?" I don't have TONS of high quality cardstock to cut and store, but I have a little bit I can use to see if it will make my creative process a bit faster.

I went online onto Splitcoaststampers.com and in a forum. I found a discussion thread about whether most stampers indeed pre-cut their layers. in general, more stampers said "no" than "yes".  phooey. That did not discourage me. I am used to not finding what I am looking for right away. I make my own path sometimes.  :)

After that, I decided I was going to pre-cut a dark mat size that was quarter inch smaller than the card base size on each side, and then the next layer would be a quarter inch smaller than the mat. This layer would be my Neenah Solar white cardstock.

The next question became: "How do I store small amounts of pre-cut cardstock of different sizes, without having the paper warp or bend?" and "I have to have them labeled so not to get them mixed up" Again, google offered no information on this topic that I was impressed with.

So.....I created my own to share. (I am very good at making my own...lol) Take a look below:

 I created two to begin with with the sizes posted on the front. I was afraid with the small box full, the container might topple over, so I glued it to a base. The finished box is 5.5" by 1.25" by 2.5".

 This is a side view of the box with the base to keep it from toppling over.  :) I wanted to create one more to hold the preprinted sentiments that I run through my laser printer for the inside of my birthday cards. I decided I would so you step-by-step how I created it.

 The finished box is small. I cut a piece of thicker cardboard (like cereal box thickness) and I cut it to 10.5 inches by 6.25 inches.

 I scored this cardboard at 2.5 inches on all four sides using my Martha Steward scoring board.

 I cut up on the short sides and folded all the score lines

 I used my ATG tape gun on all four corners. This will ensure that it does not fall apart.

 Bring up the four corners and glue the box together

 Don't forget the piece of cardboard to keep it from toppling over!

 I took some pretty pink flower patterned paper and printed labels for the front of the storage box.

 The label fits perfectly on the front of the storage container.

 Here is a picture of all three containers. The first box on the left is the traditional 1/4 inch smaller layers. Numbered 1,2, and 3.The second box skips a layer (hence the gap) the next layer is 1/2 inch smaller layer. Numbered 1,3, and 4.

 The third box holds regular 20# copy paper pieces that have birthday sentiments in it (in the back) the front ones are the small message size that are blank.

Here are all three pictured together. I am so impressed with my little creations. Now-  I need to decide if I want to pre-cut other color cardstock in addition to black and white. (decisions, decisions). I already have a container FULL of card bases in ALL sorts of colors. I only make A2 sized cards. I rarely make other sizes. I will let you know if I am pleased with my pre-cut layers and if it made me a bit more efficient! :)