What would Tim do? Movers and Shapers Storage.

[Rachelrose]

I have of late been buying a lot of Movers and Shapers dies. Well, steel rule dies in general have my attention because I am working in heavier chipboard. It has been extremely annoying to me that Sizzix discontinued (retired) the storage trays they used to sell to store the Movers and Shapers on. I have looked everywhere for some and none to be found. I have looked for any sort of tray that I could use instead - it has to be something that will fit in the same width space as my Base plate and other bigz steel rule dies. Cookies sheets - none small enough. Medical trays! - no, none the right size, either too small or too big.

Maybe one of you will have an answer for me. But in the meantime, I just ordered some more M&Ss and they will be without a home when they arrive, other than the box they came in. I toyed with the idea of just buying another base plate and using that, but decided it was a nutty idea.


So I called Sizzix. I'm a big one for the polite complaint. I got a nice lady on the phone and she confirmed that, yes, the storage trays were no longer made. She suggested I use a baking sheet and I said there were none that would fit where I needed them to. So she said "Well, Tim just stores his on extra base plates." I said "You know that for a fact?" She said "Oh, he's here all the time, and he does seminars on products and, yes, that's what he said he does."


So I ordered another base plate. I guess if it's good enough for Tim...


If anyone has another idea, and it has to fit in the same width container as my bigz and my base plate (s), I'd like to hear it.

Oh, and I just realized I should have put this in the Tool and Product forum. Sorry, mods. Doing too many things at once, as usual.

[shazsilverwolf]

It is true Tim usually goes for the simplest option with stuff- doesn't clean stamps, uses hand sanitiser to clean the Stamping Platform, etc, so she is probably telling it like it is.

[Rachelrose]

I believed her, I just though it was funny that I'd thought of doing it and then dismissed it as a nutty idea, and then found out that it was what he was doing. I guess even Tim couldn't convince them to keep making them.

I guess they didn't sell enough of them. Still, you have to store these objects somewhere. The storage trays were cheaper than the base trays are. Well, I've registered my displeasure (very politely) and that's all I can do. I guess I'm going to end up with several base trays, since I've come up with no other options.

[fifiwesfan]

Robin,

I saw someone online use the lids from candy/cracker tins. If you get any of those for the holidays maybe some of those will work for you?

fifi

[gregzgurl]

I know it's completely NOT what you're asking about, but I just stuck mine to the metal edge of my workspace since they're magnetic. If you wanted to go the cookie sheet route, you could always hang it on the wall or the back of a door. Just another option...

Oh - and good for you to think of the same thing as Tim! "Fine minds..." and all that!

[Rachelrose]

I thought of those. But hard to come by if you don't get candy in tins. And have to be the right size.

Cookie sheets that are not aluminum would work, but they don't come small enough to fit where I want them to, which is with my other bigz dies. I might end up capitulating and figuring out a way to do it that way, though, it's the best option.


I thought my idea of medical trays was genius - surely they would come in a workable size and they are steel and they have sides. But dental trays are too small and everything else was too big.


Yes, I had the same idea as Tim, but I'm sure Tim pays a lot less for his base trays than I do. Like maybe nothing.


First world problem.

[stampin stacy]

Here are ideas that popped into my head but be sure to take a die with you so you can make sure they will stick to whatever you buy:

A kitchen supply store might have different size trays that are not seen elsewhere.

Empty metal tins can usually be found in all kinds of sizes and shapes this time of year. You could get lots of the dies in it by sticking them to not only the lid but the bottom and sides too. I would probably decorate the outside of the tin using the dies I'm storing in it too. Helps us visual crafters remember what's inside ;)


Magnetic sheets applied to cardboard the size you want. You know the same kind we use on other dies like Spellbinder.


Metal sheeting from hardware cut to size, probably would need to put tape or something around the edges to protect fingers though.

[shazsilverwolf]

I was also going to suggest magnetic sheets onto card- it can be bought online in a variety of thicknesses, so would be sturdy enough.

[stampinchicago]

What about those metal shim plates that different companies sell?

[Brenda71]

There may be something the correct size here: Metal Serving Trays | Metal Serving Platters

A restaurant in my town, that recently changed ownership, has started serving meals on what look to me like mini cookie/bar pans. They are cute. I'm not sure if something like this would come in the right size, or be cheap enough for you.

[Rachelrose]

Lots of suggestions! Thank you!

So - metal sheets no good if I want to store them in the same container as my bigz dies. There has to be some kind of side to the thing or the pieces will come off. Movers and shapers are at least an inch thick.


If I decide to store them elsewhere, the world is my oyster. Metal sheets, stainless baking sheets, I can take my pick.


The metal serving trays you linked, Brenda, are very nice but look to be about as expensive as the Base Tray, and more expensive if you count in that I have Amazon Prime.


I have a saved search on eBay for base trays and storage trays, in case something comes up cheap.


I could always just keep them in the packaging they rode in on. That fits perfectly where I need it to. But, bah.

[stamphappy1650]

You could check with a local machine shop and see if they could cut you metal the size you want and then you could attach them to whatever you need. It probably wouldn't be that expensive.

I store my M&S on a Christmas tray I never used and mounted the tray to a wall.

[Dorie95]

This is just a thought; Good Will and other thrift stores have so much in the line of metal trays, tins with lids, baking supplies. Very reasonable, too.

[Rachelrose]

There's a Salvation army where I live, I will go and check. I've been meaning to go over there anyway. There used to be a dollar store, too, but no more.

[ppofct]

fYI. I saw three base trays at my LSS store in CT. If you want to call them - pm me

[gothchic]

I store my movers and shapers in a way that is probably off the beaten track, however it works for me. I have a filing cabinet that I use for my catalogs. Filing cabinets are metal so the movers and shapers dies automatically adhere. The perfect storage system for my needs.

Barb

[Rachelrose]

I wish I had a spot for a filing cabinet! I'd love to get my paper out of the low rolling carts stuck under my smaller worktable. And if I did have one in a easy to get to place, I might stick my M&S on it. Interesting idea!