This is a simple yet effective rubber stamping project. Using a few rubber stamping techniques, plain white corrugated storage files can be transformed into something special with some well-placed rubber stamps. Rubber stamp the boxes to match the decor or a room, or a rubber stamp a series of boxes and files to give them a common theme. These corrugated card boxes give an ideal surface for stamping and are readily available at reasonable prices.
Types of Storage Boxes and Files
Many people will find hand stamped storage boxes, such as magazine files, useful. They are great to help children store comics and books tidily, or to keep shelves neat. They are equally useful for a home office to keep invoices and receipts safely in one place.The best card storage boxes for rubber stamping projects are those that come 'flat packed'. Stamping the boxes before assembly gives a flat surface to stamp upon. It is also possible to stamp ready assembled corrugated card files and boxes, but these need a little more care to avoid damage.
When planning to rubber stamp storage files and boxes, it is useful to decide where and how the finished boxes are to be stored. This is helpful to determine which the stamped surfaces should be and to identify any important design features. These might include:
- A storage file that is going to be kept on a book case needs special attention given to the front section as the sides and back will be hidden.
- A box that will be kept on the floor will require the lid and sides stamping as these will all be seen.
- Color coding the stamped images to help distinguish files and boxes.
- Using stamps to indicate what is contained within the storage boxes.
- While stamping the boxes, stamp some craft paper in a similar color and keep to one side. This can be used to cover other files or folders in a similar design.
- Let children stamp storage boxes for their own room. These are good projects for youngsters as they can be quickly completed and provide an excellent introduction to many aspects of rubber stamping.
Buying Card Files and Boxes for Rubber Stamping Projects
Corrugated card files and boxes can be found at specialist storage stores, or through a variety of other general and household stores in the high street or online. These boxes and files turn up in the strangest of places – IKEA for instance often sell a range of plain white card boxes and files.
Tips for Buying Corrugated Storage Boxes and Files
- Corrugated card files are often labeled as ‘economy’
- Some boxes have printing along the bottom or sides, this can easily be covered with decorative paper or ribbons.
- Brown card boxes can be painted or covered with paper, or brown incorporated into the color scheme. Golds and reds look dramatic when teamed with even the most drab of browns.
- These boxes are often sold in multi-packs and it is useful to have one or two spare ones at hand for last minute gifts.
If you would like to make your own magazine storage boxes, this 'how to' feature at About.com Frugal Living has more information.
