Photo Storage Boxes are a great way of storing all sorts of items. They are uniform in size and relatively cheap (around $4 each), and you can always find them at any chain craft store. You can easily switch the description with the metal holders on the front of each box. Most come in a variety of fun colors and prints.
I don't have a small stash but I do love these boxes to store the small accessories that come with knitting. As you can see in the box on the far right, I use them for the extra notions that accumulate. I have several pairs of circular needles, but not enough to make a case to store them in, so I put them in here. I also store the labels, bobbins, dpn needle holders, gauge ruler, buttons, zippers, safety eyes and other small things in this box. Its a great way to keep everything "knitting" accessory related in one place.
Also, they make great places to store fabric scraps. I don't have a large fabric collection so they are the perfect size for the small amount I do have. I also store the trims in the box that I use to embellish my knits as well as sewn items.
Lastly, they are the perfect size to store the drop spindles with my current works in progress. I don't have to worry about anything happening to my spindle, and I can keep the roving in the same place.
However, I recommend first that if you are like me, and you hold onto boxes such as shoe boxes and makeup boxes, that you utilize these first. Why? Well for starters they are free, and you can purchase a fat quarter of fabric for around $1.50 at Joanns. And it is completely customize-able, and you are helping the environment by re-purposing a box that would otherwise be thrown away.
The above box is from a mascara set I bought from Sephora. The box had no functional purpose for holding the makeup. It was one of those large boxes made purely for display purposes. So I covered the lid in fabric with Mod-Podge and glitter. Then I painted the bottom black. You can't even tell that it used to be a makeup box. And it was made exactly the way I wanted it to look, cheaper... and you will never find another one like it.
So if you are like me, and have some extra boxes lying around, I highly recommend you visit Pumpkin Spin's blog post about Hiding the Stash and follow her technique for covering your own boxes. And if you don't have the time to make your own then the photo boxes above area always a great alternative.
Have you ever made your own storage boxes or used the photo storage boxes?
