Paper Fanatic: Copic Marker Storage

I have something I just couldn't wait to share! Don't you just love it when you fix a problem that has been bothering you for a while, and not only did it work for you, but it wasn't expensive, and was really simple to do? Well here is one of those problems, solved!

I recently completed my collection of Copic Sketch markers (YAY!!) and faced the daunting task of storing them all (BOO!!). I had bought the Copic Carrying Case thinking it would be a great solution because it is compact and portable, but when I got it I realized the six little mesh bags for holding the markers that were included with the bag were far from perfect for me. They tipped over if they weren't full, they made organizing by color family impossible, and they didn't allow me to have my markers organized numerically, either. I really needed something different.

First I tried the plastic lighting grate used in plastic boxes that I saw on Pinterest as a solution, but it didn't work with the Carrying Case because 1) it is rectangular but the case has rounded corners and 2) if I cut the grid so it could fit in the box it wouldn't hold all the markers.

Next I tried putting in some large plastic tubs to hold the markers but that didn't work out either. Because they were tapered to be smaller at the bottom they didn't hold as many markers as I thought they would, and I still couldn't organize the markers by numbers.

Then I thought about what made the plastic light grating be such a good solution, and I realized it was all about the grid. (Now I have a song stuck in my head...It's all about da grid, about da grid. No worries. Lol.)

How could I get a grid that would be a perfect fit for the case while still holding enough markers? Thinking about grids brought netting to mind. If only I could find a mesh with just the right sized gaps, I thought it might just work. But then I couldn't find any nets with the grid size I needed.

And then came the AHA moment! I suddenly remembered that I know how to crochet, and that I knew a few different patterns that would make lovely meshes. Ta duh da dah... within an hour or so I had crocheted the PERFECT (for me, anyway) solution!

I used a very simple square mesh stitch to create the perfect "netting" for my markers. And better yet, I sized it so I could velcro it into the carrier so if I ever need to remove it I can! For those of you who crochet, click for my pattern.

Once I had my grid piece ( 17 or 18 posts across and 26 rows long) I simply wove a piece of Velcro One-Wrap™ through the first row, up the first column, across last row, and down the last column, with the hook side to the outside.

I then affixed it to the inside of the carrying case, which is lined with a perfect fabric for the Velcro to grab!

When I started putting my markers in (in VIBGYOR and numerical orders, of course...I am a bit OCD that way) I found that the rows of markers were not staying straight, making it hard to see the organization. SO... I cut 23 pieces of very heavy black card-stock (poster board would have worked well, too) to 8.75"x 2.75" and "laminated" it with clear Contact paper. I inserted the card-stock between the rows.

PERFECTION!

I have room on top to carry a refiller for my clear marker, a small spritzer filled with blending solution, my ring of textured fabrics, etc. for adding texture to my colored pieces, a set of Spica glitter pens, and a set of .3mm Multiliners. Not only do they store perfectly, but it is all super portable so I can take them to stamping get-togethers.

I can't tell you how tickled I am with my solution! So, how do you store YOUR Copics? Please share!