Storing Stencils

When it comes to studios, I have the smallest and ugliest space of any of the decorative painters I know in my area. My fellow dp's all have huge spaces, most in detached buildings on their properties.  Some lease space away from home. I've always had my studio in 1 small room in my unfinished basement.  I like the fact that I can run down there in the morning in pajamas to check on a supply I think I might need, quickly base coat a few sample boards, etc., before I even officially start my day.  I don't have to worry about getting paint on the floor, etc. because my floor is just plain old cement.  My walls are my cinder block foundation. I will never win any awards for having the most beautiful studio, that's for sure, but I've made it a little more comfortable over the years, keep it very organized, and it works for me.

I have a vast stencil collection, most of which hangs on wire clothes hangers, clipped with wooden clothespins.  I have three areas where I have these hung. One section has all my children related stencils, another has all my garden related designs, and the third has all my architectural, linear borders, and free form stencils. Again, this works for me, because I know exactly where to find what I need. I bought this clothes rack system at the Container Store and it works well, because it's on wheels and I can move it out of the way to access the shelving behind it.

For those very large sized stencils,or those that have multiple overlays and are just too heavy to hang, I keep rolled up in large trash cans. I have them labeled and also keep a list on the front of the containers so I can quickly see what's in there and not have to search though the three containers I currently use, to find what I need.

So, nothing fancy, but again, it just works.  I'm always curious to know how others are storing their stencils. Care to share?