TEO DEGAS' REVIEWS: stationery storage

Showing posts with label stationery storage. Show all posts

5/22/2025

BLOMNING Coffee & Tea Tin (11x7x20 cm)

This tin box is really beautiful, classy and elegant. It looks expensive. It's meant to be used for tea and coffee storage, but I give mine different uses: crafts storage, sugar storage, tea bags storage, fabric scraps storage. Whatever small I need to store. This box is stackable and is complemented by a shorter version that can be put on. Hand-wash only.

DESIGNER Mikael Axelsson

Kaslaider Silicone Bear Stand-up Pencil Case (Large)

This is a really cute vertical pencil case made of super-soft silicone. The design is really whimsical and the case feels expensive. It's well made and well finished (from the printing details, to the zip, to the inner erasers holder, to the opener chain detail). I wanted this covered case to put some pointy tools inside, like small palette knives, metallic clay tools, dot makers and so on. It can hold quite a big of stuff and protects my fingers from getting hurt as it would happen if I left some of the tools I put inside in the open. Good value for money and this model is way cheaper than other silicone animal pencil holders. The only let-down is the smell of the silicone; although not strong, it's a bit odd. No fancy packaging but I wasn't expecting that for the price.

SMARRA Box with Lid (Natural, 30x30x23 cm)

I was delaying the purchase of this basket due to the price but, after having this in my wish list for over two years, I thought it was time to take the plunge.

The basket is made of woven bamboo (a product I love) coated in translucent lacquer. It looks organic, beautiful and elegant. I was able to put all my sewing materials inside, with plenty of space still left. It's also perfect to store phone charges, cables and small electric items inside, and any sort of crafty materials.

After having this at home, there are several things that I'd like to mention before you purchase this basket:

The colour in the photos and the one you get is different, as the former is a bit more caramel-ish. It's lighter than other bamboo products I've purchased from Ikea.
This box is really large, so its volume might overwhelm the decor of a small room. It looks great inside cube furniture or on large shelves, though.
Despite its size and good looks, this isn't a solid basket. It woven loosely and has no internal reinforcements. I reinforced the bottom and the lid with some drawer mat leftovers,which are rigid by light. I wouldn't be storing anything heavy inside for this very reason. Volume doesn't always equal strength.
The lid doesn't lock securely, so it easily goes off if you stumble upon the basket.

Overall, this is a lovely good-looking large decorative basket that you can use to store light stuff and hide clutter from view. However, it isn't sturdy. I find this product overpriced due to everything I've said.

KEA of Sweden

This is a small metallic plant pot covered in a matt brass coat. It has a vintage look but, due to being matte, it doesn't look tacky or cheap. I use it as holder for different office tools on my desk (scissors, cutting pens, fountain pens, hand cream and what's not). It goes well with the Scandy style of my home studio. Great price.

DESIGNER Unknown

RISATORP Basket with Compartments (White, 33x24x23 cm)

Another stunner in the Risatorp basket world. This is a large basket with an inner bamboo divider and handle. It's made of the same materials as the other baskets in the line in the wonderful Skandy style that I love.

This basket is quite heavy, but it can be easy transported by the handle. The divider is great to keep different things separate. Like other Risatorp baskets I own, it's versatile. I've used it as bathroom toiletries container; one side for hair products, the other for cosmetics. I've used it as art desk organiser; I kept it on the floor with some basic painting tools and a water bottle. I've also used it to store socks and stockings, one on each compartment. Ditto for my workdays bras & panties, to have them at hand when I dress for work in the morning. I think this is perfect for a picnic or to carry small items of food and drinks to a foodie get-together.

The inner wooden pieces have to be assembled. I found the positioning and screwing of them easy if you 'plug' the two wooden pieces to the handle bar before you position it inside.

DESIGNER Wiebke Braasch.

ASSEMBLY LEAFLET

I have three pieces of this Lennart drawer unit at home. I bought them because of the sweet clean simple design and great price. I can put these units under my desk or forming a mini console against the wall. I use them to store A4 notepads and loose paper sheets, acrylic paints tubes and inks. Despite its feeble appearance, this unit holds a lot of stuff and weight, 5 kilos per drawer, and a bit extra on the top.

Personally, I'd buy a different drawer unit if I wanted to store office documents or have it in a home office that receives visitors. However, this unit is great for arts and crafts storage, especially if you're on a budget and you expect paint splashes to fall on it. Said differently, I wouldn't cry if this got ruined by my paints.

Assembly is easy, and the resulting unit is light, cute and compact.

I suggest reinforcing the drawers base with thick cardboard to make it stronger.

DOWNSIDES

> The unit only has castor on the back legs. It had been great if it had it on the four legs. They are OK to move the unit, by lifting the front and rolling the back. Yet, if the drawers are full, they aren't the best rolling castors.
> The front lowest side has a lot of empty space that could have been used to place another drawer.
> The back crossbar doesn't properly protect the drawers rear. The bar is meant to act as a stop for the drawers not to fall off backwards, but the crossbar is a bit too thin and on the short side; shorter than they should be, I think.

Jon Karlsson.

ASSEMBLY LEAFLET

This is the first Risatorp basket that came to the market and the first one I bought. I have several already and they are a must at home. This basket looks small but accommodates tons of stuff, and it's easy to store anywhere. If you want to keep it outside, looks great and stylish. I've given this basket different uses, from my office to my laundry, from my kitchen to my bedroom and currently sit in my bathroom. The mesh body makes it light, and the bamboo handle makes carrying stuff inside a breeze. This is an Ikea classic design, easily recognizable, and has has been imitated by big stores (Target and Kmart for example).

Wiebke Braasch

I love the Risatorp baskets line, and this model is the most useful of the many models I have. This has proven to be the most versatile, the one with most capacity and the easiest one to store. I've moved this around my place many times and and I've given it different uses. As storage for my laundry cleaning products on top of my washing machine. I've used it as shower "caddy" to put all my most used daily toiletries. I've used it as sockets and stockings 'drawer'. I've used it as stationary storage.

This basket is great. It looks good in my studio/office, laundry, bathroom and kitchen. It hasn't broken or deteriorated despite the weight I've put inside. It's easy to move around thanks to the sturdy handles. It's easy to clean. The rectangular narrow shape makes it easy to use in small spaces, and it's easy to stack too. I've had it for several years and still looks as new. In one word, this is a must at home and I have a couple o them.

Wiebke Braasch

SuckUK Tin Food Truck Lunch Box

I love tin boxes for everything: for tea, pulses, sewing, crafts, office supplies, stationery, makeup or for any storage purpose. I find them more sustainable and durable than plastic, and way prettier. I didn't buy this box for my lunches at all, but to store some small items. SuckUp has the coolest looking boxes out there.

I've had this fancy tin lunch box in my Amazon wish-list for over 3 years because, although I love the design, the price has been ridiculously high (max of $60 and minimum of $40). Yet, patience paid off, and the box was finally sold during a flash sale at a fair $23, which is the lowest price I've ever seen it. "Seasons came and changed the time". The huntress was ready. "Bang Bang, I shot you down." After the flash sale the box went up to $48. "Bang Bang, you hit the ground." I thought I deserved a tiara or something.

The box is good-quality tin and the design is gorgeous, with all the details of the food truck printed; even the bottom is printed. The box is really spacious, more than the product page photos make you think. Would your lunch fit in? I think if you don't put the drink inside, yes. Perhaps a sandwich or two with some small chocolate bars an one or two small pieces of fruit. Yet, you can use the box for myriad other storage purposes.

The door opens like a food truck's does, upwards. But, right there, there is an issue. The latch and locking system are badly designed or just defective because, when the tin is unlocked, the cover protrudes up and does not rest down properly at all (see my photos). Even when it's locked, the door does not rest down completely. To close the door, you have to push the latch down and, at the same time, push the door cover inwards. This is not that practical, quite annoying and it does not always work. At this stage, ain't sure whether this is a design fault or just part of a faulty batch. "Bang Bang, that awful sound."

The handle is less sturdy than other tin's handles I own and it does not stand erect or can be tucked away inside the upper latches.

Furthermore, I was expecting the product to come in a fancy package to match the fancy price and branding. However, it arrived inside a generic brown box. A repurposed return? "Bang Bang, I hit the ground."

Now the big questions.

> Did the box disappoint me upon arrival? Yes, for the reasons mentioned above. "And 'till this day sometimes I cry."

> Did I think it was worth the waiting time? Perhaps not. Bang, Bang.

> Do I think that the usual high price is justified? Totally NOT. Bang, Bang. The price I paid for it is fair and what I think the product should be sold for.

> Do I recommend the purchase? Yes, if the locking system worked and the price was less than $25. If you fancy it, check it out in a offline shop so that you can verify that the latch is working properly

"Now he's gone. I don't know why." He has been returned, that's why.

(NB/ My Amazon review is obviously less Bang-Bangy for obvious reasons).

Maydahui Canvas Pencil Roll Wrap (Vintage Plate Number, 48 Slots)

I bought this medium-size pencil wrap just to store some stand-alone pencils and markers. The canvas quality is stupendous;, sturdy, and better than another wrap I own. The printed design is cool and vibrant and very good quality printing; I'd say that the motif is genderless. This wrap rolls well despite the canvas thickness and it can be stored vertically. I love these wraps as they protect the pencils tips, can be stored vertically, something I usually do to maximize storage space, and are perfect for travelling. Good value for money, too!

Elephtree Fish-Shaped Pencil Case

I bought this super-cute fabric pouch heavily discounted on a Prime Day. I just wanted something light to put it several some of my left over markers. The pouch design is playful and original; the colours are muted, close to pastels, and perfectly captured by the product page photos. I was able to store 9 average markers and 2 size-5M Posca markers. There is still room for two or three fine ones, a small eraser or a small sharpener.

I would use this for a getaway trip for either some markers/pens/pencils or small items of makeup. Despite the photos showing large items of makeup in the product page, this pouch would not hold anything large and round, mostly linear pencil-like items and small eye-shadow or lipstick containers.

Both the outer and the inner lining are made of plain fabric, no canvas or a strong material. That being the case they aren't liquid or spill proof; the material can be easily stained outside and, destroyed if any of the markers leaked inside. Also, the pouch has limited capacity as the fish tail is just decorative and does not hold anything, and the fish mouth has limited storage space.

Aquarius Peanuts Snoopy Carry All Tin Lunch Box

This is a very lovely box made of good tin with Snoopy illustrations all over; those on the top lid are engraved. Really cute for children or adults alike, especially for those of us who love Snoopy. The best thing is that I can use this box for many storage purposes not just as a lunch box.

I bought this box to store some art supplies and small pieces of collage paper, so it's great for that. I love the fact that the handle can be tucked in flat and that the lid lock allows me to store the box vertically without fear of the contains getting out or the box self opening.

I have similar tin storage/lunch boxes and this one is a bit narrower and taller than the others I own.

A bit pricey for a tin box, but I'm sure the illustrations are copyrighted and that's part of the issue. Yet, it's value is very similar to other similar tin boxes out there.

I was a bit worried about the reviews re the lock being faulty and he box damaged. However, my tin box arrived in perfect conditions.

Misgirlot Canvas Pencil Wrap (Ocean, 72 slots)

This is a great storage option for my pencils, just to have them away when not needed, but well protected. The roll sewing template is quite simple (a long piece of fabric, with some elastic pencil slots inside, a protecting flap sort of pocket to protect the pencil points, and a tying cord) but very effective. The wrap feels like is handmade, and I love the feeling and look of it. The cover printing is very lovely, gender neutral, and a reproduction or imitation of the famous Japanese wave painting. The wrap is also very light even when full.

Needless to say, once the roll is filled in, it doesn't look as small as in the photos on the product page, and it can be still bulky.

I got this a very discounted price, so that's an added bonus.

NOTE

Ikea has a similar holder, in plain linen, ivory colour for just half the price :)

Five Star Stand 'N Store Pencil Pouch

Super-light good quality mesh pouch that holds a good deal of pens and pencils. Even my tall Tombows, can be put comfortably in. Unlike other vertical holders, the pouch has a rigid lower body with a fold-down upper body. The upper part has a small inner pouch perfect for a small eraser or USB. The lower body is made of sturdy light mesh. Good zip. The two lateral holders that can be used for different purposes, to hand them from a backpack or put them on a wall or desk holder. The main downside is that the product is sold in assorted colors but you cannot choose the one you get. I got one with the upper in green, which I found convenient to put all my green stationery there.

MCWTH 3D Astronaut Large Pen Pouch

I bought this cute pen holder for my nephew's birthday, knowing that he loves astronomy. He's a little kid. He told me that he loves it "too much". Indeed, this is very cute and whimsical. The pouch is made of good quality rubber. It has a 3D upper lid and opens on the side with a zip that glides without difficulty. I thought it would be roomier inside, to be honest, but it's enough for a good selection of children pens, pencils, erasers and small USB drivers that can be easily stored in the inner mesh pouch. I thought that, if it was mine, I'd use it as flight cabin pouch to put some basic toiletries and makeup in.

The Tin Box Company Star Wars Vintage Classic Tin Lunchbox, Black

I'm a SW fan and I was looking for a roomy tin box to store some of my collage papers and small art supplies. This is perfect for both purposes. It looks as good in person as in the photo, and looks cool wherever I place it. The handle can be comes handy to carry my lunch or if I was carrying this anywhere, which I initially don't intend to; the handle can be put in, so it doesn't protrude, making the box more compact. The locking system is great to prevent the lid from self-opening.So far, so good.

Sluxa Cat Pencil Pouch

I'm in love with this. I bought this pouch as a gift for an impending birthday, but I will be purchasing one for myself. It's just like in the photos. The cat illustration is very realistic and more so when the pouch is full. The holder is made of some sort of silicone material outside and fabric lined inside. The zip runs smoothly and has a chain puller. The zip chain and zip head are the only things that could be improved. The pouch is generous in size (see my photo against an A4 wallet). I couldn't resist checking how much stuff I could fit in. I was able to comfortably fit in 17 items (a mix of markers, new pens, pencil erasers, and even my Townbows) and there was still room for small items like erasers a small USB etc. Very roomy! I bought this very discounted, so that's an added bonus.

Friinder Pen Pencil Telescopic Holder Pen Holder Bag (Pink)

This is such a cute telescopic pen holder. I love the Kawaii pink style design; it brings out the child in me. It has plenty or room inside. I have put many markers and pencils inside and there is still room for more. The holder is plastic-lined inside, which prevents leaking from possible ink spills. The outer part is sturdy canvas and it stands upright easily. The design is really good as the straw part in the design helps me pull the pouch up easily while the two lower tabs help me to pull the pouch down. The zip is good quality. as well. This holder is a bit taller than other similar pen holders I own, so I can put some of my longer pencils and markers inside. Not my Tombows (see my photo) if I want to zip the pouch. As it is made of canvas, I don't put it on my table when using acrylics as it can be stained easily.

For the rest, a great good-looking pen holder. The only downside is that it's slightly shorter than most telescopic pen holders I own, so my longest new pencils or my dual Tombow markers won't fit in if I want to zip the pouch. Also, there is no tab to pull up tab to help bring the upper pouch up. I love this pen holder. It has a very elegant gender-neutral style that I love. Most importantly, it holds a lot of pens, pencils and markers inside, as per my photos. It's plastic-lined inside, so the outer fabric won't get stained if there is ink spillage. The outer part is made of sturdy canvas so it stands upright without a problem. It has a good-quality zip, too.

Tombow Storage Tote Bag

This is a lovey large, roomy, beautifully-made storage bag. The bag material is good-quality threaded nylon and the combination of colors, finishes and embroidered logo made up a very good-looking bag. Both the upper reinforced handle and the shoulder bag are sturdy, and the latter is easily adjustable.

My photos don't make it justice to the amount of stuff I've been able to put in, and there is still room for more.

The two Velcro separator individual sheets come handy to create different spaces within the bag, and can be moved and/or re-positioned easily. There are two mesh external elastic pouches that can hold plenty of stuff, and I store all my crayons and pastels flat tins in the front pocket.

I don't use it to store my markers but to store a good deal of art & crafts supplies.

THE WEAKEST LINKS

I find that the bag has three design flaws that rest quality to the product if used for anything that isn't markers. The first one is the average quality of the zips, that aren't sturdy enough to carry a fully loaded heavy bag. This mostly affects the upper zip, which is pulled every time I carry the bag.

I find that other type of containers hold and organize my markers, pens and pencils better (either vertically or horizontally) and I won't store mine upright here.

Finally, although the bag cover is very roomy, it has no reinforcement inside, which seems necessary to me to counteract the pressure put on it by the holder when the bag is full; the sewn attachments aren't strong enough and might eventually break through here.

IN SHORT

Great storage bag. Good looking. Very spacious. It allows me to store tons of stuff. Yet, the upper cover and the zips are a bit of a let down as they seem fit for a mass-produced bag not for a Tombow product. I will update this review in the future if necessary.

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