OK, we've seen the unusual tools thread (pretty cool!), now how about all the nifty ways to store all our unusual (and usual) cake decorating implements?

I have a construction worker's insulated work site bag (this thing is canvas and has two compartments, one on top of the other and each will open wide open and it is BIG!) I use this to carry all my emergency repair supplies when I deliver a cake in case of a "cake-tastrophe". Also I use a tool box for the little stuff.

What ideas do the rest of you have that you are willing to share to make our cake decorating lives easier?

I have those stackable draws that you find in all different stores. I have two stacked that hold much of my small stuff.

I have my Wilton caddy and I take it with me everywhere when I have cakes... I have a large tote bag that I bring with whatever I may need when assembling wedding cakes.. I make a checklist and I check it off as I place it in my carry bag (large durable plastic bag with handles that I bought at Hobby Lobby).

I have those stackable and pull out drawers.

Any space I can find to put my items...running out of space and can't stop myself from buying more

I so need cake shopping therapy!!!

I also have stackable drawers formy colors fondant stuff etc. For my cake pans I have peg board on my garage wall and hang them and I store my tips in a nick nack square box with different compartments. I store my cake mix on my Gorilla rack and Powder sugar in an air tight container.
Michelle

Plastic shoe boxes, plastic 3-drawers on wheels, plastic caddies, all kept in cabinets and closet of my computer room. Plus attic for larger items (cake stands, fountain, etc.) I have been eyeballing our hall closet. It is fourteen feet long and currently holds junk (movies, wrapping supplies - old pics). I'm considering converting it into a cookies and cakes storage. Hubby doesn't know yet. LOL!!

I know a decorator that keeps her tips and couplers in a "screw" cabinet, you know those little plastic grey boxes with the tiny pull out drawers for holding screws and washers and stuff. Each tiny drawer has a label on it that says what's inside. Also she has a mechanics rolling tool chest! This thing is about 4.5' high with lots of drawers, of course she has everything labeled. She keeps everything but her pans in this thing. It sits in her walk-in pantry when she's not decorating and then just pulls it out next to where she is working in the kitchen when she's decorating. Everything is right at hand and she can work fast. She also says that the enamel painted metal chest is really easy to clean - just wipe the frosting prints right off! Now if I only had the walking pantry to store it and the $300+ bucks to buy one!

Fishing tackle box works great. I bought that instead of the wilton caddy. Think about it. fishing gear is small so the tackle box has small compartments and large one for bigger items.

I also use a takle box! Same thing as the Wilton Caddy just alot cheaper. At the Bass Pro shop they even have pink ones for the ladies! LOL

I have bought plastic sterlite boxes to sort different supplies. However...my life got so much easier when I got the second kitchen!!! However...I still like using those boxes.
traci

I have a clothesline in my basement that I use to hang my character pans on.

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i used to use a caboodle (remember those things - well I hung onto mine!) but now i use the wilton one b/c i have so much junk ...

Oh, I got so excited about my 'Bertha' (thats her name) that I forgot to add my tip

At home I have several stainless steel hairdryer holders mounted on the area near my kitchen island. (The kind that are metal spirals with a retractable arm) I put my icing bags in them when I am working with several color at once. Its really convenient because the bags fit perfectly and are in perfect reach. With the retractable arm, you can pull them to wherever you need them. I got them at a hotel supply store for like $5 each. When you're not using them they just push almost flush against the wall and my fresh herbs in little flower pots fit perfectly inside.

I have 4 3 drawer stands on wheels and plastic bins. I also use the nail and screw cabinet to store premade royal icing flowers. I never thought of actually using the rolling mechanic type storage unit, althought my BF just bought one and it is sitting....empty....in the front hall. He got it for $80 or 90 at Walmart (Canada).

Slightly off topic, I bought a couple of dishwasher silverware holders at a garage sale, you know, the one with 6 or so compartments and a handle. I use this to hold my full frosting bags while I'm working.

i have a big plastic tool box.. but the lid is a seperate compartment that opens... so there the big area inside, a removable insert, the lid and the top of the lid.. did that make sense.. the top of the lid is also clear and sectioned off so i put my colors and tips in that.. i'm looking for something to hold my pans and plates.. so far the old fashioned square cardboard box...
all of my small tools for gumpaste etc are in a plastic shoe box..

so the rolling mechanic's tool chest IS a great idea! I've seen the plastic version for sale at a local auto parts store, maybe I should check it out, or hit ebay, flea market, ect. I think one of these would hold everything but the pans.