Monday 18 August 2014

A review. Solicited, but happily offered...


Allow me to give you teeny bit of history. Back last summer, on possibly the only dry day, if not the warmest, me and that Di and that LLJ met Desker Brenda of Butlers Abroad. Brenda lives in America with Andrew, her devoted husband.  No really, stay with me, it's relevant.
L-R me, Jan, Brenda, Di   (Summer 2013)
This picture of us Desker gals was taken by Brenda's husband.  He and I had a long chat about the ribbon holders that he had made for Brenda and then because of demand, had made for general sale.  Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Giraffe Storage Systems.
Ribbon and Washi tape holders.  Designed with the user and the tidy in mind.  So you drop the spool or roll of tape into the cradle, it will hold the end until you're ready to pull a length of whatever you desire to use and because of the clever 'arm' gizmo (at the left end in my photo), your unwinding action doesn't cause the roll to tip or stall and cause unsteady ribbon carnage.  Genius.

Now despite my enthusiasm for a friend's ideas and products, I also have a sales head (from many years of selling, actually), and I was pretty quick to point out to Andrew that although I buy quite a lot at a time - 3 metres plus, I rarely buy ribbon on spools...it's not a common option in the UK - although the smaller spools are more available.  Well, he answered that, no problem.  The rack shown here was designed for smaller spools like Washi and the 2 or 3 metre spooled lengths you can buy here in dear old Blighty.  And then if you have untamed longer lengths.....he supplies empty spools too.  Smart arm, huh!!



And wait, there's more.  You can have a wall mountable rack, or a desk top rack...indeed a proper system to corral your ribbons and tapes that not only makes them accessible and ultra-useable....they'll look fab too! Win, win, win.

And if you aren't a big ribbon user....you could have the stacker...and then when you've filled it - which you surely will, because suddenly you're using more ribbon and loving the 'display' in your workspace, you can buy another and they'll stack obediently.  Perfect.

And wait - there's more.  It's no coincidence that I've timed this review with a summer SALE at Giraffe Storage Systems, till August 25th, there's a 20% discount if you use the magic code BASSGSS.  (Shh, I lifted it off Brenda's blog!)
And yes - wait, there's still more.  Giraffe Storage Systems sent me a 12" Tape Dispenser rack to give away.  Yep, I'm to share it.  And I will, of course, because if I don't, it's a bit obvious huh.  But you have to admit, it does look pretty good on my workdesk! So here's the difficult bit.  If you'd like to own the 12" tape rack, please leave me a comment and mention Mr Giraffe Storage System's by his given name.  I'll post it to anywhere, so don't hold back.  
You can find Giraffe Storage on Etsy, and you can follow them on Facebook too - a great way to see promotions and competitions and exciting Giraffe things.
Now, go assess your ribbon usage, I feel some organising coming on!


32 comments:

Sammy said...

What a fab idea! I still have all my ribbon wound around empty kitchen roll holders and dumped in a box. Useless for finding *anything*! x

Kathyk said...

What a brilliant idea of Andrew's - gr8 pic of "the gals" too

Kathyk

MrsC.x said...

cor that Andrew is a clever man what a lucky lady to have such a handy hubby.

loving the idea of the small stackable ones would be able to bung em in a big for crops then :)

Karen said...

What a brilliantly clever idea Andrew had to help us with our ribbon stash (mine is quite small at the moment, but it will grow no doubt just like all crafting stash!). Thanks for sharing with us! Karen x

mamapez5 said...

I have a huge ribbon collection including a lot on spools. I think this is a great idea. There is nothing on his site about postage either locally or internationally, though I am assuming he offers it or he would not have asked you for the review. I have bookmarked it for when I have finished reorganising my room. Kate x

Nan G said...

I have long admired Brenda's ribbon storage. What a wonderful system Andrew has devised. Thanks for sharing the news with us!

Eliza said...

Andrew from Mr Giraffe Storage Systems is such a clever man and it's stackable and there is the wall mounted one, oh no I am now going to have to re-access my storage that could be dangerous. LOL

Fab post and great to see a photo of you all too.

Hugs Eliza & Yoda

Helen said...

I had quite forgotten you were going to be reviewing this... still not got much ribbon on spools and don't buy a lot of washi tape.. so I hope you find someone who will love the giraffe storage system. xx GREAT pic too - mwah!

Mary said...

My goodness what a review....I loved the but wait! What a wonderful idea. I have a wonderment.... what I'm wondering, is there a place to purchase empty spools. I buy most of my ribbon by the yard, I'd love it if I could wrap mine onto spools and then store them on the Giraffe. Just a thought....Great job Butlers! You found a need and filled it!

Sue said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sue said...

Fab idea from Andrew to hold our ribbons and tapes.

I'm not putting my name forward as I have ribbons storage already. Good luck to everyone else.

Elizabeth said...

Hi Julia, great photo of the four of you together - there's nothing quite like a WOYWW get-together methinks :) As a confirmed, and there's no help for me, ribbonaholic I would have absolutely no problem filling a few of Andrew's clever storage systems but, like Sue, I've already got a system hanging on the craft room wall so I'd rather someone else got the opportunity to win this one. Hugs, Elizabeth xx

Carmen said...

Coo it's a bit like Dragons Den when they come on with their inventions - I always admire that people can come up with a solution to a problem - in my case reels and tangles lobbed in a box, usually from across the room. Well done Andrew!

misteejay said...

Andrew has certainly come up with some nifty ideas for keeping ribbons & washi tidy - a very talented man.

Toni xx

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I loved seeing you gals get together. It just goes to show the power of the internet.

I've heard (and seen) you say you buy ribbon by the meter/yard, but that's not how it's sold for the most part, in the US. I have a TON of ribbon, but I'm sure you've noticed, I never use it. It's hidden away in boxes that I have to move to get to. ANDREW's idea and storage system never impressed me on Brenda's desk until NOW. Your review has shown me how clever it really is and how much storage it will hold. This may have been a solicited review, but it was well worth it!

Robyn said...

Great photos's of all, including Andrew's brill storage system!
I love an unbiased review!LOL!

RosA said...

What fabulously clever storage ideas! My ribbons, all spools, are hidden away in shoe boxes. Andrew's system looks very efficient!

glitterandglue said...

A great photo taken of you all by the obviously multi-talented Andrew - who... not only can wield a camera without anger, but can design helpful storage systems for his wife and lots of friends. Very generous, too, as he is offering to give one to one of us. Thank you for the opportunity, Andrew - and Julia, too!
Margaret (glitterandglue)

Claire said...

What a wonderful hubby Andrew is not only is he clearly very talented, he is also willing to create/invent something which his wife desires for crafting, what a guy!
Claire xx

Claire Grantham said...

Great idea, I have seen these Giraffe ribbon storage systems somewhere before. I am coverting that multi-stacking version (swoon / drool). Love it when a husband like Andrew gets involved in our crazy crafting pursuits! Cx

Neet said...

Love the photo of Les Girls! Love the Mr Giraffe ribbon storage system too. Brenda is very lucky to have an Andrew who is so handy. But then she is lovely and so deserves him.
I was trying to pluck up courage to ask OH to take down my pretty useless (my idea) ribbon holder which holds only a tiny bit of my stash (which is rarely used) and do something else with it. Now I think I feel a Giraffe visit is on the cards.
Thanks for enabling.
Hugs, Neet xx (who is grateful for this post as it has cheered a very downcast Neet up)

Anne said...

I've admired these before and would definitely love to win. Great review. Anne x

Gillian Pearce said...

Great ribbon storage idea from Andrew of Giraffe storage systems. All my tapes and ribbons are in a drawer at the moment which is a shame as I don't get to admire then. Some desk top storage would be great, not to mention inspiring.
Gillian

VonnyK said...

Love the photo and what a fabulous idea. I hope he makes tons of sales. I'm not a ribbon person myself but I even I can see how great it is. Can he invent a self cleaning art room?
Von :)

Darnell said...

I love that photo of you four imps!! I'm the lucky owner of one of Andrew's creations, so don't include me in the draw. You've written a very nice piece about them!! Hugs, Darnell

Kyla said...

Brilliant idea and how great they are made from wood, so much Eco friendlier and prettier than plastic.
Kyla

Robyn Oliver said...

That's one mighty fine ribbon storage rack system Andrew has created with a cute Mr Giraffe stamped on the ends. It would be a great thing at my place seeing as mine are on rolls but stored in jars. Thanks Julia, it looks fab on your desk too.

akilli melek said...

How cool to see that photo of you all together. I think Andrew's inventions are just fab. It would certainly tame the jungle of ribbon that I have living stuffed in an a4 drawer.
hugs caroline xx

Annie Claxton said...

What a nifty idea! I would love to win one of Andrew's clever storage systems, but suspect I would want to collect a whole tower of them! Also love the wooden bobbins - hey Julia do you have an idea of how much delivery to the UK would be?

Andrew said...

Thanks Julia for making the very serious business of craft storage a wonderful light hearted affair!! ;)

Now to answer the question about local and international shipping, I do ship worldwide. Shipping is calculated after items have been added to your 'Shopping Bag' and if 'Open Bag' is clicked then a window pops up to ask for your delivery address. You only have to enter your State or Country from the drop down menu and the shipping is automatically calculated in the lower right.
To complete checkout enter your full address and be sure to enter the coupon code! Payment is via PayPal. If anyone living locally (Michigan USA) would like to collect in person that can be arranged - they would just have to email me first.

If anyone should have any other questions please don't hesitate to email me: info@giraffestoragesystems.com

Hugs!!

Andrew AKA GiraffeGuy

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