How you store your child’s art materials will be influenced by many things including the amount of space you have available, whether the space is a dedicated art space where supplies can be left out on display or if they need to be packed away after each use, the quantity and types of art mediums your children like to use and how regularly they create. Whatever your responses to these questions are, I know you’ll find inspiration for storing all of those crafty bits and bobs in this collection of 10 art supply storage ideas!
1. Use a Lazy Susan
Great for making art with multiple children, simply add the materials they’ll need for any given project to small buckets or tubs and set it down in the middle of the table.
2. Make a Pencil or Crayon Roll
Perfect for making art on the go, check out this DIY crayon roll tutorial from Skip to My Lous or this no-sew version from Small + Friendly.
3. Set Up an Art Cart
I dream of adding an art cart to our art space! (The one pictured is from Racheous Lovable Learning) Here you can find some great tips from Tinkerlab for setting up an art cart all of your own.
4. Get Sorted with Jars
I love brightly coloured art materials sorted into jars as they not only look great but they are easy to keep organised too! Being glass, use your judgment as to whether this idea would work with your children.
5. Try a Divided Storage Caddy
Grab a multipurpose storage caddy from your local hardware or variety store. The compartments make it handy for storing a range of art materials. Love this version from I Heart Organising.
6. Not Just for Fishing! Get Arty with a Tackle Box
For those who need to regularly pack up their art materials, a fishing tackle box can make a great storage solution for. A small tackle box also makes a great kid’s sewing kit!
7. Save Space with a Hanging Shoe Organiser
For those with limited space, a hanging shoe organiser provides a useful storage solution.
8. Makeover a Cardboard Bottle Box
A cardboard bottle holder is fabulous for all sorts of art project materials and is especially handy if you are heading outdoors to create. This one was featured in issue 1 of Play Grow Learn – find out more here.
9. Super Storage for Small Bits and Bobs
A divided sewing or hobby organiser is perfect for collections of small pieces used for collage or sewing projects.
10. See What’s Up with Plastic Storage Boxes
They might not be particularly pretty but I find plastic takeaway style boxes are perfect for storing loose pieces and there are an awful lot of loose pieces when you’re making art! Plus it’s so easy to see when you are getting low on supplies.
How do you store your children’s art and craft supplies?
“But I am not artistic!” “Art is just so messy!” “It takes longer to set up than my child spends making!” If any of these sound familiar when it comes to children’s art at your house, my book, Time to Create: Hands-On Explorations in Process Art for Young Children, is the answer!
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Christie Burnett is a teacher, presenter, writer and the mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to access engaging, high quality learning ideas.
Love the idea of a shoe storage hanger to store the art supplies! It’s not only a great space saver but also would function as the perfect “invitation to play or create” by having it so open and visually enticing to the kids.