Creative Craft Storage for Kids

I have a sick fascination with looking into other’s closets. OK, I don’t really do it that often, but I think it’s so interesting when people post pictures of how they organize their closets and cabinets and drawers!

Today I’m going to indulge my other closet oglers by posting my craft closet. Now, first of all, I realize that I am beyond lucky to have an entire closet devoted to craftiness. I’ve lived in all sorts of apartments, trailers and houses but this is the first time I’ve had entire closet for my craft supplies! And also, don’t get too excited…I’m not the organizational gurus that Mandi or Martha are. But this stuff has just worked for me!

Hopefully you’ll get a good idea about how to organize your stuff and if not maybe you can tell me what I did wrong!

Are you so impressed? Or should I be embarrassed? Now, let’s break it down…

1. Shoe Hanger Upper.

I bought this cheapie plastic shoe organizer at TJMaxx for one of my Disney Cruises (it’s perfect to hang on the back of a cabin door!). The bottom two rows store things that Lydia and Asa can play with–pompoms, crayons, pipe cleaners, glue sticks and kids scissors. The higher up pockets are stuff for me–mod podge, scissors, white glue, glitter and markers. This has been awesome because I don’t have to get craft supplies out when they want to craft on their own. And I don’t have to hide dangerous stuff from them.

2. Hardware Mini Drawers.

This thing actually cost me a few bucks. But I bet you could get one like this from a yard sale or thrift store for cheap. I love it because I can get all those tiny little leftover craft supplies (the one fluffy chick leftover from Easter, 2 miscellaneous buttons and three magnets I found, etc.). I don’t label the drawers because they change often…and they are clear so I can see inside!

3. Baby Wipes Containers.

I always feel bad throwing away those big plastic containers. Now I store all those silly foam pieces in them—I have letters, sea creatures and random shapes. I’m sorry but this is the best idea ever!

4. Paper Sorter.

{no picture…paper is not that exciting}

Paper is so messy. It slides everywhere. It drives me crazy. I’ve got construction paper, cardstock and drawing paper all divided up! This was the best investment ever. But if you don’t want to spend the money check out this awesome make-your-own paper storage cube tutorial!

5. Big Drawers.

I have these divided up by KIND…stickers, recycled stuff (egg cartons, bubble wrap), yarn, pre-packaged crafts, etc. It’s super easy to know what I have and when it gets too full, I just cull some of it out.

6. Plastic Zippered Bags.

This is my container full of ziploc bags. I adore these little zippered bags. I use them for everything. I never keep original containers and always dump them into ziplocs. Best. Thing. Ever. (look, Marie from Make and Takes thinks so, too!)

**Random Boxes! The rest of my crazy stuff is in random sized boxes–shoe boxes, plastic boxes and cute boxes I’ve collected at IKEA! Stamps in one, leftover birthday balloons in another, scrapbook embellishments I’ll never use in another. It doesn’t stack well but it’s frugal!

So, that’s some real cleaning that works for me! What’s your best crafty storage tip?

awesome messy photo by jek in the box