Mastering Art & Craft Supply Organization

Whether you’re a professional artist, a weekend crafter, or a parent with a house full of glitter and glue sticks, art and craft supplies have a way of multiplying, and migrating. Markers end up in the kitchen drawer, washi tape hides behind books, and suddenly you’re rebuying things you already own because they’ve gone MIA.

An organized creative space isn’t just pretty, it’s functional, inspiring, and can actually help boost your productivity. Here’s how to get your art and craft supplies in order, once and for all.

1. Take Inventory and Declutter

Before diving into bins and labels, pull everything out. Yes, everything.

Ask yourself:

• Is it still usable?

• Do I actually use this type of supply?

• Is it expired (paint, glue, markers can dry out)?

• Do I have duplicates?

Let go of dried-up markers, crusty paint tubes, or supplies you haven’t used in over a year. Consider donating gently-used items to local schools, daycares, or community centers.

2. Sort by Category, Not Chaos

Group items by function: paint supplies, adhesives, papers, tools, fabrics, etc. This helps you see what you have and plan your storage around real needs, not just aesthetics.

Bonus tip: Create a “quick grab” bin for your most-used supplies so you’re not always digging.

3. Choose the Right Storage Systems

The best organizing solution is one you’ll actually use. Some favorites:

• Clear drawers or bins: See everything at a glance.

• Labeled jars or cups: Perfect for pens, brushes, scissors.

• Rolling carts: Great for mobile projects or shared spaces.

• Hanging organizers or pegboards: Ideal for small spaces or vertical storage.

• Binder systems or folders: For stickers, paper scraps, and stencils.

Look for modular storage that you can expand as your supply collection grows.

4. Label Everything (Seriously)

Even if your bins are clear, labels bring instant clarity, especially when multiple people use the space. Use a label maker or even handwritten tags for a personal touch.

5. Create Zones

Just like a kitchen has zones (prep, cook, clean), your art space should, too.

• Work zone: Clean, flat surface with your daily essentials nearby.

• Storage zone: Clearly labeled and accessible.

• Inspiration zone: A corkboard or wall space for mood boards, swatches, or current projects.

  
  

6. Maintain With a “Creative Reset”

At the end of each week (or each project), take 10 minutes to reset your space. Toss scraps, wipe down surfaces, and return everything to its home.

This habit helps avoid future overwhelm, and keeps creativity flowing.

Final Thoughts

A beautifully organized craft space doesn’t just look good, it works harder for you. When your supplies are accessible, visible, and easy to maintain, your creativity has room to flourish. Plus, no more buying your fifth hot glue gun (we’ve all been there).

Start small, stay consistent, and don’t forget to make it you. Organization isn’t about perfection, it’s about creating a space that supports your passion.