You know that feeling when your art supplies explode all over your desk, and you can't find that one beautiful brush or the exact shade of blue you were dreaming about? I’ve been there, and it drives me crazy! Every time I sit down to create, I can’t help but think—why is my pencil case more chaotic than my thoughts? It’s time to change that! I’m on a mission to design a clever storage solution that not only organizes my brushes and paints but also sparks joy whenever I open it. I remember a time when I spent half an hour searching for my favorite sketchbook, only to find it wedged between a box of old crayons and a pile of loose papers. So, why not create a space that inspires rather than frustrates? Can’t we find a way to make art supply organization feel as beautiful as the art itself?
Items You’ll Need
- Stackable Storage Bins
- Drawer Cart
- Pegboard
- Art Supply Tote
- Label Maker
- Rolling Art Cart
- Magnetic Knife Holder
- Art Supply Stand
- Clear Plastic Sleeves
- Zipper Pouches
- Shelving Units
- Cups/Containers for Brushes
- Art Portfolio Case
- Wall-Mounted Cookbook Holder
- Clipboard Stand
- Old Furniture (Upcycled)
- Magnetic Bins
- Craft Table
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Sort and Categorize
First, I gather all my art supplies and sort them into categories: paints, brushes, papers, markers, and so on. This is important for knowing what I have and what I need to store.
Step 2: Choose a Storage Area
Next, I decide on a specific area in my art space where I'll set up my storage solution. It needs to be easily accessible but also organized.
Step 3: Use Shelving Units
I start by placing my shelving units against the wall. They provide a great base for storing bins and larger supplies. I can use the top for items I don't need frequently.
Step 4: Stackable Storage Bins Setup
On the shelves, I arrange my stackable storage bins by category. I'll label each bin with the contents – for example, one for watercolor paints, another for acrylics.
Step 5: Organize with Clear Plastic Sleeves
For smaller items like stickers and cutouts, I use clear plastic sleeves in a binder. This way, I can flip through them easily and find what I need.
Step 6: Drawer Cart for Workspace Essentials
The drawer cart is going to be my 'go-to' for frequently used items. I dedicate one drawer for brushes, another for sketching pencils, and so on. It's mobile, so I can bring it to my craft table.
Step 7: Pegboard for Tools
I mount a pegboard on the wall above my work area. I hang cups/containers for brushes, scissors, and other tools. This keeps everything in view and easily accessible.
Step 8: Art Supply Tote for Mobility
I keep my art supply tote handy for easy transport of supplies. Whether I’m moving to a different room or going outside to paint, this tote allows me to grab what I need quickly.
Step 9: Magnetic Knife Holder for Efficiency
I install a magnetic knife holder on the wall to store my metal rulers and craft knives. This keeps them up and out of the way yet easy to access.
Step 10: Rolling Art Cart for Versatility
The rolling art cart is perfect for ongoing projects. I load it up with current pieces I'm working on and all necessary materials, so I can roll it around as needed.
Step 11: Upcycled Old Furniture
I decide to upcycle some old furniture by transforming an old bookshelf into a creative supply station. I paint it a fun color and use it to hold larger canvases and rolls of paper.
Step 12: Use Zipper Pouches for Small Items
Zipper pouches are perfect for small items like erasers, stickers, and even small sketch pads. I categorize these by type and label them. They fit neatly in my storage bins.
Step 13: Incorporate a Clipboard Stand
I set up a clipboard stand on my craft table for quick access to sketches and inspiration pieces. It also clears off my workspace while keeping my ideas visible.
Step 14: Wall-Mounted Cookbook Holder for Reference
A wall-mounted cookbook holder works perfectly for displaying my favorite art books or reference materials. It keeps my desk clear and makes it easy to flip through.
Step 15: Label Everything
Finally, I break out my label maker and label every bin, pouch, and cart. This way, I can quickly find what I need without digging through everything.
Step 16: Final Touches and Enjoy
With everything organized and labeled, I take a step back to admire my work. It's fun and inspiring to have all my supplies neatly arranged and easy to access. Now, I'm ready to create!