We like to keep it simple when it comes to arts supplies for kids. But even just gathering the basics results in quite the pile of goodies that require organizing.
In any given week we will use:
- washable crayons
- safety scissors
- glue
- glitter
- pipe cleaners
- construction paper
- stamps
- play dough
- paint and paintbrushes
- pencils
To keep things organized, safe and accessible, use a combination of storage ideas:
- Use wall-mounted hanging organization to maximize table space
- Re-use baby food jars or other jars mounted under a shelf for items that you want to contain with a lid
- Use see-through storage boxes for things such as paint and paintbrushes, stamps and inkpads. When you're ready to use, grab the entire kit and go
- Create a quick and easy place to display artwork. This wooden pant hanger on a hook is a great way to quickly display your child's artwork as soon as he's finished.
Image: Stephmodo
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Perfect timing! We are preparing to move from our tiny condo to a huge rental apt in two weeks, and the kid will finally get her own bedroom (for a few months before #2 is born and moves into their room) and a play/family room! So I've been working to figure out how to organize their play room. These are great ideas and I'll definitely incorporate some of them!
Are the lids of those jars glued onto the shelf?
@ninady - The ones I've seen (i.e. the ones in my basement) are screwed into the shelving.
I like to use the clear zippered bags that pillow cases, bed sheets, baby blankets and baby shoes (robeez) come in to hold markers, crayons, and even cookie cutters for play dough. It's a good way to recycle, and the material is very flexible. I also like to repurpose plastic peanut butter and mayo jars to hold craft supplies like poms poms, stickers, ribbon and foam shapes.
I have lots of jars waiting for use. I may just do this..but that wall mounted hanger is cute too...hmm I only have room for one. Fun stuff, thanks :)
This looks so cute, but in my family anyway if it's in plain view it's fair game for any type of play...so those paintbrushes would be swords, the markers would be wands and the scissors...the mind boggles. Our art supplies are in bins in a low cupboard. Much safer.
EmmaG is right on. With young kids around, you'd need to add a small container for first aid supplies, and another for magic erasers.
gorgeous little studio area! i love the wooden hanger idea:) as an artist i am always struggling to keep supplies at my fingertips but not in the way. i have an ottoman by our couch that opens up that i keep a set of watercolors, pencils and paper so i can draw and paint easily while my family is together in the living room - i am getting ready to move and am excited about a vision to incorporate a studio and home schooling space into the main living area - i will post pics when its complete...
These are all great, would love to incorporate and get some of our stuff more organized.
Emily @ http://456eleven.com
This is the second time I have seen this hanging organization, any idea where to get something similar?
Perfect timing that I came across this post. I just redid one wall of my master bedroom-turned office, and now I'm onto the next - this one is where the trouble lies: crafts, printer & printing paper area, photo frames, office stuff - at a glance all junk! This is a huge inspiration to CLEAN UP. Many thanks.
I will post before and after shots of my organized area on my blog.
mrsjonsgaard- ikea!
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/kitchen/10474/