How I Organized Our Kids Craft Cabinet

Written By Nicole Toland
 

Admittedly, my kids aren’t that into crafts yet. My 1.5-year-old is quite literally a wrecking ball, and my 4-year-old is just starting to get interested. I’m secretly the one with a love for crafts. Now that my 4-year-old will sit a little longer, I’m hoping an organized craft cabinet and some clever ideas will get him more excited about it.

I don’t know how cupboards get this messy. It seems like they explode overnight when you’re not looking. Most of the time I throw things in and tell myself I’ll “pick it up” later. Before you know it, I’m opening the doors to a little bomb of a cupboard. I get it, messes come with the territory of crafting. So I made it my mission to get this cupboard turned around and organized.

My biggest hurdle with a project like this is going to the store and not knowing what size or how many containers to get. So I’m sharing exactly how I organized our kids’ craft cabinet, which containers work best, and the products that actually get used (not just sit dusty on a shelf). If you’re drowning in markers, beads and half-used paint supplies, this guide is for you.

The Best Containers for Organizing Kids’ Craft Supplies

I tested a lot of storage solutions before landing on what works in our home. Before I go to the store, I shop my own house first to see which containers I already have that could solve the problem. I’m a big fan of woven anything, but for craft storage I like clear containers so you can easily find what you’re looking for.

Here’s the craft cabinet breakdown:

Construction Paper Storage

This was surprisingly tricky to find. Lots of bins just barely didn’t fit, but this semi-clear bin fits standard size construction paper perfectly. I also like that it comes with a lid.

Marker Bin

I like having this big clear bin with the divider so we can grab everything and take it to the table. I used these smaller pencil boxes to separate the crayons and pencil crayons. These clear storage bins with lids and lever locks are also great for markers and pencil crayons.

Our Favorite Coloring Supplies

Here’s what we actually use and love:

Paint Easels

I tuck these at the back of the cupboard. I haven’t found a better way to store them yet! These easels have come in handy for water painting because they make it easier for the kids to paint.

Bins for Leftovers and Odds and Ends

In craft world there are always leftovers and random scraps, so I find it helpful to have a few miscellaneous bins on hand. I really like the size of these square storage bins and these smaller ones with the white lids. They’re great for toilet paper or paper towel rolls, pipe cleaners and so on. The smaller square containers are great for small beads, stickers, pom-poms and foam pieces.

Book and Paper Holders

I use these book and paper holders to store coloring books and paper that’s been used but is still usable.

Glass Jars (My Favorite Upcycle)

I love using glass jars wherever I can, and it’s a bonus that you can upcycle! They’re versatile and perfect for so many things. If you don’t have extras lying around, save your next spaghetti sauce jar. They work great. Or these ones from Amazon are a good size.

Things you can store in jars:

  • Beads

  • Popsicle sticks

  • Stickers

  • Foam pieces

  • Paint brushes

  • Pom-poms

  • Cotton balls

  • Pencil crayons

…the list could go on and on!

Woven Baskets for Glue and Paint

I got these blue plastic woven baskets from HomeGoods, and here’s a similar style. I use one basket for glues and adhesives and another for paint and painting smocks.

Label Everything

This wouldn’t be an organization project without my favorite label maker, so everything is clear and labeled. I’ve had it for years, and it’s been through countless projects with me. I highly recommend keeping one on hand if you don’t have one already.

Final Thoughts on Organizing a Kids’ Craft Cabinet

Organizing a kids’ craft cabinet isn’t about perfection. It’s about making a space where you know what you have, the kids can see their options, and you can grab supplies and start creating in seconds. Shop your house first, choose clear containers, and label everything. A cabinet that’s easy to put back together is one that stays that way.

My hope is that now everything has a home, craft time will feel less like a cleanup project and more like something we look forward to. If you try any of these containers, let me know in the comments. I’d love to see your craft cabinet!

 
Nicole Toland
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