Life Hacks for Organizing Craft Supplies

Are your stamps scattered, your washi tapes tangled, and your cardstock crammed into random drawers? You’re not alone! Organizing craft supplies can feel overwhelming, especially when your creativity outpaces your storage space. But here’s the good news: with a few clever life hacks and craft room organization ideas, you can turn chaos into creativity.

Mini Blending Brush Storage

Let’s explore fun, functional, and beginner-to-pro-level tips to reclaim your craft room, no matter the size.

7 Life Hacks for Organizing Craft Supplies That Actually Work!

1. Categorize First, Then Conquer

Before diving into storage solutions, take inventory. Group your crafting supplies into categories:

• Stamps & Dies
• Stencils - Layering, Builder, Standalone, etc.
• Inks - Dye Inks, Pigment Inks, Metallic Inks, etc.
• Blending Tools - Categorize by size, shape, and ink color
• Cardstock & Paper 
• Embellishments (sequins, enamel dots, gems, rhinestones, etc.)
• Tools (scissors, heat guns, die-cut machines, stamping tools)

2. Use Clear Storage Pockets for Visibility and Access

One of the simplest and most effective craft room organization ideas? Clear storage pockets. Altenew’s Storage Pockets are perfect for grouping coordinating stamp and die sets, stencils, embossing folders, or even your card panel leftovers. You can easily see what you have at a glance, stack or file them vertically in bins, and add simple labels for quick access.

3. Label Everything (Yes, Everything!)

When everything is labeled, everything is easy to find. This will save you a lot of time, so you can create more instead of hunting down that one stencil you wanted to use. If you have a label maker, then that’s perfect. However, you can also use some washi tape and markers for DIY labels. Take it up a notch by color coding your labels (green for summer-themed stamps, blue for winter products, yellow for new crafty hauls, etc.). 

4. Go Vertical With Your Craft Room Design

No craft room is too small; you just haven’t gone up yet. We’re sure you’ve heard or read this so many times before. Vertical storage is a game-changer for compact or shared spaces. Don’t ignore those walls; they can hold more crafting supplies than you can ever dream of. Plus, they look pretty up there. 

Here are some simple ideas you can try:

• Floating shelves for display and storage
• Pegboards for hanging scissors, ribbons, stamps, stencils, and embossing folders.
• Magnetic strips for metal dies

If you’re an experienced crafter, a dedicated wall for ink and blending brushes is elegant and efficient. Still a beginner? No problem! You can benefit from a vertical bin tower when crafting at the dining table.

5. Create a Dedicated Craft Cart or Station

We’ve all had those moments where we want to fussy cut or stamp multiple sentiments while watching our favorite TV show. If you like moving around when you craft, a rolling craft cart can serve as a mini craft room on wheels. Store your essentials, move them as needed, and tuck them away when done. Use the top layers for your most-used items (scissors, adhesives, cardstock) and the lower tiers for larger tools or extra supplies.

6. Reuse & Repurpose with Purpose

If you’re looking for craft room organization hacks that won’t cost extra, this tip is for you! Believe it or not, you already have great storage solutions at home. Got some old mason jars? That’s perfect for brushes, markers, pens, and pencils. Have an extra ice cube tray? Use it as embellishment storage! File folders (yes, we know you have these!) are great for storing and organizing cardstock and paper pads. This approach saves money while adding a cozy, personalized vibe to your space.

7. Set Up a "New In" Basket for Your Crafting Hauls

Let’s be real — with Altenew’s irresistible crafty deals and must-have releases, it’s easy to build up a stash of new crafting supplies faster than you can say “clear stamp set.” If your workspace feels like a treasure hunt every time you sit down to craft, this one’s for you!

Designate a small, accessible basket or tray exclusively for your latest goodies — think of it as your “New In” zone. Whether it’s a fresh floral layering stamp set, your latest ink pad obsession, or that press plate and die bundle you just couldn’t resist, pop it right into the basket. This simple system keeps your new supplies front and center, preventing them from getting lost in the shuffle of older materials.

Switch out the contents regularly, maybe every Sunday or after each craft session, to keep things exciting. Not only does this make your space feel more organized, but it also encourages you to play with your most recent finds while they’re still sparking ideas. Your creativity will thank you — and your “New In” basket will too.

Follow These Craft Room Organization Hacks and Unlock Your Creativity!

Craft room organization isn’t just about keeping things tidy — it’s about creating a space that truly supports your creativity. When your crafting supplies are easy to find and your space feels calm and inviting, everything changes. You spend less time searching for tools, feel more inspired and focused, and maybe even finish those half-done projects that have been waiting for your attention.

It doesn’t matter if you’re just working from a cozy corner of your kitchen or have a beautifully dedicated craft room; these simple organization hacks can help turn your space into a place where ideas flow and creativity thrives. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just perfectly yours.

Find more craft room organization hacks and tips HERE. Happy organizing!