Organize Craft Supplies and Tools Easily With These Hacks!

10 minute read

Craft supplies are some of the most fun, colorful, and versatile items in your home. However, it can also be challenging to keep them organized and tidy. How do you store all of those paper, ink pads, beads, sequins, ribbons, markers, paper trimmer, and other tools? Let’s explore a few different craft storage ideas and unique ways to get your craft supplies under control so you can enjoy using them without worrying about the mess. Whether you're just starting out or you've been crafting for years, these tips and ideas will help you keep your craft room spick and span. Let's get started!

How Do You Organize and Declutter Craft Supplies?

Crafting is a fun and relaxing way to spend your free time. However, your craft supplies can quickly become a mess. And when your crafting supplies are cluttered and disorganized, finding what you need can be frustrating and challenging. Luckily, there are a few tricks to keeping them organized. From organizing craft bins to budget-friendly craft storage ideas - here are some tips on how to organize and declutter your craft supplies.

Tips for organizing craft supplies

Read up on basic crafting tools every crafter must have!

How Do You Organize Crafts In a Small Space?

Small spaces can be a challenge for organizing any kind of hobby, but it can seem downright impossible when it comes to crafts! So how do you fit all of your tools and supplies into a closet or craft cabinet? We’ve got some creative solutions for craft storage in small spaces. Whether you're short on space or just looking for a more efficient way to organize, these tips will help you get your craft space under control. So gather up your supplies, and let's organize!

Craft organizer basket for small spaces3D Embossing Folders

1. Baskets come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. These are ideal craft organizers for various art and craft tools - cardstock, paper, stamp sets, die sets, embossing folders, stencils, and even coloring mediums.

    Craft storage tote bag
    2. For newbie crafters or those still testing the waters, dedicating a craft cabinet for the handful of supplies they have isn’t ideal, especially when you don’t have enough space at home. A tote or reusable canvas bag is a common household item that we all have lying around. Aside from using these bags for grocery shopping, they are great for holding and organizing craft supplies. It’s also a great hack for those who craft on the go and need a portable way of storing supplies.


    Plastic craft storage bins

    3. Having a small space means you probably don’t even have room for a craft storage cabinet. Plastic bins are total space savers! You can stack them up on your craft desk, on the floor next to your desk, or on top of your existing cabinets and drawers. Since most plastic bins have lids, they also keep your supplies clean and tidy. 

    Organizing Hack! Need a space-saving idea for your cardstock, stamps, dies, or stencils? Place them inside resealable bags or pouches with hang holes and hang them on self-adhesive plastic hooks on your wall. Try this craft storage idea now, and thank us later!

    4. Speaking of space savers, have you ever seen those cute ottomans and storage benches? If you have the budget for it, this piece of furniture is a game-changer for organizing craft supplies and other household items. 


    Craft storage ideas

    Organizing Watercolor Brush Markers

    5. Cardstock and paper, especially 12x12 ones, can be hard to store and organize. A clever way to keep your paper crafting collection is by using a stackable paper tray. This craft organizer is usually made of sturdy acrylic plastic and has nesting capabilities, so you can simply place it on your craft desk. Moreover, it is spacious enough to store a few 6x8 stamps, dies, stencils, embossing folders, and even alcohol markers. Great for those with limited space!

    Mixed media palette knife set and embossing paste  
    6. Are you someone who prefers to display your craft supplies out in the open? If so, then try using a magazine holder to store them. Sometimes when they’re tucked away in a cabinet, you end up not using them or forgetting you even have them. Most magazine holders are made of clear acrylic or cardboard, so it’s easier for you to keep these craft paper storage color-coded to fit your craft room’s aesthetic. 

    Storage pouches for organizing craft supplies

    Stock up on paper craft tools and materials here!

    How Do I Organize My Craft Bins?

    One way to organize your craft bins is to use storage pouches. While a craft bin is already excellent as a craft organizer, sometimes it could get messy and cluttered, especially if you just dump all your supplies back into it after using them. With different-sized storage pouches, you can easily store almost every craft supply you have. Plus, since these are resealable, your supplies are 100% protected. 

    Storage pouches as craft organizer
    Large Storage Pouches for Organizing Craft Supplies

    Here are a few examples of craft supplies that you can organize using storage pouches:

    • Ink pads - both large and mini cubes
    • 6x8 stamp sets
    • Die sets
    • Pre-cut cardstock
    • Envelopes
    • Alcohol-based markers
    • Watercolor pan set
    • Watercolor brush pens
    • Washi tapes
    • Scrapbook embellishments
    • Ink spray
    • Alcohol ink
    • Embossing powder

    Clear acrylic storage box with lid for craft supplies


    Blend & Store Bundle

    How to Organize Craft Supplies in Drawers

    There are a few different ways to organize craft supplies in drawers, and it depends on the size (length, width, and depth) of your drawers. You can use small baskets, boxes, trinket holders, or create dividers. One of the best tools for organizing craft supplies in drawers is a clear acrylic box with dividers like this. This type of storage can hold various art and craft tools - from ink blending tools and washi tapes to sequins and wax beads.    

    Small organizational cubes are also ideal for those with limited craft storage space. Some cubes don’t have lids making it easier to access and grab whatever you need. It is an excellent option for storing pens, pencils, markers, etc.   

    Clear acrylic holder for storing alcohol markers
    Clear Acrylic Holder for Alcohol Markers


    10 Budget-Friendly Craft Organizing Ideas and Hacks

    Do you love crafting but find yourself frustrated with how much space it takes up and how expensive it can be to organize all your craft supplies? Never fear! There are many creative and affordable ways to get your crafty corner (or any other space) organized. We’re sharing some of our favorite tips and hacks for organizing craft supplies. So whether you're looking for a way to store your washi tapes or just need some ideas for displaying your paper crafting projects, we've got you covered. 

    Craft storage ideas for alcohol markers
    Organizing Alcohol-Based Markers

    1. Think about functionality. Before you get into the nitty-gritty of organizing your craft storage box, you need to decide on its functional features. For example, do you want a transparent or see-through organizer so you can easily see what’s inside? Perhaps you prefer open storage versus one with a lid? Are you inclined to get a stackable craft organizer? Here are a few things to consider when deciding about functionality.
      • Sliding
      • Stackable
      • Clear
      • Open 
      • With a lid
      • Hanging (wall storage)
      • Colored

    Multi-layer drawer craft storage

    2. Declutter! Do it the Marie Kondo way! Get rid of things that don’t spark joy anymore. We know how challenging this is for most crafters. You’ve invested in these craft supplies, and you can’t just let them go that easily. But this is the first step toward a clutter-free craft space. Organizing craft supplies means getting rid of items you rarely use because these are simply taking up space. You don’t need to throw them out! If these crafting items are still good enough to use, you can give them to a crafty friend or donate them. You get to declutter your craft cabinet and make someone happy - so it’s a win-win!
    Labeling craft cabinet with decal stickers
    Organizing Hack! Have you seen those iconic white multi-drawer storage from IKEA in your fave crafter’s craft room? They’re a bit on the pricey side and require more space, but they do the job well. However, you don’t need to buy the exact same drawer. You can always find a similar, budget-friendly option on other online sites like Amazon. 
    Wall-mounted craft storage idea

    Ink Spray Storage
    Pro Tip! A wall-hanging or wall-mounted craft storage is an excellent solution if space is an issue. This could be a pegboard or a floating shelf.
    3. Location, location, location! Keep your most-used crafting items close to you or somewhere within reach. By doing this, you don’t just save space; you save a bit of time too, since you don’t need to walk all the way to your craft storage cabinet to get one tool. It also helps you plan how to organize your craft desk, giving you an idea of which items should take center stage. 
    4. Take advantage of every inch of space. One of the biggest struggles of most crafters is having too many craft supplies and too little space to store them. While some are lucky to have a whole craft room, others barely have a desk and a few drawers. Moreover, nobody is just buying a few supplies and stopping there. So naturally, you’d have to think about where to store and how to organize your newly acquired supplies. Our tip is to look at your craft area and figure out how to make the most out of every inch of space.
     
     
    5. Categorize! Categorizing your craft tools and supplies is a game-changer. It also gives you an idea of what supplies you already have, what you’re running out of, what you still need to buy, etc. Here are a few tips on how to categorize craft supplies:
      • Alphabetical order
      • By type (Stamps, Dies, Paper, Stencils, Embossing Folders, Hot Foil Plates, etc.)
      • By brand - This is advisable if you have way too many crafting brands in your stash.
      • By function - It is ideal to have all your cutting tools or adhesives in one place. If you have a dedicated craft cabinet drawer for each supply and categorize them by function, you’ll find things faster.

    Clear craft organizer
    Organizers for Cardstock and Envelopes

      • By color - This is a fun organizing idea, especially if you have lots of colorful paper, cardstock, washi tapes, etc.
      • By theme - Categorizing your stamps, dies, stencils, and embossing folders by theme is an excellent idea, especially if you often create themed projects. Here are some examples:
        • Florals
        • Nature
        • Geometric
        • Birthday
        • Holidays
        • Thank You
        • Sentiments
        • Congratulations
        • Get Well Soon 
      • By size - Most craft supplies like stamps, dies, and stencils come in various sizes, so organizing them by size is more practical.
      • By shape - This applies to supplies and tools with the same shape, such as washi tapes, pens, markers, ink pads, etc. 

    Plastic craft storage box for organizing supplies
    Storage for Enamel Dots

    Organizing Hack! Plastic storage boxes are fantastic space savers! They come in a wide range of sizes and, with some proper organization, they can store more than a few supplies. Some also come with handles and are easily portable.

    Organizing mini ink cube sets
    Labels for Mini Ink Cubes

    6. Get out your label maker! After categorizing everything in your craft cabinet, it’s time to label them! Labeling is second nature to most crafters, and we know that most of you own some type of label maker. Labeling your craft storage box will make life easier for you. It could get frustrating when you’re trying to find something buried deep under heaps of supplies. If you don’t own a label maker, you can always DIY your labels! Use your favorite stamps and inks, put your own spin on them, or use stickers.

    Labeling mini cube ink pads
    Quiet Reflections Crisp Dye Ink Mini Cube Bundle

      7. Personalize your space. Make it your own! The craft storage ideas and organizing tips we’ve shared are a great starting point. However, it’s still crucial for you to make it your own space. Add photos, colors, textures, or decor that highlights your personality.

      DIY craft organizer for thread and sequins
      DIY Storage for Metallic Thread and Sequins

      8. Repurpose! There are plenty of budget-friendly craft storage ideas, but this is probably the best one. It is also the most environment-friendly! Look around you and get those creative juices flowing. Find something that you can reuse and repurpose as a craft organizer or storage. 

      Repurposed teacup for craft storage
      Die Cutting Essentials Bundle

      Here are a few things you can repurpose:

      • Old bottles
      • Vases
      • Mason Jars
      • Old tins 
      • Jewelry holders/boxes
      • Cookie tins
      • Old mugs or teacups 
      • DVD holders 
      • Shoeboxes 
      • Crater box

      Budget-friendly craft storage ideas
      Flower Gel Pen Set

      9. Think outside the box - literally and metaphorically. Most crafting companies have beautiful packaging that you can reuse and recycle. Got a parcel from Amazon? Turn those boxes into personalized craft organizers. Sometimes you just can’t seem to find the perfect storage for your crafts. Who says you can’t create your own? The photo below shows a repurposed box turned into craft paper storage. You can decorate the box or keep it as is.
      DIY craft storage boxes

      Organizing Hacks from Altenew fans!

      • Use pot lid holders for paper trimmers and scoring tools.
      • Use transparent refrigerator bins to store stamps, dies, stencils, etc.
      • Use photo albums to create an index/logbook/catalog of all your supplies.

      DIY box for craft paper storage

      10. Mobility is key. Are you more of a traveling crafter or a crafter on the go? Always consider the mobility and portability of your craft storage and organizer. Ideally, a plastic bin or craft storage box that can fit all your essentials is the way to go. 

      Organizing Hack! Use a utility cart (similar to that famous IKEA Raskog cart) to hold your most-used crafting supplies. This cart has wheels so you can move it around - perfect for your ‘easy to grab stash.’

      If you need some inspiration to get started, here are 10 budget-friendly craft organizing hacks and ideas that will help declutter your space. Make sure to personalize your new organization system by adding decals, stickers, or painting it in colors that suit your style! Your crafting area should not only be functional but also reflect who you are as a crafter. We hope these tips have inspired you to take on this fun little project soon so you can enjoy all of the perks of a clean, organized, and clutter-free craft room for years to come!

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