Do you have have a little artist at home? Both of my girls would rather do art than almost anything else. And, as I’m sure you can imagine (or maybe you already know too well from experience!) that can get really messy really fast.
2 years ago, I set out to solve the art supply storage problem once and for all. I created a system to keep everything organized- a little “art station” in the corner of our basement.
Note: To see our updated art supply storage space, now that our kids are a little older, click here.
When we first set this system up, Emma was 1 year old, and Kate didn’t even exist yet. Looking back, it has held up incredibly well. Emma is 4 now, and Kate is 2. We added an extra chair to the table, and they both still use this space on a daily basis.
So today I thought I’d share some pictures and a few tips with you about how you can organize your art supplies, too, in a way with will grow with your child for years to come.
Use height to your advantage
One of my big goals with this art station was to keep certain art supplies out of Emma’s reach… and to have others that she would be able to access whenever she wanted to. I don’t want her getting into the paint without supervision, for example. Crayons? Fair game.
I found these tin buckets at Target. (Skip to the bottom of the article to see a full source list of where I got everything.)
The buckets can be stored up high where the girls can’t reach them, or placed down on the table. This way, they’re not using all of the supplies at the same time.
The art desk
We got really lucky and found this desk for sale at a yard sale for $2. My husband sanded and painted it, fixed a broken hinge, and wah-lah! A great art table.
Paper and coloring book storage
I found this organizer at Hobby Lobby, and hung it right abve the art desk. The hooks are perfect for hanging the tin buckets, and we use the two wire baskets for paper and coloring books. Emma can reach the paper by herself, but Kate can’t. Which is perfect! 😉
Storage for everything else
Above the paper and coloring book folders I hung a 12-slot wooden shelf, where every other art supply fits quite comfortably. I love how easy it is to see exactly what we have. All the little cubbies also keep everything nice and neat.
I love being able to take down one or two things at a time, which means that I never have to clean up EVERYTHING all at once.
This organizer is really versatile. It’s easy to take one thing out and replace it with something new as one supply runs out, or we buy something new.
The easel
This easel was a hand-me-down from a generous friend, and it has stood the test of time. The whiteboard side is great for dry erase and magnetic letters, but it also has a clip, which is perfect for hanging paper or giant coloring pages.
The back is a chalkboard. Do you like my husband’s artwork? 😉
Paint Supplies
Do all kids love to paint?? I’ve never met one that doesn’t. But it’s rare to find a parent that is equally enthusiastic about the practice!
I have a little secret to make painting setup and cleanup a ton easier. I found a small metal trashcan at Ikea, and I keep an old sheet and a painting smock (one of my old Tshirts) along with a pack of wipes and some paper plates in there all the time.
When it’s time to paint, I just spread out the sheet under our workspace, throw the smock on Emma, and we’re all set. It makes painting (and clean up!) so much better.
When we’re done, I throw everything back in the trash can and tuck it off to the side.
What do you think?
This system has worked really well for us. But what do you think? Let me know how you keep everything organized in the comments below. 🙂
Source list
Here’s where I bought all of the things referenced in this article.
Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This list contains affiliate links, meaning that if you choose to click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
- Desk: Repainted yard sale find (it’s similar to this one.)
- Tin buckets: The Dollar Spot at Target
- Paper/book holder: Hobby Lobby (our exact version isn’t available online, but it is similar to this one.)
- Antique brown wooden shelf with 12 slots: Hobby Lobby
- Crayola magnetic double-sided easel: Amazon
- Metal trash can with lid (4 gallon): Ikea
- Children’s Chair: Ikea
Be sure to also check out:
11 brilliant ways to organize and store art supplies
The best art supplies for toddlers (our top 10)
Love it? Be sure to pin it!
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