A cluttered workspace can kill your creativity and productivity. When you’re surrounded by messy piles of art supplies, half-finished projects, and random knick-knacks, it’s hard to focus on your work. However, with some thoughtful organization and storage solutions, you can transform your workspace into an inspiring oasis of order. From crafty DIY storage ideas to purpose-built craft furniture, there are plenty of ways to neatly corral all your tools and materials. Read on for 15 brilliant craft storage solutions to help you organize your workspace like a pro.
Use Pegboards for Handy Tool Storage
Pegboards are a crafter’s best friend when it comes to organizing small hand tools, stencils, and other supplies you need to grab quickly. Mount pegboard panels on the wall above your work table to hold frequently used items like scissors, pliers, paint brushes, and more. Outline each tool’s silhouette with a marker so you can easily put things back where they belong after each use. Not only does this keep tools in their place, but it also adds great visual interest to your workspace.
You can find affordable pegboard panels at any hardware store or order custom printed designs online. For even more functionality, look for pegboard kits that include shelves, baskets, hooks, and bins you can attach as needed. Utilizing vertical space with a pegboard system prevents your tabletop from getting cluttered and makes your most-used supplies readily accessible.
Store Fabric in Clear Plastic Totes
Fabric has a sneaky way of accumulating into a messy pile if not properly stored. Rather than jamming it onto overflowing shelves, use large plastic storage totes to neatly contain your fabric stash. Clear totes allow you to easily see what’s inside without unpacking everything. Label each bin by fabric type, such as cottons, knits, wool, linen, etc. You can also use photos attached to the outside of the tote to identify contents.
Look for stackable totes no more than three feet wide so they’re easy to lift. Store heavier fabrics like denim on the bottom row. Arrange the boxes side-by-side on shelves to maximize vertical storage. For extra organization, roll fabrics onto cardboard tubes or wrap around comic book boards before placing inside the bins. This prevents creasing and keeps your fabrics neat and accessible.
Organize Embellishments in Divided Storage
Buttons, beads, sequins, ribbons, and other embellishments deserve a storage system all of their own. These small trims can quickly turn into a jumbled mess without compartments to separate them. Clear divided organizers are ideal for keeping your stash sorted neatly. Search for tackle boxes, plastic drawer sets, jewelry trays, or compartment boxes specifically sized for tiny items.
Group embellishments by color, material, or project. Label each compartment so you can easily find what you need. Having divided storage also makes inventory quick and helps you spot when certain items are running low. Keep your embellishment organizers on a desk, shelf, or rolling cart for portability. Proper storage means you’ll actually use these special touches rather than lose small items in the chaos.
Give Yarn Its Own Wall Mounted Rack
For avid knitters and crocheters, a wall mounted yarn rack solves the dilemma of tangled, dust-collecting skeins. Purchase a ready-made metal rack with arms or rods to hold yarn cakes and skeins. Or, make your own customizable rack by attaching dowels, rods, or pegs to a sheet of plywood. Secure the rack to the wall and arrange yarn by color or weight.
Having yarn up on the wall keeps it neat and dust-free while also displaying the beautiful colors and textures. You can easily glance at your on-hand selection and pluck needed yarn for your next project. Purchase extra arms or install more pegs on the rack as your yarn stash grows over time. Just make sure to mount the rack securely so the weight doesn’t pull it off the wall. Your yarn will be pretty as art and accessible when stored on an open wall rack.
Use Wall Rails for Easy Wrapping Paper Access
Gift wrappers rejoice! You can contain rolls of wrapping paper in a neat and orderly fashion using wall-mounted rails. Purchase ready-made rails or make your own by mounting two parallel wooden dowels with hooks on the wall. Simply slide wrapping paper tubes onto the rails to hang unrolled paper vertically. This keeps rolls from unraveling in a cabinet while also displaying the festive prints.
Position the rails near your gift wrapping station for easy access while dressing gifts. Place them high enough so the paper hangs just above your table without dragging. For especially large collections, consider installing wrapping paper storage in a closet or pantry to keep the colors and prints out of sight when not in use. Either way, wall-mounted rails prevent wrinkling and damage so you can enjoy those Santa, snowflake, and plaid prints year after year.
Use Wall Hooks to Display Aprons
Pretty aprons deserve to be seen, so utilize wall hooks to neatly store these decorative yet functional items. Arrange sturdy hooks in rows and columns to hold aprons by their top straps. You can separate aprons by style, color, or print to make the display both practical and dazzling.
Make sure hooks are long enough to accommodate the wide shoulder straps on larger aprons. Position your apron wall in the cooking area or sewing room since these are the spots you’ll grab one for work. Loading aprons on wall hooks prevents pileup inside a crowded cabinet plus adds a fun focal point to your culinary or craft zone. Like a beautiful patchwork quilt, a collection of aprons hung together can make a stunning statement.
Store Ribbon on Cardboard Spools
Ribbon tends to curl, wrinkle, and tie itself into knots when left loose in a drawer or box. Winding ribbon around empty cardboard spools keeps it tangle-free and ready to use. Recycle the tubes from spent ribbon, paper towels, wrapping paper, and more.
To wind ribbon, first secure one end to the empty spool with tape or a pin. Then, wrap the ribbon neatly around the tube, keeping the edges aligned. When finished, secure the end again on the spool. Stand spools upright in a basket or storage bin so you can easily thumb through your options. This method prevents dusty, knotted messes and makes decorating with ribbon a cinch.
Maximize Shelves with Risers and Organizers
Sometimes you need to get a little creative when shelving craft supplies in tight spaces. That’s where risers and organizers can help maximize vertical real estate. Risers lift supplies up to accommodate more items front-to-back on the shelf. Try using sturdy boxes, wood blocks, or adjustable risers specifically made for shelves. Just make sure your DIY lifts are strong enough to handle the weight.
Acrylic vertical organizers are another space-saving option for upright storage between shelves. These clear upright dividers section off categories standing up rather than stacking side-to-side. This helps you optimize space when you have lots of smaller items like paint tubes, bottles, embellishments, and tools. Get creative with risers and vertical dividers to conquer cramped shelves.
Make an Art Supply Caddy from a Tackle Box
A tackle box designed for lures and fishing gear also handily stores small art supplies. Choose a sturdy plastic box with adjustable dividers so you can customize the compartments. Use the divided sections to organize drawing pencils and erasers, colored pencils, markers, paint brushes, and other small artsy gadgets.
The carrying handle and portable nature of a tackle box make it easy to transport your essential art supplies anywhere. Stash extra tools like scissors, a pencil sharpener, and blending stumps in the larger storage areas. Pick a box with strong latches that will keep the lid tightly closed while toting. A customizable tackle box keeps all your vital art tools neatly arranged yet ready to grab-and-go.
Corral Craft Paints in a Carrying Caddy
Acrylic craft paints tend to accumulate in messy piles for many makers. To keep these brilliant colors under control, store paint bottles in a customizable craft caddy. Choose a container with adjustable dividers so you can resize compartments to fit paints snugly. Look for crates, carriers, and caddies sized specifically for the standard 2 ounce (59 ml) craft paint bottle.
Arrange paints grouped by color or brand to keep your system orderly. Some caddies have layered trays that allow you to categorize even further. Always store paint bottles securely upright to prevent leaking. A sturdy carrying caddy with adjustable dividers minimizes clutter while keeping your palette portable.
Use Magnetic Strips to Hold Tools
Magnetic strips offer a handy way to keep metal craft tools like scissors, seam rippers, needles, and snips organized yet accessible. Mount the strips conveniently near your workspace to hold tools flat against the wall. Simply attach tools magnetically to keep them nearby for quick grabbing. Magnetic strips help prevent scattered tools from ending up lost in the recesses of your desk or cabinet.
Look for magnetic strips with alternating magnetic and non-magnetic sections. The non-magnetic dividers create compartments to organize different tool types while the magnetic surfaces hold them in place. Just make sure your tools are magnetic and that the strip is powerful enough to hold the weight securely. Magnetic stripskeep crucial (sharp!) tools safely contained yet ready to grab.
Store Stamping Supplies in Clear Pocket Pages
For paper crafters and card makers, stamps and dies can really start to pile up. Keep your stamping gear organized with clear pocket pages designed for scrapbook supplies. Slip stamps, dies, inks, and other flat items into the resealable pockets to see contents at a glance. Use one pocket page for each stamp set or category.
Arrange the pages neatly inside a binder or box to keep your collection organized. You can also label or tab the pages for quick identification. The cling-free plastic won’t stick to your stamps so they slide out easily. When it’s time to craft, simply pull out the pages you need for the project. Then tuck them back into your binder for neat and tidy storage.
Corral Embroidery Floss on Shower Rings
Untangling messes of embroidery floss is no fun for any crafter. Wind your unused floss onto plastic shower rings to prevent knots, dust, and frustration. To load floss, separate the 6 strands, then wrap them neatly around the ring. Slide rings onto a dowel or rod mounted horizontally on the wall near your hoop area.
Organize threads by color family or number them sequentially for easy access. Shower rings not only prevent tangles, but also display the beautiful colors in an artful way. When it’s time to stitch, simply unwind the needed floss length and snip it off the ring. Loading floss on shower rings keeps your embroidery hoop happy!
Use Fishing Tackle Boxes for Beads and Findings
For jewelry makers, keeping all those tiny beads, spacers, findings, and crimps untangled is a constant battle. Bring order to your small stuff with plastic compartment boxes designed for fishing tackle. These clear organizers have adjustable dividers so you can customize the layout. Use compartments to neatly sort beads by size, color, and material. The clear lids make contents visible at a glance.
Look for tackle boxes that seal tightly and have carrying handles for portability. You can keep certain beads and findings together in sets for specific projects, while organizing the rest categorically. The compartments prevent delicate beads from rubbing together and getting scratched. A tackle box finally corrals all those tiny components for frustration-free jewelers.
Mount Clipboards to Store and Display Patterns
Sewists and quilters, rejoice! You can neatly store tissue and paper patterns along with their accompanying instructions on mounted clipboards. Hang several clipboards on the wall using cup hooks, picture ledge mounts, or floating shelves. Simply clip patterns and instruction sheets to the appropriate board for wrinkle-free storage. You can also attach a zip pocket or file folder to boards for loose pattern pieces or scraps.
Having patterns visibly displayed makes them easy to find when starting projects. Feel free to embellish your clipboards with decorative paint or fabric so they coordinate with your studio style. The sturdy support of a mounted clipboard keeps patterns smooth and undamaged while serving up inspiration.
Use Pegboard for Displaying WIPs
For crafters with lots of works-in-progress (WIPs), pegboard offers an ideal way to store projects neatly while keeping them handy. Mount small pegboard panels above your work table(s). Then insert cup hooks, baskets, or holders to display your active projects. You can keep knitting, embroidery, or sewing projects attached to the board above eye level and out of your way.
Use pegboard bins or trays to corral notions, tools, and scraps for each WIP. Label hooks clearly with project names too. The vertical, open storage allows you to glance at all your ongoing projects so you pick up where you left off. Pegboard streamlines visible storage for on-deck craft and hobby projects.
Roll and Store Blueprints in PVC Pipes
For makers who design their own projects, from woodworkers to sewers, properly storing blueprints is a necessity. Rather than folding and creasing these oversized pages, roll up plans and store them neatly inside PVC pipes. Cap off the ends of the pipe to prevent dust and damage. You can also slip your plans inside a mailing tube instead.
Affix a label on the outside of the tube listing the project name and date to organize multiple prints. Stand tubes upright in a corner, stash on a shelf, or hang horizontally on the wall to maximize space. The durable protection prevents rips so your plans stay pristine through every step of the building process. PVC pipes offer crafters the perfect vertically oriented blueprint storage.
Conclusion
A neatly organized craft space does so much to spark productivity and positivity. By taking the time to thoughtfully store your tools, materials, and works-in-progress, you set yourself up for happiness in your hobby. Implementing clever storage systems also minimizes the frustrating time spent searching for misplaced items.
The crafty ideas presented give you lots of options to consider when designing your ideal organized oasis. Experiment with different solutions to see what works best for your unique creative style and storage limitations. Just remember, an orderly workspace helps your hands and mind fully immerse in the joy of making. Get organized and get crafting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some benefits of organizing your craft supplies?
Some key benefits of organized craft storage include:
- Saves you time looking for lost/misplaced items
- Prevents clutter and messy piles of stuff
- Makes inventory and re-stocking supplies easier
- Allows you to see and display your items attractively
- Maximizes storage space through efficient systems
- Keeps all tools and materials accessible yet tidy
- Creates a peaceful, inspiring workspace to fuel creativity
What are good storage solutions for small or awkward craft items?
Great options for small or oddly shaped craft supplies include:
- Plastic compartment boxes or divided trays
- Clear pouches or pockets to contain items visible
- Pegboards with various hooks, baskets, and holders
- Wall-mounted rails, strips, or slat systems with hooks/clips
- Shelving with risers and vertical dividers for doubling storage
- Any container with adjustable inserts and dividers for customization
What are some ways to neatly store fabric?
Smart fabric storage solutions include:
- Clear plastic totes or bins to stack and see contents
- Shelves with fabric folded on comic book boards
- Rolling racks to hang and sort fabric by type
- Drawers or shelving with dividers to separate fabrics
- Vacuum compression bags for condensing off-season fabric
How do you untangle and organize yarn?
Methods for untangling and organizing skeins of yarn include:
- Carefully wind into cakes or balls by hand
- Use a yarn winder tool for quick and consistent winding
- Store yarn in wall mounted racks, bins, or baskets
- Hang untangled skeins on a skirt hanger to prevent further tangling
- Purchase a detangler device or wooden swift to unwind skeins smoothly
What are good ways to neatly store ribbons and trims?
Smart storage ideas for ribbons, trims, and embellishments:
- Wrap around empty cardboard tubes or spools
- Use rolls with built-in cutter to contain lengths needed
- Hang on wall hooks, rods, dowels, or specialty ribbon racks
- Place small trims in divided storage like tackle boxes
- Adhere lengths onto cardstock sheets and file in binders/boxes