Image Source from chelsearyan1991

Organising Kids’ Art Supplies – Tour Our Craft Cabinet!

As any parent or caregiver knows, children’s creativity knows no bounds. From finger painting to glitter-filled projects, kids are constantly exploring their artistic side. However, with creativity comes the inevitable chaos of art supplies that can quickly take over your living space. Fear not! Creating an organised craft cabinet can not only streamline your art sessions but also inspire your little ones to engage more with their supplies. Join us as we take a tour of our craft cabinet, showcasing how to organise kids’ art supplies effectively.

The Craft Cabinet: A Central Hub for Creativity

Our craft cabinet is a designated space where all the magic happens. It’s a combination of an old cupboard and a few storage boxes that serve as a catch-all for various art materials. The first step in utilising this space effectively is to declutter. Go through any art supplies that are broken, dried out, or unused, and let them go. A tidy foundation allows for easier organisation.

Categorisation is Key

Once you’ve cleared out the unnecessary items, the next step is categorisation. Here’s how we break it down:

1. Painting Supplies: We’ve dedicated a shelf to paints – including watercolours, washable paints, and brushes. Each type of paint resides in its own container, to avoid spills and to ensure quick access during creative sessions. We’ve even added a small palette for mixing colours, making it easy for the children to get started.

2. Drawing Essentials: Another shelf is reserved for drawing instruments, such as crayons, coloured pencils, and markers. We use small containers to separate these tools by type, and to keep caps and lids intact. Labelled baskets make it even easier for the kids to return the items to their rightful place.

3. Crafting Accessories: Glue, washi tape, and scissors each have their own designated zones. We like to use clear plastic bins for these smaller items so children can easily see what’s inside. This approach encourages them to ask for permission to use supplies rather than rummaging through everything haphazardly.

4. Paper and Materials: A stack of assorted papers, like construction paper, scrap paper, and cardstock, is housed on a shelf just below the drawing essentials. This encourages kids to reach for a paper type that speaks to them without the need to dig through piles. Additionally, we keep a small folder for storing finished artwork, allowing our kids to showcase their creations without cluttering the cabinet.

5. Seasonal and Thematic Supplies: We set aside a small box for seasonal and themed supplies, like Halloween stickers or Christmas craft materials. This helps keep everything relevant for upcoming projects and reduces clutter during other times of the year.

Accessibility and Safety

To ensure that children can access their art supplies easily, we’ve arranged the cabinet strategically. Frequently used items are placed at eye level, while less commonly used supplies are stored higher up. Remember to store scissors and glues safely away when not in use, to ensure safety during unsupervised play.

Making it Fun

To make art supply organisation fun, we’ve involved our kids in the process. We let them decorate the containers and label their own designated areas. This not only encourages responsibility but also instils a sense of ownership over their supplies. A colourful and personalised craft cabinet becomes a source of pride, and the kids are more likely to put things back in place after use.

Conclusion: Creativity, Organised

Having a well-organised craft cabinet doesn’t just create a tidy environment; it enables children to unleash their creativity freely and confidently. When art supplies are accessible, categorised, and safe, children will feel empowered to dive into their projects without overwhelming frustration. So, why not take a leaf from our book and transform that chaotic collection of art supplies into a stunningly organised craft cabinet? You might find that "small stuff counts" drives not just organisation, but inspiration too! Happy crafting!