Friday, June 15, 2012

69 Our Secret Craft Storage

This week's incredible reader space post put me into a crafty mood!  What can I say, I love me some color!



In fact, now that school is out for the summer, the boys and I just went and restocked our craft supply bin.  And then I realized I haven't shared our craft supply bin with you.  The horror! 

I do my best to keep my crafts separate from the boy's crafts.  They aren't as gentle with the paints and markers and itty bitty pieces, so I let them have fun with their own items while I go on working with mine.

So while my craft supplies will ultimately be stored in the future studio space, the boy's crafting items are being stored and concealed in a super convenient and easy to access place.


No, I am not switching gears, those woven storage ottomans are the homes to all of the crafting goodness.  Who would have guessed?  Not many, which is why I adore them as a solution.  In fact, we just popped the ottomans in front of our living room sofa as a potential design remix "coffee table" solution, however, you have most likely spied them around our abode in many other posts as well {we have had those babies for years, you can find them here}.

Anyway, as we know, it's not about what is on the outside....


But what is on the inside that counts!


I found this Snapware storage bin to be the PERFECT fit!


By using a bin like this, we can just grab it out of the ottoman and take it right on over to the kitchen table to create and draw and paint.

So far, it has made great craft storage, since it can stack and clip together, and you can select how you wish to divide out the individual bins:


In one bin, I keep many of our coloring items; paints, crayons and markers:


In another, the smaller craft and supply items:


And in the last {which I ran out of dividers for}, larger items such as drawing pads, construction paper, pipe cleaners and a case of oil crayons:


And when we are all done, it clips back together nice and neat!


We are really limited on closet space, and since we almost always craft right at the kitchen table, using the storage ottomans has really been the easiest and most convenient solution.  We also use our art caddy, which I now keep on a shelf in the lower level playroom to promote impromptu creativity.

So now you know about my secret storage place.  What is yours?



69 comments:

  1. Cool! I think a trip to the craft store is in order for us today :)

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  2. What are the dividers you have in there? Look to be DIY! (the Snapware doesn't look to come with insert able dividers. Also, been looking for a paint set with more colors for the older kids. What type do you ave in your box?

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    1. Thanks! The dividers actually came with the snapware which was nice. :) we get most of our craft supplies from Target or Michaels. xoxo!

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  3. Oh so nice! Now I'm thinking of buying my own creative kit instead of putting my watercolors and scraps on separate draws!

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  4. I loooove that storage bin and what a great idea to keep it all concealed in the ottoman! I love love love this! I think I may have to copy you (once again). This looks like a great space-saver too! :) Have a great weekend!

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  5. We have two ottomans that we use for storing my coupon binder and the current weeks coupons/ads and the other one for my sons toys.

    He's young (5 1/2 months) so his toys are more like various soft rattles and books- things he can also munch on LOL.

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    1. I used to use these for toys too! :) great minds my friend! Xoxo!

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  6. This is awesome! You continue to provide tons of inspiration...thank you!!!

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  7. Oh, you're good. ;-)

    I just picked up two matching wicker ottoman's similar to yours on craigslist. Love them!

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  8. Jen, do you read your comments? I see numerous dedicated readers leave questions & I only ever see them answered by other readers who happen to be commenting as well. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places.

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    1. I sure do! Sometimes it takes a bit depending on my schedule with the kids, and sometimes I email back directly...xoxo!

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  9. i think you are getting desperate for blogging ideas

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    1. I think you're desperate for something negative to say, Anonymous! Great post, Jen, thanks for introducing me to Snapware!

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    2. Thanks friends! I just need to remember that not every post is for everyone. :)

      xoxo!

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  10. How awesome that the stack-able organizer fits so perfectly in the that cube! It’s an organizational match made in heaven! :)

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    1. Agree! I cant help but giddy when that happens! xoxo!

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  11. I absolutely LOVE the storage bins, but living in Spain I doubt I'll be able to find them. Do you know if I could purchase them over the Internet?
    lifeinsamsbox.blogspot.com

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    1. Hmmmm.... Not sure, they sell them on amazon so maybe? xoxo!

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  12. I love those Snapware cases!!! I have a bunch of the smaller ones but if we get the storage ottomans I want, I know I'm getting the larger ones!

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  13. Here is another cute idea for craft storage - especially for the "lazy days" of summer:

    http://attheendofthedrive.blogspot.com/2012/06/marshmellows-and-art-bucket-for-summer.html


    have a great day!
    Alison

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  14. Ohhh, I LOVE these containers, I am so glad you shared! We don't necessarily need them for an art kit but I think I'd use them in my craft room if it would fit on the expedit shelf. Any idea if they would fit? Thanks!

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    1. Hi Tammy!

      I think the container would be a bit big for the Expedit. I was surprised at how large it is, but you can find the dimensions here to be sure: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047V2KH4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=iheaorga-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0047V2KH4

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  15. You reminded me of my grandson's craft supplies. They occupy one huge drawer in the dining room buffet. One big pile! Maybe I can gift them with something like your storage bin. What an excellent idea.

    Keep writing...

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  16. What a great use of storage space. Every time I see those kinds of ottomans I wonder what could go in there...blankets? I don't know. But putting the craft box in there is genius.

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  17. That is an AWESOME use of storage space, I definitely need to do this for my craft stuff! This is sooo cool!

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  18. I'm sorry, but I find it hard to believe this is more then advertising... so crafty you need it at hand - but all the equipment is brand new? not a spill of glue, not a stain of ink, no nothing?!?!
    And it's OK to say "here is a great find", no need to build a whole story around it.
    I love your blog and I've been a subscriber for some time now - but this post made me feel bad. Sorry.

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    1. Sorry you felt that way.... Not being compensated or advertising at all, we just restocked our craft bin with a couple new items, but many of the supplies are used {scissors, glue, paper & writing pads, markers, some craft paints, molding clay, etc...} so I thought I would share {since I get asked from time to time} how we stash all of the items away. Since this is an organizing blog, I share purchases I make to organize, along with ways we DIY things. It is definitely a mixture of both... xo!

      Delete
  19. Very creative!!! (as usual) I love it. My kids l.o.v.e to craft too but it seems like no matter how simple i make it for them, they still make it a mess. Ive often wondered..... how do you get your kids to keep up with your organizing solutions?
    Thanks!! And don't listen to any negative nonsense, you are doing just fine. ;-)

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  20. Very creative!!! (as usual) I love it. My kids l.o.v.e to craft too but it seems like no matter how simple i make it for them, they still make it a mess. Ive often wondered..... how do you get your kids to keep up with your organizing solutions?
    Thanks!! And don't listen to any negative nonsense, you are doing just fine. ;-)

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  21. Love this! Those supplies make me want to jump in and start creating. Makes me feel better as well because my linens are all stored in my family room ottoman! Works great!

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  22. Hi Jen, I just discovered your blog a few weeks ago and I love it!! This is the first time I have read through comments and I can not believe peole take the time to write a negative post to you. Bug off people and get a life!!

    Anyway, I LOVED this post. My house needs lots of organizing and I am always looking for more ideas. I went to Amazon to order one these and the only comment said the plastic was flimsy and that she stores small amounts of fabric in it and sometimes the bins fall off when carrying it by the handle. Do you find this?
    Thanks, Kate

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    1. thanks for the kind comment! :) I actually found the dividers to be a little flimsy but the actual storage container and handle have held up great with the heavy supplies and papers and paints. xo!

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    2. Thanks for letting me know. Keep those great ideas coming.
      Kate

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  23. I love how you organized your boys craft supplies. To be honest though I love how you organize everything. You have so many great ideas.

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  24. Hi, Jen! I am hopelessly inefficient at organizing, but I do love having an organized space. You are such an inspiration, and your blog is absolutely amazing! I spent the entire day reading some of your blog posts, and I will be referring back to it frequently as I makeover our entire home to prepare for our first child's arrival in November. What a treasure I have found here! Thank you so much for sharing, and sharing so well so those aspiring to be more like you have a little guidance!

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  25. I just ordered three of those snapware containers. The moment I saw them I knew they were for me. Thanks for the inspiration.

    - Gitana the Creative Diva

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  26. Am I the only one who thought wow she's brave! After numerous clean ups we have now stored our craft stuff high up on a shelf in a locked cupboard! My kids like to craft solo it seems and as yet we haven't had glue anywhere but have had paint, texta, crayons on walls, floors, furniture and toys.

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    Replies
    1. I have always been brave to leave craft items at kids reach but do it since we craft so frequently and I encourage the kids to reach for crafts before tv and video games... They know that if they want to craft, they just have to bring things to the table. xoxo!

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  27. I have a smaller snapware that I use for my makeup, and I love it! Now I want to go buy more and re-organize my craft supplies, my sewing stuff...the list goes on :)

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  28. Thanks, great post! I need to get my kids craft stuff organized! This is a great idea!:)

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  29. This post is perfectly timed! My daughters and I were just cleaning out our art supply cabinet and before I ran to the store to find a better organization system, I thought I would check out your blog to see if you had any ideas, and, voila! Thank you!

    With regards to the negative comments people have made, you have handled them all with such grace. Remember it's their issue, not yours.

    Thank you!!!!

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  30. I love ottomans for their hidden storage space! Such pretty craft supplies. Makes me want to do some DIY projects!!

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  31. Love all of those solutions! Do you think Target still has those caddies, and do you think that would be a good solution for cleaning supplies?

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    1. Not sure if Target has the larger size, I had a hard time finding any sizes the last time I was there. Could work for cleaning items, although I personally prefer open top caddies for quick access to cleaning supplies. :) xo!

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  32. Oh how I love this storage solution! One of my favorite things in life is mulit-purpose furniture and things. Great job, I might have to steal this idea in my tiny living space. Thanks for sharing Jen.
    Xoxo Claudia

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  33. It's a great idea! I need to find a place for my craft stuff as well... Just found your blog and I LOVE IT <3

    love from www.mycolorfulnest.com

    xoxo

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  34. Congratulations for your blog! Your ideas are very interesting. Thank you for share! Kisses from Spain.

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  35. Ahh this is an amazing way to organize all the random craft things! Thanks for sharing the idea!

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  36. Great post!!! I love your blog! Thanks for always including links to where we can find all of these great items. It is really helpful for this mom on the go! :) You inspire me to get organized all the time, I love it. Thanks for sharing!!!! xoxo

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  37. I love this! So sneaky! Would love to have one of these to keep all MY craft stuff in! My wool is taking over my side of the sofa! :D

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  38. do the kids actually use those craft supplies? it all looks brand new. is this a sponsored post?

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    Replies
    1. Not being compensated or advertising at all, we just restocked our craft bin with a couple new items, but many of the supplies are used {scissors, glue, paper & writing pads, markers, some craft paints, molding clay, etc...} so I thought I would share {since I get asked from time to time} how we stash all of the items away. Since this is an organizing blog, I share purchases I make to organize, along with ways we DIY things. It is definitely a mixture of both... xo!

      Delete
  39. For those of you looking the storage cubes, I found some at SAMs Club. They were less than 20 in the store and are huge. I got two and use them for toys. Keep up the inspiring posts, Jen! I miss it on the days you don't post!

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  40. I really like this idea. We have out crafts scattered around the house which just drives me insane. We try to keep most of it in the office/computer room but some of it ends up in the kitchen storage hutch, downstairs, and in the bedrooms. We've collected all of the craft supplies and put them together but nothing seems to work.

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  41. Love this idea! where did you get the craft box, i want to purchase one for myself and the ones at michaels are so expensive! Any good alternatives?

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    1. Hi there!

      I found mine on Amazon, I have a PRIME account so I was able to also get free shipping: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047V2KH4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=iheaorga-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0047V2KH4

      xoxo,
      Jen

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    2. You can also find them a JoAnns Fabrics and with a coupon they are a great find, I have the smaller size for various school supplies. Now everything has a place and no time wasted looking for a pencil or ruler.

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  42. Hi Jen-Great idea! Where did you find this container? Thanks :-)

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  43. I hope you receive compensation for the traffic you direct to other sites as I bought two of those ottomans! They are exactly what I was searching for in our living room for my son's toys. I was not finding what I needed and thought of your site for help! I knew you have children and need to stay organized with their toys too! Thanks a million for your great ideas and motivation! I love the links to the items you buy-so, so helpful!

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  44. I have two storage ottomans in my living room, which I coincidentally also use to store craft supplies in, but I NEVER thought of putting a handled organizing box in there - what a great idea! You always amaze!

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  45. I loved those stacking containers so much I ordered three of them to corral some of my craft supplies. Turns out I completely filled all three of them with my massive collection of ribbons...and they still didn't all fit! At least now they are all organized together instead of being stashed in various bins, baskets and drawers all around my craft room. Thanks for the great idea.

    - Gitana the Creative Diva
    gitana-thecreativediva.blogspot.com

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  46. This snap ware is exactly what I have been looking for. All the reviews I have read online are negative, saying that the snaps don't stay together or break off. How is yours holding up after a year and a half? I really hope you can give me good news because this is perfect!

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    1. Hello,

      So far we haven't experienced those issues. Could just be that we don't put too much weight in ours, but we do have them pretty loaded. We are still pretty happy with ours overall.

      xo!

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  47. This is crazy -- I love your blog, which I found several months ago (thanks to pinterest). Then today I was searching online for pictures of the inside of this organizer because I am thinking about buying it for my card making supplies, and your blog was the answer! None of the store websites have any helpful pics, so thanks for another great post!

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