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8 DIY Art Caddy Ideas That Will Organize Your Creative Mess

April 4, 2016 by Laura Kiernan 7 Comments

These DIY art caddy ideas will keep your creative mess in one portable spot, whether it’s your kids’ crayons, scissors, and glue or your art supplies causing the clutter.

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There’s nothing quite like the sound of a crayon snapping under your feet, or the feel of the floor on your tush after you slip on a marker.

Or worse, cleaning melted crayon out of the dryer. #laundryfail

Creativity is messy whether you love to color, sew, scrapbook, make wreaths or crochet, and the list of craft supplies seems endless. My kids and I love to create all over the house, so we needed a DIY art caddy to control the crayon clutter and make it easy to bring supplies from room to room.

When I say “DIY” I don’t mean building an art caddy with wood and nails – rather, “do-it-yourself” means using unexpected items or modifying the obvious ones to meet your needs.

You can put your scrap wood away for now. 🙂

4 DIY Art Caddy Ideas That Work Well For Us

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1. Solo Cups and a Sticker Organizer

It’s easier to organize kids’ art supplies when they’re little before they accumulate too much stuff. This plastic bin (the size of a shoe box) and plastic Solo cups keeps scissors, crayons, and markers tidy while a little washi tape makes the DIY art caddy cute.

An inexpensive letter tray is a perfect size for coloring paper, and handles make it easy to carry around.

Easy DIY art caddy for kids to make a portable homework station

The small accordion file is ideal to organize stickers and those darn temporary tattoos that appear in every party goody bag.

Easy way to organize stickers - sticker organization for a DIY art caddy.

2. Boxes in a Basket

My kids are old enough for more complex crafts so their supply requires a bigger, sturdier system. I bought two sets of art caddies which by themselves weren’t portable enough for my kids. But, put them together and poof! A great DIY art caddy that works for us.

DIY art caddy for kids made with dollar store mesh metal basket

The basket is from the Target Dollar Spot and goes in and out of stock, so check your local store.

The set of blue boxes is easily removed from the basket when needed.
DIY art caddy for kids - organized crayons

3. Magazine File for Coloring Books

Do your kids have loads of coloring books? Magazine file holders are great to organize coloring books and allow kids to move a bunch of them all at once.

Organized coloring books in a magazine file

4. Arts & Crafts Tray with Mason Jar Organizers

Our latest DIY art caddy is a Dollar Spot mirrored tray with mason jars for googly eyes, glitter, pompoms, and small craft sticks. Paint brushes in a small bucket (another Dollar Spot find) and space for paint make this a perfectly portable craft center.

DIY art caddy for kids with a dollar spot tray and mason jars

Related Reading: How to Organize Kids Craft Supplies So They’ll Actually Use Them

 

4 More Art Caddies from Other Creative Folks

Still looking for more ideas? These DIY art caddies from around the web are great examples of the endless ways to create a cheap solution to organize your art supplies.

1. Utensil Caddy

In spring and summer, it’s easy to find utensil caddies at Target and the other big box stores, and they’re just right for holding all kinds of art supplies. If you don’t like the color, simply paint it.

Art Caddy Ideas for Kids

iHeart Organizing

2. Six-Pack Holder

As if you or your spouse needed another reason to finish a six-pack, here’s inspiration to up-cycle one to hold all your craft supplies. Oddly enough, my husband just finished a case of this particular brew, but if you don’t want the kids to tote around their six-pack of art supplies during their next play date, hit it up with a shot of spray paint, or cover it in pretty paper.

Art caddy made from six-pack

Small Notebook

3. Shoebox + Toilet Paper Rolls

No excuses here – you definitely have the supplies to make this art caddy. If not, start collecting those TP rolls and treat yourself to a new pair of sandals.

AllYou.com

AllYou.com

4. Rolling Cart

This IKEA RASKOG is a steal at just $30, holds a ton of supplies, and can be wheeled all around the house.

The-Art-Cart-an-Ikea-shelf-Suburble.com

Suburble

Art Caddies & Portable Homework Stations

No time for DIY? Here are art caddies or portable homework stations to buy. Just click on the link to go right to the shopping source!

Organization Inspires Creativity

Kids need every opportunity to exercise their creative muscles, and an organized DIY caddy lets them create wherever and whenever the mood strikes.

Sure, there are still random crayons and markers on the floor, but having a system makes it easier for my kids to put their stuff back where it belongs.

I hope you’re inspired to round up all those supplies and put together your own little portable art caddy! If you do, I’d love to see it.

Awesome Craft Supplies for Rainy Days – Free Printable!

Your kids won’t be bored on a rainy day if they have an awesome selection of arts and craft supplies to fuel their creativity! Sign up for my mailing list to get a free printable craft supply shopping list filled with ideas chosen by my very own kiddos.

You’ll also get access to my whole library of free printable art, stationery, checklists, and more! I’m always adding new stuff to it. Plus, you’ll receive my weekly newsletter with smart tips I only share with my subscribers.


Check out these other ideas!

  • 16+ Awesome Craft Supplies That Will Keep Kids Busy
  • How to Organize Kids Crafts So They'll Actually Use Them
  • How to Transform Broken Crayons Into Perfect Party Favors

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Filed Under: Organize Tagged With: kids

About Laura Kiernan

I'm Laura, a mom of two little humans and one furry rescue pup. As a full-time working mom, I understand how tough it is to keep your home looking nice and functioning well while juggling everything life throws at you. Check out my organization tips, decor ideas, and quick crafts that will help even the busiest mom feel more in control of her home.

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I'm a working mom of two who loves making something from nothing, rearranging furniture, and finding a place for everything. Come learn more about me and my journey to a less-stress life!

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