Who stores kids art supplies in a closet or drawer?? And does storing those supplies in a closet or drawer works for a hot minute, but then the kids totally destroy whatever system you had put into place?? I have seen that happen all too often. So I love creating art carts for kids art supplies. The art cart limits how many art supplies you can have at one time (or how many art supplies you want the kids to have access to at one time). You can keep things contained with organizers inside each shelf of the art cart, while still allowing kiddos to get creative with art!
How To Make An Art Cart For Kids
This post is in promotional partnership with The Container Store. All thoughts, ideas, and opinions are my own. Some links may contain affiliates. Please see my disclosure for more information.
Cart
For this art cart, I used a 3-tiered rolling cart in navy. The three tiers are just enough space for the art supplies I want to stay out. I think limiting the amount of supplies can lead to more creativity. So I recommend starting the art supply organization project by grouping all the art supplies based on type. Then selecting the items you want to keep out. Once you have figured out which art supplies you want on the art cart, find storage for the items.
Paper
I think the most important thing for setting up an art cart for kids is to have plenty of room for paper. I love using magazine holders for paper storage. I also used magazine holders for holding drawing books and coloring books. Store the paper on the top shelf of the art cart for easy access (and easy clean up)!
The Organized Kids Workbook
Support your kids with organizing by giving them the tools they need to do the tasks!
The Organized Kids Workbook has every tool you need to support your kiddos.
Checklists to help keep them focused, meal planners to support food indecisions, and clothing planners so they know what to wear, no matter the weather!
Markers
Based on how your kids draw, I would recommend two different ways to store markers and writing supplies. The first is to use the tall smart store inserts and store all markers together, all pencils together, etc. The second way is to store writing supplies based on colors in pencil cups. Some kids love using color-specific supplies while others just want the type of supply. Set up the art cart for how your kiddos work. The system will stay if you just go with how your artsy kiddo uses the items before you created the art cart.
For my kids, they are a supply specific type of artist, so I just pulled all the markers together and colored pencils together. I stored crayons differently.
Crayons
Storing crayons can be done similar to the markers and colored pencils. But if the crayons are too delicate or double-sided, you might want another option for storing. For this project, I stored all the crayons in photo case boxes. Then I stored these boxes in the 4-compartment tray with the other craft supplies.
Craft Supplies
Things like scissors, glue, staplers, tape, and other crafting supplies can be stored in the 4-compartment tray or handled tray. Then store the photo cases in one of the compartments to hold crayons or other art supplies. Based on the amount of craft supplies you have should determine if you use the 4-compartment tray or the handled tray. Both are great options and fit into the art cart.
Paint
As for storing paint, the medium smart store inserts are perfect for dividing a shelf on the art cart for painting supplies. Since the art cart has decent height in between each tray, large watercolor paints will stand at an angle. I stored the paint brushes and water cups behind the large paint palette. Magic ink books area also stored in the medium smart store inserts.
Start creating an art cart for kids by gathering up all the art supplies and grouping based on type. Then pull out the supplies you want to keep on the cart. Find effective storage for those items. Store the rest of the items in everyday boxes varying in sizes.
Now all your art supplies will be organized so your kiddos can get artsy!!
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