Serious Art Supply Organization
April 13, 2008 by Jennifer Chait
Filed under Home & Living
This system seems a little pricy (at first) but one, it’s not so expensive that it’s overwhelming, and two, if you purchased an entire set-up like this when your kids are small, it’ll get you through their insatiable artistic appetite until they’re off to college.
If you yourself are a serious craft person, say you make crafts for money, or simply, crafts are your life-long hobby, a set-up like this could also pay off because it’ll save you time searching through boxes for the supplies you need. Sewers, crafters, and scrapbookers could all use this same set-up.
The nice deal with this set-up is that you could hide it away in a closet – if you have a dedicated art room, or you could mount it on the wall in the space where you create art projects. Add a table and you’re all set. Another perk is that most of the containers are clear, so you can easily see supplies. Also, you could customize the set to fit your needs.
The Container Store sells the entire organized elfa Arts & Crafts Closet and individual pieces from the set.
I am a huge fan of elfa, and have used it to set up all three of the small closets in our 1950’s house. It can seem kind of expensive, but they have a 30% off sale every year starting around Christmas and going through the end of January or so. I found that by setting up the closets with elfa we don’t need dressers in the bedrooms (which is good since they wouldn’t fit anyway) so that is a savings as well. I often buy just the minimum and leave room to see how my use of the closet evolves – do I need more drawers, hanging space, shelves, shoe storage, etc. It’s easy to add onto later, and they keep your file on the computer in the store so you can have them pull it up and help you buy more pieces. When I was looking for closet systems, I priced several and found that elfa was among the more reasonably priced. It is well made and easy to install by yourself as well.
I have three elfa projects waiting for a Container Store sale. I can’t wait.
I love crafting and I love organization tools. I don’t however always keep my crafting stuff organized… Since we have a small apartment we use an antique trunk for our coffee table and it doubles as a storage area for my scrapbooks and scrapbooking supplies. The only thing I don’t keep in there is my stamping supplies which are in a clear four drawer plastic container on wheels. That way I can bring it all into the same room and craft away.
@Michele thanks for the sales tip! That’s useful for everyone.
@N. & J. Not a bad idea. I use an old chest as a TV stand and store stuff I don’t need in it. Scrapbooking stuff can take up so much space, it can be overwhelming. It’s good you have a solution that works for you.
Hello artists.
I just used the google and found this blog. Great. However, I’m the husband of a recovering arts/crafts addict and I need help. I want someone ELSE to come and clean/organize and prepare my wife’s space for her to create in whiles she’s gone. It all just looks like trash to me…
How to I find a wizardess in my area to take on the task; Chandler Arizona.
Email me direct with advice. hausvonparvin[at]gmail[dot]com
Thanks