How to Store Your Art Supplies: Pencils, Journals, and More

Quick Answer

Start by sorting supplies into categories, then choose containers that keep pencils upright and journals flat. Use clear bins for visibility and label everything. For watercolors, store them upright to prevent pigment settling.

Storing art supplies isn't just about tidiness—it protects your tools and makes it easier to start creating. Colored pencils can break, journals can get bent, and watercolor paints can dry out if stored poorly.

With a few smart habits, you can keep your art corner organized without buying fancy furniture. Here are practical, budget-friendly ways to store pencils, journals, watercolors, and more.

Sort and Purge First

Before you organize, gather all your art supplies in one place. Sort them into categories: pencils, markers, paints, brushes, journals, and small tools. This gives you a clear picture of what you own and what you actually use.

Discard dried-out markers, broken pencils that can't be sharpened, and journals with no usable pages. Donating gently used supplies to schools or community centers is a great way to reduce waste.

Aim to keep only what you use regularly. If you have duplicates, pass them along to a friend or a local art program.

• Sort into piles by category to see what you have.
• Throw away dried-out or broken items.
• Donate usable extras to a school or community center.

Store Colored Pencils Upright

Colored pencils last longer when stored upright with the tips pointing up. This prevents the lead from breaking and keeps the colors easy to see. Use a cup, mason jar, or a specialized pencil holder.

For larger collections, a compartmentalized container or a roll-up pencil case works well. These protect pencils during travel and make it easy to grab a specific color.

If you don't have a dedicated holder, repurpose a sturdy mug or a small vase. Wrap rubber bands around the outside to prevent them from sliding? No, that's not needed. Just ensure the container is stable and large enough.

• Keep pencils upright to avoid breakage.
• Use a cup, jar, or roll-up case for portability.
• Avoid storing pencils in drawers where they roll and break.

Keep Journals and Sketchbooks Flat

Journals and sketchbooks should be stored flat to prevent pages from bending or warping. Stack them on a shelf or in a magazine file. Avoid leaning them against each other, as this can cause covers to bend.

If you have a small collection, an expandable folder or a document box can keep them together without crushing. For watercolor journals, store them flat and away from direct sunlight to prevent paper from fading.

When you're working in a journal, consider using a bookmark or a piece of washi tape to mark your place. This saves you from accidentally closing it on a wet page.

• Store journals flat on a shelf or in a magazine file.
• Use an expandable folder for small collections.
• Keep watercolor journals away from sunlight.

Organize Small Tools and Supplies

Brushes, erasers, sharpeners, and other small tools need their own homes. Use small containers, like mint tins or drawer dividers, to keep them from becoming a jumble. This makes it easy to find what you need.

For brushes, store them bristle-up in a cup to protect their shape. Erasers and sharpeners can live in a small tray or a compartmentalized box.

If you store tools in a drawer, use non-slip shelf liner to keep them from sliding around. This also protects the drawer from scratches.

• Use small containers for brushes, erasers, and sharpeners.
• Store brushes bristle-up to preserve their shape.
• Line drawers with shelf liner to keep supplies in place.

Step-by-Step Art Supply Storage

1. Gather and Sort: Collect all art supplies from every room. Sort into categories by type: pencils, markers, paints, brushes, journals, and tools. Checkpoint: You now know exactly what you have and what you use most.
2. Purge Unusable Items: Discard dried-out markers, broken pencils, and empty refills. Set aside gently used items to donate. Checkpoint: Your collection is now lighter and more manageable.
3. Choose Containers: Select containers that fit your space and collection. Use cups or jars for pencils, magazine files for journals, and small trays for tools. Checkpoint: Avoid buying too many containers; repurpose what you already have.
4. Arrange with Accessibility in Mind: Place frequently used items at eye level and in easy reach. Store heavier items on lower shelves to prevent accidents. Checkpoint: You can now grab what you need without digging through clutter.
5. Label and Maintain: Label bins and shelves with category names or photos. Schedule a monthly 5-minute tidy-up to keep everything in place. Checkpoint: Your storage system stays functional and easy to update.

Smart Storage Additions

• Sugar Swaps Onsies Babies Sweethearts: Adorable squishy fidget sensory toy featuring Sugar Swaps Onsies Babies Sweethearts characters. Perfect for little hands to squeeze, squish, and explore. These soft, tactile toys provide sensory stimulation and comfort for babies and toddlers. Great for on-the-go play, teething relief, and developing fine motor skills. Collect all the sweet characters in this fun sensory collection. While not a storage item, this sensory toy can be a fun, squishy addition to a 'break' bin in your art space, giving kids a tactile pause between creative tasks.
• Official Bluey Play Along Piano Musical Toy for Toddlers Ages 3+: Let your little one explore musical creativity with the Bluey Play Along Piano. This dual-instrument toy features five numbered piano keys and five xylophone notes to help budding musicians learn melodies. Included mallets with convenient built-in storage holders make it easy to keep everything organized. Decorated with vibrant, show-themed Bluey graphics, this toy turns every play session into a fun concert. This toy includes built-in storage for its mallets, demonstrating how thoughtful design keeps small parts organized—a helpful idea to apply when storing your own art tools.

Organizing your art supplies doesn't have to be a daunting task. With these steps, you'll protect your pencils, journals, and watercolors, making it easier to dive into your next creative project. Start small, and your art space will feel fresh and inspiring.