I have all sorts of tiny crafting materials (wiggle eyes, acrylic jewels, needles, beads, etc) and not a lot of space to store them, we live full time in our camper. I tried looking for storage boxes but the compartments were either too small or too large for most of the materials. Then I found some unique alternatives that were a perfect fit.
If you are as unfortunate as I am in the health arena and find yourself taking many medications, use your old medicine bottles to hold some materials.
If you suffer from diabetes and test your blood sugar using test strips that come in a vial (rather than a drum or disc), use the empty vials to hold crafting accessories.
Or, if you still use camera film, use the empty film cases to hold the supplies that boxes don't work for.
In the end, I also have the option of keeping them in different craft bags instead of trying to fit a larger box into a space and having to take the whole box out when I only need one type of supply at a time.
RE: Organizing Craft Supplies With Recycled Containers
By melodybh (Guest Post)
I found a great storage container at Big Lots in the hardware section. It consists of 5 round containers with a center hole (like a doughnut) and a snap on lid. Each container is divided into compartments (5 or 6 - I don't have it in front of me & can't remember exactly). The 5 "doughnuts" fit onto a tube with a carry handle on the top that can be used to store longer (but not too long) items. The whole thing measures about 8" across and 8" tall. I use one ring for jewelry findings, one for wiggle eyes, etc. and can put different sizes/colors/sorts in the different compartments. When I bought the unit (for about $5) it was filled with screws, nails, hooks, etc. If you have no use for them, donate them to a Goodwill or Habitat Homestore, but who can't use an extra nail now and then!
RE: Organizing Craft Supplies With Recycled Containers
By Darlene (Guest Post)
My DH and I use recycled jars, cans, bottles, etc. for just about everything! We've put sugar in a large, recycled plastic jar; we reuse our large peanut butter jars for storing rice, etc. Just this week, I gave our daughter in law some homemade soups in recycled coffee cans. That way she doesn't have to worry about returning the dishes, and she could use the cans if she chose to.
I'm a crafter from way back. I've learned to recycle pillow cases, sheets, etc. I don't throw out much!! Problem with that is, I have to discover more storage ideas!
RE: Organizing Craft Supplies With Recycled Containers
By Grannie (Guest Post)
If you like the idea of using empty film canisters; almost any Walgreens, CVS, and those types of stores will give you all of their empty ones if you just ask; some of them are white and you can sort of see through them.
Also, I frequently see people on www.Freecycle.org post Offers and Wanteds for empty prescription bottles, empty baby food jars, etc. We all like to do our part when it comes to recycling.
The vials that are used with fresh flowers to keep water around the stem work well for little things also - needles, small stuff like that. most beads will stay in even with the little slits in the rubber cap, but you can close it with a piece of tape of you need to.
Tops from laundry detergent or softener, spray cans etc, make good containers for small amounts of paint or glue. A fishing tackle box is an excellent place for tiny items. And let us not forget the most neglected storage item of all... the wash pan you get when you go into the hospital. I wanted to use the six urinals we got from each of DH's hospital stays last year but he wouldn't let me.
Login using the form on the top of the page to post feedback (if you are a registered user). If you have not yet registered, click here to do so. It's FREE!.
Archives:
Tip: Organizing Craft Supplies With Recycled Containers
Archived on 01/08/2008
The best way that I have found to organize craft items is to reuse things I already have. Why bother going to the craft store and buying expensive containers when you may have something similar at home? Glass jars from store bought sauces or baby food hold a multitude of odds and ends, an old spice carousal works great for beads and buttons, and clean empty childproof pill bottles are great for keeping young kids away from needles and other small items. Crystal Light canisters, coffee cans, oatmeal containers, and ice cream buckets are all great containers with lids that keep craft items neat and out of sight. All of these items can even look pretty set out on a craft table with the addition of some paint or decorative paper to cover up any store labels.
By Tracey from Duluth, MN
Feedback:
RE: Organizing Craft Supplies With Recycled Containers
I agree that it's a good idea to reuse items we have around the house for craft storage or any kind of storage for that matter. I try to do that as much as I can. (06/04/2007)
RE: Organizing Craft Supplies With Recycled Containers
Gals, Here's an idea you might consider using.WalMart has it's meats in deep plastic containers. I save them to put all of my items for a single project in,so nothing gets lost, Everything is together!! Judy from Alabama (06/04/2007)
RE: Organizing Craft Supplies With Recycled Containers
Amen.
I like the plastic containers for Gerber baby food. they are see-through, stackable, with snap-on lids that don't come off. I use them for stones, beads, bobbins, buttons, and straight pins. They are good for paint cups, too.
If you don't have a baby, remember these are just-right-sized portions of pureed veggies and fruits. Anyone can enjoy them with a meal or as a snack. Since I am a diabetic, I like the convenience, labeling and ready-to-go features.
I use the large-sized bottles of Ocean Spray Lite Cranberry Juice with handles to store dog kibble and Cascade dishwashing detergent. This way, they are easy to pour and waterproof. In fact, for everyday use of Cascade, I use a smaller recycled plastic container with a small pour spout, since it is easier to hold and pouring is more exact.
The Renizit Super Odor Neutralizer pump spray bottle is good for isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, bleach and plain water. I print up labels on my computer using the Word label program.
I use the Pringles' containers for scissors, paint brushes, tools (I am tool junkie), and anything tall or long.
If you can't figure out how to make these containers attractive or look like a matched set, please don't call yourself a crafter. hahahahaha (06/04/2007)
I have all sorts of tiny crafting materials (wiggle eyes, acrylic jewels, needles, beads, etc) and not a lot of space to store them, we live full time in our camper. I tried looking for storage boxes but the compartments were either too small or too large for most of the materials. Then I found some unique alternatives that were a perfect fit.
