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Craft Room Organization

Organizing a Craft Room: 12 Things You Need to Throw Away Right Now

I’m a crafter.  Know what that means?  I like to hoard collect crafting supplies!  Anybody with me?  One of my goals for January is to clean up and get organized.  I especially needed to work on organizing my craft room.  It gets crazy busy in there the two months before Christmas.  Since we mainly sell Christmas ornaments and Christmas craft supplies, I spend most of my time filling orders and creating special orders for our online shop, Etsy, and Amazon Handmade.  Absolutely NO time for cleaning!  (At least, that’s my excuse.)

So now it’s time for me to face this room head-on and get rid of a LOT of stuff.  Scroll down to see how I decided what to do away with.

NOTE: I wrote this several years ago when I lived in a townhouse in California. ALL my crafting supplies were in one room. Now that I have a 16′ x 24′ SheShed, it takes me a week to get organized in January! But I still follow this list.

12 things to throw away in your craft room

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NOTE: After you read this list and have a stack of old tools and supplies, read THIS ARTICLE to find out what to do with them — Donate OR make a little money on your old craft supplies!

What to Throw Away When Organizing a Craft Room

1.  Pens – I had pens, pencils, and markers everywhere!  I got them all out on my table and wrote with every one of them.  Anything that didn’t work was immediately thrown away.  That included pencils with hard erasers that wouldn’t erase any more.

2.  Paper – I haven’t actually scrapbooked in about 10 years.  But I still had a supply of scrapbook papers (AND stickers).  I do use them from time to time in other projects so I didn’t want to throw away everything.  So again I got all the papers in one place and really thought about what I would use.  My style has changed over the last 10 years so some were easier to part with than others.  I also looked at my list of projects I have planned and saved some papers for those.

3.  Paint – I love to paint!  But I don’t even remember the last time I threw away paint so I decided to tackle this too.  Many of my bottles were dried up.  Into the trash they went.  Some colors were almost used up and others I didn’t have any ideas for projects for so they all went, too.  I got the acrylic paints down to one plastic shoebox.

4. Dried up glue – ‘Nuff said about that…

5. Multiples – When I started organizing I realized that I had multiples of some tools.  In the past, I’ve occasionally just bought a new tool when I couldn’t find the old one.  So I passed my extra tape measures, pincushions, and rulers on to someone who could use them.

6. Tools you don’t use – I have my favorite pliers that I use for making jewelry.  When they wore out I went and bought more just like them instead of using the pliers I had.  When I organized I found 5 pairs of pliers that I never use!

7.  Supplies for projects or hobbies you’ve lost interest in – For me, that includes knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, and scrapbooking.

8. Craft magazines – Just about everything in magazines can be found online but I still like to read magazines.  So when I find something I want to remember in a magazine, I’ll find it online and pin it to one of my Pinterest boards.  Then I can pass along my magazines to another friend who’s just as addicted as me!

9. Kids’ artwork – I know.  This is a super hard one.  Especially because it’s so sentimental.  I want to save every scrap of paper they’ve ever drawn or painted on.  But, let’s face it, my girls are now 22 and 24.  It’s time for me to get rid of some.  (Yes, I was STILL saving some of their art!)  BUT before I threw them away I took a close up picture of each individual one.  Now I can keep all of their artwork in a folder on my hard drive.  Wow… I wish I’d had an iPhone when my girls were little.  I’d probably have to buy an external hard drive JUST to store photos of their art.  They were very prolific artists.  (I’d also have a few pictures of murals on some of our walls, too!)

These last three items fall into a special category.  I’m giving myself one more chance on these.  I’ll add these to my list of projects.  BUT if I don’t do them by the next time I declutter, they’re going to Goodwill!

10.  Anything broken 

11. New craft supplies over a year old that still haven’t even been opened

12. Unfinished projects


More Craft Room Organization Ideas

If you need to know more about organizing a craft room, you might also like these:

  • One Simple Trick to a Clutter-Free Home
  • Ideas to Organize Small Craft Rooms
  • How to Declutter a Craft Room
  • How to Clean a Craft Room with a Lint Roller
  • 21 Hacks To Help You Organize Your Art Studio

I hope this inspires you to do a little decluttering, too.  Leave a comment and let me know what is the hardest part of your craft room to keep organized. Originally published January 22, 2016.

‘Til the next project,

 Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim

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49 Comments

« 35 of the Best Gifts for Crafters
17 DIY Valentine’s Day Wreath Ideas to Make »

Comments

  1. Anne Marie says

    June 16, 2016 at 6:42 am

    Oh how true. I really must tidy my craft room. My excuse at the moment is that I cannot move about very well. Once my knee is better….. that room won’t know what has hit it!!!!

    Reply
  2. june says

    January 22, 2017 at 2:19 pm

    There’s so many declutter articles and advice out there but not for an artist or crafter. I found this very helpful. Some, I’ve already done without even reading this but others, definitely helps with my decluttering.

    Reply
    • ducttapeanddenim says

      January 22, 2017 at 4:48 pm

      Thanks, June! I’m working on getting more declutter articles for crafters! Heaven knows we need it!

      Reply
  3. Lisa moreno says

    March 4, 2017 at 10:43 am

    Severe!!

    Lol

    No wonder I can’t find a place in my craft room to craft.
    Thanks!!

    Reply
    • ducttapeanddenim says

      March 4, 2017 at 11:29 am

      You’re welcome! Have fun purging!

      Reply
  4. Charly Mathews says

    February 20, 2019 at 9:34 pm

    https://greetingcardsforsoldiers.blogspot.com/?m=1
    Cards for Soldiers will accept any card making or scrapbook items that can be used to make cards for the troops.
    Cards for Soldiers
    C/O Charly Mathews
    388 E M 72 Hwy
    GraylingMi 49738
    We are shipping out 6000-12000 cards per week to our troops around the world.

    Reply
    • ducttapeanddenim says

      February 23, 2019 at 3:44 pm

      Thanks for leaving the address! I’m hoping someone sees this and forwards their leftover supplies to you.

      Reply
    • Brenda says

      April 21, 2019 at 5:54 am

      Do accept cards that I have already made or just extra craft supplies

      Reply
  5. Ann says

    June 12, 2019 at 1:49 pm

    Very helpful how to sort thru things. I would like to recommend that people not throw things in the landfill. There are places like creative reuse centers/Upcycle centers who take supplies, even partially used paints and craft magazines. Preschools also like things like paper.
    I’m the director of a creative reuse center and we sure appreciate things from the small ball of yarn to paper clips and rubber bands.
    Thank you for all your tutorials. I tell my customers to follow you.

    Reply
  6. connie says

    January 16, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Just a hint that I used to use some of my scrapbook papers and my son’s childhood art work. I cut the art work down to the smallest size possible and then made him a scrapbook of all the projects. I embellished with some stamping, stickers and washi tape. I also included some pictures of him as he was drawing/painting or some of him that were from the year he drew some things.

    Reply
    • ducttapeanddenim says

      January 22, 2020 at 10:02 am

      Great idea! Thanks for sharing it!

      Reply
  7. Ann says

    March 29, 2020 at 4:42 am

    Hi, this is my first subscribe, hope I doing this right. Is there any payments? My arts and crafts studio is a 2 story grain bin, and I still don’t have enough room for everything. Thanks you for your help. One exception is dried glitter paint, cot the bottle from around the paint. You can cut the dried glitter paint into disks, wala glitter dots. Or if it’s still liquid, thinly pour out on wax paper, when dry use pretty punches for decorations.

    Reply
    • ducttapeanddenim says

      April 1, 2020 at 4:49 pm

      Nope… our site is free. That’s why we have the ads and affiliate links. Thanks for asking. That’s a great idea about the glitter paint. I’d love to see your craft studio!

      Reply
  8. Cheri Mello says

    May 12, 2020 at 3:30 am

    Thanks FOR sharing!!👍🏼♥️👏🏼 SOOO TRUE about the pens And Pencils😱 and I STARTED using using the pencils with refill leads, Bc You Cant Found a Decent pencil Sharpener LIKE the OLD School ONES that were mounted on the wall at school. G-d♥️Bless

    Reply
    • ducttapeanddenim says

      May 15, 2020 at 2:21 pm

      I know! I LOVE those old sharpeners… I’d love to find one.

      Reply
  9. Edith Adams-Nancarrow says

    June 12, 2020 at 10:09 am

    I just came across this. Appreciate the info, I had already stared doing some of the suggestion before reading this. I never thought to go through my magazines and look for the idea on Pintrest. Great idea. Thanks for the info.

    Reply
  10. Anonymous says

    June 29, 2020 at 6:28 pm

    I’m glad I kept my son’s art as at the age of 28 he passed away. So I am passing his art down in frames / dimension boxes, to his children with a picture of their dad at the age he made them.
    Thank you for letting me share

    Reply
  11. Gitana the Creative Diva says

    September 29, 2020 at 8:01 pm

    Yes, yes and yes. I have done all of these things and they do make a difference. My problem is that no matter how much I toss, I still have too much left over. The struggle is real.

    Reply
  12. Lady T says

    October 4, 2020 at 10:52 am

    I am glad I read this because I do have a lot of pens and marker and I have come across some that was dried out – so I am going to pull them all out and see if they work or not and throw out the dried out ones

    Reply
  13. Gretchen Crownhart says

    November 4, 2020 at 11:01 am

    You have described my situation to a T. I didn’t know there were so many people in the same place. I have not had any children so that is the only area that I don’t have. I have years and years of magazines. I am clearing those that don’t meet my needs any more. The ones I am keeping are for crochet and beading. I am going to use all my yarn to make hats and scarves to give away to free clothing centers. I am not going to buy more yarn. I just turned 73 and I hope I will have time to use it all up! Beads and buttons I will use but organizing them is a big problem for me. I just retired for the second time in June 2020 so I am hoping to find time to organize. Once that happens I hope to sell some supplies and make more items with them to sell.

    Reply
  14. Joan chandler says

    January 3, 2021 at 8:37 am

    Thank you for the article l was especially interested in what to do with the Christmas cards l live in England so l need somewhere near to get them to.J Chandler

    Reply
  15. Tabby Hurley says

    January 16, 2021 at 6:23 pm

    I would love some extra craft supplys .cant u reuse markers ,soak them in alchohol in a spray bottle.viola spray paint.lol ive seen where pens dont write anymore but still have ink n them they would blow on them n make neat designs.i cant hardly throw anything away .im always looking for a way to reuse everything.cant help it ive tryed lol.ty great ideas

    Reply
    • ducttapeanddenim says

      January 27, 2021 at 1:09 pm

      Great ideas!

      Reply
  16. Grams says

    January 21, 2021 at 1:38 pm

    Good idea with taking photos of art projects from you children. I have three grown children in their thirties, one still in high school when we moved to a new house. They each packed up about 3 18 gallon totes, which went into our very small attic storage. When grandchildren were born and parents hit 30, I stopped giving birthday gifts to the adults, but dug into those totes for things they thought they couldn’t part with and started wrapping them up for gifts. What fun we have at birthdays, laughing and reminiscing! And “Oh no, what am I getting this year!”

    Reply
  17. Kathie Condon says

    February 24, 2021 at 9:14 pm

    I can’t keep the top of my craft table uncluttered. I move one thing off and two things end up there. So frustrating!

    Reply
  18. Molly Harrison says

    May 25, 2021 at 7:38 am

    Love your hints!

    Reply
  19. Kyla says

    June 23, 2021 at 4:01 pm

    #12 actually finish the project in question. Instead of throwing out the paper donate it to a shelter, or after school program. They may appreciate the supplies.

    Reply
  20. Dee says

    June 27, 2021 at 8:23 pm

    Thanks for your ideas. As a former elementary teacher who loves to sew and paint and work arts and crafts with her grandchildren, I, too, kept all sorts of items that “could be used.” With a regular bedroom closet as my “craft closet,” I need to be more selective on what I can keep. You gave me some ideas.

    Reply
  21. Vona says

    September 3, 2021 at 10:05 am

    I just did most of these when I moved, the, pens, paint, broken supplies, scrapbooking, And scissors. A friend gave our knitting group some scissors that were the right size to carry with my knitting, but when I moved I had 7 pair what ?

    Reply
  22. Miranda Reitz says

    October 12, 2021 at 10:07 am

    To answer the comment about wishing you had one of those really good pencil sharpeners that are mounted to a wall or desktop, like the ones we had in school…I’m lucky enough to have one, and was also able to recently aquire a real deal guillotine paper cutter like the ones back in school too. My local goodwill has been very good to me with these things! And for great prices! I’ve seen several of the pencil sharpeners since getting mine. So they’re out there! Never know what you’ll find in those kind of stores! Happy hunting!

    Reply
    • ducttapeanddenim says

      October 23, 2021 at 8:15 am

      ooooo…. I’d love both of those things.

      Reply
  23. cora says

    October 24, 2021 at 2:25 pm

    Wow! If I had the luxury of a 16′ x 24′ craft / sewing room, I wouldn’t have to declutter. Being mine is much smaller, it seems I have to do this monthly.

    Reply
  24. Connie says

    December 4, 2021 at 7:16 pm

    An old request for old type pe cil Sharpers…check Amazon, they have the old crank wall models. Xacto brand for less than $8.00.

    Reply
  25. Diana says

    December 24, 2021 at 1:01 pm

    As I’ve planned a total clean up of my craft room this coming week, this was timely and very handy. Can’t wait to see all the girls thingsI’ve forgotten I had get either used or redistributed. Thank you for your 2016 post that is still valid in 2021.

    Reply
  26. Elizabeth says

    January 28, 2022 at 8:20 pm

    Noooooooo! Please don’t throw away! I’m an elementary art teacher. Our budgets are about 30 cents to $1 per child, per year. Donate to a school!

    Reply
  27. Candice says

    January 28, 2022 at 9:46 pm

    There is a great app called Color My Life to inventory all your Crafting items. Since using this app I have saved lots of money by checking it before ordering to avoid duplicate purchases. I highly recommend this app—no affiliation other than a very happy user

    Reply
    • ducttapeanddenim says

      January 30, 2022 at 11:26 am

      Great idea! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
  28. Maya Rose says

    May 18, 2022 at 12:25 am

    Don’t forget the Special Education classes when donating craft supplies! When I go to the Dollar Tree store I will buy a basket a little bigger than a sheet of paper and start filling it with stickers, flash cards, pencils, etc. and when it’s full I’ll donate it to the local school for the Special Ed classes. They seem to be very much appreciated

    Reply
  29. Kathy A says

    July 8, 2022 at 9:30 pm

    Great suggestions. I am a pack rat and can’t turn around without making an avalanche. However, I do use my stuff. I brought my bin of scrapbooking/cardmaking funky scissors to a group gathering to share and one person asked me why I had so many. I use the tiny ones when working on tiny dollhouse projects and just love the variety! I can throw broken or dried out stuff away. My daughter runs a preschool for handicapped kids (especially autistic). I know where my extras will go as they have almost no budget for art supplies–I always pick stuff up when it’s on clearance!

    Reply
  30. Debbe says

    July 24, 2022 at 8:35 pm

    My local scrapbooking store has a second hand sale twice a year.
    You go thru your stash, package it, label it, price it! Deliver it…small participation fee, you get get store credit for your earnings, store gets a percent, but I think one of the best parts, once sale is over store owner can donate items not sold to school, nursing homes, etc!
    Everybody wins!

    Reply
    • ducttapeanddenim says

      August 26, 2022 at 9:54 am

      Great idea!!!

      Reply
  31. MP says

    September 7, 2022 at 8:13 pm

    Sorry to say, pretty much common sense. The trick is finding time to do this. So, what I do is pick a section of my craft room. That’s my goal to complete in a certain amount of time and then move on.

    Reply
    • ducttapeanddenim says

      September 17, 2022 at 5:05 pm

      I agree… but then again I’m amazed how little common sense there is in this world right now. Your tip is great!

      Reply
  32. K-Dawn Bennett says

    October 2, 2022 at 2:20 pm

    Oh my gosh I can relate! I gathered up all of the craft supplies I no longer used, put them in a wicker basket and put it up for sale. It was gone that week! I also put a few jewelry supplies in plastic baggies for sale at craft bazars, make craft kits for gifts or donate what I no longer use. Happy Crafting!

    Reply
    • ducttapeanddenim says

      January 26, 2023 at 2:44 pm

      Wow, that’s great! Thanks for reading!

      Reply
  33. Donna Hunt says

    January 22, 2023 at 10:03 am

    I’m elderly and moved from my home where I had a whole room plus for crafting and quilting. I moved into a550 sq ft apartment where I tried to stuff my supplies into a corner in my bedroom. I had to give up my singing a few years ago. That was hard. Now giving away all my quilting supplies, unfinished quilts and machines. That is like ripping out my heart. However I’m keeping art supplies and crafting supplies, because I can sit and work on small things. Still have a lot more to give away. I gave away a huge amount before I moved also. I’ve never discarded anything without looking at it to figure out if I can do something with it first. I’m a product of post depression and war days!
    Ps. We have a crafting group that makes things to sell to our residents. They have to be really inexpensive and useful. Any ideas would be appreciated.. All proceeds go back to events for them.

    Reply
    • ducttapeanddenim says

      January 26, 2023 at 2:38 pm

      Donna, Thanks so much for commenting! That would be soooo hard to give up something you love. But I’m glad to hear that you’re still finding a way to be crafting and to share your talent with others. Sign up for the email list if you haven’t already and I’ll send you an email full of ideas every week. Ann

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Clutter Free Home - One Simple Trick for a Clutter Free Home says:
    April 4, 2019 at 7:43 am

    […] 12 Things to Throw Away When You Clean Your Craft Room […]

    Reply
  2. 5 Easy Things I Do in July to Prepare for Christmas says:
    June 18, 2019 at 11:32 am

    […] Your Craft Room:  This is especially important for all you crafters out there.  Did you read my post about what to throw away in your craft room?  Read that and then throw or give away as much as you can before going on to the next […]

    Reply

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