Let’s get creative and crafty this summer.

Summer is here, and the kids are out of school! While this means more family time and outdoor adventures, it also means finding ways to keep the little ones entertained at home. One fantastic way to ensure your kids have a blast while nurturing their creativity is by setting up a dedicated summer craft station. We’re here to tell you how we would get you an organized into a craft station that will keep your kids engaged all summer long.

1. Choose the Perfect Location

Select a spot in your home that can be dedicated to crafting. This could be a corner of their bedroom, a section of the kitchen, or a small part of their playroom. Make sure it's an area that can handle a bit of mess and where kids can work freely.

2. Gather Your Supplies

Divide the craft supplies into categories for easy access and organization:

Drawing and Coloring: Markers, crayons, colored pencils, and sketchbooks.
Painting Supplies: Paints, brushes, palettes, and smocks.
Adhesives and Fasteners: Glue sticks, liquid glue, tape, and fasteners.
Cutting Tools: Scissors (including safety scissors for younger kids), craft knives (kept out of reach), and cutting mats.
Paper and Fabric: Construction paper, cardstock, fabric scraps, and felt.
Embellishments: Beads, buttons, sequins, and stickers.
Recyclables: Collect clean items like egg cartons, toilet paper rolls, and cereal boxes for eco-friendly crafting.

3. Invest in Storage Solutions

Keeping craft supplies organized is key to a functional craft station. Here are some storage solutions to consider:

Clear Plastic Bins: These are great for storing various supplies like markers, glue, and scissors.
Rolling Carts: A cart with multiple levels can hold a lot of supplies and can be moved around easily.
Drawer Units: Use drawer units for items that you want to keep out of sight when not in use.
Wall Storage: Pegboards or wall-mounted shelves can help utilize vertical space for storing tools and supplies. We LOVE the magnetized pegboard from Container Store!

4. Display THE ART!

Incorporate both display and storage areas in your craft station:

Display Wall: Designate a wall or a section of a wall to display finished crafts. These frames from amazon are perfect for updating artwork easily!

5. Implement a Labeling System

Labeling is crucial for maintaining order:

Clear Labels: Use clear labels for bins and drawers so kids know where to find and return items.
Use photos: For younger kids, consider using photos on the labels so they can also help find and put away things.

7. Develop a Clean-Up Routine

Teach your kids the importance of cleaning up after their crafting sessions:

Teach about the storage bins: Show them how the bins have labels and where things belong.
Clean-Up Caddy: Provide a small caddy with wipes, a dustpan, and a small broom.
Trash and Recycling Bins: Keep bins nearby for easy disposal of waste and recycling.

By taking the time to organize a dedicated summer craft station, you'll create a space where your kids can explore their creativity, learn new skills, and have fun all summer long. With a well-organized setup, crafting will be a breeze, and clean-up will be simple, leaving more time for enjoying those sunny days.

As always, if you’d like to make this dream come true, give us a call!