My #1 Craft Organization Tool!

Keeping my projects and small business organized are top priorities in my life.  I'm usually a very organized person, I don't like clutter, and I like everything to have it's place -- until you look in my craft supply closet!  It tends toward chaos and is packed with all kinds of supplies (even things I don't necessarily use, but I might need someday... one of the worst clutter excuses ever!).

I've been working very hard at keeping it under control and there is one tool I've come to rely on as essential for keeping my organized.  This box:

This art supply box has really saved me.  I use it to store all of my most needed items (scissors, the thread I use on embroidered notes, tape measure) as well as shipping supplies.  I keep the box on a table next to my sewing machine so it's right at hand when I sew, but I also carry it around when I'm working on a project at my desk or on the couch, or when I'm wrapping up a big item that needs to be shipped.  Many of the items that were getting buried in the supply closet are now neatly stored at my fingertips.

One of the best things about this particular box is that it has three storage levels!  The top level is part of the lid and I use it for small things like needles, spools of thread, and tiny scissors.  This is my favorite part of the box, not all art boxes have these compartments for little bits.

The second level is a removable tray, which I used for medium sized items like tape, fabric markers, larger scissors, and my sketchbook.

And the third level is the deepest storage area, so I use it for bulky items such as tissue paper, bubble mailers, and my giant stash of foam brushes (they were on sale for five cents each!).

That's my #1 craft organization tool - if you are having trouble corralling all of your supplies I would totally recommend checking out the art supply boxes at a local shop.  

If you just have to have this particular box, you can find it at Art Alternatives (it's the 20 inch size).