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Crafting is fun and fulfilling, but keeping supplies organized can quickly become overwhelming. From beads and buttons to paints, ribbons, and glue sticks, most crafters know the struggle of a cluttered workspace. Luckily, you don’t need expensive storage systems to get organized. With a little creativity, you can create a craft supplies organizer using dollar store items—all while saving money and maximizing space.
Find answers to common questions about organizing craft supplies whether small embellishments or large tools on a budget, explore the best dollar store organizer hacks, and practical tips for keeping everything neat and easy to find.
Why Choose Dollar Store Organizers for Craft Supplies?
The dollar store is a treasure trove for crafters. Many of the same containers you see at higher-end stores are available for a fraction of the cost. Benefits include:
- Affordability – Organizing your entire craft room without breaking the bank.
- Versatility – Many of the best dollar store finds aren’t even from the craft aisle. Items from the kitchen, office, or cleaning sections can be repurposed in surprising ways for your craft room.
- Variety – Bin, boxes, baskets, trays, jars, and even makeup organizers double as craft storage. From small bead containers to large bins, the dollar store offers a wide range of options to fit every type of craft supply imaginable.
- Creativity – Repurpose unexpected items like ice cube trays, pill boxes, or cookie tins.
- Availability – Dollar stores regularly stock seasonal and organizational products.
- Accessible – With thousands of locations, Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and other dollar stores are easy to find for a quick organization haul.
How to Organize Craft Supplies on a Budget?
Here are some tried-and-true budget craft organization ideas:
- Sort by Category – Group paints, brushes, paper, beads, etc.
- Use Clear Containers – See what’s inside without opening.
- Label Everything – Simple dollar store labels or washi tape make a big difference.
- Go Vertical – Use hanging baskets, pegboards, or wall hooks to save space.
- Repurpose Household Items – Muffin tins for beads, mason jars for buttons, or shower caddies for markers.
20+ Dollar Store Finds for Craft Organization
Here’s a breakdown of what to look for at the dollar store and how you can use them as craft organizers:
1. Small Craft Supplies
Small items like beads and buttons are the hardest to manage, but dollar store hacks make it easy:
- Ice Cube Trays – Separate beads by color and shape for a single project.
- Pill Boxes – The daily pill organizers with small, labeled compartments are fantastic for tiny beads, sequins, gems, or embroidery needles.
- Tackle Boxes and Storage Cases: The multi-compartment cases in the fishing or hardware section are perfect for beads, charms, snaps, gems, and small findings.
- Mini Drawers – Use stackable plastic drawers for small embellishments.
- Small Clip-Lock Containers: Look for these in the kitchen aisle. They are great for small amounts of glitter, microbeads, or other loose powders.
- Lazy Susans (Turntables) – Keep paints or glues easily accessible.
- Photo Boxes – Store paper, stickers, and scrapbooking materials.
- Drawer Organizers – Great for markers, pens, scissors, and glue.
Related: 200 DIY Dollar Store Organization and Storage Ideas
2. Medium-Sized Craft Supplies
This category includes things like paint bottles, ribbon, yarn, and other bulky items.
- Plastic Bins and Baskets: The most classic dollar store organizers. Use them to group similar items like glues, tapes, or stamps. Clear bins are great for seeing what’s inside. Ideal for yarn, fabric scraps, or medium-to-large tools.
- Mason Jars or Glass Jars: Ideal for storing paintbrushes, pens, markers, or even rolls of washi tape. They look beautiful on a shelf.
- Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer: This isn’t just for shoes! Hang it on the back of your craft room door to store large items like yarn skeins, paint bottles, or even rolls of vinyl.
- Plastic Caddies with Handles: Perfect for holding your “current project” supplies. You can easily move it from your craft table to the couch without losing anything.
- Acrylic Makeup Organizers: The ones designed for lipstick or brushes work perfectly for holding small tools, scissors, or paint pens.
- Napkin Holders: A unique hack for storing rolls of vinyl or scrapbook paper.
3. Larger Tools and Materials
Keep your larger, more cumbersome items tidy and accessible.
- Shower Caddies: The hanging caddies with multiple baskets are great for storing spray paint cans or jars of Mod Podge.
- Office Desk Organizers: Look for tiered or compartmentalized organizers in the office supply aisle. They’re great for holding scissors, rulers, and other long tools.
- Pegboards and Pegs: Many dollar stores now sell smaller pegboards and various hooks. You can create a custom wall display for your tools, keeping your workspace clear.
- Magazine Holders: Perfect for storing large paper pads, cardstock, or folders of stencils.
- Dish Racks: A brilliant hack for storing cutting mats or large pieces of wood.
DIY Craft Organization Hacks
Think outside the box and create your own custom organizers.
1. DIY Paint Holder Lazy Susan:
Take a round tray and several small containers or paint tubes. Glue them to the tray to create a spinning organizer for all your paints.
2. DIY Ribbon Dispenser:
Use a small basket or container and thread a dowel or string through it. You can hang your ribbons on the dowel and pull them out as you need them.
3. Binder and Sheet Protectors:
Use binders and clear sheet protectors to organize vinyl scraps, stencils, or even embroidery floss by color.
Related: How to get organized? Top Practical Home Tips
4. Pegboard Wall with Dollar Store Hooks
Create a custom wall organizer.
5. Stacked Crate Shelves
Paint wooden crates and stack them for storage.
6. Mason Jar Wall Rack
Mount jars on a board for an easy grab-and-go organizer.
7. Rolling Craft Cart
Use small bins zip-tied together on a dollar store rolling cart.
8. Tiny Craft Supplies Sorting System
Organize and sort tiny and miniature items using a photo frame and tiny lid containers.
Make It:
Insert scrapbook paper of your choice in the photo frame, and sort the containers on top of the frame. Use glue or double-sided tape to stick them in place and use it for sorting and organizing.
Uses:
Here are 6 terrific uses for this sorting system:
- Small Craft Supplies Organizer: Sort your tiny craft supplies in different containers. Use labels if you like and arrange them in a tray so that you are not lost looking for individual tiny boxes. You know where all small things can be found.
- Office organization: Use it to keep office supplies like paper clips, thumb pins, staple pins, etc handy. It will look decent on your working table as well!
- Inspiration Box: Think about using it as an inspiration box. When you are stuck thinking how to be creative with your next project use it.
- Kids activity: Use it as an inspiration box with different random things. Challenge your kids to create something using it. Great for vision and creative learning with possibilities to work with limited supplies and brainstorming.
- Memory game for parties: Make a memory game by displaying various items in this tray. Have a variety of different items just like in the picture based on difficulty level that is age appropriate. Show the tray for 30 seconds or so to each player taking turns in a secluded space and then hide the items by covering it with a towel or paper. The player that guesses the most items wins the game.
- Baking supplies organizer: Do you love to bake and keep things organized? You will love these baking organization ideas. This small supplies organizer is handy for securing edible decorations that you use in baking. There are a variety of small edibles in baking from sprinklers to fondant flowers. You can keep them assorted by colors as well.
What Is the Best Way to Store Craft Paper and Vinyl Rolls?
Paper and vinyl can get wrinkled if stored improperly. Dollar store solutions include:
- Magazine Holders – Keep cardstock and patterned paper upright.
- File Bins – Organize scrapbook paper by theme or color.
- Tall Laundry Baskets – Store rolls of vinyl, wrapping paper, or posters vertically.
- Hanging Shoe Organizer – Each pocket holds a roll of vinyl.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the cheapest way to organize craft supplies?
Dollar store bins, baskets, and jars are the most budget-friendly. Repurpose everyday items like cookie tins, egg cartons, or shoe boxes.
2. How do you organize a small craft space?
Maximize vertical space with pegboards, wall racks, and over-the-door organizers. Use small labeled containers for supplies.
3. How do you store kids’ craft supplies neatly?
Clear bins with picture labels help children find and put away items easily. Use caddies for crayons, markers, and glue sticks.
4. How do you keep craft supplies dust-free?
Opt for containers with lids, zippered pouches, or sealed jars to keep dust away.
5. Can you make a craft cart with dollar store items?
Yes! Stack plastic bins, add wheels from the hardware aisle, and create a portable organizer.
6. What are the best items to look for at Dollar Tree for craft organization?
Look for items that are plain and sturdy, and think about their potential beyond their intended use. Bins, baskets, small containers, makeup organizers, and office supplies are all excellent places to start.
7. How can you organize a small craft space with dollar store items?
Maximize vertical space. Use over-the-door organizers, wall-mounted pegboards, and stackable bins. Under-the-bed storage containers are also a great solution for stashing seasonal or less-used supplies.
8. How do you make your dollar store organizers look more expensive?
A little DIY goes a long way. Use spray paint to give them a uniform, high-end look. Add custom labels using a label maker or a printable font. This not only makes them look better but also helps you find what you need faster.
9. What if the dollar store doesn’t have the specific items you see online?
Stock and availability can vary. The key is to be flexible and creative. If you can’t find a specific item, look for a similar product that could serve the same purpose. For example, a cutlery tray can work just as well as a makeup drawer organizer for holding markers.
Tips for a Clutter-Free Craft Room
- Declutter regularly—don’t keep supplies you’ll never use.
- Label every container for quick access.
- Invest time, not money—most organizing hacks rely on creativity, not expensive products.
With a little creativity and a trip to your local dollar store, you can achieve a beautifully organized and highly functional craft studio without draining your wallet. Start small, tackle one area at a time, and get ready to spend less time searching for supplies and more time making.











This is great Hani! I love that you used the lids. I would have stood there scratching my head thinking, “what do I do with these?” Very nice!
Yes, great way to organize. I same lids from jars to store beads in when working on a project. Thanks for sharing.
Stopping by from Bowdabra's Saturday showcase.
Linda @ MixedKreations.com/blog
I love this idea! The scrap book paper really makes a big impact.
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Looks great! I agree…the scrapbook paper make it so colourful and bright! Happy Fall! Angie xo
I have a friend who does all kinds of art and craft things all the time but she doesn’t put anything back and her houses looks like a hoaders house. I would like to do something for her as a christmas present to help her stay organized.