At Brewing Crafts, we believe in the power of screen-free fun, hands-on exploration, and the magic that happens when kids are free to create. One of the best ways to foster this kind of creativity is by giving your child access to a dedicated space to imagine, build, and get a little messy. And the best part? You don’t need a massive playroom or a Pinterest-perfect setup to make it happen.
Here’s how to create an inviting, functional craft space for your kids—whether you’ve got a whole room or just a corner in the kitchen.
Why a Craft Space Matters
Having a designated place to create signals to your kids that their ideas matter. When they know where to find materials—and that it’s okay to get a little messy—they’re more likely to dive into independent play and explore their creativity without hesitation. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just functional and welcoming.
Must-Have Craft Supplies to Keep on Hand
Start with the basics and build your collection over time. Here are some of our absolute favorites:
- Paint markers – Less mess than traditional paint, but all the color fun!
- Washable markers – A must-have for parents and perfect for transferring designs or coloring big, bold pictures. (We also love the clicks for on the go!)
- Googly eyes – Because everything is more fun with eyes!
- Crayons & colored pencils – Classics for a reason.
- Construction paper & blank paper – For everything from scribbles to serious masterpieces.
- Scissors (kid-safe) – Essential for building fine motor skills.
- Glue sticks and liquid glue – Great for building paper crafts or mixed-media masterpieces.
- Paper towel rolls, cardboard boxes, and egg cartons – These “trash” treasures are gold for crafting.
- Sensory bins or sensory play materials – Think dried rice, pom poms, kinetic sand, or pluffle.
A simple bin, cart, or shelf labeled by supply type can keep everything organized and easy to access.
Set the Stage: Creating the Craft Space
Here’s what to think about when setting up your craft area:
Easy Access = More Independent Play
Store supplies where kids can reach them. A rolling craft cart, labeled bins, or low shelves encourage kids to grab what they need and start creating—without needing your help every time.
Less Worry About Mess
Pick a spot where a little paint on the table or marker on the floor won’t send you into a panic. A corner of the kitchen with a wipeable surface, a drop cloth under the table, or even a space outdoors can become the perfect art zone. Mess is a natural part of creativity!
Choose the Right Surfaces
A kid-sized table and chair go a long way. It gives them ownership of their space and supports independent creation. Even a plastic folding table works great (and cleans up easily!).
Ideas for Small Spaces
Not everyone has a full room to dedicate to crafts—and that’s totally okay. Here are a few space-saving solutions:
- Rolling cart – These are magic! Pull it out when it’s craft time, then tuck it away.
- Over-the-door shoe organizer – Use each pocket to store supplies like markers, glue, scissors, and small items.
- Under-bed or closet bins – Great for storing extra paper, sensory supplies, or seasonal materials.
- Fold-down wall table or lap desk – A smart way to make use of vertical space or set up a temporary craft station.
The key is creating a routine and rhythm for where and how to access materials—even if you only have a small footprint to work with.
Encourage Creativity, Not Perfection
The heart of your craft space should be about process over product. It doesn’t have to look picture-perfect. What matters most is that your kids feel free to explore and express themselves.
We’ve watched our kids turn paper towel rolls into robots, cardboard scraps into castles, and googly eyes into everything from monsters to “talking plants.” When the materials are there, the creativity flows.
A Few Tips to Keep It Fun
- Rotate supplies to keep things fresh. Store extras in a closet and swap them out every month or season.
- Display their work proudly on the fridge, a bulletin board, or a string with clothespins.
- Set up invitations to create by placing a few materials on the table to spark inspiration.
- Pair crafts with books for even more inspiration (check out our post about Scribble Stones).
Let’s Create Together
We love seeing how other families bring creativity into their homes. Whether you’ve got a full craft room or a small corner of your dining table, your child’s imagination can thrive. Share your favorite craft space tips or photos with us on Instagram @brewingcrafts—we’d love to see where the magic happens in your home.
