Storing Markers, Pens And Pencils

Lovely wine rack marker holder

We all have them, and we all love them. We all love to add them to our collection! Today we are talking about organizing and storing our markers, pens and colored pencils.

There are no fast hard rules for your storage system. The only rule is to use what works best for you. We have gathered lots of tips and ideas which we hope will help you get better organized. After all, who doesn't want more craft time.

Lots of people use glass jars and tin cans decorated. These are especially good for storing pencils on a desk area. You can also use flowerpots or small vases for the same purpose. Coffee mugs serve the same purpose. Especially nice if you can get a set from your local thrift store. I have way too many mugs in my home, so I use them a lot! Drinking glasses will work too. Go on a scavenger hunt in your home. More than likely, you will find stuff you can use.

Taking care of these products will mean that they last us a lot longer.

When it comes to markers, and pens, there are basic suggestions that cover all brand types.

Avoid sunlight to both markers and refills.
Store them in a cool place.
Store your color families together-that means all of your pinks, blues, greens, etc. in one location. Makes them much easier to locate.
Make a color chart-this saves you so much time. Almost every company has them for free, or you can print them from your favorite browser. You be able to see the exact color as it will look on your project. But when you go to add to your collection, you will not wind up buying what you already have.
The reason to keep dual ended markers horizontal (on their sides) is to keep both nibs from drying out.

The point about the sunlight is that if they are exposed to ultraviolet light for a long time, markers may degrade or crack. The colors will face and the cotton that is inside the marker may dry.

So, let's get started getting organized!

Spectrum Noir Aqua Marker Storage ( $16,59-4 pack clear trays)

Step One-Markers

Supplies

Markers
Refill inks.
Notebook or paper and pen
Refill nibs.

Grab all your markers from the same company. If you have not done a color chart already, print one out.
Test all your markers one company at a time. If a marker is not refillable, say like a Sharpie and it is dry, set it aside
If a marker is refillable, refill it now
If a marker is refillable, but you do not have the refill ink, make a list of the refills that you need.
Examine all the nibs on your markers. If they need replacement refill them now.
If you do not have replacement nibs, add them to your list. Write down the company and number of the pen that needs a new nib so that you can replace it later.
Keep all of the same markers for the same company in the same pile.

Note: If you have single ended markers (ones with only one tip) Store them vertically with the nib downwards. That way the ink will be ready to go. The nib will have the most saturation.

This was a DIY colored pencil idea with toilet paper rolls and a box lid

Step Two-Colored Pencils

Colored pencils can be stored either horizontally or vertically. The best way to store them is in the original box or tin to keep the core from getting broken. Tins and boxes can be stacked on top of one another to save space.

If you would rather, they can be stored upright is a glass, tin can or coffee mug. But they should be kept in some kind of container.
Store them so that you can always see the pencil point.
Keep them away from direct light or heat.

Storage Containers For Colored Pencils

Stack mason jars on top of one another using mounting tape next to and on top of each jar.
Store them in a pencil wrap. Works well if you have a small container.
Use a plastic bin with a top. I keep some pencils next to my chair in the living room so that I can color.

How To Group Your Colored Pencils By Color

Supplies

Colored pencils
Container or storage system of your choice

Start separating your colored pencils by manufacturer (optional unless you are planning to do color charts)
Separate your pencils by color- red, blue, yellow, green and purple.
Create a separate pile for neutrals and metallics.
Separate your warm tones from your cool tones. Red, oranges and yellows separate from blues, greens and purples.
Sharpen all your pencils.
Create a color chart if the manufacturer provides one
Place them somewhere where they will stay safe