How to Keep Art Supplies Organized with Bumkins Art Smocks and Clear Front Travel Bags

Quick answer

To keep art supplies organized, pair Bumkins Clear Front Travel Bags with a dedicated Bumkins Art Smock. Use the clear bags to sort and store supplies by type, and hang the smock nearby for easy grab-and-go cleanup. This system keeps everything visible, portable, and protected from messes.

Art time with kids is magical, but the aftermath can be chaotic. Crayons, markers, glue sticks, and paper often end up scattered or mixed together. The solution isn't a fancy craft caddy—it's using clear travel bags and a reliable art smock to create a simple, organized system.

Bumkins Clear Front Travel Bags are perfect for sorting and storing art supplies because you can see exactly what's inside. Pair them with a Bumkins Art Smock to protect clothes, and you'll have a portable art kit that's ready for preschool, travel, or a rainy afternoon at home.

Start with a Clear Travel Bag System

Begin by gathering your art supplies and grouping them by type: markers, crayons, pencils, glue, scissors, and paper. Choose a Clear Front Travel Bag for each group. Bumkins Clear Front Travel Bags are designed to let you see the contents at a glance, so kids (and parents) can find what they need without dumping everything out.

For larger supplies like paper or sticker books, use a larger clear bag. For small items like googly eyes or beads, a smaller bag works better. The key is to keep like items together and label each bag if desired. This system not only organizes but also makes cleanup faster—just toss supplies back into their designated bag.

• Checkpoint: Before you start, one common mistake is putting too many items in one bag, making it hard to find things. Keep each bag to one category.

Create a Portable Art Kit

Once your supplies are sorted, place the clear bags into a larger tote or backpack to create a portable art kit. This is perfect for travel, visits to grandparents, or preschool art days. Bumkins Clear Front Travel Bags are lightweight and durable, making them easy to carry.

For mess-free art on the go, include a Bumkins Art Smock in the kit. The smock is easy to slip on and protects clothes from paint, markers, and glue. This way, kids can create anywhere—on the plane, at a restaurant, or in the backyard—without you worrying about stains.

• Checkpoint: Don't forget to pack a wet bag for dirty brushes or wet wipes. Bumkins Wet Bags are great for containing messes and can be tossed in the same tote.

Set Up a Craft Caddy at Home

At home, designate a shelf or cart as your art station. Place the clear bags in a caddy or storage bin, organized by frequency of use. Keep the most-used supplies at eye level for kids so they can independently access what they need.

Hang a Bumkins Art Smock on a hook nearby. This makes it easy for kids to put on the smock before starting and removes the friction of 'forgetting' to protect their clothes. The smock's adjustable closures fit a range of ages, so it can grow with your child.

• Checkpoint: A common mistake is skipping the smock for 'quick' activities—but even a five-minute craft can leave a stain. Make putting on the smock a non-negotiable part of art time.

Make Cleanup Part of the Routine

Teach kids to put supplies back in the clear bags as soon as they're done. Use the visual nature of the bags to make it a game: 'Can you find the bag with the markers?' This reinforces organization and makes cleanup less of a chore.

After crafting, wipe down the art smock with a damp cloth or toss it in the laundry if it's machine washable. Bumkins Art Smocks are designed for easy cleaning, and the clear bags can be wiped out if they get messy. This keeps everything fresh and ready for the next creative session.

• Checkpoint: Check the bags regularly for wear and tear, and replace any that are damaged to maintain the system.

Organize art supplies with Bumkins: step-by-step

1. Gather and sort supplies: Collect all art materials and separate them into categories like markers, crayons, and paper. Checkpoint: Don't overstuff bags—keep each category separate for easy access.
2. Assign a clear bag to each category: Choose a Clear Front Travel Bag size that fits each group. Use smaller bags for small items and larger bags for bulky supplies. Checkpoint: Label bags if needed, but transparency usually makes labels optional.
3. Build your portable kit: Place the filled clear bags into a tote or backpack alongside a Bumkins Art Smock and a wet bag for dirty supplies. Checkpoint: Pack a wet bag for any damp items to keep everything dry.
4. Establish a home art station: Designate a shelf or cart for the bags and hang the art smock nearby. Keep frequently used supplies at child height. Checkpoint: Make the smock a mandatory part of art time to prevent stains.
5. Clean and reset: After crafting, have kids return supplies to their bags. Wipe down the smock and bags as needed, then restock. Checkpoint: Regularly check bags for wear and replace if damaged.

Products that help

• Silicone Bib: Hearts: The Bumkins Silicone Bib is great for reducing mealtime mess. The large catch-all pocket is wide open for catching drips, drops, and spills before they hit baby’s lap or the floor. If you're crafting with a toddler, this silicone bib offers the same mess protection as an art smock for younger kids, with an easy-to-clean surface and a pocket for catching stray glitter or paint.
• Wet Bag: Wander: Bumkins Wet Bags are made from the same lightweight, waterproof fabric as our award-winning SuperBib. These reusable bags feature heat-sealed seams for true waterproof protection. A smooth zipper closure locks away the mess. Use this wet bag in your art kit to store damp paintbrushes, wet wipes, or a soiled smock. It keeps the mess contained and won't leak onto other supplies.

Organizing art supplies doesn't have to be a huge project. With Bumkins Clear Front Travel Bags, a Bumkins Art Smock, and a few simple habits, you can create a mess-free art system that keeps creativity flowing and cleanup quick. Try these steps today and enjoy more time making, less time cleaning.