Build This Snazzy Clear Marker rack for $12.50!

Every day someone asks me where I got the marker rack that in behind me on my desk. It is a marker display from a scrapbook store that went out of business 16 years ago. I have not found a replacement anywhere to recommend. I've made them out of cardboard and foam core in the past and that works great but people really like the clear racks so today I decided to see if I could make one with easy-to-find and affordable supplies from the dollar store!
Supplies:
Clear plastic 3-compartment storage boxes from Dollar Tree
Super Glue amzn.to/44muX6a
Each of the containers I used will hold the following:
54 skinny waterbased markers (like Zig or Tombows)
30 of the oval markers like copic or blick studio brush
24 of the round markers like ohuhu, prismacolor, promarker etc.
Divide the number of markers you have by the number above corresponding with the size of your markers to calculate how many if the 3-compartment boxes you need to buy. For instance if I had 90 copics I would need 3 boxes. I also recommend making them a bit larger to accommodate a growing collection as you can never be sure dollar tree will have the same style of box in the furure.
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Credits:
Video production and Craft ideas: Lindsay Weirich
Music: Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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[@rebecarod1475]

Love your practical focus on spending money on actual, usable supplies and not storage

[@katsmith8263]

I just keep them in the bag so i could take the bag everywhere, including outside. I put the cut to the bag's height cereal boxes inside the bag, which i divided further in the rows with the leftover cardboard from the same boxes. This helps to keep the markers in the rows in the order i need.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Awesome idea!

[@shazphantomchic1398]

Awesome Lindsay, would love to see more clever budget friendly craft/art supplies organising ideas. 💜

[@ravenoctober9936]

Agreed!

[@AprilRoseNW]

Yes PLEASE

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Search "storage" on my channel home page for more!

[@mjpete27]

I am glad that your attitude has not changed with all of your success! You are The Frugal Crafter! You can work with every medium I have seen and used, so well in fact that you might be a witch! (I am just being silly and not meaning any disrespect to anyone nor their beliefs) I have been accused of being magical when creating a difficult build. I worked on parade floats and that is a very special field of endeavor. Like The Rose Parade in Pasadena your surface MUST BE PLANT! But you can support your seeds or petals, stalks any way that works! It gets very tricky and making sure that it will travel the length of the parade route as well as survive turning! Most parades are a straight run but not The Rose! Thank you for sharing this sweet marker storage video and reminding me of working on some truly wonderful and amazing artworks. Just because they are gone after the parade does not make them less art. Transitory art is an actual category or medium just not as popular as it is just not sellable, before photos or videos they were only written descriptions or sketches that were sometimes made into paintings which are more permanent. Thanks again Lindsay you’re always a blast and create wonderful content. You take me down roads I had forgotten and I’m very thankful for that

[@michelleheikkinen5254]

I love the Rose Parade!!! Watch it every year. I miss the HGTV pre-parade show where they would show all the different organic materials used to create the colors and textures. 🌹🌹🌹

[@thefrugalcrafter]

What a fun job that must have been!

[@mjpete27]

@@thefrugalcrafterwell I gotta say that it was pretty much a donative “job” only a few people were paid, it was an amazing experience. Only the sponsors were mentioned, occasionally they might mention the designer that lead the “team” of workers but we worked on the base of the float for a week. You had to get everything ready for the last 2 or 3 days before the parade as the flowers just did not hold up for very long! Then it was non stop for 48 to 72 hours of work! I remember when a gal tried to use a mist sprayer to keep some ferns from drooping but it messed with the glue the seeders were trying to use and an honest to goodness fight broke out ! I am saying punches were thrown! That only happened one time, but it was memorable! It worked out in the end. I remember getting the honorable judges mention that year and you just never know what is going to win on any given year.

[@gwensimmons_gigi1629]

You have returned to your ‘frugal’ ways Lindsay!😂 Great marker storage rack completed! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👍🏾⭐️TY for posting❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Yes! Thank you!

[@elflordsjourneys]

I built my storage rack from toilet paper rolls glued together then glued inside a cardboard box. 😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Nice!

[@lourdesgallegos7508]

I have those little containers all over my house! What a genius idea!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks!

[@wordscrafter]

This is so unbelievably timely! I don't want to fork out a ton of $$$ for marker storage and I've been using Tim Holtz tins for stamp pads, but my adhd brain needs to SEE! I was about to go to Lowe's and have pvc pipe cut, but this is brilliant!!! Fingers crossed I can find some, thanks so much for sharing this ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It was on the bottom shelf on the beauty aslie in my DT

[@KarenLeanneCreates2024]

Great job! I prefer to spend my money on the supplies too! I have 3 of those for paper craft tools. TIP: On the adhesive: You can use double sided tape! I have 10 of those clear plastic drawer units from Dollar Tree, and used 1/4" foam tape, as it filled in the gaps and holds them together quite securely. I put my mini ink spots and foam daubers in them! Have a great weekend, Lindsay!

[@karinberonius8799]

Thanks for the tip!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Great idea!!

[@nadeaner.cowley513]

I'm definitely gonna do this. I bought acrylic holders from Ross, but they just aren't big enough...so im definitely gonna try this, for sure!! Thanks for sharing, much love❤

[@Freespiritarts]

I just recently found out that we can order on line and pick it up in store! Genius!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I didn't know that! Cool!

[@melissaaldosari8024]

Fabulous frugal diy!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@astridmyst]

I'm a disabled artist and I have so much trouble with organizing. It's either expensive to buy or takes time to find then make. This seems like the quickest and cheapest option. I should've watched this before buying some clear storage things XD oh well. I severely underestimated it so now I need more and I'm looking on Dollar Tree's website lolo thank youuu Edit: I can't find theseee I wonder if it's because this video is from 5 months ago so the stock changed? I dunno. Best of luck to those searching

[@liamlockheartart7560]

I've been making stands like these out of popsicle sticks for my pencils but I love this idea for markers! Might have to try this out myself

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Go for it!

[@smitachengappa]

I love watching storage ideas. This looks really good!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you! 😊

[@cheryl6716]

That's such an awesome idea Lindsay, I love it!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@mwGoosman]

Amazing and timely. Thanks Lindsay❤!!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You're so welcome!

[@8SmileyLady]

This is an excellent idea. I had to watch your video after getting the newsletter today. Thank you!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Via_Von]

Love the simplicity of construction Lindsay! Thank you bunches! ♥️🎉♥️

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@annecasillas5402]

Love it, great idea and it looks really neat and organized! Thanks for sharing 💜💜💜

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@bethbellthethriftycrafter5233]

I use these stacked for pens/markers/crayons etc. And also for brushes.

[@sallygreiner5724]

This is brilliant!

[@4BarbaraJ]

Oh..so many ideas. Love this video. So clever and economical. I bought 2 of these and was trying to find a way to store pencils. Prismacolor, watercolor, charcoal, inktense etc. Not sure they would work turned sideways. Thinking about maybe velcro dots to connect so I can remove separately to use. I like this idea for markers so much more than expensive alternative storage. Thanks. You have such helpful advice. ❤

[@mendyviola]

I was thinking exactly the same thing for colored/watercolor pencils. Love your thinking o the Velcro dots!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Great idea!

[@annettefournier9655]

Clever lady!❤

[@saral6978]

I just happen to be next door to a dollar tree right now! Lol. Might have to try this though! Thanks for sharing!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Have fun!

[@chaselip]

Thank you Lindsay!!! Great video💜💜💜

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@jjsmakeupobsession323]

Thank you for doing this video ❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@melissaoverland692]

Fantastic idea! Once again, Lindsay the Frugal Crafter to our rescue!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👍✌️❤️😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you! 😊

[@robbiegayfield5088]

A woman after my own heart! Such a great idea! Why buy storage if you can repurpose something you already have to fit your needs or find a less expensive way to accomplish it? Two thumbs up!👍🏽👍🏽

[@thefrugalcrafter]

So true!

[@Freespiritarts]

Thank you for doing this!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

My pleasure!

[@paulynevandersloot5677]

You are so crafty with storage. I would love to get you in my craftroom to give me some ideas. Thanks!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I would love to be a professional art supply organizer 😆

[@heidicook2395]

Simple, straight forward, and very usable. Thank you for showing us such wonderful ideas!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You're welcome!

[@peanutpearson3333]

Great idea!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks!

[@LollyPalooza]

Great job, Lindsay!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you!!

[@deepowers3117]

Hi Lindsay! I really loved this idea, and your clear instructions on the build and advice to take the time to find out how many of each kind of marker fits into each compartment. Can't wait to go to a few Dollar Stores to see what I can find. Good Will can be a good store to find such items too, although not as inexpensive. Success in finding many items that can be used in many different ways can depend on a person's imagination. THANKS!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@E4Alabbasy]

I got spectrum noir marker storage only because my old shoe box storage was falling apart, and as much as I love my markers displayed beautifully on my desk I still miss my old shoe box storage 😂💔

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Whatever works!

[@anneross5679]

Please do a stamp storage DYI if possible. I cannot figure out the best way to store them. Always love all your videos.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I have one kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqKqoqWrpt6Se8k

[@bethjeans3780]

Have you already considered bins - clear acrylic, canvas, etc. - with stamps in clear pockets? Lots of videos showing them, lots of companies that sell the clear pockets.

[@anneross5679]

Lindsay, I should have said stamp pad storage. I never know if they should be upside down or sideways. My Tim Holtz tins hold his pads sideways,but what about the others. Thank you.

[@susanfantozzi4415]

Very clever and affordable. And I do like the smaller size so it can me moved around.

[@sondrabrown442]

Great idea! Thanks Lindsay!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@judygrandstrand9784]

This is so cute!

[@K_rye]

Brilliant idea! Cheap, sturdy and very useful. Years ago I made storage from foam core for my stamp pads and pens. It works well, but needed a lot of experimentation and very care measuring and cutting. This is much easier and faster!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Great tip!

[@personalestok6693]

Fabulous idea! Thanks for sharing!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@spidercatcher62]

I so love dollar trees clear storage containers. I have way to many of them in my craft room closet. I have used all different ones to make an area on my desk for the items I use most often.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Great idea!!

[@pattyh2410]

Cute and practical! Win win. 😊. Thanks so much, Lindsay!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@sheilasinghal2922]

This is genius! And so easy. I also like that they're portable. Thanks! 😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you like them!

[@DeniseBrooks1955]

Thank you Lindsay! Brilliant 👏🏼👏🏼

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You're so welcome!

[@Marilynlovesebiking]

This is great. I may use it in the future. I have some of my extra long tri-color markers in a clear three drawer organizer unit. I think it was for jewelry or makeup.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That's a great idea!

[@lynetteclarke8059]

Love this!!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks!

[@suearcher8708]

Thank you! I have always loved the look of your marker rack, but the portability of this one is a great perk. Again thank you for this video!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@susangoodrow7157]

GREAT idea thanks so much

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@craftykat]

Such a great idea, Lindsay; thank you!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Fab idea!

[@septembermichaud6783]

I need to try this! 😮😮😮😮

[@olderendirt]

Those look so nice and they'd be handy, too. Thanks so much.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

They are!

[@rmayfairecottage]

Thanks for such a great idea!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@OrganizeCreateDecorate]

Wow, this is great. Though I prefer each of my markers to have its own space, the cost difference it amazing for those that are on a budget and would rather spend what they do have on the markers over their storage and still have it look great. Way to go, Lindsay!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

The expandable trays from crafter companion are a great choice for that!

[@yelsyels]

Great idea...I did consider doing this but don't have room to display so mine are stored in tubs in a drawer.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That's a great idea!

[@peggyfitzmaurice4100]

great way to inexpensively creat pen storage

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It really is!

[@crikeyscreates]

Lindsay I finally got my craftamo brushes (they do take a while, I didn't realise they came from China) and they are superb! I had seem a few youtubers promote their sets but none appealed but yours had a good number of brushes including a cat's tongue, a dagger and a rigger plus some great round brushes with decent points. Your craftamo set is definitely the best, thank you x

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'm so glad!

[@paulalister80]

Great storage idea Lindsay, we have those store bins for makeup here am thinking I might make on for my Posca markers.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You should!

[@elizabethkilbride4524]

Great idea and concept for organizing your markers. That Lindsay would you do me a favor and do some more tutorials on how to properly use ink markers specifically blending them and how to properly use them to create a creation. I've been gifted 168 marker package and I don't know how to really use them I could use a tutorial if you wouldn't mind.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Will do! I have a few coming up. I also have an alcohol marker Playlist of videos under Playlist on my channel. Here is a video about making blending combos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIStfWysr5KUhq8 Here is a basics part 1: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXyaZnlnotB5g8U and part 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5anqoymqptgpKM If you need more instruction I have n alcohol marker workshop in my teachable school lindsayweirich.teachable.com and you can use the coupon code HB47 to get 47% off this week!

[@katsmith8263]

Yay! 💙🧡🤎🤎❤

[@jacquelineturbitt5509]

That is really a great idea...I love it...thank you for sharing...HUGS HUGS HUGS from Nova Scotia Canada where 30 to 35 degrees C...I don't know what that is in F....hope you get in some outdoors time without melting

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you so much!

[@boopeep9670]

Can you share some super cheap stamp storage that’s efficient and DIY friendly (idiot proof lol). Some storage systems end up costing more than the stamps over time. I’d rather spend on paint or papers or brushes or…the list goes on lol. Thanks for the ideas.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I use binders and page protectors to store mine. Here is a video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqKqoqWrpt6Se8k

[@sneaks6635]

Butter will break down the adhesive if you let it set over night (usually less). If you're in a rush you can use mineral spirits (sparingly) and it will take it off very quickly. Just make sure you use it in a well ventilated room. Be careful.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Great tip!

[@RinasAMaker]

I built a DIY marker storage using a tutorial from Baylee Jae. Definitely can’t carry it around because it’s wood, but it works really well. I have the same problem as you, SO MANY markers! I’m still continuing my quest for “purple perfection”. You know the translucent purple lollipops on a stick… a purple-purple… perfect Halloween purple. I think I’m up to 9 brands currently in my search. The struggle is REAL! 😆

[@karinberonius8799]

Yes, it is! The perfect purple marker is an elusive one to find.😂

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Purple is hard and it shifts wet ro dry.

[@lozantoninocreations]

I just leave my Ohuhu in the black bag, but it's stored open and on its side, so I can see the markers the same as if I had a proper stand.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That's a good idea. Many people have a Mish mash of brands without good storage tho.

[@sambabird7]

👍🏼😊

[@JoAnneSmith-di8ok]

What a collection of markers. Which ones dry out sooner, the alchol markers or the watercolor markers?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It depends on the quality of the bodies and caps. For water-based Tombow keeps the best and alcohol I've had good success with all except stampin up, spectrum not classified, studio 71, #coloring and blick illustrator (the blick studio ones are awesome tho!) Newer copics have issues with the caps and drying out quickly so I no longer recommend those.

[@katsmith8263]

Ohuhu has one. I'm surprised that they didn't send it to you

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Oh I saw that. It's wood, right?

[@katsmith8263]

@@thefrugalcrafter who knows???? Ask them to send one to you for a review, I'm sure they would send it to you

[@jessbutterfly9801]

Lindsey, I have a question for you out of left field if your house was on fire, putting aside friends and animals and family and all that kinda stuff if you could grab five things from your art room to save, what would they be?’s these are materials not finished works.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Great question. Hmm, I'd probably get my most expensive supplies because I would rebuild the cheaper things. Pan pastels, my watercolor tubes, my stack of full sheet watercolor paper and watercolor brushes.

[@marshacook3969]

Organizer not available at my dollar tree.😞

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I had to ask a worker to help me find it. Maybe another nearby location has it?

[@garypillischafske1425]

Cant read the bar code, its out of focus.