Angled Marker Display

If you are a marker fiend, like myself, then you probably already know that markers should be stored tip down. One of the very few faults that markers have is that they dry out quickly. If you store them upside down then gravity helps keep the ink in the tips of the markers, thus, they last longer! One of the problems associated with tip down storage is it also means the cap is downward and with most containers, hidden. The cap generally is the only part of the marker that is color coded to let you know the color inside of the marker container. Therefore storing them tip down can be problematic!! Some companies have started to give a little color "pop" to the ends of markers, but too few!

Simultaneously, during the time that I learned about vertical vs horizontal storage, I was accumulating a LOT of markers. I mean, a lot! I know I'm not the only one out there!! So I took to the web to search for the PERFECT marker storage container. Alas, my search came back empty handed. I did buy a marker case labeled "high capacity". I knew from the description it wouldn't meet my needs but I needed something. Ended up that size of case was perfect for my double tipped markers which need to be stored horizontally. But what about all the rest?! Then Voila! It was time to make my own downward slanting, cap showing, marker display unit that was high capacity and lightweight and that would hold markers of all different shapes and sizes. No problem!

2'x4'x1/8" finished plywood for the shelves

1"x2"x8' pine I used for the frame of the unit

glue, clamps, hardware, sander, table saw

optional for aesthetics: torch to give it a vintage look and stain

I decided to start with a unit that was 24" long x 7" wide x 13" tall. There was definitely some compromising to do! Small enough to be table top, but still "high capacity"? Ha! So it still holds 265+ markers and in the works are various other sizes for those with a succinct collection, then those like me who had moments of marker madness! The width was based on the length of some of my longer markers. The unit is open backed to allow for such differences in sizes. At around 1 ft tall, the unit could have 8 shelves and still have enough room to get fingers in between the shelves to pick up the markers. In order to prevent the markers from sliding out, yet having enough of an angle for gravity to impact the ink, I used kitchen shelf liner as it is tacky, but not sticky. Later I may decide to use labels at the front of the shelf that will block the markers from sliding forward, so as you can see, there are many options.

Cut 8 shelves into dimensions of 2'x7"x1/8"

Cut pieces for the frame. Qty 4 at 1"x1"x13" and qty 2 at 1"x22"x1"

Notch frame in order to insert shelves.

Glue and clamp it all up. Some hardware for additional strength.

Randomly torch the wood for a vintage look (optional). Stain your color of choice.

Assort your markers as you see fit. Won't it be nice next time not to hunt for the color you need, but instead it will be right at your disposal!?!