I have always despaired at organizing my art shelf. It’s still a mess, but the top of the shelf, where I have tried many different ways to organize glue, scissors, and such, is finally totally functional. I like to have things labeled on the shelf, so that children know where to put them away.
These little pails I got from the dollar section at Target. They may still have some; they did two weeks ago. They are the perfect size for our materials, and the kids move the pails to the art table when they are creating their masterpieces (we get lots of collages and they are great at making paper hats and bracelets). Here’s what it looks like when the pails are all put back:
Elbows, knees, dreams 
LOVE IT! And as I looked at the pictures first I said to myself ” oh I think I could buy those at Target!
Kiri, you might think your organization is bad, but with all due respect, mine is far, far worse. You have no idea . . . =)