QUICK KIDS' SUPPLY LIST

Just beginning to spark that creative spirit with your little one?

It's always helpful to have a few supplies on hand to embrace creative whims. Nothing too fancy. A small plastic shoebox is a great start. Let your children decorate the box and label it ART -- this will give them a great sense of ownership and excitement for artistic endeavors.

CORRAL THE MESS

Not convinced you want to make a huge mess?

Designate one spot for creative pursuits and try these ideas to minimize clean up time.

-- art smock or old t-shirt for you and your child!

-- plastic tablecloths cut in half - one on the table and one on the floor under the table

-- vinyl placemats

-- baby wipes to swipe chairs, tables and your little one before she leaves the ART area

-- clear, plastic tubs for supplies

PAPER

Don't forget the paper!

You'll need a canvas for your artwork. Use baskets or boxes to store paper flat.

-- construction

-- white (ream of inexpensive copy paper in various sizes)

-- white (ream of inexpensive card stock) or watercolor pad from art store

-- index cards in various sizes

-- colored tissue paper

-- lined paper

-- variety, otherwise slated for the recycle box at home or work

ART BOX

Need some ideas for what to stuff inside?

Here are the basic must-haves:

-- crayons

-- colored pencils

-- markers

-- pastels

-- chalk

-- pencils with erasers

-- glue sticks

-- glue bottle

-- watercolor paints and brushes

Feeling a bit more ambitious?

Buy a second box and stuff it with the sophisticated need-sometimes:

-- scissors

-- tape

-- stapler

-- hole punch

-- ribbon

-- pompoms

-- foam and felt sheets

-- glitter

-- stickers

-- popsicle sticks

-- googly eyes

-- feathers

-- fabric and material scraps

Want to really stretch those creative muscles?

Pick up a few of the more advanced gotta-trys:

-- stamps and ink pads

-- stencils

-- beads and string

-- paints (acrylic/tempera)

-- clay

RECYCLED ART SUPPLIES

Go Green! Gather some of your everyday household items and turn them into something new.

-- cereal boxes (an invalubale source of cardboard)

-- old magazines

-- gently used ribbons and gift wrap

-- cardboard paper towel or toilet paper holders

-- plastic applesauce containers

-- any plastic bowl with a lid (such as margarine)

-- old greeting and holiday cards

-- old phone books

-- shoe boxes

-- plastic milk containers (from fast food restaurants)