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)
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CREATIVE KIDS >