Guest Picks: Create a Home Art Center for Kids
Motivate little ones to create with tools and accessories for inspiring, making and organizing art at home
I'm on a constant mission to organize, tidy and contain. I can't claim success often, however, as living with children seems inherently disorganized, untidy and not contained. My latest project is to create the world's most perfect art center for my almost-5-year-old daughter. I'll even give up the "most perfect" part to just have an area where she can do what she loves — create — and I don't have to step on scattered paper scraps, pipe cleaners, crayons and pencil shavings, especially because this art center is tucked in the corner of the living room for all to see.
This is a collection of organizational and inspirational tools for my daughter's art center — though, as the space is her very own, she'll have to give final approval, of course. — Meaghan from The Decorated Cookie
This is a collection of organizational and inspirational tools for my daughter's art center — though, as the space is her very own, she'll have to give final approval, of course. — Meaghan from The Decorated Cookie
White Multi Organizer
This may have to be my first purchase to organize all those crayons and markers and scissors, oh my.
Chalkboard Mini
I think these could maybe be the place for my daughter to take notes and plan out her masterpieces. Or they can just be some place to scribble scrabble on the walls unimpeded by things such as scoldings.
Elephant Canvas Bin, Pink/Brown
I adore these animal-themed fabric bins. They would be great to store paper and craft projects, or they could be used as paper recycling bins.
My Bucket, My Buddy
I would love a different color bucket for everything: pencils, scraps, crafts, fabric, pipe cleaners. Although with my daughter's extensive art supplies, I'd end up with enough buckets to fill the whole room.
P’kolino Chalk Table and 2 Benches, White
This clever table has a chalkboard top that flips over to a more traditional table surface. Plus, it has a bonus storage area under the secret panel.
Måla Tabletop Paper Holder
This was a purchase, along with the accompanying roll of paper, I made before my daughter could hold a crayon. It's worth every penny — and beyond. She and I use this not only for large-scale drawing, but also for covering surfaces for other art projects.
Dignitet Curtain Wire
On my to-do list is finding a cute and clever way to display my prolific artist's work — but not permanently, given said prolific nature. I'm thinking these curtain wires with clips will do the trick.
Alphabet Wall Decal by Designed Beginnings
These are for just in case the kids need a bit of letter guidance when writing in their journals.
Multidot Metal Square Utensil Caddy
This is meant for utensils, but it could also be used to divide art supplies. Bonus: It's colorful and inexpensive.
Crayon Rocks
This site is filled to the brim with ecofriendly art, craft and school supplies for children. Pencils, markers, projects, stickers, clay — you name it, they have it.
Big Art Set
This kit has everything they need, and then some: colored pencils, markers, crayons, watercolors, an eraser, a sharpener and even pastels.
Staple-Free Paper Stapler
Do you want to know what this strange contraption is? It's a staple-free stapler. Finally, a safe stapler for kids! No more holes through the fingers.
Fine Art Scratch and Sketch
Leave it to MoMA to make sure the arts are covered for kids. This sketch and activity book guides kids in recreating works of the masters. I'd have loved this myself as a kid. Heck, I'd still love it.
Make and Takes for Kids: 50 Crafts Throughout the Year
This book is on my to-buy list. The writer's blog, Make and Takes, is filled with kid-friendly activities, and this book would give my daughter and me reason to make great use of an art center.
Ed Emberley's Drawing Book of Animals
Sigh, I love Ed Emberley! I had an early version of this book back in the '80s — no, probably the '70s? I remember painstakingly copying each step to learn how to draw. My mom recently found my copy buried deep in a closet.
Chalkboard Easel
You can also fancy things up a bit more with this chalkboard easel. It also comes in a white, scalloped frame.
Vera Carpet, Cerise
I discovered these rugs only by searching for washable carpets that might work under an art center. These are Pappelinas, plastic carpets from Sweden. Washable and well priced, they come in a variety of sizes and a whole bunch of cool designs and colors.
York Trash Bucket
This simple and pretty bucket would go seamlessly with the surrounding living room decor. If only they made one for recyclables too.
More:
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More:
How to Carve Out a Nook for Play
Homeschooling Spaces Make the Honor Roll