12/14

Toddler DIY: Must Haves

Holiday school break is almost upon us.  How will you be keeping the troops entertained?  Kids will be out for vacation hopped up on sugar cookies looking to all you #Supermommas to save the day.  I say let your littles get crafty!!  Brooks LOVES doing art projects and is always game for some fun DIY.  I think it is a great idea to keep a stash of crafty supplies at the ready for rainy day activities, play dates and pretty much any time in between. You never know when you will be in need of a “keep the kids busy” project or you child feels the urge to tap into his/her artistic side! You can use your art minded bounty on projects from your holiday kid table to educational ones like creating your own sensory projects.  Think of your toddler craft supplies like a chef who has their favorite recipes’ ingredients at their fingertips.  You don’t have to rush out to the store every time you want to create something.  It is not necessary to buy all your art materials at one go.  That could cost you a pretty penny.  Instead build up your craft hoard as you go along.  Think outside the box and collect items such a buttons, fabric remnants and twist ties.  You wouldn’t believe the amount of DIY projects built around toilet and paper towel rolls.  I’m not saying start a junk pile of useless items, but a few bits and pieces will do the trick to inspire artistic greatness.  It always helps to keep your goodies organized in a caddy and storage containers. QUICK TIP:  Keep an old tablecloth around as a protective layer for your workspace or as a drop cloth for your craft madness. This art jar is a perfect starter kit.  Chock full of all types of crafting treats you will be thankful when busy hands are kept busy (in a good way) with this jar filled full of creative magic.  If sets are what you seek, this one from Crayola is loaded to the gills with great art supplies. I also like this large sized crayon set that comes in its own caddy.  These crayon gems seem really cool and I can’t wait for Brooks and his buddies to try them out.  If you want to keep your crayons on the simpler side, this set of jumbo crayons will probably be up your alley.  If we are talking basics, then you definitely need child friendly scissors, construction paper, liquid glue and a glue stick. Pipe cleaners are pretty close to the top of my list because they are incredibly versatile, are perfect to keep kids busy on the go (restaurants and even on planes). If you are lacking pipe cleaner inspiration?  Then check out this book or this one all about pipe cleaner crafting.  I love a stretched canvas for art making.  We did such a great DIY project with Brooks using the canvases for Scott’s Father’s Day gift this year.  You can never go wrong with stickers or finger paint.  When using finger paint it is always wise to use thicker paper and I have to admit, I’m totally geeking over this finger paint paper because it comes pre-designed backgrounds to inspire even more fun.  I think you will agree that building a craft supply arsenal for kids is a wise idea.  Art is such an incredible learning tool.  Not sure where to start?  Then you should check out this great book about how to teach art to your children or this one that focuses on how to engage with your kids through art projects.  Because I’m working hard on keeping green, I really like this book about making crafts out of recycled materials.