Updated October 2023

We get asked for recommendations for kids art supplies all the time. Questions such as, “What paint should I buy?” “What are the best watercolors for kids?” “What markers do you recommend?” and “Where do you get your paper?“

We have done so many different art activities and used so many different art supplies over the years with family, friends, and all of the different kids art groups and classes we’ve attended and taught.

So, we’ll share what we consider the best kids art supplies in this post.

That said, we haven’t tried everything out there. And they are always coming out with fun new art supplies for kids, so if you have a favorite to add, please do so in the comments!

Please note: You don’t need everything on this list. But if you’re looking to stock your art supply cupboard, this should help you get started. And if you are already well stocked with kids’ art supplies, then maybe this list will give you some new ideas to try.

Best Art Supplies for Kids

Note: This list has been updated to reflect evolving favorites as well as new art materials that are available and others that are no longer being manufactured.

You can also visit The Artful Parent shop for even more of our favorite art materials!

And bonus! If you’d like a list to print out and save, you can get our free printables on the top art materials by age (toddlers, preschoolers, big kids).

Art Supplies for Painting

Paints are a must! Here are some of our picks. For more of our favorite paint recommendations see The Best Paints for Kids.

Tempera paint is a staple for kids’ art activities. It’s super versatile, inexpensive, washable, nontoxic, and readily available.

We also love and use BioColor Paint from Discount School Supply. It’s so shiny and vibrant! Plus, it adheres to more surfaces.

If you haven’t tried liquid watercolor paint yet, you need to! We use it for painting, all kinds of craft projects and science experiments!

For a watercolor paint palette, we have used quite a variety. Crayola’s Education Watercolor Set is a fantastic basic set with vibrant colors, and we love OOLY’s fabulous neon palette!

There are many brands out there, but Kwik Stix are always a top favorite. We also love these neon and metallic sets. Paint sticks are a low mess, easy clean up way to invite your child to paint. And best of all, the paint dries in 90 seconds!

Art Supplies for Drawing

Here are our favorite drawing supplies. For further reading, check out: The BEST Art Supplies for Drawing

We like Crayola Oil Pastels for a sturdier oil pastel for little hands and Pentel for a finer version for older kids.

We also really like Faber-Castell gel crayons which are somewhere in between crayon & oil pastel with easy coverage.

We love the classic Crayola markers (skinny, thick, washable, non-washable — they’re all good). We’ve also had good experiences with Magic Stix and Stabilo markers, both of which don’t dry out if you forget that marker lid!

Sharpie permanent markers are great for work on different surfaces, but only use when confident your kids won’t draw on other surfaces!

Metallic Sharpies are one of our favorites for doodling on leaves and rocks and for working on top of black.

Crayola crayons work great for drawing so if you’re on a tight budget, get those and spend any extra money on some paints.

But if you’re okay with spending a bit more, we recommend Faber Castell beeswax crayons.

Kitpas are another favorite all-purpose crayon that can write on glass, become a watercolor paint, or regular crayon.

Colored pencils are the underappreciated workhorse in our house. We’ve used a variety of brands, but we especially like Prang and Faber-Castell World Colors.

For younger artists, Stabilo Woody 3-in-1 pencils can be used for window art, watercolor paints (just add water) or as a crayon/colored pencil. The chubbier pencil means your toddler can grow with these for many years!

White art paper and colored construction paper are musts. Watercolor paper and poster board are good sturdy surfaces for painting.

We like easel paper rolls because they allow kids to work big or in groups.

But all you really need is some plain white paper. Or recycle bin paper!

Art Supplies for Sculpting

It’s great to have a variety of sculpture materials on hand. Here are our favorites.

Homemade playdough is by far our favorite and here is a great no cook recipe.

But if you’d rather not make your own, try this set of playdough. It also comes in bigger buckets, purchased by color, if you find yourself going through it.

We love this set of playdough tools. And how about these adorable Forest Friends Stampers?!

We use Crayola air dry clay all the time. It’s not as messy as real potter’s clay, plus, you know, air dry.

Model magic is another air-dry modeling material that is super fun, stretchy, and squishy. We’ve found that older kids really love this kind of clay. (Think tween party making keychains, earrings, or magnets!) We love this set for lots of fun colors!

Plastilina is a wonderful modeling clay that NEVER dries out and keeps basically forever. A mus-have if your child loves to build and sculpt! We especially like the Jovi brand for its soft, moldable quality.

More Arts and Crafts Supplies

These are the basics that are great to have on hand for any and every kind of art project. For more reading, check out: The Best Tools & Art Supplies for Kids.

Glue makes SO many kids art activities possible and little kids especially just love squeezing the glue bottles as an activity in and of itself. Glue sticks are also handy for paper collage.

And a glue gun makes gluing sculptures or structures (wood, cardboard, etc.) a lot quicker and easier. (If you’re worried about kids + glue gun, see Teacher Tom’s tips here.)

Glue is also a staple if your kids are into making slime! Try glitter glue or glow in the dark glue!

Around age 2-3, kids can begin practicing making small snips with scissors on paper (with supervision, of course). These blunt tipped scissors are perfect for the task. Once your child enters elementary school, these pointed tip scissors are a better fit.

We’re tape happy! Besides colored masking tape, we use lots and lots of regular Scotch tape, and we have a bit of a love affair with washi tape and other printed craft tapes.

Our kids LOVE stickers. Maybe yours do, too? We use all kinds, including colorful dot stickers, foil stars, and other office supply stickers. Eye stickers and a good supply of more commercial, image-based stickers.

If your kids love stickers, you might consider a sticker club such as Pipsticks or Mrs. Grossman’s for fun gifts.

This rainbow ink pad is our favorite as it’s large, washable, and it has all the colors we want in one place. We use this with our fingers for fingerprint art, with stamps, and for stamping household objects.

Everyone uses sidewalk chalk! But we also recommend chalk for indoor art, both on paper and on a chalkboard in the house (which we highly recommend).

Liquid chalk markers and these Wonderstix (chalk/crayon combo that writes on anything!) are pretty awesome, too.

Eye droppers or pipettes (we use and like both) are a favorite for lots of fun sensory activities and science experiments that involve liquid watercolors or even water.

Collage Art Supplies

Here are some great items to have on hand if your kids are into make collages or mixed media projects.

Colored tissue paper is great for suncatchers, collage, and papier mache. You can apply it to contact paper for colorful suncatchers, glue it onto anything, or apply pieces directly to wet poster paint.

Bleeding Tissue Paper is a tissue paper that will bleed through to another surface when wet. A fun alternative for many process art adventures!

Go with the name brand Con-Tact paper for sure. You can find it at most drug stores or grocery stores with the shelf-liner paper. (It’s also called sticky-back plastic). We use it for all kinds of suncatcher and stained-glass projects as well as some collaging fun.

Some of our favorite items for collage include googly eyes, stickers (mentioned above), colored tissue paper (also above), rainbow feathers, buttons, colored pasta shapes, tape, pom poms, yarn, fabric scraps.

Pipe cleaners are good for manipulating, for building sculptures, for threading beads and pasta, etc.

Wood craft sticks are great for building, sculpture, crafts, catapults, everything. And wood scraps are fun for making wood sculptures.

We use white basket-style coffee filters for all kinds of arts and crafts projects, like snowflakes, buntings, spiderwebs, and collage. And check out this larger size, perfect for extra-large snowflakes! Coffee filters are easy to cut yet are sturdy enough for crafts.

If you’re okay with glitter (some parents we know love it; some hate it), it makes a fun addition to many arts and crafts projects. Pretty much all the brands we’ve tried have worked great. Try biodegradable glitter like this one for a more environmentally friendly option.

Don’t throw away those cardboard boxes! Or paper towel rolls or egg cartons either, for that matter.

Recycle bin cardboard can be used for so much! Art activities, kids’ crafts, homemade toys, pretend play, construction, and more. Cardboard is the best!

So that’s our list! If we don’t stop now, we might end up with another 10-15 art materials…

By the way, we think art materials make great kid gifts for all occasions. Sometimes bundling 2-3 related art materials together makes the best gift.

Did we miss one of your favorite kids art materials? What would you add to this list?

More of the Best Art Supplies for Kids

• The BEST Baby Art Supplies
• The Best Art Materials for Toddlers
• The Best Kids Art Tools for a Successful Experience
• The BEST Art Supplies for Preschoolers
• 40+ Homemade Art Materials for Kids
• Kids Art Supplies on a Budget

Want even more creative ideas?

Check out our Artful Parent Starter Pack!

Engage your kids through art and creativity with this printable booklet where you’ll find all of our best tips, tricks, and ideas for getting started on your artful parenting journey!

SHOP NOW

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Updated December 2023

For years now, we’ve had this list of favorite art ideas for kids. Every time we try a new art activity, or even revisit an old favorite, it gets measured against this list in our head.

To get included on our list of best art ideas, it needs to fit the following criteria:

• The process is fun and open-ended.
• It’s easy to do.
• It’s the kind of activity that kids want to do over and over again.
• Plus, the end result looks pretty great, too.

Who wouldn’t want to do those art projects?!?

Here are our top 10 favorite kids’ art ideas. If you’re looking to kick the new year off in a creative way, try one of these!

Art Ideas for 2024

1. Raised Salt Painting 

This is an all-time favorite that is loved by kids of all ages. Plus, it uses materials you already have! Glue, salt, and either liquid watercolor paint or food coloring. This activity is so fun for seasonal variations too!

2. Watercolor Resist Painting

Watercolor resist techniques are so fun for kids to explore! The simplest version is to draw with crayons on watercolor paper, then paint with watercolors to see how the wax resists the paint!

If your kids love this, be sure to try salt resist painting, tape resist art and alcohol resist painting.

3. Tissue Paper Suncatchers

Make beautiful tissue paper suncatchers to hang in the window! Or try a nature suncatcher by using flowers and leaves and a paper plate as the frame for a lovely spring or summer decoration.

4. Pointillism Art for Kids

This twist on watercolor painting uses Q-tips instead of paintbrushes, and is one of our standby, super-easy-yet-interesting activities. Kids love making dots with paint, and then connecting them and seeing how the colors blend. You’ll find even more fun ways to make art with dots HERE!

5. Shaving Cream Marbling 

The best, easiest, and cheapest DIY marbled paper is done with shaving cream marbling. It’s fun and mesmerizing to watch paint swirl and transfer from the shaving cream to paper!

If your kids love this, be sure to try one of our 6 Easy Paper Marbling Techniques including Marbling with Oil + Food Coloring.

6. Blow Painting with Straws

Blow painting with straws is simple and yet lots of fun for kids of all ages! Use a straw to blow liquid paint around on paper, creating interesting designs.

7. Playdough Modeling and Play 

Here are some of our favorite creative playdough ideas for kids, including making fantastical creatures, using poke-ins, trying playdough mats, forming letters, and pretend play.

Here are our favorite recipes for no cook playdough and cooked playdough.

8. Blot Art

This is also known as symmetry painting, blotto painting, smush art, squish painting, and more.

Regardless of the name, kids of all ages love it. It’s easy, fun, and the result is unique every time. Create butterflies, hearts, or just fold a piece of paper, drop a few blobs of paint and fold over the paper!

9. Spin Art

Spin painting is a favorite kids art activity that can be done with a salad spinner or with a kids spin art machine.

10. Splatter Painting

Splatter painting is exactly what it sounds like! This action art activity is a big-time favorite with all the kids we’ve known. Super easy, super fun, and super messy, you’ve got to try it!

How about you? What’s on your list of top 10 all-time favorite art activities for kids?

By the way, if there are some art activities on the list above that you haven’t tried yet, we promise you they are good ones that are worth exploring with your kiddos. And if there’s something on that list that you have done, perhaps it’s time to revisit it?

More Ideas for Creative Families

• 13 Simple Art Activities for Transitions
• How to Talk with Kids About Their Art
• Why is Messy Art Important for Kids?
• The Best Art Supplies for 2023
• What is Process Art?
• 14 Easy Dot Art Ideas for Kids

Want even more creative ideas?

Check out our Artful Parent Starter Pack!

Engage your kids through art and creativity with this printable booklet where you’ll find all of our best tips, tricks, and ideas for getting started on your artful parenting journey!

SHOP NOW

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Updated August 2023

Are you wondering how to talk to kids about their art?

Maybe you find yourself saying, “Beautiful!” or “I love it!” every time your child brings you her latest drawing, simply because you don’t know what else to say.

Here’s a quick guide to help you know what to say (and what NOT to say) the next time your child shares his artwork with you.

How to Talk to Kids About Their Art

1. Avoid Empty Praise

It’s such a knee-jerk reaction for many of us to pile on praise. “Wow!” “Amazing!” “So beautiful!”  It’s an easy go-to that doesn’t require much thought. 

But did you know that too much empty praise can have negative effects on our kids’ motivations? 

Child development experts tell us that when we pile on the praise, children may start “performing” for our reactions.  Before you know it, kids are drawing pictures to hear the compliments instead of for the love of the process.  Not exactly what we intended, right?

So… what’s a parent to do?  Read on!

2. Make Observations

This might take a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, it’s EASY!  Instead of all those “wows,” try making simple observational statements about your child’s art.  You’re not making judgments; instead, you’re noticing.

• You used so many squiggly lines here.
• I see lots of red and yellow!
• You filled the whole paper with your painting.
• You’re really concentrating while you work.
• I see triangles and circles.

These kinds of observational statements might feel awkward at first.  But I challenge you to give it a try; I think you’ll be surprised at how naturally your child responds!

3. Ask Questions

Instead of telling your kids what YOU think about their art, turn their attention inward.  Ask questions!

• Can you tell me what’s in your picture?
• What did you use to make this?
• Why did you decide on those colors?
• What title would you give your work?
• What would you like to do with your art?
• Do you feel proud?

4.  Put Your Child in the Driver’s Seat

Can’t think of anything to say?  I’ll make it easy for you:  “Tell me about your work.”

It’s that simple!

Just turn the attention back around to your child and what they think about their work.  It’s a simple, engaging response that gets your kids talking and keeps the focus on the child and the artist.  Perfect!

To help you remember these tips, we created a FREE e-book for you. (If you missed it, clear your cookies and refresh this page!)

More Kids Art Resources to Get Started

• The Benefits of Art for Kids
• What is Process Art?
• How to Be an Artful Parent
• The Best Kids Art Ideas
• 25 BEST Art Supplies for Kids
• 6 Ideas for an Art Room
• Why Messy Art is Important for Kids

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Updated June 2023

It always sounds fun at first, right?  We all want to be *that* parent – the one who dives head first into creativity, ready and willing to embrace the joy of the process and everything that goes along with it.  But then.  

Then we have a two-year-old running through the living room with paint covered hands and a five-year-old proudly taking the initiative to clean up with our favorite new blanket.  And before we know it, we’re yelling and running and everything ends in tears.  

Sound familiar?

Believe me when I tell you – you’re not alone!

Embracing messy art takes a little bit of courage.  But with the right preparation, planning, and flexibility, you CAN make it happen.  And guess what? You can have fun doing it too!  

If you’ve ever struggled with art-time stress, check out these tips for embracing messy art.  Then don’t forget to snap a pic, tag @theartfulparent, and tell us what worked for you!

Why (Messy) Art is Important for Kids

1. Understand why art is important

Why even bother with messy art?  We all know it can be hard and stressful to do successfully… so what’s the point?  Well, it turns out messy art has A LOT of benefits for our kids. 

Messy art is simply one of the best ways for your children to explore the world around them with all of their senses, developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination in the process. 

Pretty impressive, right?   

2. Make it work for you and your home

Let’s face it: most of us don’t have a dedicated, easily washable art space.  Before you even TRY a messy art experience, think about your space and comfort level. 

Will it drive you bonkers to have paint on your new kitchen countertops?  Do you worry about stains on your carpet?  If so, it’s time to mix things up!

Here are some of our favorite messy art spots:

• The bathtub or shower
• The kitchen (or anywhere else with easily washable floors)
• A giant box (Contain. The. Mess.)
• Outside:  If you have outdoor space, great!  If not, try a park – what about bringing finger paint to a splash pad?  That mess will be washed away in no time!
• Anywhere you can lay down a tarp or washable tablecloth

Wherever you land, the goal is to contain the mess to places that are easily washable and won’t have you pulling your hair out.

3. Prepare an exit strategy

Ok ok.  So you found a great place to do your messy art.  You did it! It was fun!  It was messy!  Very messy!  Uh oh.  Now how do you get your paint-covered child to the sink?  

When you’re deciding where to do your messy art, think it through to the end – what do you do with a child covered in shaving cream? 

• If you’re outside, have a hose ready. 
• If you’re inside, a path of towels leading to the bathtub might do the trick!

4. Repeat the mantra, “My child is washable…” 

If you’re creating in a washable space and have a great exit strategy, then let your child enjoy the mess they create! 

She.  Is.  Washable.  Repeat it over, and over again until you believe it.  

5.  Take Baby Steps

If mess makes you nervous, try starting with “clean” messy art!  You can find inexpensive “bath paint” in stores, but it’s easy to make your own foam paint too:

• Squirt some hypoallergenic foam shaving cream into several containers
• Add a drop or two of food coloring to each one
• Stir with a paintbrush
• Let your child have fun “painting” in the bathtub (themselves or the walls), then wash it all away!

6.  Keep it FUN

Messy art can be stressful for some of us.  Hopefully, if you follow the advice above you can find a way to make it work for you.  But maybe it’s still too much.  

We’re not here to guilt you into making a decision that adds undue stress to your family.  If finger painting makes you lose your mind EVERY TIME you try it… here is your official permission:  give it up!  Art time with your kids should be fun.  Keep it fun or let it go.   

If you absolutely can not stand the mess in your home, it’s time to outsource.  Find a good playgroup, preschool, or willing grandparent.  You know the benefits of messy art, but you also know your limits…and that’s important too.

Outsource it!

In many cities there are wonderful art studios or playgroups available where you can go and experience all kinds of creativity with your little ones in a space that’s not your home (and with the extra support of wonderful professionals). 

Or maybe you have a friend or family member who feels less stressed about paint splatters than you do: ask for help!  Chances are, they’d be more than happy to take on a little  beautiful mess.

Whichever way you do it, exposure is key.  You want your child to have the opportunity to experience the benefits and joy of creative mess– so think about how you can make that happen and just go for it!

Who knows? You might be surprised at how much you enjoy the process too.

More Art Activities for Kids

• How to Talk with Kids About Art
• The Best Kids Art Ideas
• What is Process Art?
• The Benefits of Arts for Kids
• How to do Splatter Painting with Kids
• How to Do Splat Painting

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Updated July 2023

In order to make art, kids have to have a space to do it, even if it’s at the kitchen table.

Dedicated art spaces for kids are great because they are available any time children feel the urge to create. They are stocked with inspiring art supplies and are places that kids can start a cardboard sculpture or a drawing of outer space and come back to work on it the next day if they want to.

Do your children have an art space like this?

If not, that’s okay! Here are some tips for setting up or updating one.

Ideas for an Art Room for Kids

1. Set Up an Art Desk

Equip it with paper and drawing materials, adding other materials and tools as appropriate. A nearby shelf or drawer can hold more art supplies.

Further Reading: How to Stock a Children’s Art Desk

2. Use an Easel for Kids Art

Young children work best standing up. A wall-mount easel is one way to give them the opportunity to create this way, a table-top easel is another, and a free-standing children’s art easel is a third.

You can leave an easel set up with paper and drawing or painting materials. If the reverse has a chalkboard, equip it with chalk.

Four Ways to Make Standing Art Spaces for Kids

• A traditional easel is wonderful and can be an art space in itself. We have used this Melissa and Doug adjustable easel for years and love it.
• Buy or create a wall-mount easel, which is a big space saver.
• Buy or make a wall-mount chalkboard.
• Or make your own cardboard easel to set atop a table, as Bar Rucci of Art Bar Blog did for her students.

If you use an easel, remember to change it up so it doesn’t just become a piece of furniture (and thus ignored).

Further Reading: 6 Ways to Encourage Continued Interest in Your Children’s Easel

3. Make Space for Painting

Having a space for painting is great.  But if a dedicated painting space is out of the question, consider setting up painting activities periodically.

Use a space that you don’t mind getting messy or that is easily washable (such as the kitchen, utility room, porch, garage, or basement). Or simply take the painting activity outside if weather permits.

Spread a drop cloth or newspapers to catch the paint drips if you like. You can leave out paper, paint, and brushes or, if your child is very young, leave the painting space set up and just bring out the paint itself when your child is ready to paint.

Further Reading: Finding a space for messy art

4. Take the Art Outdoors

Consider using the outdoors as an art space, especially in the warm weather months. You can set up an easel outside or bring out a table and chair. The bonus with being outside is that you’ll be less concerned about the mess factor.

Further Reading: 21 Outdoor Art Ideas for Kids

5. Use a Portable Art Caddy

Stock an art caddy, box, basket, or art cart with a pad of paper, some drawing materials, stickers, etc. Keep the caddy within reach so your child can grab it and work whenever and wherever – whether at the kitchen table, the floor, or in the car.

Further Reading: How to Set Up a Kids’ Art Caddy and How to Set Up an Art Cart

6. Set Up a Kids Art Room

I know that I’m lucky to have a kids art room dedicated to art, even in a smaller home. If you do have an extra room, consider making it a space for art, crafts, creativity, learning, and exploring.

Megan of The Art Pantry turned her enclosed front porch into an amazing art space for her kids. Think outside the box on this one!

And an art room also makes a great play room because having a kids art space isn’t only about art.

It’s wonderful to be able to leave out an art project that is in progress, to have a space that is okay for getting messy, to be surrounded by art materials, and to have a place for drying and displaying art.

Further Reading: How to Set Up a Kids Art Space That Builds Creative Confidence and Independence

Organize Art Supplies

The art materials you choose for your child’s art space with will depend on age, developmental stage, personality, preferences, and your own comfort level.

For example, for a one or two year old you might place out paper, crayons, markers, stickers, and chalk for them to use whenever they like.

For toddlers, you might place glue, paints, and some collage materials (especially potential choking hazards) high up to be used only under closer supervision.

As your child gets older, you’ll place more and more within reach to be used freely and he will become more involved in choosing his own preferred art materials.

Kids Art Supplies

We suggest leaving just a few materials out at a time on the workspace and possibly a few more accessible nearby. A few well-curated art materials inspire creativity and artmaking.

Pick a few of these at a time to leave out, and rotate things between the art space and a storage cupboard, for example.

• Paper (or something similar to draw, collage, and paint on such as sketchbook, cardboard, or canvas)
• Drawing materials (crayons, markers, colored pencils, oil pastels)
• Painting materials (tempera paint, watercolor palette, liquid watercolors, finger paint)
• Collage materials (geometric stickers, buttons, colored tissue paper, scrap paper, pasta, googly eyes, feathers, washi tape)
• Printmaking materials (stamps and ink pad, water based ink, brayer)
• Sculpture materials (wood craft sticks, toothpicks, pipe cleaners, wood scraps)
• Modeling materials (playdough, clay, modeling tools, rolling pin, cookie cutters)
• Tools for art (scissors, tape, colored masking tape, glue, paint brushes)

Further Reading:  The 25 BEST Kids Art Supplies and The Best Tools & Art Supplies for Kids

Your kids are constantly changing and growing as are their interests. You can always incorporate new interests (if your child is into space, set up art activities and materials incorporating that theme) and add new art materials.

By making sure your art space evolves with your kids, you will help ensure a continued interest in making art and exploring the world in creative ways.

More Art Room Ideas & Resources

• 6 Ideas for a Home Art Space for Children
• How to Set Up A Kids Art Cart
• How to Create a Kids Art Space That Will Actually Get Used
• Why Having An Art Space Isn’t Just About Art
• How To Set Up A Kids Art Space That Builds Creative Confidence & Independence
• The Art of Strewing for Kids

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Updated June 2023

I can’t imagine life without our art cart. Seriously.

Its small footprint is conducive to inviting art into the smallest urban space or a nice addition to a larger art space. We recently gave our own little art cart a much needed makeover, and it was such a fun project that totally reinvigorated the space (Check out the transformation HERE)

I believe having a dedicated place for art supplies storage is key to incorporating art into your home. Ultimately it’s about access for kids.

Art Cart for Kids

Over the years our art cart has evolved. Initially it housed much of my firstborn’s toddler art supplies when our family lived in a 1 bedroom apartment. As I began to teach art classes from our home, our art supplies outgrew the cart so I kept only the most used materials on it. With the addition of a sibling, our art cart morphed once again with toddler accessible supplies on lower shelves and art materials for my oldest moved to the top shelf.

When my daughter became an older toddler, we needed another change.

I decided to create a toddler art station with only toddler approved materials. So I moved supplies for my preschooler up higher (thanks to Perch magnetic storage) or into our art hutch. And I also made an art caddy for my preschooler with supplies just for him that could be mobile for quiet time upstairs.

Why I Give My Toddler Free Access to Our Art Cart

I understand this one may feel scary and you might not be able to picture how this could go well, but hear me out.

By having supplies out in the open, we encourage autonomy in art making and help to build our kids’ confidence as artists.

Because my kids have access to (pre-approved) art materials, when inspiration strikes, they can go and choose paper & drawing supplies, or get out a container of playdough with tools. I love seeing their confidence with our art supplies and processes grow.

Now of course, your child may be in a stage where they’re just not ready for a certain material and that’s totally fine. We are currently holding off on markers for my toddler. But in a few months we’ll try again.

As parents, we can choose what we’re ok having out on the cart. If the idea of glue or paint getting squeezed everywhere makes you cringe, then of course, don’t put that out. There are still many materials that are not accessible to my toddler on our art cart but she doesn’t seem to care!

So I encourage you to take a leap of faith. Your kids will likely thrive under the belief that they are capable and will rise to the occasion.

Set up An Art Cart in 4 Easy Steps!

1. Purchase cart

First step is to find a cart. I like our rolling cart, which can be pulled up to the table and then tucked back in the corner when we’re finished. These are becoming more widely available for a very reasonable price (normally $30).

Where to buy a cart

• IKEA (I’ve had mine for years!) They also have a mini version for fitting in extra small spaces.
• Michaels

2. Containers

In my opinion, finding the right containers or baskets for the art cart (or kids art space) is the trickiest part. In general, having matching containers or cup holders creates an overall nice aesthetic.

One day I sat down and measured each shelf to figure out what could fit and how to maximize the space. I used these containers which fit three across to micro organize materials on the shelves.

This is rather tedious but stick with it, because it will feel so great, when you get it just how you like it.

Pro tip: Purchase washable containers such as metal or plastic as art supplies will dirty containers in time.

Where to buy containers

• Target (and sometimes the baskets & cupholders from the $ section!)
• IKEA
• The Container Store
• Michaels
• Recycled cans, jars or trays (you might paint or decoupage them)

3. What’s on our art cart?

As I mentioned, our cart is currently set up as a toddler art station with supplies I’m okay with my toddler accessing. Here are the main materials we have out right now:

Art Supplies

• Drawing supplies
  • Kwik Stix tempera paint sticks
  • Gel crayons
  • Colored pencils
  • Stabilo 3-1s
  • oil pastels
  • block crayons

• Paint
  • Micador Early Start Watercolors
  • Tempera watercolor cakes
  • brushes

• Stickers
  • Labels
  • Dot labels, assorted colors

• Containers of playdough
  • Wooden playdough tool set
  • Additional wooden rollers
  • Wooden playdough stamps
  • TOOB space toys

Another great option is to set a removable art caddy on top of your cart.

For small spaces, try mounting this magnetic modular systems for holding paper and markers and permanent markers (out of toddler reach).

4. Set up cart

After assembling the cart, it’s time to make those art supplies accessible. I recommend taking everything out of the packaging––trust me on this one. Remember the big goal here is to give easy access to art supplies so that art making flows naturally for your kid(s) throughout the day.

As an example, we have all our drawing supplies up on the top shelf. Paint, stickers and a few extra drawing materials are on the middle shelf. And the bottom shelf is dedicated to playdough, tools and toys.

The great thing is this is totally customizable and in time you might go back and rotate new art materials in. As my kids grow, I’m sure our toddler art station will change as well. I’ll be referencing this article to help us maintain our space as it grows and changes over the years.

So there you have it! We love seeing your photos so be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Tag us at #theartfulparent

More Kids Art Space Ideas

• How to Set Up Art Spaces for Kids
• Why Having An Art Space Isn’t Just About Art
• How to Create a Kids Art Space That Will Actually Get Used
• The Best Art Supplies for 2023
• 6 Easy Ways to Display Kids Art

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Photo by Lauren Herrell

The post How to Set up an Art Cart appeared first on The Artful Parent.

Updated July 2023

At The Artful Parent, we believe art spaces are crucial for kids to incorporate art into the everyday.

Spaces like these build creativity, confidence and independence for kids. And they foster interest in more than just art.

An art space is all about empowering kids. But it also has to work for you, the caregiver.

In our home right now, the art cart is set up with supplies I’ve deemed ok for my toddler (and preschooler) to freely access. The rest are housed in our art hutch and nearby closet and not as accessible.

Make it work for your family.

And remember, that as your kids grow, the materials that they freely access can be reevaluated.

Here are six easy ways to incorporate an art space into your home, no matter what size.

Art Room Ideas for Kids

1. Art Cart

An art cart is my top recommendation for incorporating art into your family life. It is a great stand alone option that provides easy access to art supplies. It can also easily be incorporated into many other variations of a home art space.

Further reading: How to Set Up an Art Cart

2. Portable Art Caddy

We have a separate art caddy for my older son that we store in our art hutch. These are supplies that are appropriate for him, but not his younger sibling. If space is limited, try an art caddy to store the basic art supplies.

You might consider pairing a wall or refrigerator mounted system for holding paper & finished artwork in.

Further Reading: How to Set Up an Art Caddy

3. Dedicated Art Table

This could be a dedicated art table or a wall mounted shelf that folds down as a table with a stool tucked underneath.

And you might add a lazy susan or art cart to store art supplies nearby. A great way to incorporate an art space into your best space.

Further Reading: How to Create a Kids Art Space That Will Actually Get Used

4. Art Corner

Do you have a playroom that your kids use and love that you could add an art station? Or possibly a little corner of your house could become an art nook.

Try to set up a small desk or easel, then add wall mounted shelves or pull up an art cart for starters.

Further reading: 6 Simple Ways to Set Up Art Spaces for Kids and How to Set up Art Shelves for Kids

5. Kids Art Room in a Shared Space

Many families use either their dining room or kitchen table for art. The biggest challenge being a shared space often requires the ability for quick tidying up before meals.

Try housing art supplies in furniture nearby such as a corner cabinet, hutch, or credenza. An art cart also works well.

Our family has a wall mounted system for storing finished paper artwork temporarily which aids in cleanup.

Further reading: Making an Art Space at Home

6. Kids Craft Room

This is the dream right? Maybe you don’t think it’s possible to have your own kids art room. But think again!

Our founder, Jean Van’t Hul turned her dining room into a kids art room and Megan Schiller of The Art Pantry used her enclosed front porch to create an amazing kids art room for her girls. This is a chance to think outside the box about your space and what it might allow.

I love this cozy, efficient art space from Teach, Make, Create. It just goes to show that a children’s art studio doesn’t need a big footprint to have a big impact.

Further reading: Why Having An Art Space for Kids Isn’t Just About Art

Design Your Own Kids Craft Room

1. Lay a creative foundation for your family with our Artful Parent 101 course.
2. Megan Schiller has two super helpful resources to start creating your kids art room. I used her e-guide myself when I hit a wall designing my own children’s art space.

• 5-week Design Camp
• The New Playroom E-Guide

More Art Room Ideas for Kids

• How to Set up Art Shelves for Kids
• Outdoor Tinkerspace for Children
• Making an Art Space at Home
• Top 10 Tips for Creating an Art Space for Kids
• A Peek Inside Our Art Cabinet

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Updated July 2023

Everyone says art and creativity are important, but are you wondering what the actual benefits of arts for kids are?

Here are some of the many ways that art benefits kids of all ages!

What are the Benefits of Art?

Excerpted from The Artful Parent: Simple Ways to Fill Your Family’s Life with Art & Creativity, © 2021 by Jean Van’t Hul. Reprinted by arrangement with Roost Books, an imprint of Shambhala Publications Inc., Boston, MA.

Educators tell us that art encourages fine motor skills, neural development, and problem-solving abilities and that it can be used effectively to teach and understand other key subjects such as reading, writing, math, and science.

Therapists tell us that art is valuable because it allows children to process their world, to deal with sometimes scary emotions in a safe way, and because it gives them critical sensory input.

Artists tell us that art is important for its own sake—as a source of beauty and expression, as well as simply for the process of creating.

Kids tell us that art is fun, an activity they enjoy.

Parents tell us that art is vital to their families because it keeps everyone engaged and happy and helps with the sometimes difficult transitions of the day.

Art is naturally linked to creativity, an attribute that is increasingly being touted as one of the most important factors for the success of individuals, organizations, and cultures.

The truth is that art is vital, if somewhat intangible, and that if children engage in hands-on art activities, they learn much better in all disciplines.

Why Kids Thrive When They Make Art

1. Art promotes creativity.

Creativity is the ability to think outside the proverbial box, to string two unrelated ideas together in a new way. Solutions to major problems and breakthroughs of all kinds are linked to creativity.

The ability to be creative is vital to the success of our children and the well-being of our world. Now, more than ever, as we face incredible challenges such as racial discord, wars, global warming, and mass extinctions. Individuals, organizations, and governments seek innovative solutions every day.

According to the International Child Art Foundation, “Research indicates that a child who is exposed to the arts acquires a special ability to think creatively, be original, discover, innovate, and create intellectual property—key attributes for individual success and social prosperity in the twenty-first century.”

The world needs more and better thinkers.

2. Art encourages neural connections.

Art is an activity that can employ all the senses––sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste––depending on the activity. Children’s brain synapses fire away as they experiment and create by squishing paint between their fingers, mixing colors & materials, or drawing from imagination or what they see in front of them.

3. Art builds fine motor skills.

Gripping a paintbrush, drawing dots and lines, mixing colors, cutting with scissors, controlling a glue stick or squeezing a glue bottle, kneading and rolling playdough, tearing paper—all of these tasks require increasing amounts of dexterity and coordination, yet they are so fun and rewarding that children want to do them over and over. As kids engage in art activities over time, their fine motor skills improve.

4. Scribbling is a precursor to writing.

Babies and toddlers begin by scribbling randomly, back and forth. But the more they scribble, the more they are able to control the crayon and its movements across the paper.

As children learn to control their scribbling, they make a wider variety of shapes, eventually making all the shapes necessary to write the letters of the alphabet—any alphabet.

5. Art develops problem-solving abilities.

Open-ended, process-oriented art is nothing but an endless opportunity for making choices, coming to conclusions, second-guessing decisions, and evaluating results.

Children become more comfortable with uncertainty and remain flexible thinkers, which is key for creativity and confidence. And the more experience they have with a variety of materials and techniques, the more likely they are to try new combinations and ideas.

6. Art helps kids understand themselves and their world.

Children absorb incredible amounts of new information, and they need to process what they have learned in a safe, reflective way. Art allows them to explore feelings and deal with both daily and significant events.

Art materials provide a safe outlet for emotions. Feelings and ideas can be reduced to a manageable size and manipulated as desired. Movement, image, color, line, and imagination all help children express themselves in a multidimensional way. This is a way that words may not be able to do, or that may be more comfortable for them than words.

When we encourage our children to explore art, we encourage them to master themselves, their bodies, and a variety of tools and techniques. We give them many ways to express themselves.

As parents and teachers, we can offer an environment where it is safe to experiment and create. An environment where questions are encouraged and children have free access to the materials they need and enjoy. We do this not to produce career artists but to raise children who are confident and comfortable with their creativity in whatever form in takes.

7. Art helps kids connect.

Art is an equalizer, helping create a common ground for children who don’t know each other and who may or may not be interested in the same things. It can help people of all ages, races, abilities, and even languages engage in a shared (and generally mutually loved) activity.

The path to an art-filled life involves an open mind, a few simple tools, a bit of preparation, and an exploratory approach. It’s a path anyone can take at a pace that suits you and your family.

From The Artful Parent: Simple Ways to Fill Your Family’s Life with Art & Creativity, © 2019 by Jean Van’t Hul. Reprinted by arrangement with Roost Books, an imprint of Shambhala Publications Inc., Boston, MA.

The Artful Parent is available for purchase on Amazon, RoostBooks.com, and your favorite local bookstore.

Want help fostering your children’s creativity?

Check out our master class for parents: Artful Parent 101 course! It will guide you through setting up an art space, choosing the best art supplies, incorporating art into your everyday life, using art invitations, and the best ways to encourage creativity.

More about Kids Art & Creativity

• What is Process Art? (Here’s Why It’s Important for Kids)
• How to Be An Artful Parent
• Why Messy Art is Important for Kids
• The Best Kids Art Ideas
• Kids Drawing: How to Encourage Creativity, Skills & Confidence
• What is Sensory Play & Why It’s Important

Want even more creative ideas?

Check out our Artful Parent Starter Pack!

Engage your kids through art and creativity with this printable booklet where you’ll find all of our best tips, tricks, and ideas for getting started on your artful parenting journey!

SHOP NOW

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Updated April 2023

The thought of being an artful parent can sometimes feel overwhelming – some days just regular old parenting can be hard!

But being an artful parent doesn’t have to feel that way, in fact you are probably already doing lots of things that foster creativity in your children and enrich your family’s creative foundation.

Here are 11 tips to encourage you to be the best Artful Parent you can be!

11 Ways to Raise Creative Kids

1. Encourage open-ended exploration period

Of everything, not just art. This includes ideas, construction, toys, art activities, and pretend play.

2. Assume your children are highly creative (they are) and treat them as such

Talk to them as creative beings and offer creative activities and opportunities, both those that they love and those that stretch them.

3. Model creativity

And if you don’t feel creative, you know the saying – “Fake it till you make it.”

4. Connection is key

Set your phone down and put away your to-do list as much as possible when you are with your kids. If you’re addicted to either or both, pick up a copy of Hands Free Mama by Rachel Macy Stafford.

5. Look at the world in new ways together

Try a new lens for viewing the details around you, such as a loupe, binoculars, a microscope, or a telescope. Experience different viewpoints, through museums, books, travel, hands-on activities, and interaction with others.

6. Let them be bored

Or at least don’t always jump in with an activity or screen time just because the kids say they are bored. Sometimes the best creativity is on the other side of boredom.

7. Offer creative activities, materials, and opportunities regularly

This can include art invitations, strewing, projects to do together, child-led art in their own art space, open-ended toys to play with, and more.

8. Artful parenting and living encompasses all aspects of life

It’s not just about doing art activities. It’s cooking together, gardening together, reading beautiful books, conversing, playing games, going on nature walks, holding hands and connecting.

9. Celebrate the seasons and holidays throughout the year

Notice the changes in the world around you day to day, week to week, month to month. Pay attention to the little things – the bird song in the morning, the patterns of light and shadow in the newly-leafed out trees, the scent of the flowers.

10. See each child as a unique being with his or her own interests, learning style, and personality

Nurture the individuality, rather than expecting your child to conform to who you are or who society expects him or her to be.

11. Be the best parent you can be

And don’t beat yourself up when you fall short of your ideal. Every day, every moment, is a fresh opportunity to parent the way you want to.

Okay, my friends. This artful parenting business is a work in progress, even for me. You and I both know that we don’t need to do all that all the time. The last tip there—be the best parent you can be—is the most important.

Want help fostering your children’s creativity? Check out our master class for parents who want to raise creative kids. Click here to buy now or learn more.

More Ideas for Fostering Kids’ Creativity!

• The Benefits of Art
• Embrace the Mess: Why Messy Art is Important for Kids
• What is Process Art? (Here’s Why It’s Important for Kids)
• The Best Kids Art Ideas
• 13 Simple Art Activities for Kids During Transitions
• 10 Invitations to Create to Bring Out Kids Natural Creativity

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Updated January 2023

At The Artful Parent, we believe that every home, big or small, can make space for art.

If you’re wondering where to begin with your own kids art space see 6 Art Room Ideas for Kids.

If you have an art space for kids but it’s not getting much use, here are a few tips to consider. Or if you have limited space, try setting up an art cart or art caddy for your kids.

But let’s say you have a dedicated space. You’ve tackled the first challenge (yay!), but now what?

How do you make sure your fabulous creative home art space actually gets used? And if it does get used, how do you keep it from becoming a constant disaster-zone?

Don’t worry- we’re here to help!

Organize Art Supplies

Here are 3 simple steps that will maintain your kids art room and keep it active and organized.

Read on to find out how!

1. Start Simple with Art Supplies Storage

When starting any new system with your kids, simpler is always better. Think about a few basic supplies you’re comfortable with your children accessing independently, and start there. For example:

• Washable markers (no need to put out the whole collection!)
• Colored pencils
• Paper
• Scissors
• Stickers
• Tape

Just because you have a dedicated space, doesn’t mean you have to fill it up right away. Start small and familiarize your children with the new system of organization (see step #2!). Then gradually expand the options as your kids become more proficient.

Notice how the suggested list above is fairly mess-free? If your kids are new to independent art time, stay away from the permanent markers and paint for a while. For your own sanity.

Of course, we LOVE a good mess at The Artful Parent, but we also want to be prepared for it! New to creative messes? Check out this helpful article on how to embrace the mess!

Recommended reading: 25 BEST Art Supplies for Kids

2. Develop a System to Organize Art Supplies

In order to maintain a kids art space that’s useful and stays organized, it’s important to develop a system that works for your family. The way you organize supplies and work flow is, of course, very dependent on the type of space you have. An art caddy will be organized very differently than an entire art room, but the basics are the same:

Art Supplies Storage Ideas

Keep your most popular supplies visible, organized, and within reach. Kids won’t use what they can’t see!

The options here are virtually endless, but these are some organizing items we recommend:

• Mason jars: Check your local thrift store for a wide variety of interesting clear glass jars. These work great for storing supplies like colored pencils, paintbrushes, and pom poms. Plus, they look beautiful sitting on a shelf! If your kids are younger, though, you may want to steer clear of glass and stick with non-breakable options.

• Paper trays: You can find these in the office supply section of just about any store. Several stacked together are great for organizing different kinds of paper. We love this magnetic modular system for organizing paper and, well, anything!

• Bins: Remember, you want your kids to be able to see their supplies. So avoid canvas bins or opaque plastic and look for transparent non-lidded options or lidded options instead.

• Labels: If keeping your supplies visible isn’t an option, try labeling drawers or containers instead! For pre-readers, use simple picture guides to help them remember what’s inside. Try washi tape for labeling that will easily peel off when you need it to:

If your art space is feeling neglected, set out a simple invitation. You will be AMAZED at how kids are drawn to a simple set-up of limited supplies.

The invitation acts as a creative prompt, enticing your children back to the art space and creating in a whole new way!

3. Keep it Fresh

When anything sticks around for too long (even in an incredible art space!) it can start to feel tired and overly-familiar. Here’s how we like to keep things fresh in our art spaces:

Out-of-Sight Art Supplies Storage

If you can, keep some of your art supplies stored away out of sight.

I know, I know… we JUST finished telling you to keep art supplies visible. And you should!

But holding some items back gives you the opportunity to rotate your collection and keep your art space from feeling stale. Utilize your basement, under-the-bed storage boxes, or your front hall closet.

Remember: if your kids can’t see it, they won’t use it. In fact, they’ll often forget it even exists! Take advantage of that truth and store some of your art supplies away until everyone’s ready for a change.

Themed Rotations

Rotating art supplies with seasons or holidays is a fun way to keep your kids interested. When the winter books come home from the library, take a few minutes to pull out extra white and blue paper, cotton balls, and coffee filters for snowflakes.

Valentine’s Day? How about heart stickers, red paper, doilies, and envelopes? Seasonal changes serve as a great reminder for rotating the art supplies in your space.

You can also try rotating art supplies in tandem with your child’s interests. Is your daughter going through a dinosaur phase? Bring out the browns and greens, pile on the dino stickers, and maybe leave out some q-tip “bones” with a bottle of glue. She will immediately be drawn back to your art space!

Simple Art Invitations

Art invitations are one of the easiest ways to interest your child in an activity.

What to Do with Kids Artwork

Once your art supplies are visible and organized, they’ll definitely be getting used to create SO MANY THINGS. But what do you do with all those works of art?

1. Drying Space

If paint, clay, or glue is in your art space, you’ll also need a place to dry finished pieces. Drying racks made specifically for art are wonderful, but they can be a bit pricey.

Try a shoe rack or cooling rack instead. In the absence of these, a tray on the ground or a piece of butcher paper spread out works as well.

Like all of your systems, it’s just important that your kids know your expectations so you don’t end up with a gluey collage on your couch.

2. Holding Zone

Have a dedicated space for finished artwork that won’t be immediately displayed. A paper organizing tray with deeper sides works great for something like this or you can even use a cardboard box. When the box is full, sort through its contents.

(How to store kids artwork is worthy of a whole other article!)

3. Kids Art Display Ideas

When kids are proud of their work, they want to display it!

Try finding a space in your home where your kids can easily hang up or display their finished pieces.

This might be as simple as a set of magnets on the fridge or pins on a bulletin board. Or how about a piece of twine with small clothespins hung at kid-height ?

A kid-accessible art gallery like this is a great way for your little ones to immediately and easily display their work and change it often.

4. The Leftovers

An active art space is going to leave you with lots of scraps and bits and bobs. As you develop a system, don’t forget to teach your kids what to do with all those leftovers!

Reuse

Paper scraps, yarn pieces, cardboard, and unwanted artwork all make excellent collage materials. There are so many fun projects you can do with these things!

Have a bin ready to drop items for reuse, but try not to go overboard. Once the bin is full, plan a project to use it or clean it out! Here are some of our favorite ways to reuse materials.

Recycle

Teach your kids what kinds of scrap is recyclable and have a dedicated space for doing so. Don’t forget to take it out to the big recycling bin from time to time to help avoid an overflowing mess.

Trash

Sometimes there will be things that aren’t recyclable or reusable. Have a trash can nearby your art space ready for cleanup time.

Organize Art Supplies for Kids

• 25 BEST Art Supplies for Kids
• 6 Art Room Ideas for Kids
• How to Set up an Art Cart for Kids
• Why a Kids Art Room Isn’t Just About Art
• 6 Ideas for an Art Room
• How to Set Up an Art Caddy
• Set Up an Art Room for Kids That Builds Creative Confidence

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