The most handy things to have for arts and crafts
If you’re an arts and crafts parent, you may often find yourself in need of additional supplies, especially if your little one has a creative streak. Whether it’s because your kid needs to colour an extra picture or you simply forgot to buy more paint brushes, keeping some of these items on hand can be very handy when it comes to arts and crafts time. Here are the 8 most handy things to keep around for arts and crafts with kids
Glue
Glue is a staple in any craft loving household. It’s perfect for attaching paper to paper, or paper to other materials like wood or fabric. Not to mention, glue is great for making slime! Just add a little bit of water to create the perfect consistency.
When using glue, make sure to:
- Always read the label before using glue. Some glues are not meant to be used by children.
- If you are using glue on fabric, test it out on a scrap piece first. Some glues can stain fabric.
- Be careful not to use too much glue. A little goes a long way!
- When using glitter glue, be sure to cover your work surface with newspaper or a tablecloth.
Paintbrushes
A few different sizes of paint brushes : A few different sizes of paint brushes can come in handy for different projects – e.g painting a big canvas versus a little piece of paper. There are brushes made just for kids’ hands too! The bristles are designed so they don’t get too thick on the brush head, which makes them perfect for little fingers.
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Paints
You should always keep a variety of colours on hand so that your child can express their creativity. Red, yellow, and blue are the primary colours, so those are a good place to start. Black and white are also useful for making a variety of shades, like light blue versus dark blue. And you can also get things like metallic paint or fluro paint for any special projects you have in mind to do together.
You might also want to get some acrylic or watercolour paints too, as each different paint has their pros and cons. Acrylic tends to be easier to use – but also can tend to go everywhere, whereas watercolour paints can be tricker for children to understand, but are less messy.
There are lots of paints which are washing machine safe – which are a great option for kids. Or, just make sure they are wearing a painting smock or some old clothes you don’t mind getting messy.
Paper
Any type of paper can be used for crafts, but construction paper is a great all-purpose option. It’s thick enough to stand up to glueing and painting, but it’s also easy to cut. You can find construction paper in packs at most stores that sell school supplies.
Other options include tracing paper or printer paper (which is thin and usually has a dull finish). These are typically best for when your child wants to draw or colour in and buying them a dedicated sketchbook can be a great idea.
Scissors
A good pair of scissors is one of the most important tools you can have on hand for arts and crafts projects. They can be used to cut paper, fabric, ribbon, and more. Plus, they’re great for helping little ones learn how to safely use scissors. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a pair of scissors for your child:
- Look for a pair that has a blunt tip to avoid injury.
- Choose a size that is comfortable for your child to hold. You want it to feel like an extension of their arm.
- Ensure that the blades don’t overlap each other. The best way to do this is by testing them out before buying them so you know if they work for your child’s hands.
- Avoid using hobby or craft knives as these are not designed with children in mind and may be too sharp for small hands.
Markers
One of the most essential things on any basic art and craft list for kids are markers. They come in so many different colours and can be used for a variety of projects. From colouring to drawing to making homemade cards, markers are a must-have for any budding artist or crafter. In fact, they’re not just for kids! You never know when you might need them around the house.
Another great option are coloured pencils or crayons. Having these on hand makes such an easy and creative activity for your child to do at any time and at any place.
Ruler/Tape measure
A ruler or tape measure is an absolute must for any arts and crafts project! Whether you’re measuring out a piece of fabric or trying to make sure your child’s artwork is the right size for framing, a ruler will come in handy. Plus, it’s always good to have on hand just for general measuring purposes too – whether it is measuring where a new piece of furniture is going to go, or even checking how much your little one has grown!
Scrapbook supplies
A good basic art and craft list for kids should always include scrapbook supplies. With a little imagination, some construction paper, and some glue, your child can make a masterpiece. You’ll need scissors, of course, and a variety of markers or crayons. Some other items you might want on hand are pens, pencils, paintbrushes, cotton balls and Q-tips (great for making clouds). Don’t forget the stickers!
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