Take a look at our colourful kids art area perfect for getting creative + download a FREE ebook guide for designing your own art space!
This is one of our favourite spots in our house! It was set up several years ago now and is still one of the most used places in our house for all kinds of creative projects and play.
Our art space is a multi-age space that works for our 7 year old and 3.5 year old daughters. Eventually it will be a space for all 3 kids as our youngest daughter grows.
*Please note suggested art materials for ages 3+. Always supervise scissor use.
Why set up an art space at home?
One of the greatest benefits of setting up a space for art and craft is that it allows your child to be able to create more freely and more often than if they can only use the supplies when they are brought out.
Providing open access to a range of materials means that a child is able to create and use the materials they select when they wish.
For example, when Miss 7 is playing with a small world and wants to make some props to go with it, she can come and find what she wants to make them.
If the girls feel like doing some watercolour painting, they are able to get out the materials themselves and paint.
What we have included in our kids art area at the moment:
Clipboards with white A4 paper attached ready to go
A4 Sketch book each (from Kmart)
A range of drawing implements sorted by mostly by colour (coloured pencils, crayons, textas
Scissors, glue sticks, greylead pencils
Jars of small loose parts to use with playdough - buttons and gemstones
Jars of rock crayons and Crayola Colours of the World crayons
Playdough
Playdough rollers (Yellow Door brand)
Bowls and sensory scoops (for sensory play)
Furniture - Kmart pegboard, Kmart chairs, Ikea Flisat table
We recently added in some coloured drawers from Spotlight to store extra materials in and to help both girls to access what they need independently. We also have a basket next to it for recycled cardboard, boxes and cardboard tubes. These types of materials are great for building creations.
The coloured drawers contain:
Learning resources
Wipeable resources
Playdough tools and cutters
Watercolour paints, brushes and water pots
Drawing tools - stencils, paint stix
Craft materials - craft punches, washi tape, pretty paper off cuts etc.
Paper
Stickers
Colouring books
We use a table top easel (QToys 4 in 1 easel) for this area as it is smaller and can be converted into a chalkboard, whiteboard or perspex for using with different art materials.
Some important things to remember:
It doesn't need to be finished perfectly - make changes as they are needed
It is important to remember that your space will likely change as your child/children grow and develop new interests. Our space has evolved overtime and will continue to.
Making changes not only helps the area work better, but creates new interest too.
Do what works for you
There are lots of examples out there of what an art space could look like in your home. Use these as inspiration, remembering that your child's needs and interests are unique to your family. What works for others may not work for you and vice versa.
You know your child/children best
Follow your child's unique interests, add in things that you know they will enjoy and be interested in.
If you know that colour sorted pencils won't work for your child because it will just end up a mess - group by type instead.
If your child likes to pull everything out and make a mess you can limit how much is out at a time.
You are the only one that can decide what will work best for your child. Trust yourself! If you are not sure, try out things to see how they go.
Feeling inspired to set up your own art and craft space?
Here's the perfect resource for you ...
Free Guide
How to Create an Art and Craft Area to Inspire Creativity
8 steps to help create your ideal art and craft space
+ Printable planning sheets to plan your space
+ Printable suggested art/craft materials
Get your copy now:
To download this guide sign up to the email list to access
the Free VIP Playful Library where you can download this guide
+ many more resources to support your child's playful learning journey.
For those already on the email list - visit the VIP library now to download your copy.
Thank you for reading this blog post!
I hope you found some inspiration for creating an art and craft space for your child.
Setting up a space to create in our home is one of the best things that we have done. It is a space that brings so much creativity, joy and special memories.
I hope that your art space has this impact too!
Until next time, have fun learning in a playful way!
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