I am often asked by moms about how to do art at home with their kids. Art is so much fun for kids. That’s because they are naturally creative. Their imaginations are going crazy. And beyond that, it builds confidence, improves motor skills, teaches problem solving, and provides engagement.
It seems like an easy thing to do, right? But let’s be honest, it’s really not. Outside of markers and crayons, I think most moms really aren’t sure what to do. And the thought of the mess overwhelms them.
Let me tell you, art does not have to be fancy. It doesn’t have to be messy. It can fun and engaging with just a few simple tips.
So to all of the moms out there that want to bring a little more art into your homes, here are my Tips On How to Do Art at Home With Your Kids.
1. Cover it up!
Just go ahead prepare for a mess. Take a deep breath and wrap your head around it. Preparation takes a lot of the difficulty and stress out of it. Cover the surface your kids are working on. Kraft paper, newspaper, plastic tablecloths – all work great. Whatever you have on hand. It’s easy to clean up. Just wad it up and throw it in the trashcan. My personal go to surface protector is kraft paper. I keep a roll of it at home and at my art studio. Create a clean up routine. Getting your kids involved in the clean up takes a lot of the work off of you and teaches them valuable lesson in cleaning up after themselves.
2. Let them cut!
Kids freaking love scissors. I let my 3-year-old cut with scissors. Don’t judge me! Cutting helps younger kids (especially boys) with fine motor skills. It is also a great way to introduce them to artists such as Henri Matisse or Vassily Kandinsky. You can purchase basic blunt tip scissors at any art supply store. And if you want to jazz it up a little, your kids will love patterned scrapbooking scissors.
3. Make a mural.
Kids for some reason love to draw on walls. So why not let them! Take that kraft paper and line the wall from floor to arm height. If you’re feeling a little uncomfortable, tape some paper down on the floor. And let them GO! I started this at my studio and the kids were beyond excited. Some them even asked “Can I really draw on the wall?” My answer was always “YES, absolutely!” So if you have an open wall, hang up some paper and let them have a ball!
4. Tempera paints are your friend.
I love to paint with kids! There’s so much a child can do with just a little bit of paint. But I do not love everywhere. Tempera paint is so versatile. I use it on everything: paper, canvas, sculpture and more. AND it is washable! It will wipe right off of your surfaces and wash out of clothes. My favorite to use at home is Crayola Kids Paint.
5. Save your magazines and catalogs.
My kids draw on everything. Books, scrap paper, pretty much anything lying around that they put a pencil or marker on. Kids can draw, cut, and tear through your magazines. And it keeps them occupied for a long time. So keep those magazines/catalogs and save your books from vandalism.
6. Think outside the box.
Seriously! Save your boxes. Kids can get very creative with a cardboard box. You will be amazed at what your child will create with just a box. Give them paint, markers, crayons, whatever you have on hand and see what they come up with. And you can just hoard the cardboard. Cardboard is one of my favorite art supplies. It’s great for building sculptures and printmaking.
7. Toys make great art tools.
Need something for the kids to do on a rainy day? Your kid’s toys can be used to make art! Toys that are great for use include cars/motorcycles, Legos, shapes, hammers, blocks. If you have paper, paint and a few toys, your kids will have a blast! Just put paint on a paper plate. Let your kids dip their toy in the paint, then stamp it on their paper.
8. Take it outside.
Lay kraft paper in the driveway or on the patio and let the kids draw and paint. To change it up a bit, hang paper on an outside wall. Fly swatters and water guns are great alternatives to a paintbrush. There are also great paints and chalk for use outside. Check the Crayola aisle and at your local craft store for all of the options.
9. Don’t stress over play dough.
My kids LOVE play dough. I think they love how easy it is to manipulate and how it feels in their hands. Play dough is great for a kid’s creativity. It allows them to feel the material and form it in their hands. They can make sculpture, form shapes, cut or press it. Yes, it is messy. Those little pieces that fall on the floor drive me crazy. But once they dry out, they sweep right up.
10. It doesn’t have to be fancy.
Don’t over think it. You don’t have to have a fancy art space or high end art materials to make art. Use what you have. Look in your refrigerator. Vegetables and fruit are great for printing. Or give your kids some paper and paint and let them experiment. Save that painted paper and use it for a collage another day. And they can create a beautiful collage with just scissors, glue, and paper. Kids are naturally creative. So Let Them Create!
