This is a guest post by Christie Burnett from Childhood 101
Given my passion for art as a means for children learning and self-expression, I am often asked which art supplies I recommend as must-haves in a home art cupboard. While we definitely have a few favourites on high rotation, these are my top picks for home art supplies for kids of all ages.
DRAWING SUPPLIES
- Felt tipped markers
- Oil pastels
- Crayons
- Coloured chalk
- Coloured pencils
Nice to have:
- Black & coloured permanent markers – for supervised use (we love Sharpies)
- Twist up crayons for toddlers and preschoolers
PAINTING SUPPLIES
- Watercolour palette
- Child friendly, non-toxic, washable acrylic paint (available in tubes or bottles)
- Paintbrushes in a range of sizes
- Food colouring
- Paint pots or jars
Nice to have:
- A plastic paint palette
- Paint dotters – especially great for toddlers
COLLAGE & SCULPTURE
- Glues – glue sticks, school paste, white craft glue
- Glue brushes
- Tapes – cellotape, masking tape, decorative masking tape, coloured electrical tape
- Clear self adhesive book covering
- Child sized scissors
- Playdough
- Air dry clay
- Coloured plasticene or modeling clay
- Pipe cleaners
- Clean household recyclables – cereal boxes, egg cartons, paper towel tubes, etc
- Cupcake wrappers
- Drinking straws
- Sequins and glitter
- Wool and ribbon
- Googly eyes
- Fabric pieces
- Coloured spot stickers
Nice to have:
- Chunky, blunt-nosed sewing needles
- Hot glue gun
PAPERS
- White paper
- Coloured paper
- Roll of paper (I buy rolls from Ikea)
- Recycled magazines or junk mail catalogues
- Variety of card – coloured and recycled box cardboard
- Craft foam
Nice to have:
- Visual art diaries or sketchbooks – one per child
- Stretched canvases
CLEAN UP & ORGANISATION
- Art smock
- Plastic tablecloth
- Plastic placemats
You definitely do not have to have all of these supplies – pick and choose those that your child most enjoys (and that fit within your mess making comfort level!) However, I do suggest is buying the best quality mark making tools that you can afford – pencils, markers, crayons and paints. Cheaper versions often lack pigment and do not make nice bright, colourful marks which can be very dissatisfying for children.
What do I do with all of these great materials?
Once you have collected together your materials, why pop over for a look at my Art Project archives on the blog for creative inspiration, or check out my book, Time to Create: Hands On Explorations in Process Art for Young Children.
What are your favourite creative art making materials for kids?
Pop back next month when Christie will share her tips for organising these great supplies.
About Christie
Christie Burnett is the mum of two, early childhood teacher, author and blogger behind the playful online space known as Childhood 101. She is passionate about children’s play, creativity and learning, and tries hard to prioritise time for family in the busyness of every day life. At Childhood 101 parents will find playful activity and project ideas for kids, family friendly recipes, ideas for family fun and real life parenting reflections.
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