Fostering creativity at an early age is vital, as this is what your child will use to tell and write stories, solve problems, play music and much more.
Below we’ve listed a few things you might want to consider if you are in the market for some art supplies.
Ways to be creative
- Paint – think outside the paintbrush box and try putting paint (a little watered down) in a plastic spray bottle; sponges or have some disposable straws handy so you can blow blobs of paint across the paper.
- Craft – You can use bits and pieces around the house (it’s amazing what you can do with an old plastic yogurt container!), or stock up on coloured paper, stickers, pom poms and other accessories – as long as you have plenty of glue! Have your child make Christmas and birthday cards, collages, farmyard animals from pom-poms or a pair of glasses out of pipe cleaners! The list is endless.
- Sculpt – It’s always handy to have a few tubs of Play-Doh for entertaining kids on rainy days. Although there are so many accessories you can buy, you can always use your beach sand-moulds and good old fashioned rolling pin!
- Drawing – Not limited to the house, drawing can be done in the car, on a graphic design tablet with pen, or waiting for Mom and Dad at a restaurant! A packet of pencils or crayons and notebook is always on hand at our place. If your child has mastered one type of drawing (if you’ve only ever seen rainbows or smiley faces), challenge them to draw something new, for example a house, or a body to go with that head.
Things to look out for when buying art supplies
- Is it washable? Paints, glue and crayons are the main culprits, but keep an eye out for anything you get that might spill on clothes (or furniture!).
- Space. Where will your budding artist set up? Do you have enough space (and protection) indoors? Ensure you have the right space in mind before you get your child excited about painting or other messy ventures!
- Child-friendly materials. Only you will know if your child will be putting that paintbrush on the paper first, or in their mouth. Check that paints and other materials are non-toxic, and always read the packaging.
- Protection. When working with paint or other messy materials, check that furniture and clothes are protected or out of harms way. Start with a piece of newspaper or cardboard underneath or behind the artwork, and a cloth or plastic over furniture. There are many smocks available for children, (many machine washable!) so you don’t have to use Dad’s old shirt anymore!