I’m on a constant mission to organizeclean, tidy and contain. I can not claim success often, however, as living with children appears inherently disorganized, untidy and not contained. My latest project is to make the world’s most perfect art center for my almost-5-year-old daughter. I will even give up the “most ideal” component to have a place where she can do what she loves — make — and I do not need to measure on scattered paper scraps, pipe cleaners, crayons and pencil shavings, particularly because this art center is tucked in the corner of their living room for all to see.
That is an assortment of inspirational and organizational tools for my kid’s art center — however, since the space is her very own, she’ll need to give final approval, of course. — Meaghan from The Decorated Cookie
The Land of Nod
Function of Art Clips – $10.99
Below are some cute clips to go with the curtain wires.
White Multi Organizer – $24.95
This may have to be my first purchase to arrange all those crayons and scissors and markers, oh my.
Layla Grayce
Chalkboard Mini – $18
I feel these could maybe be the place for my kid to take notes and plan her out. Or they can just be some place to scribble scrabble on the walls unimpeded by matters like scoldings.
The Container Store
Elephant Canvas Bin, Pink/Brown – $31.99
I love these animal-themed fabric bins. They’d be good to store paper and craft projects, or they may be applied as paper recycling bins.
The Land of Nod
My Bucket, My Buddy – $12.99
I’d love a different color bucket for all: pens, figurines, crafts, fabric, pipe cleaners. Although with my kid’s extensive art supplies, I would wind up with enough buckets to fill the whole room.
P’kolino
P’kolino Chalk Table and 2 Benches, White – $109.99
This clever table includes a chalkboard top that flips over to a more traditional table. Additionally, it’s a bonus storage area under the key panel.
IKEA
Måla Tabletop Paper Holder – $6.99
This was a buy, together with the accompanying roster of paper, I made before my daughter could hold a crayon. It is worth every penny — and past. She and I use this not only for large scale drawing, but also for covering surfaces for other art projects.
IKEA
Dignitet Curtain Wire – $12.99
In my to-do listing is finding a cute and clever way to display my prolific artist’s job — but not eternally, given said prolific nature. I’m thinking these drape wires with clips will do just fine.
Etsy
Alphabet Wall Decal by Designed Beginnings – $35
All these are for just in case the children need a bit of letter advice when writing in their journals.
Goal
Multidot Metal Square Utensil Caddy
This is meant for utensils, but it might also be used to divide art supplies. Bonus: It is colorful and inexpensive.
Stubby Pencil Studio
Crayon Rocks – $7.95
This website is filled to the brim with ecofriendly art, craft and school supplies for children. Pencils, markers, projects, stickers, clay — you name it, they have it.
Fat Brain Toys
Big Art Set – $28.95
This kit includes everything they need, and then some: coloured pencils, markers, crayons, watercolors, an eraser, a sharpener and even pastels.
Fred Flare
Staple-Free Paper Stapler – $10
Do you want to learn exactly what this strange contraption is? It is a staple-free stapler. Finally, a safe stapler for children! No longer holes through the palms.
MoMA Store
Fine Art Scratch and Sketch – $12.99
Leave it to MoMA to make sure the arts are coated for children. This sketch and action book guides children in recreating works of their masters. I would have loved this as a kid. Heck, I enjoy it.
Amazon
Make and Takes for Kids: 50 Crafts Throughout the Year – $16.23
This publication is on my own to-buy list. The author’s website, Make and Takes, is full of kid-friendly actions, and this publication would give my daughter and me motive to make good use of an art center.
Amazon
Ed Emberley’s Drawing Book of Animals – $6.99
Sigh, I love Ed Emberley! I had an early version of this publication back in the ’80s — no, probably the ’70s? I recall carefully copying every step to learn how to draw. My mom recently found my copy buried deep in a closet.
IKEA
Måla Easel – $14.99
I’ve got this easel. It’s by far the best buy, given how cheap it is.
Restoration Hardware Baby & Child
Chalkboard Easel – $119
You can also fancy things up a bit more with this chalkboard easel. Additionally, it comes in a white, scalloped framework.
Scandinavian Design Center
Vera Carpet, Cerise – $99
I discovered these rugs only by searching for washable carpets that might work under an art center. All these are Pappelinas, plastic carpets from Sweden. Washable and well priced, they come in a variety of sizes and a whole lot of cool designs and colours.
Urban Outfitters
York Trash Bucket – $24
This simple and pretty bucket goes seamlessly together with the surrounding living room decoration. If they made one for recyclables too.
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