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Crafting with Kiddos: Tips for Making Memories and Minimizing Messes at Home

Updated: Aug 14

Proven tips for crafting with kids!


a small child using a paint brush to paint a rainbow on a window.
Crafting doesn't have to be messy!

Hey fellow parents and caregivers! Are you ready to embark on a fantastic crafting adventure with your little ones? Get ready to unleash your creativity and create beautiful memories together. But hold your glue guns for a minute! We've got some tips and tricks to help you navigate this joyful mess-making process without losing your sanity. So, gather your supplies and let's dive in, shall we?


Tip #1 - Set up a dedicated crafting space


Designating a specific area for crafting will help contain the mess and allow for easy clean-up. Lay down a plastic tablecloth or use an old sheet to protect your surfaces.


Pro tip: If you don't mind a little extra boldness in your décor, let the kiddos decorate the sheet themselves with paint sticks or markers for their very first project!


Tip #2 - Gather kid-friendly supplies


To avoid potential disasters, opt for non-toxic materials and child-sized tools. No one wants a DIY haircut mishap - kids craft scissors will go a long way to deter the temptation of an at home makeover! Keep everything within arm's reach and organize materials into separate containers. It'll save you from searching through scattered googly eyes and pipe cleaners while your masterpiece loses its luster.


Simplicity often leads to the greatest masterpieces.

Tip #3 - Plan age-appropriate crafts with what you have on hand


Tailor your craft projects to the abilities and attention spans of your kiddos and the material/supplies you already have. While you might be tempted to go all Picasso on their art skills, remember that simplicity often leads to the greatest masterpieces. Start with easy and engaging crafts that cater to their interests. Who knows, you might discover a mini Van Gogh hiding in your midst!


Tip #4 - Embrace the mess & share the clean-up


Crafting and mess-making go hand in hand, like PB&J sandwiches. That doesn't mean you have to go into art time unprepared! Accept that spills, drips, and smudges are part of the fun and remove anything from your child's art space that you cannot have made into your little artists next masterpiece! Keep in mind that even your best-laid plans might still result in rainbow-colored handprints on the walls - as long as you have prepared the space you should be able to wipe the washable paint right off! After your masterpiece is complete, make clean-up a team effort by involving the kiddos. Assign everyone a task, such as organizing supplies or wiping down the crafting table. Turn up some catchy tunes and transform cleanup into a dance party extravaganza. Don't forget to reward their hard work with a special treat afterward—because who doesn't love a post-crafting ice cream break?


Tip #5 - Preserve the memories


Once the crafting is done, don't just toss those priceless works of art into the abyss of forgotten treasures. Take some time to label and organize their masterpieces so that you can revisit these delightful memories down the line. Snap some photos of their proud faces beside their creations and create a digital gallery to share with family and friends. Nothing says love like a virtual exhibit of your little artists' best works!


Remember, the goal of crafting with kiddos is to create lasting memories...


even if it means sweeping up glitter for days or scrubbing paint-filled brushes. Embrace the mess, laugh at the chaos, and treasure the moments spent together. Crafting is not only about creating something tangible; it's about fostering imagination, creativity, and precious bonding time with our little ones. So enjoy the process, embrace the mess, and let those memories shine! Now, go forth and create mini masterpieces without fear. Let's unleash the crafting chaos and make some memories together!



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