Art isn’t just a fun activity for kids, it’s a building block for their intellectual, emotional, and physical development.
Art provides a way for kids to improve fine motor skills, use their imagination, process their emotions, understand shapes and colors, and learn a new language for expressing themselves.
That’s why giving your kids a space at home to create artistic masterpieces is such a good idea.
And it doesn’t have to be a complicated process!
Follow this simple three-step guide to set up the perfect art station in your home, regardless of your kid’s age or experience.
Before You Shop: Consider Your Kid’s Age Range and Skill Level
Two-year-olds probably won’t be dabbling with oil paints, and 12-year-olds might find safety scissors and fingerpaints a tad too restrictive.
That’s why the first step in creating an at-home studio is tailoring it to your kid’s skill levels and preferences.
Take some time to see what artistic techniques your child prefers, and consider what they will need to get the most creative benefit from their art.
Then, you can start to assemble a list of the art supplies that they’re most likely to use and enjoy.
Make a Day of It: Shopping for Art Supplies
Now comes the fun part: shopping for supplies!
Check out your local art store, or enjoy the convenience of shopping at an online art supplier like Above Ground Art Supplies, and start stocking up!
Don’t forget to ask your kids for input; they may have some ideas for supplies and materials that you hadn’t considered.
For younger kids, prioritize easy-to-use water-based paints, markers, crayon sets, and non-toxic sculpting clay (bonus points if the materials wash easily out of clothes!).
At a younger age, your goal is to get kids confident about creating art, so more accessible materials are preferable.
Older kids can start experimenting with a broader array of mediums.
Consider acrylic paints, charcoal pencils, palette knives, and wrapped canvases.
At this age, the goal is to tune into what your kid prefers, and let their inclinations guide the way.
If they love working with their hands, consider an inexpensive pottery wheel or a set of colorful origami paper.
If they prefer creating doodles and cartoons, then a set of paint markers or blending pencil crayons might be good choices.
Find a Quiet Corner of the Home and “Set Up Shop”
With your supplies ready, it’s time to find the best area of your home for your child’s new art studio.
First, choose the focal point of your art studio, whether that’s a height-appropriate table or a kid’s easel.
Then, add a rolling cart or a set of storage bins so that you can keep all your art supplies organized.
If your little artist is on the younger side, lay down a wipeable drop cloth on the floor, to catch any wayward paint.
Next, you can add some creative touches to your at-home art studio. Since you want the space to inspire your kids, make them part of the process!
Add a bright tablecloth to the table, put some famous paintings on the walls for inspiration, or create a simple display in their area where they can show off their finished artwork!
Anything that makes the space feel like an invitation to create will ensure that your kid keeps returning to it.
Even with limited space, creating an area where your kids can get artistic can be a relatively easy and fun process.
And by giving your kids a chance to develop their skills, you’ll also be giving them the gift of emotional, physical, and academic growth!