Essential Art Supplies - What to Put in Your Child’s Art Cupboard

An art cupboard can be as simple as a storage crate or can be an entire closet dedicated to supplies.  You may want to designate a single shelf in a closet to art supplies, or use a special cart like the Childcraft Art Supply Cart that can be wheeled away for easy storage after art time.  There are many different types of supplies you can include in your art cupboard, but there are a few essentials you should never be without.

Paper is a must.  Stock your art closet with plenty of paper in a variety of styles.  Large rolls of paper are great for collages or creative banners.  Plain white copy paper can be used for almost any type of project.  Include an assortment of colored papers as well as heavy cardstock for all sorts of projects.  Tissue paper, construction paper, and paper scraps can be stored in small containers or baggies and are great for decorations.

You will also want a good selection of drawing materials.  Toddlers will typically work best with just crayons, but preschoolers and older children can use all types of things.  Include markers, colored pencils, pens, chalks, and pencils for your child to choose from.  A variety of paints should also be in your art cupboard, but you will want to closely supervise young children with paints.  Look for non-toxic poster paints or tempura paints, watercolors, and finger paints.  Remember to provide an assortment of brushes, including various thicknesses, as well as sponges, eye droppers, and other items that could be used for painting.

Clay or play dough is another essential art supply.  Children love to mold and create with clay so keep plenty of non-toxic dough on hand in a variety of colors.  Cookie cutters, toothpicks, and small plastic rolling pins are great accessories to include for clay.  The dough itself can be bought or there are a number of recipes to make this and other art supplies at home.

You will also want to add glue and adhesives to your art closet.  Young children should always be supervised during glue activities, but most preschoolers can use glue sticks with no problem.  Rubber cement, white school glue, and even tape can be included with your supplies.  You may want to have a hot glue gun on hand as well for some projects that require an adult’s assistance.

There are a number of other supplies and odds and ends that you may want to include with your art supplies.  Buttons, sequins, yarn, fabric scraps, and old greeting cards make great project ideas.  Glitter, pipe cleaners, pompons, and wiggly eyes are also good choices.  If you have the space, old magazines and newspapers can be saved for cutting and pasting activities and toilet paper rolls are great for a variety of creations.  You will also want to provide your child with a pair of safety scissors for cutting.