If you’re looking for practical craft products and ideas, here are some of my favorites:
Easy Easel
If your little artist would love to have his or her very own easel for creating masterpieces but you simply don’t have room for one, you are in luck. Leaps and Bounds offers a Door Easel that can be squeezed into any space. Just make sure little ones know that the door should not be turned into artwork and that drawing and painting is only allowed on the paper.
Finger Safe Stapler
This one really grabbed my attention. So many projects would be simpler if a stapler could be used, but many of us are wary of using staplers with little ones. Leaps and Bounds has a cool new item that offers the best of both worlds – convenience plus safety. The finger safe Staple Free Stapler is definitely worth checking out!
No Spill Paint Cups
If you would love to let your kids paint more but avoid it because it is messy, you will love this product (and the following idea). No Spill Paint Cups are fitted with special lids to avoid messes. Each set includes four cups and four chunky brushes that make control easier for little hands.
Make a Painting Apron
Purchase a vinyl tablecloth with flannel backing (or use one you already have). Cut a large strip, about one foot wide by about three feet long for small children and adjust as necessary for larger children. Fold it in half. Cut a hole at the top for your child’s head (you can cut a coffee can lid in half and trace it onto tablecloth to make a smooth circle. Just be sure to cut through both layers). Add ribbon or string to the sides to tie the apron in place.
The twist is that you are going to put it on with the backing facing out. This way, the flannel absorbs the paint while the vinyl is against clothing to protect it. It works much better than plastic smocks because paint can run off them onto clothing or surfaces. These tablecloths only cost a couple of dollars each and you should be able to make several aprons from just one. This is a great way to save if you have several children that want to paint. It’s also handy if you prefer to toss out an especially mussed apron instead of trying to clean it. Just cut out a new one!