Art Supply List

Sometimes crafting time for me is done at the same time as crafting time for my kids.  I have lots of supplies on hand and at the ready for them to be creative.  Boredom busters, sure, but it's more about  creating an environment that they can learn and grow and art supplies are an excellent way to accomplish that.  If you are looking for some some fun activities and supplies to add to your art supply cabinet/bin/drawer for the summer, here are some of my art teacher must-haves (these are my favorites and the brands that I bought in my classroom and use at home with my kids) suitable for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary aged kids:

sketchbook - take it along on trips, Dr. visits - great for keeping sketches in one place and seeing how kids progress artistically

watercolor paper

scratch paper - always have it accessible

good quality - brightly colored construction paper

my favorite coloring books (Melissa + Doug) - you can use markers, paint, crayons, colored pencils and the pages are 11x14 inches

good pencils for sketching - I like Ticonderoga #2 pencils

crayons - you can never have too many crayons, right?  Take them out of the boxes right away and put them in ziploc bags or containers for easy access and clean-up.

markers - different tips and lots of colors - I really like these

do a dot markers - so many uses and great for all ages

colored pencils - Twistables work well for younger kids that tend to press too hard and break off tips of sharpened colored pencils

 watercolor pencils - dip the tip in water and color or color a picture and add water with a paintbrush - it's like magic!

watercolors - I like the Prang brand

good paintbrushes - watercolor, acrylic, and tempera

washable tempera paint

acrylic craft paint (great for those little unfinished wood projects and painting t-shirts)

Elmer's Glue-All + Glue Sticks

felt

age-appropriate scissors - never underestimate the importance of learning how to cut - start early

oil pastels and chalk pastels for elementary-aged children

This is my basics list - my must haves.  What are your favorite kids' art supplies?