MY FAVORITE ART RESOURCES!

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."

Pablo Picasso

Art has always been something I've loved. I have needed a creative outlet for as far back as I can remember. It has taken on lots of forms throughout the years, but in some way or another it has always been there. As a kid I used to love to draw and write stories, I played musical instruments for long periods of time, I've written different blogs, and I spent a good five years baking both for hobby and as a job. No matter what stage of life I am in, I thrive when I'm inspired. Being creative was always encouraged while I was growing up and I think that played a huge part in why I continued along that path as an adult. For my own kids I like to make sure they have lots of opportunities and resources to create in whatever way that looks like for them!

We incorporate art into a lot of our daily work, but whether you are homeschooling or not, this list is for you! I've spent a lot of time over the last year cultivating a list of our favorite art resources, and I'm happy to share them with you!

I'll start with ART TUTORIALS because they have become one of my favorite resources as the girls get a little older and don't need quite as much help.

Art For Kids :: I've shared about this site many times, and I'll do it again, because it is probably my favorite art tutorial site out there. Ivy has been using this one since she was about 4 and she has learned so much about drawing through it. There are several art lessons for free on the site if you want to try it out, but for only $3 a month it opens up a huge library of art lessons to choose from and it's totally worth it!

You Are An Artist :: This is a new resource for us this year and quickly became a favorite. These are video art lessons given by "Nana" who is the sweetest woman on earth. She teaches art through the use of chalk pastels which are just so much fun for kids to use! She also has a few free lessons on her site to try out and see if it's something your kids find fun. However she has tons of membership options, and you can also purchase specific courses which we've done a few times. She also runs 20% off sales a few times a year, so you can sign up for her discount notifications and grab a few courses then!

Deep Space Sparkle :: This is another membership site, that we are not currently members of. I think there are probably quite a few benefits to becoming members, however I have only used their art lesson library and there are a TON of lessons in there for free. One of the things I really love about this site is that you can search the lessons by grade, season, subject or technique. Each project typically comes with a free PDF handout that explains how to teach the lesson (if art is your thing then this might be enough!). Some of the projects also have a video lesson along with it that your kids can watch and follow. Anytime I'm looking for an art project to go along with a theme we are using in our curriculum, this is where I turn!

Next up, SUPPLIES!

Crayons :: None of my kids have ever really loved coloring with actual crayons. They will always choose colored pencils or markers before crayons. However when they are toddlers, I use these. A couple of times a year you can find them in the Target Dollar Spot for $3-5. What I love most about them is that they are surprisingly break resistant. I can't tell you how many times they have fallen off our tables and they don't break!

Markers :: My kids are still quite little and nothing washes out quite like Crayola washable markers, so we typically stick to that. However, once they turn five they get their own package of Sharpies. Since these have specifically been off limits up to this point, it's like a right of passage in our home and they get very excited about them. You can decide whether your child would use these well and respect the rules or not, but even when inevitable accidents happen, a magic eraser is my best friend. We have also really loved these fun window markers and these scented markers.

Gel Pens :: We have tried a lot of gel pens over the last couple of years because they are by far one of my kids favorite art supplies. And what we have determined is that there are a lot of really junky gel pens out there; especially the ones found in dollar stores or bargain sections of stores. A couple of months ago I finally decided to invest in these and we have been really happy with them! They write great, the ink is still going strong, and the pens aren't breaking apart!

Colored Pencils :: We aren't picky! We use whatever I can find for the best price.

Watercolors :: Until they are five years old we use primarily Crayola watercolors, however I don't necessarily feel that they are better quality than any others in that price point. At five years old I start to teach them how to mix their colors properly so they get a small set of Winsor & Newton watercolors. I like to use this Winsor & Newton pocket box because it's good quality but inexpensive and small enough to pack anywhere easily.

Paint :: We still use Crayola washable paint! I bought this set nearly three years ago because I got so tired of being out of paint and having to buy another set of the small pots. I sort of cringed at paying that price at the time, but with three kids and the amount of times we have used it, each bottle is still over half full! If your kids are still pretty little, or the thought of paint all over makes your blood pressure rise, these paint sticks are a great alternative and so much fun!

Paper :: I like to keep all kinds of papers on hand for whatever their little minds can think of. I make sure our art center is stocked with construction paper (any kind), white printer paper, tracing paper, origami paper, watercolor paper, card stock, glitter paper, and different forms of oversized paper as well. I really have no preference on brands of any of these. I've even found large packs of opened paper at thrift stores that make it way more affordable! However, if you are specifically doing a watercolor project, I would for sure use a paper that is watercolor specific. If it's too lightweight it doesn't hold the paint well.

Other :: I have a few other art mediums that I like to have around that both of my girls love to use. One of them is a set of chalk pastels. They are messy (just like regular chalk), but so much fun to use and specifically what is used on the You Are An Artist site. We also have a set of oil pastels that we love. Art For Kids uses these often, but they aren't necessary for the projects they do.

Some other random supplies I try to pick up whenever I find them on a deal are glitter glue, tape (even Scotch tape because they are forever using all of mine up!), washi tape, glue sticks, google eyes, pipe cleaners, clay, and pom poms.

There you have it friends! It's nothing special, but I love a well-stocked art cabinet, drawer, room, box or whatever you choose to keep them in. If you have a favorite art resource that I haven't included will you let me know! I am always looking for more to add to ours. Here's to hoping the creativity in our kids follows them right into adulthood!

#firstgrade #preschool #teach #art #artsupplies