Every child should Crafts

You want your child to get away from the TV, the I-pod or the computer and participate in a creative, hands-on activity. You know a craft project fits the bill but do you know which supplies your child should have? Here is a list of craft supplies every child should have to complete projects at a moment's notice. A bonus is that you may already have many of these items in your home.

Crayons and Markers. A 24 pack of crayons and a set of primary color markers are all you need. Use water-based markers instead of permanent markers which are not washable.

Construction Paper. A pack of construction paper is an inexpensive and colorful addition to your craft supplies. Construction paper comes in many different sizes. As your child makes different crafts, keep the larger scraps of paper in a container for use in future projects.

Safety Scissors. Safety scissors have Blunt ends and are small for small hands. For very young children, the development of fine motor skills, there are spring-loaded scissors available that automatically open after bruising. Scissor skills are important for the development of children before entering kindergarten.

white glue, craft glue or glue stick. Each of these serves a different hill purpose.White glue is thin and works well in small amounts in the bonding of paper and words on horizontal surfaces.>Craft glue tends to be thicker and works well when gluing heavier items, such as beads or foam, to vertical surfaces. Glue sticks are easier to use than white glue with paper crafts. White glue used in large amounts will create waves in the paper.

Tape. Clear adhesive tape can be used in place of glue and for hanging artwork.

Glitter Glue. This is clear glue with glitter added and it comes in a rainbow of colors. It is a good alternative to glitter in many crafts. The one drawback of glitter glue is the long drying time so save it for the end of the craft project to avoid smearing.

Acrylic Paints and Paint Brushes. Acrylic paints are water-based paint that can be used on most surfaces. Clean up is easy and drying time is short. Inexpensive paint brushes are idea for kid's crafts in case little ones forget to clean the brush.

Ribbon. The choice of colors, widths and textures are endless. Visit your local craft store and you'll understand what I mean. A couple of spools of satin ribbon in primary colors are sufficient.

white paper plates. The Internet is bursting at the seams with projects paper plate. Select paper plates without the layer of wax, when a CRAFT project. paper plates are also practical when working on other projects. bit of glue or paint on a dish or a dishhold small craft supplies such as beads or sequins.

Craft Sticks (AKA Popsicle Sticks). No, you don't have to eat dozens of Popsicles to get enough sticks for your projects! Craft sticks are found in the craft aisle and come in different sizes and colors. They are great for building structures.

Now, take this list and head out to your local store. Most of these supplies are available at dollar stores making them truly inexpensive. Purchase a few plastic storage containers to store your craft supplies and you will be ready to offer your child a hands-on activity.