The visual arts can benefit children of all ages. From a young child's fine motor skill building to a teens emotional development, the arts can be used a highly effective teaching and coping tool. One need not be an expert on all processes or buy the most expensive materials to introduce the arts into a child's life. Simple product choices and child centered exploration can guide beginning artistic endeavors. This article presents some of these basic ideas for those looking to be creative while on a budget.
Basic Art Materials
Simplicity may be the key for the beginning artist. Try not to overwhelm your child with loads of fancy materials or products with specific intended purposes. Avoid expensive pre-packaged kids "crafts". These might break your budget, and may be too constrictive for the experimental young artist.
Tempera paints, modeling clay, glue, and crayons are all basic materials that can be used in very open ended ways. When making project choices, it is not necessary to buy large quantities or a vast array of colors in the beginning. For example, instead of a rainbow of paint colors, try buying the primary colors (red, blue, and yellow) and white. Not only will you save money in buying fewer bottles of paints, but your child can explore color mixing and create his or her own unique hues.
Art Materials: Reuse and Recycle
It is not necessary to go out and buy pricey art materials from a craft or supply store. Start by looking around your house. Ask yourself what can be reused and re-purposed into an art material. These should be open ended products that are highly versatile and could be used for many different projects such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, puppetmaking, or drawing.
Examples of materials that can be reused for art are:
- Cardboard tubes from paper towels
- Foam fruit or vegetable trays (avoid meat trays)
- Newspapers, calendars, and magazines
- Old books
- Junk mail and flyers
- Cardboard boxes
- Packing peanuts
- Old worn clothing, socks, or fabric scraps
- Wire hangers
Of course, this list is not exhaustive. There are everyday objects all around you that can easily be re-purposed into art supplies. Let your child be your guide. You may think that an old pair of socks would make excellent animal puppets, but your child may want to cut and glue them into a fabric collage.
Art Projects Included
If you are still unsure about what types of materials to buy, how much to spend, or what to do with them, look to an expert. Many art museums and children's museums now offer free art making activities with the price of admission. Museum teachers will guide your child through a simple art process, materials included. These free activities can give the beginning artist a chance to explore while supplying fun for the whole family.
Art does not have to be expensive. By purchasing the basics, reusing what you already have, and looking for free family activities, parents can introduce their children to the world of the arts while staying on a budget.
 |
 |
