How to Contain the Messes Children Make During Arts and Crafts Time

Children and crafts are a messy combination. Don't let that stop you from doing crafts with young children. Use these tips to protect your environment while allowing children to explore a variety of art materials freely.

Choose an area that is easy to clean. Outside, if possible, is the easiest. Select an area where there is a garden hose or outdoor faucet available to wash the mess away. When doing this be sure the materials you are using are biodegradable. If you are indoors, choose an area that is easy to clean, preferably not carpeted, and near a sink. Prepare an area to place the art projects to dry when they are completed. This can be a counter top, clothes line, or a place to hang them on the wall. It should be an area that is out of the way and won't interfere with clean up.

Prepare your area by removing any items that are too valuable to risk damaging, such as breakables or area rugs. Gather some rags and have a spray cleaner handy, out of reach of the children. Cover the floor and table either with newspaper or an old bed sheet; a flat sheet will work well on the floor, and a fitted sheet is great for the table; the fitted corners will prevent it from slipping off the table.

Dress the children in play clothes, or ones you don't mind getting a little messy. They can also wear smocks to protect their clothing; button down shirts, a few sizes too big and worn backwards work great. Roll up the sleeves or trim them to an appropriate length to keep them out of the way. Long hair should be pulled back.

Use washable supplies such as paint, markers and glue. Though you will do your best to contain the mess, accidents are inevitable.

Ration supplies so spills will be minimal. Pour small amounts of paint, glue and collage material into shallow containers such as empty cream cheese or margarine tubs. These can be used for storage of paint and collage materials when craft time is over. This allows the children the freedom to decide how much to use without risking mega-spills.

When crafts are completed and placed in a safe place to dry, let the children help with cleaning the mess. This may not seem like the best way to prevent a mess, but it does help. When children are a part of the process of cleaning, they will take greater care to avoid making a huge mess in the first place.

Keeping supplies neat and organized will go a long way toward reducing messes. Organize craft materials by putting them in labeled shoe boxes or using clear plastic bins. This way you will be able to find what you are looking for without taking everything out. Clean up will be faster and easier.

Preparing your supplies, your space, and the children will limit the mess that goes along with children doing arts and crafts. When you are not as concerned about the mess, the children can be more free to explore the materials and create masterpieces.