Yesterday I was preparing this 'art cart' and I must admit. Preparing the cart was fun. Adding crayons, watercolors, scissors, brushes, glue and different boxes for there art work. Sorting all the different types of paper we have. I felt like a good homeschool mom.
However, I experienced this other feeling. The feeling of being anxious. I really wanted to give Maximan and Midiman the freedom to get their own art and craft supply. They had that before, but now it is REALLY within hand reach. I got images in my head of painted walls, cut towels and glue in the carpet.
Talking about trust here. I trust them to learn what they need. But with the art cart, I have to learn to trust them on a whole new level.
Make your own Art Cart
I bought this cart from IKEA. It has three levels.
In the top one I added the brushes, pencils, crayons, scissors, tape, glue, watercolors, liners and sponses (for wet-on-wet watercolor painting). For the brushes I made a stand from a formula container. And I made a container earlier using a paper box and paper rolls, which we use for the crayons, scissors and glue.
On the second level I added their aprons to keep there clothes kind of clean. And I added the placemats we use for drawing, painting on.
Everything they use when they paint is right in those first two levels.
On the lower level I added paper rolls, paper boxes and egg cartons. Items you can use when you want to make something. Like a boat.
Sorting Paper Types
Do you always experience that you can't find the paper you want, because everything is in one pile?
I got this paper holder too. I use to have another one, but I like this one better to display paper. And I love the fact that I can sort our different types of paper. For Maxi- and Midiman this is perfect. When they now what they need, it is very easy for them to get everything. Ans when they're done, they can easily put everything back.
Reaction of Maximan
While I was preparing the art cart, Maximan came downstairs because he couldn't sleep. In our room, he and Midiman had been busy drawing and making presents for Father's Day. We always bring the boys to the sleeping room and there they can play or sleep. Which works for all of us. Anyway, Maximan came downstairs and he noticed the art cart. His reaction and the look on his face were priceless. He seemed so thrilled and after a moment of being speechless he said: Mom, that is awesome!
