How an Art Box Inspires Artists

I often hear fellow mamas say that they would love to offer their children more chances for art every day. That statement is usually followed by: but I…Let me offer you a simple solution. An art box. Let me share how an art box inspires artists.

How an Art Box Inspires Artists

See, I am very much the practical and make-it-easy type of mother. This solution is so practical you will find it easy to pull out the supplies for an afternoon of art.

My mother, Nana, gave the children an art box for Christmas. I’ll let you know how she did it and how an art box can be the answer for the common obstacles of art. (Another year she gave the children a ‘Cook Box’ as a gift but that’s a whole ‘nother post!)

A copy paper box makes a perfect container for art supplies.

An Art Box Solves The Expense of Art

Now, you might look at this box full of supplies and think of the expense. However, Nana goes to arts and crafts supplies stores often. She watches for sales. And she also gets Michael’s craft store coupons in her email. She, like all of us, is on a limited budget. She has shared in the past how you can start an art adventure with simply paper and a starter box of chalk pastels for less than $10 for the whole family.

We are a frugal family ourselves. I think that goes without saying with a one income, homeschooling family of five children. We share our art supplies…

But the MESS!!

See this art box? It has all you need in one spot. The box makes it easy to pull out and DO art. Paper, paints, crayons, kits. And then pile it all back into the box. And store it close by.

More on how to deal with the blessed art mess.

What is Inside an Art Box?

Basically – it’s paper and colors. You can tailor it to your family’s favorite media and supplies. But it need not be fancy. Here are our suggestions. What’s inside our art box…

• Paper – a variety of canvases, construction paper, pads of special acrylic, pastels and charcoal paper.

• Colors – paints, crayons, chalk pastels, oil pastels, acrylics

• Kits for fun. Art kits are the easiest to find on sale. Kits are also the easiest way for a parent to say yes. All the supplies in one neat package!
• Not pictured: A tub of baby wipes for easy clean up!

Where to Store an Art Box

I’ll share where we keep our art box. It is in our pantry close by our kitchen table so it is easy to reach. We can open the box up and get what we need. It’s right on the floor and amongst the Glory greens and water bottles. (And, above, on that bottom shelf you might notice our chalk pastel art box).

You may not have this exact arrangement but I hope it gives you some ideas. Of course we have art supplies elsewhere too.

Those big containers of acrylic paint are kept in a row on the laundry room floor. There’s also several storage containers of crafty, foamy, sparkly things.

And the smocks, paint palettes… More on that in my tour of our homeschool room in All Things Chalkboard.

More Art Encouragement

• The Ultimate List of Art Fun and Encouragement
• Art is For Parents Too
• Your First Easy Lesson in Chalk Pastel Art
• How to Have Instant Success with Art
• Must Have Supplies for Chalk Pastel Art
• You Can Be an Artist: Just Practice
• A Painting a Day
• Art in the Homeschool (an ultimate list of resources at Curriculum Choice)

You are Invited

This Thursday, February 20th at 2 pm ET I am privileged to be on a panel for Art in the Homeschool with iHomeschool Network. Watch the Google Hangout live or view the video after the event at Art in the Homeschool. Be sure to circle +Tricia Hodges and iHomeschool Network on G+, and bookmark www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/hangouts.

An art box makes a wonderful Christmas gift. Or simply an encouraging addition to your curriculum. Our art box makes it easy. Easy to enjoy, practice, create and paint every day! Thank you Nana!

-originally published February 2014