Art and craft for little ones?

[clothmama]

I'm just wondering what you guys do with your little little people (say 1-2) art wise? Rémy can now sit for ages and be read to or look at a book so I'm thinking that he probably has the concentration to start doing some simple art/play activities. I'd love some ideas

Also what would you say are the essential things to have in (I was rubbish and totally uncrafty with the other boys )? I'm thinking wooden sticks, pom poms, felt tip pens etc but not really sure. Also where is the cheapest / best place to pick up supplies? I'm thinking I'll do a little box of bits for him for Christmas!

Following, I'm rubbish at crafts but want to do it x

I saw a fab idea somewhere - put a piece of paper in a ziploc bag and add some random dollops of paint on the paper.
Seal the bag and they can finger paint mess free!!!

[clothmama]

That's a cool idea.

So how is this for a list of things to start off with:

• Paints
• Finger paints
• Coloured and plain paddle pop sticks
• pom poms
• Big textas (felt tip pens) washable / toddler proof - Crayola I guess
• Paper - coloured and white
• Pipe cleaners

What else would you get?

Craft felt and glue.

I'm trying to think of things we did at toddler group...i know one of mine loved glue sticks!! (Licking them, sticking stuff etc )

Not really craft but playdough?

Also i remembered we used to get a roll of lining paper and i used to draw stuff for ds1&2 to colour in. They could sit on the paper on the floor and colour...they loved it!!

[clothmama]

Not really craft but playdough?

Also i remembered we used to get a roll of lining paper and i used to draw stuff for ds1&2 to colour in. They could sit on the paper on the floor and colour...they loved it!!

Oh good idea, I must try making some playdough and I'll look out for some lining paper

[clothmama]

I think Ikea does a big roll of paper too, I'll have to check if they still do.

I honestly wouldn't give a child that young felt tip pens, I'd stick to wax crayons. Even washable/child safe felt tips always end up somewhere they shouldn't and sometimes fail to wash well, plus little ones often press far too hard and get frustrated when the pen breaks or runs out.
I used to have a box full of sequins, stickers, different types of craft paper, random bits of fabric and things. I'd get out paper and pva glue and just let him do whatever he wanted with whatever was in the box, it'd keep him occupied for ages! You can pick up packs that include different papers and other random bits in places like hobbycraft, wilkos, the £1 shop or the works.