6 Tips for Less MESS and More FUN with Kids Crafts!

I don’t know about you, but I’m always on the lookout for fun screen free activities for my kids.

There are many awesome and educational resources out there like drawing with Art for Kids Hub. I still try my best to limit screen time. I like to show my kids that life can be so much fun without screens.

They love exploring outside, biking, sledding, and bale hopping!

The weather is cold right now where we live. It’s always nice to have fun science experiment kits or art projects. Crafts are also great to do this time of year.

Crafts and art projects can be a little overwhelming for a lot of parents. Most kids will need supervision depending on the age. There is always an inevitable mess at the end to clean up. All this can make it difficult to enjoy spending time with our kids and watching them learn.

Here are a few tips I’ve found to be helpful. They = less mess and more FUN when doing crafts with kids!

1. Assign a Desk and Shelf in a Separate Room
   • I know not everyone has extra space for this. Challenge yourself to think if you can create a little corner spot in your home as your craft area.
   • There are quite a few projects and crafts that take a while to set up and finish. It can be tough to find a long enough time chunk to finish it in one go. I am the type that doesn’t like mess sitting out in the main areas of our house for very long. We have an extra bedroom in our house that has been dubbed “the school room”.
     • We keep all the kids’ projects, crafts and supplies in there.
     • Everything is out of sight. A couple projects can be left out on the table for a day or two if needed. And we can just shut the door!
     • We don’t need to worry about younger kids getting into things they shouldn’t be.
2. Find Something Reusable to Cover the Area
   • Some great options are:
     • Old shower curtain
       • A lot of them are machine washable! You’d want to fold it and dump the main mess in the trash bin first.
     • Old sheet
       • This can also work for most crafts-Just be careful for liquids leaking through. You’ll want to add extra towels or old news paper for an extra layer.
     • Garbage bag
       • I like to turn it inside out first so you can easily flip the mess after you finish.
       • Then lay scrap paper/newspaper on top to help absorb any liquids.
       • When you are finished. Put away any crafts that can be saved. Leave the mess on the bag. Flip it right side out again and reuse it in your trash bin as normal.
         • This does take a little practice to flip without some spilling off the side. It is easier than sweeping the entire mess in the garbage though.
     • Lay out a Tablecloth
       • I try not to use the plastic ones very often. Though I have reused them for projects multiple times. It’s convenient to fold it up with the mess inside. You can then shake it out over a large trash can.
3. Use Old Cookie Sheets/Trays
   • These are great for containing beads, glitter, and other small pieces.
   • They also work well for stacking when paint or glue projects aren’t dry.
   • Check out this post for more ideas for kids crafting with less mess!
4. Craft Outside Depending on Weather
   • This is more for the summer months.
   • This wouldn’t work well for paper projects, ect if windy.
   • I like to try to do things like pumpkin carving, rock painting, oobleck/play dough outside.
     • You can bring out a card table and worry less about spills on the floor.
     • Just wipe off the table and have the kids rinse off their hands with an outdoor hose before heading inside.
5. Teach Kids Good Habits When They are Young
   • There is always something a 2 or even 1-year-old can help carry or put away!
     • I know sometimes it seems to make more mess when kids help. They need practice though. This will also help YOU grow in PATIENCE and teach your kids teamwork.
   • Set craft guidelines when they are young
     • Keep craft items in the craft area and stay by the table.
     • Help clean up and wash hands as soon as craft time is over.
   • Here are some items to start with for younger kids for Less Messy crafting
     • Pipe Cleaners
     • Popsicle sticks
     • Craft Tape
     • Dot Markers
     • Paint Markers
     • Mess free coloring books
     • Sticker pages
6. Stress Less and Enjoy Kids Learning More
   • They will only be the age they are at right now. Enjoy it!
   • You don’t want them to have this feeling like they are “Too messy to do crafts.” Then it is easier to get in the mindset of writing off other activities that are “too hard.”
   • There are so many fun things to learn while doing craft and science experiments.

Use these tips to help you worry less about the mess and have more fun with your kids! Let’s focus on creativity and join in on the fun with them. Without having to worry about stains or spending a long time cleaning up paint and messes.

Let this list inspire you to push yourself and use it as teaching opportunities for YOU and your KIDS!