DIY
13 Crafts
for Little Artists
BY REBECCA HASTINGS
I THAT AREN’T A PAIN TO CLEAN UP
think there’s still glitter on my
floor. From five years ago. Arts
and crafts have a way of stick-
ing around, and while I want to
encourage creativity in my kids,
I hate cleaning up the aftermath.

Yes, we can make them clean up. I know.

But seriously, do they ever really clean it
all up? If you’re going to be the one picking
up from the latest craft session, here are
13 crafts that will make your job easier and
allow your little artist to be creative.

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Party
Pack Scratch Art Craft Set
PAINTS: RAWF8; GLITTER: BEREZKA_KLO/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS
Scratch through the black surface to
reveal amazing colors. Reveal as much or
as little as you want. This favorite comes
with 16 boards, two stylus tools and three
frames. Kids love the rainbow and metallic
backgrounds. melissaanddoug.com
Boogie Board Jot
A small notebook-sized LCD drawing panel,
the Boogie Board Jot is perfect for drawing
anywhere, even in the car. No mess and
endless possibility. Kids love the erase
button and the ability to start fresh. Great
for keeping in your purse for kids to play
with on the go. myboogieboard.com
Made By Me Build and
Paint Wooden Cars
This one does involve paint, but it’s all pretty
self-contained. Spread a piece of newspaper
and grab a cup of water. Kids put together
small wooden cars and decorate them using
the stickers and paints provided. This one is
great for keeping boys busy and giving them
a chance to create. horizongroupusa.com
Fashion Angels I Love Fashion
Sketch Portfolio for Kids
Kids design outfits and unique looks on the
doll-like outlines provided. Tons of great
activity books with stencils for those who
love to create fun fashion looks. Makeup,
fashion and even home decorating books
give kids great ways to draw and imagine as
they get older. target.com
Melissa & Doug Paint with Water
Sometimes the little ones just want to paint.

Here’s a great compromise that just involves
water! Watch images and colors appear
magically as your little artist swipes a wet
brush across a page. melissaanddoug.com
Easy Playhouse Barn
Cardboard box play is taken to the next
level. Kids can easily construct a house and
then decorate it with crayons. Toddlers
love this, and it keeps them busy for hours!
easyplayhouse.com Crayola Color Wonder
Magic Light Brush
Half the fun of this amazing toy is the
magic! Kids use a special brush to paint on
their paper. It lights up with each color they
pick, and they create a masterpiece. Plus,
it doesn’t leave marks on hands, tables or
clothes! crayola.com
Rainbow Wikki Stix
These bendy, twisty sticks quickly become a
favorite of kids and adults. You can link them
together, twist them and create without
making a mess to clean up. Another great
toy for the traveling creative! wikkistix.com
Sidewalk Chalk
Let nature take care of the cleanup! Kids
love the ability to leave their mark and draw
outdoors. A bucket of sidewalk chalk fits
the bill, and all you have to do is wash your
hands when it’s done!
LovesTown Lacing Beads
Fun and great for fine motor development,
lacing beads give kids the chance to string
chunky beads in different shapes and colors
to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

While there are a lot of pieces, this one
is easy to clean up with its own carrying
bag! amazon.com
Alex Toys Little Hands Mosaics
Kids place the color-coded stickers on the
template and create a beautiful picture.

These are great for hanging up when
they’re complete, and they offer fantastic
color and shape matching and fine motor
development. amazon.com
Crayola Model Magic
Softer and airier than the traditional Play-
doh, Model Magic is a great way to let kids
mold and shape with less mess. It also air
dries solid, giving little artists the chance
to create forever masterpieces! crayola.com
Crayola Bathtub Finger Paint
When you can’t avoid the mess, at least
make it in the easiest place to clean up!
Finger paints specifically designed for the
tub give kids the chance to make a mess. And
cleaning up when they’re done is contained
and fun. crayola.com 1
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