Arts and crafts are often popular with children, and there are lots of accessories and supplies that you may need to buy to help them complete all their projects. Painting is a simple arts and crafts activity that will only require a basic set of paints and white or coloured paper, however there are also a few items that you will need to buy in addition to these materials. Paint brushes are the most obvious, and the style that you choose will depend on the type of arts and crafts projects that are being completed. Paint brushes can be used with paints and paper, but also on glass, pottery and even fabric. Larger brushes are suitable for thick poster paints and can be used to generate large bold lines of colour; they may be best suited to younger children or for creating large paintings. Smaller tipped brushes with thinner bristles may be more suitable for more intricate arts and crafts projects such as painting pottery figurines or small glass votive holders. More detailed designs can be achieved with a smaller tipped brush, and writing letters or numbers is also much easier. For any kind of painting activity you will need to buy some palettes to allow children to mix separate colours together; these are also suitable for dispensing small amounts of paint from larger bottles so that children don’t get into a mess! Water pots are also necessary for children to clean their brushes as they change between paint colours, and also for keeping brushes free of paint in between arts and crafts sessions.

Where paints and glue are concerned, aprons and protective cloths for tables are always a good idea! Young children particularly can often get into a mess, and you should be able to find a range of aprons in different sizes to fit a variety of children. Some aprons have Velcro or tie side fastenings which can enable you to adjust the size of each apron for every child. Table covers are a great way to keep paints and glues from spoiling surfaces, and you may be able to find them in a range of colours and patterns to appeal to children. Larger covers may also be suitable for any crafts which need to be completed on the floor or outside, and you should check the sizing measurements of any covers before you buy.

A range of pots, tubs and palettes are also very useful for most arts and crafts projects, particularly if you will be supplying items such as sequins, glitter and feathers for children to use. Small items can get scattered very easily, and this can make it difficult to clear up afterwards. Keeping items separate in shallow pots and tubs will make it easy for children to choose the materials they want, and will help to avoid any spillages or excessive mess. Only filling tubs a little will also ensure that if they are dropped or knocked over, the resulting spillage will not be too bad!