Paints.......

[muskiesusan]

What are your favorite paints for your toddler? I picked up a bunch of cheap canvases for Nick to paint for decorating the play room, and it seems that the colors are all off on the children's paints.

On a related note, do you leave art supplies out for your child to use whenever the urge strikes them? I wouldn't do it with paint obviously, but wondering about crayons and such. Right now I tend to get them out when we need an activity for fear he will draw on my walls, but I was wondering if he should have better access to them.

Thanks!

Susan
Mom to Nicholas 10/01/01
& Baby #2 due 4/23/04!!!!

[redhookmom]

For watercoler I really like Stockmar. The colors are great. I will leave out one or two colors. My kids stay in the painting area so I don't worry to much about big messes. I only leave out 2 colors so that the paintings are pleasing. Of course we experiment in making muddy paintings as well. (I LOVE Stockmar crayons and pencils as well, but they are pricey.)

I don't leave out other supplies. No matter what I have tried it ends up all over the house and I get cranky. Instead we have "art time" and it remains special for the kids as well as for me.

I have ordered lots of art supplies form http://discountschoolsupply.com and been happy with their customer service as well as their products. They have free shipping right now if you place your order over the phone.

[luvbeinmama]

My DS's preschool really likes the BioColor paints. They clean up really easy, too. They are available at Discout School Supply. Here is a link to their BioColor page:

http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/res_list/res_list.asp?searchtype=category&vendor=&age=&development=&category=105