Help me overcome my paint paranoia

[kristac]

Whenever my kids ask to paint I can feel my stress level rise. My kids are not even that messy- it's just the whole process- I hate the prep, I hate the clean up. I hate all the tools we currently have- cups, paints, brushes. The paints don't close well, pour well, are dried out etc. The cups are not spill proof. The brushes shed. After a disasterous school project last week where I ended up wearing more paint then I could get into the cups I tossed everything in the trash. I'm starting over. Please tell me about your sainity savers.

(My kids are 6, 3, and 1)

[ellies mom]

Start with Dot Paints (http://www.amazon.com/Do-Dot-Rainbow-Art-Set/dp/B00004W3Y4). They aren't as messy as some of the other options.

Consider Water colors (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HHKAE2/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0001ZV9VI&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0Z2MQTA057C9N0GWXGH3). They are pretty easy to clean and have a brush. They come in different sizes

Another fun option is watercolor pencils (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=watercolor+pencils&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=110252102716766872&sa=X&ei=VBmOTcGSII_0tgOjmoz6CA&ved=0CEIQ8wIwAw#). They draw with them like regular pencils but then can use wet brushes to spread the "paint" around. The pre-school my oldest went to use them as facepaints. They dip the tip in water and then let the kids draw on their faces. It washed right off and the kids loved it.

[kristac]

Start with Dot Paints (http://www.amazon.com/Do-Dot-Rainbow-Art-Set/dp/B00004W3Y4). They aren't as messy as some of the other options.

Consider Water colors (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HHKAE2/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0001ZV9VI&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0Z2MQTA057C9N0GWXGH3). They are pretty easy to clean and have a brush. They come in different sizes

Another fun option is watercolor pencils (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=watercolor+pencils&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=110252102716766872&sa=X&ei=VBmOTcGSII_0tgOjmoz6CA&ved=0CEIQ8wIwAw#). They draw with them like regular pencils but then can use wet brushes to spread the "paint" around. The pre-school my oldest went to use them as facepaints. They dip the tip in water and then let the kids draw on their faces. It washed right off and the kids loved it.

Thanks for the ideas. We do have the dot paints and love them.

I do need a new set of watercolors.

The watercolor pencils look fun as well. Wonder if Michaels or AC Moore carries them.

I do still need some tempera paint or the like since we need to occasionally paint large objects for school projects (boxes, recycled art, etc.)

I really would like to let my kids paint more often- they love it and I feel like I squelch thier creativity with my negativity.

[MommyAllison]

Consider Water colors (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HHKAE2/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0001ZV9VI&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0Z2MQTA057C9N0GWXGH3). They are pretty easy to clean and have a brush. They come in different sizes



I agree - they really are washable, and don't drip too much. With those watercolors, DD puts on a paint shirt (one of DH's old undershirts), takes a cup of water, and she's all set.

These: http://www.amazon.com/Crayola-Washable-Kids-Paint-Sets/dp/B00004UBH3/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1301160621&sr=1-1 are fun, but NOT washable. And not just not washable, but soaked through the paint shirts and also stained DD's clothes underneath. :irked: Sooo I wouldn't recommend those.

ETA: I also set the kids up outside for fingerpainting in the grass. They each get a big tablet of paper, a "palette" (paper plate) with all of the colors on it, and a paint shirt. They get paint on the grass, but no big deal. I often fill up the water table for them to wash their hands off as needed. Painting outside is soooo much easier, but only works for us weather-wise about half of the year.

[kristac]

The easter bunny brought DS1 (6) this water color set. http://www.amazon.com/Crayola-16-Ct-Washable-Watercolors/dp/B00281PWH0/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1306076576&sr=8-10
I'm very happy with it but I LOVE LOVE LOVE the set that DS2 (almost 4) got-
http://www.amazon.com/BINNEY-SMITH-2003-6202-Watercolors/dp/B001M04TKY
It really is almost hassle free.


I still need new tempra type paint and some better brushes if anyone has any more suggestions.

[larig]

Our preschool uses colorations brand paint. It really is washable. Their glitter paint is just great.
http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=3676

[wellyes]

Tiny amt of tempura paint into empty egg carton - one color in each compartment. Buy a bunch of cheap brushes. Have kids paint on the floor, spread newspaper wide around to avoid getting paint on the floor. Have them wear your old give-away pile clothes or clothes that they've outgrown.

Wash only the brushes, everything else trashed. Lots to throw away at the end of this, but it's easy and low stress.

[BayGirl2]

I really like this set of Alex Paints brushes, cups and caddy. http://www.amazon.com/Alex-Toys-Ready-Set-Caddy/dp/B001U0HE62/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1306102635&sr=8-8

They actually don't spill, and the brushes seem good for little hands. The caddy keeps them all upright so they are easy to move from table to sink.

We actually keep our tabletop easel set up most of the time and put the cups in the easel. Lately we've just left some paint in the cups and DS can use them when he wants, as long as he's wearing a smock. The paint is mostly dry but he's gets enough out that he can still use it. Clean up is just removing the smock and washing hands, so its really not a big deal. He's young though, with older and multiple kids you may not want them that accessible.

[tiapam]

I don't have anything helpful to add, just want to say I feel the same way about painting, anxious but want my kids to do it more. Glad to know I am not the only one. I am going to try the egg carton thing and get some new watercolors. I think a big mistake I have made is giving too much paint.

[new_mommy25]

I hated the paint cups my kids had. I now do squirts of paint onto a paper plate. Much easier..and disposable.

[larig]

I really like this set of Alex Paints brushes, cups and caddy. http://www.amazon.com/Alex-Toys-Ready-Set-Caddy/dp/B001U0HE62/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1306102635&sr=8-8

They actually don't spill, and the brushes seem good for little hands. The caddy keeps them all upright so they are easy to move from table to sink.

We actually keep our tabletop easel set up most of the time and put the cups in the easel. Lately we've just left some paint in the cups and DS can use them when he wants, as long as he's wearing a smock. The paint is mostly dry but he's gets enough out that he can still use it. Clean up is just removing the smock and washing hands, so its really not a big deal. He's young though, with older and multiple kids you may not want them that accessible.

those look great!