I few weeks ago I taught an amazing art camp for 9-12 year olds here in Los Angeles.  I spend most of my time teaching art to the 3-5 age group so this was something really different and super fun.  I’ve known a lot of these girls since they were in kindergarten so it was pretty wonderful seeing them so grown up, so capable and wise.  We spent the first day of art camp learning to make wall hangings, paper tassels and dream catchers.  At the end of the day the girl’s came up with the idea to make mini versions of all the activities for an art kit they could take on an upcoming trip.  So that’s just what we did and the experience and results were pretty outstanding.  Check it out.

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What you’ll need…

Materials

some kind of box or kit  (I got these round craft boxes at Michaels, which is around the corner from my house.  Help, I’m an addict)

little bags

art supplies including yarn, beads, washi tape, mini watercolor palettes, pom poms, etc.

paints for decorating

I set up a pretty crafting table with tons of choices the girls could choose from.  It was like a crafty candy shop.

I didn’t give any instructions because these girls are CAY.PA.BUL! I mean, they had more ideas than I could dream of.  It was so cool.  I just supplied the round craft boxes and they got to work.  And boy did they work.

Some applied washi tape to the covers, some painted, some used these awesome funchalk markers that I have been totally obsessed with this summer.  One 11 year old modpodged lace to the top of her box as well as the inside and used acrylic paint all around it.  It was gorgeous!

Once they all finished the outside of their boxes they started gathering materials  for the inside.  Everyone had different ideas and tackled their art kit in different ways.  Some favorite ideas were to cut up little pieces of watercolor paper for mini paintings.  You can see a pic below.  These mini watercolor palettes are so freaking cute.  I love seeing each activity labeled and placed carefully in the kits.  (Side note, my 4 year old just started saying freaking, as in “mama, it’s freaking hot right?” yeah, not good)

Anyhoo, look at these amazing compartments!!!  I mean, how cool is this?!  Each little bag is equipped with all the necessary materials to do a certain craft.  There are mini wall hangings, mini paper pinwheels, mini paper tassels, and watercolor stationary.

This washi tape idea was one of my absolute favorites.  This amazing 9 year old realized she couldn’t just take all my washi tape supplies so she cut a little paper card and wrapped a few of her favorite tapes around it as storage.  CLEVER ALERT!

So, if you’re thinking you love the idea of an art kit but your kids are younger and this may be a bit out of their wheelhouse, you might want to try filling a little box with some great supplies to explore.  I’ve written two posts about my favorite art supply ideas.  Here are some ideas for an art gift basket and here is a list of art supply ideas for non crafty moms who want to start getting crafty with their kids.  If you’re not in the mood to click (I get it, my fingers are tired too : ) here are my best suggestions for an easy art starter kit for ages 3 and up.  You’ll pretty much be mom, auntie, grandma, friend of the year if you get someone an art kit filled with these simple items.

DIY ART KIT SUPPLIES

1. oil pastels and chalk pastels

2. watercolor paper, cut up into small rectangles (about 4×6 or smaller)

3.  scissors

4. washi tape

5. watercolor set

6. black, silver and gold sharpies (kids love metallics)

7. glue or glitter glue

8. funchalk markers

9. my favorite paints

Check out this art kit below.  Don’t you want to just dive in?!  I love how she bundled all the fabrics.

I’m still totally gushing over these girls and how much fun we had.  I need to start an art class for older kids stat.  The only thing is I’d have them be the teachers and I’ll be the student.  These girls know what’s up!

For more art camp projects for older kids try these paracord vases and these awesome custom sneakers. Thanks for reading along everyone.  xo Meri