How to Prepare For and Clean Up from Art and Craft Activities

Prepare

• Where all care is taken, it is important to still read the back of pack instructions for all glue and paint products when using them with young children.

• Line your work surface with newspaper or a plastic table cloth (you can purchase cheap plastic for tables at any craft shop or discount chain).

• Keep handy a damp, disposable cloth or paper towel roll for any little spills or incidents.

• Make sure you have protective clothing on both yourself and your child to keep your clothing clean. Things you can use could include: an old business or tee-shirt; paint smock; or cooking apron.

• It is really important to have everything you need handy and ready to go to avoid having to walk away, as little people can become very creative in short spaces of time!

For a list of our Art & Craft Recipes click here.

Clean Up

• How to remove paint and glue from clothes - generally speaking, most child-suitable paint will wash out if soaked in cold water. DO NOT add detergent or washing powder, or spray with stain remover as this will set the paint. For carpet, remove excess with some paper towel in a blotting motion then gently sponge with a cold damp cloth.
Please Note - Acrylic craft paint will NOT come out if you get it on your clothes, furniture or carpet, so make sure that you are supervising carefully. Acrylic craft paint is generally best used outside where possible.

• Use a damp cloth to wipe off excess paint or glue, then wash the plastic table cover (separately) for use again.

• Any painting utensils should be washed in cold water, then left to dry before packing away.

• Small indoor clothes horses are a great way to dry art and craft. Use some pegs to hang the picture until dry enough to move.

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