Where to do projects?

[Karen]

This may seem obvious to some, but I am wondering what type of areas in your house you use for your dks to do "projects" that involve paint, playdoh, glue, and various other items you don't want on your carpeting! Do you put down a mat every time they want to pull this stuff out? We currently live in an apartment, so I don't have many options, but with an almost 3yr old, these projects are usually a guaranteed mess. I let her paint in her high chair and now the tray is stained with a particular green that wasn't as "water soluble" as it said. We are hoping to be in a new home in a year, so I want to set up an area for her to do these projects were she and I don't have to be so worried about the mess.

Any great ideas out there? TIA!

[RCT]

we do all our projects at our kitchen table....we have on occassion layed out newspaper on the table and floor surrounding the table.....:D

[AnnW]

Either outside under the patio or at the kitchen table.
I also have a big table in the playroom that they use for non messy stuff.

I would go to WalMart and get the cheapest vinyl table cloth you can find and put that down on your kitchen floor. It would be something easy to drag out each time you needed it, and pretty easy to store. You could just fold it up into it's self and put it under a cabinet.

[RCT]

Originally posted by AnnW
I also have a big table in the playroom that they use for non messy stuff.




:biglaugh: 8o OMG, is there such an activity? :lol:

[KarlaB]

Either the kitchen table or island. We have also put down a mat or newspaper if needed. I used to think I would set up a table in the playroom when we moved here, but I don't want to deal with the mess in there, especially since it is carpeted. Seems so much easier in the kitchen with the sink right there. I have a craft cupboard with stuff they can just get out when they want to. And in our entry closet I have a 3 drawer thing with all of their paints, etc. I also have a separate tote for all of their playdough stuff. I think it seems easier to get the stuff out when it's organized, when they can get to some of it on their own and it all has a specific place to go back to! :D

[MaryL]

Always at our kitchen table! Since the first time we ever handed either of our dk's a crayon, we have always had them at the table, and with paper. Same with scissors and glue. Consequently, my kids don't ever think about writing on walls, chairs, etc. They also don't take scissors away from the table.

We're like Karla...I have craft supplies in an easily accessible place. The boys can always get their crayons, scissors, glue, and paper. I keep paints and playdough in a more "secured" location! LOL

[littlesista06]

Markers, crayons, scissors and non-messy/harmful stuff are in her playroom (or on the coffe table mostly :)

Paint and playdough are done at the kitchen table or I might spread out an old shower curtain liner on the floor.

[SMB]

We do everything at the kitchen table. If there's going to be glitter or something really messy I have an old king size sheet that I cover the table with. Then when we're done I shake it out on the deck and throw it in the washer. I also have most craft supplies accessible to the kids except for paint. They are pretty good about staying at the table, I think we've only had one incident of inappropriate usage when dd was two. In the summer we tend to paint outside on the driveway. Then when we're done I just spray it off with the hose. We usually have lots of water out there and if need be I can spray the kids down too.
Sheryl:)

[Diane]

After struggeling for years with the daycare kids and the carpet in the toyroom, I finally yanked it out of there and had a linoleum floor put down. I LOVE it... I no longer have to worry about play doh, paint, or anything else getting stuck in the carpet. I wish I had done it a long time before I did. :)

Also... I have a littler one who likes to make big messes when she's up in the highchair... and I've got this mat that I use for under her highchair...(http://www.breyla.com/toys.8009.html) but I also liked Ann's idea about using the vinal tablecloth... Good luck! I hope you can find something that works for you.

Diane... :wave:

[Ryleigh]

Occasionally the kitchen table but usually the playroom. The floor in there is tiled and easy to clean. Ds has decided since moving to the new house that he likes scrubbing floors, and doesn't do a bad job of it. He cleans the playroom everyweek. (hands, knees and a bucket of water and rag - no mops for my big boy). He also likes vaccuuming and dusting.
Gotta luv him. I wonder how long it will last.
His uncle teases him that he has a future in Janitorial services, but ds tells him,
"I don't do toilets" lol