Wednesday 27 April 2016

TODDLER: Becoming a mini artist...

 Now that Isabella is up on her feet she is interested in such different things. Gone have the days when she'd enjoy being in the door bouncer while splashing her feet in a tub of water or laying on her back playing with the play gym. We are now having to adapt Isabella's sensory and creative experiences at home to activities she can do while standing up. One of her new favourite activities is drawing using the Kids 3-in-1 Activity Easel* (£25) and ELC Mini Artist My First Chalks* (£6), which are both from Hobbycraft

The 3 in 1 Easel is perfect for both little and older children because its height is easily adjustable. One side of the easel is a magnetic whiteboard and the other side is a chalkboard. There are also four paint pots with lids, a pack of chalk, chalkboard rubber and whiteboard pen included - so plenty to start getting creative. However, the problem with usual sticks of chalk is that they are too small for Isabella to use. She would simply try to eat them, which is far from ideal. This is why she's been using the ELC My First Chalks because they have a plastic handle, which is moulded to the perfect shape for little hands to hold. The plastic handle also means Isabella's hands don't get covered in chalk, a big bonus! There are six different coloured chalks in the pack and they are refillable. 
 
The white ledge below the chalkboard is really handy for popping the chalks and means that Isabella can independently crawl up to the easel, stand up, choose a chalk and get scribbling. Isabella loves banging the chalk on the chalkboard and then pointing at the marks she's made - the start of her creative flair shining through?! The easel is really sturdy and solid, so I'm never concerned that she will knock it over and because we've adjusted it to be the perfect height for her it's even less likely to topple over.
 
 
The magnetic side is perfect for either using as a whiteboard or for painting. By using a couple of magnets you can attach a piece of paper easily to the easel and paint away. The four paint pots that are included have lids with a space for a paintbrush to go in, helping to limit the mess. I popped our Messy Me Messy Mat underneath to protect the carpet, but as soon as the summer starts we'll be taking the easel outside during the day. Then Isabella can make as much mess as she wants to!
 
Which creative activities does your little one enjoy?

Feel free to leave a comment :)
Helen x
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8 comments

  1. What a fabulous idea and a great start on her creative journey! My Munchkins had one of those when they were little but it wouldn't have been particularly sturdy - they've definitely come a long way. I love the plastic handles for the chalk too - they look great for little hands. #BloggerClubUK

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  2. Interestingly our three year old has just taken a keen interest in art and become an artist herself. We've also just painted a wall in the kitchen with blackboard paint so the kids use that, but I do like the look of those chalks. Look ideal for little hands. #sharewithme

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  3. How lovely - all my four love art but my second who is 7 is really creative and draws his own comics. #sharewithme

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  4. Aw this looks great! My daughter is a similar age and she's also suddenly into crafts - I love it as we can get more involved! I'll definitely be having a look at getting one of these. All of our 'arty' sessions are on he floor on a mat at the moment but I think she'd love to stand up x #sharewithme

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  5. Those chalks are amazing! I wonder how long it will take until she is drawing across the walls and the floor and herself ! ;)

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  6. What a great way to encourage Isabella's artistic side without having a huge mess to clean up afterwards!
    Thanks for linking up to #BloggerClubUK :)
    Debbie

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  7. Oh I love that easel, have been thinking about getting Zach one as I find it hard at the moment to let him be artistic without him eating crayons etc! Love the handles on the chalks too - brilliant xx

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  8. Ahhh these are so fab I love them. What a great invention for little ones as chalk is so easy to break and put in there mouth. Thanks for linking up to Share With Me #sharewithme

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