Guest Picks: Crafting With Kids

If it fits within your budget, consider getting a small kid-size table for the children to play at. I like the clean lines and the orange lacquer finish of this table.

Invest in a few yards of oilcloth to protect your worktable. This way, spills easily wipe up and stains are avoided. If you are confident in your sewing skills, you can make a few aprons to protect clothes as well. Choosing a stylish pattern, such as this Marimeko Pikku Jatski, might even help inspire your budding artist.

Butik76 has several pretty oilcloth options that you wouldn't mind leaving on the table even after the crafts are all put away. I have several favorites, including this one.

Flor tiles are a great choice for a craft room. They're built for real life so they can handle just about anything kids can dish out. To clean up any spills, simply pick the soiled tile up, shake or rinse off and put back in place — easy peasy.

Modularity Tiles add a unique design touch to your crafting space. The custom-designed tiles are suitable for temporary, semi-permanent or permanent applications, and are slip resistant and easy to clean.

If you've been perusing images of craft rooms for inspiration, you've no doubt seen numerous craft tables similar to this one. They seem to be a common key element to crafting organization. Build your own desk with free plans from Ana White. The instructions are clear and show detailed images of each step.

The Craftbox keeps arts and crafts neatly contained in one small, efficient space. Supplies not meant for little hands can be easily placed out of reach. When craft time is over, simply lower the desk, close the doors and voila! A lovely armoire.

With several color and size options available, the Trofast storage unit allows you to mix and match, creating customized storage for your kids' art supplies as well as projects in progress.

Colorful and stackable, GLIS storage containers are a great option for organizing all those little crafting supplies.

Ikea could be your one-stop shop for most of your crafting organization needs. There are so many wonderful options there. These colorful Bygel containers save space and keep supplies within easy reach. Plus, they're plastic so you don't have to hold your breath any time your toddler grabs the entire cup.

Grundtal containers have a magnetic back and cling to metal surfaces. The clear lids allow you to see what is inside. These are perfect for neatly storing small craft items like rubber bands, stickers and small pompoms.

No room for a desk? Consider a stackable lap tray. The two side pockets hold crayons, papers, etc.

I have the Mala easel from Ikea for my boys. I don't think you can beat the price for what you get. Features include a chalkboard, a white board, a tray to hold supplies and a place to hold the accompanying paper roll.

Store and display your child's art in a Lil Davinci art cabinet. Each cabinet holds up to 50 works of art.

Consider letting your kids add their artistic touch to some of your home accessories. They can use ceramic markers to color on white bowls or vases and display them on a table or shelf for all to enjoy.

Chalkboard paint is an easy way to encourage creativity in kids and adults alike. Don't feel like you are tied to black, as several companies offer numerous colors. You can even find tutorials online on how to turn any paint into chalkboard paint.

Looking for some fun new crafts to make with your kids? Check out Made to Play! by Joel Henriques. I enjoy his crafting and DIY blog and have been following it for a while now. His projects are creative, simple and inexpensive — perfect for encouraging open-ended play.

Next: How To Organize Your Craft Room