How to Choose Supplies for Child Artists

Responsibility and care is needed when choosing supplies for child artists. Health and safety issues can arise due to their high metabolisms, immature immune systems and natural curiosity. Choose art supplies wisely to ensure that children remain healthy and active artists.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Look for fresh art supplies at supply stores, on the Internet, in mail-order catalog's and at garage sales. Check for variety of selection, price variations and availability. Sign up for newsletters if the supply store sells materials specifically for children.
2. Buy art supplies in bulk when you can find great deals. Children can go through a lot of art supplies in a short period.
3. Select art supplies for your children's favorite crafts. Ask an art supply store clerk for assistance if you are unsure of the types of supplies the crafts require.
4. Choose paints and markers that are water-based and specifically formulated for kids. Permanent and water-proof markers often have toxic alcohol and solvent bases.
5. Get modeling compound that dries when air hits it. This play dough is safer for kids than others.
6. Purchase plain, white craft glue. This mild glue is normally used in grade school because of its low toxicity. Popular alternatives to white glue are mucilage, yellow glue and white library paste.
7. Find other art supplies that are specifically made for use by children. Many sharp items like scissors can be purchased with extra protective plastic around them.
8. Consider making your own art supplies. In addition to saving you money, you can also be sure of every ingredient that goes into the supplies.
9. Ask an art teacher for an arts supply list. Many states prohibit issuing toxic art supplies to children. The materials on official art supply lists will have been approved by the state in which you live.
10. Try your best to purchase only art supplies made in the United States. There is no guarantee that products made in other countries abide by the same health and safety regulations found in the United States.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the backs of labels. Look for a "conforms to ASTM D 4236" label and a Creative Materials Institute seal. Both this labels help to advise consumers of product safety.
• Pick up arts and crafts books to get an idea of the types of art supplies children use.
• Buy materials that you can keep track of. Small and loose materials can pose threats to young children.
• Keep children's exposure to clay at a minimum. If your child must work with clay, make sure that it Is wet. Handling any other type of clay may result in a toxic silica exposure.
• Warning labels should be taken seriously. To avoid adverse reactions to products, bypass buying any products that come with such labels.

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