1 more Q--on art tables & dc...

[Aubrey]

I've got a little wooden table my dad built when I was a kid, & it has become my kids' art table. It's butted up against some bookshelves, so they've got all their supplies right there, & we've even managed to baby-proof it (so far).

 

I found some stray crayon marks on it a while back & thought, no problem, I'll get some more Magic Erasers.

 

Well, I'm sure they're not always safe on wood, but I've had good luck in the past. Either this table is a) nearly 30 yrs old & actually that dirty or b) coated with some kind of polyurethene that Magic Eraser removes.

 

There's no obvious damage, & I got the crayon marks up, but today they painted w/ water color...LOL. I'm thinking I should cover the table with something. Ideas?

 

I'm thinking about cutting down one of the $2 Walmart table cloths that are plastic-ish on one side & cotton-ish on the other. I'm just imagining the bunching, wrinkles, scissors (oh my!), & wishing...I don't know. Dad used to have those elastic-banded jar/bowl covers. Don't they make those for kids' tables? LOL

 

If you've btdt, I'd love a voice of wisdom. If not, it's really not a huge deal.

 

While you're at it, though, if you have any magic to keep the trash around the table picked up, to store, ahem "store" all the pics, to keep stray crayons IN their container, etc...my kids would love to know! ;)

[Claire]

I'm thinking about cutting down one of the $2 Walmart table cloths that are plastic-ish on one side & cotton-ish on the other. I'm just imagining the bunching, wrinkles, scissors (oh my!), & wishing...I don't know. Dad used to have those elastic-banded jar/bowl covers. Don't they make those for kids' tables?

 

I think that's a great idea. Can you use masking tape underneath to secure the edges so it doesn't move? That's what I'd do.

 

You can buy an inexpensive art portfolio at Michael's and, once they're dry, just store the finished masterpieces in that. You could probably slide it behind the table, in front of the bookcase for storage and just pull it out to add pictures.

 

I'd pick up a few small plastic clear storage bins with covers for the markers, pencils, etc. I'd try to keep only markers in one, only watercolor paints and brushes in another, etc.

[Chris in VA]

When I taught preschool, our teachers made covers for the tables out of those same tablecloths! Do you sew? Just add elastic around a cut-down table cloth (like a fitted sheet).

 

On my blog, you can see a little blue wooden drawer set I got from Ikea. It's on the table we homeschool on. Check under January to see our schoolroom. It keeps things like stickers, markers, colored pencils, tape, glue and crayons organized for us. It comes unpainted, but it only took a tiny bottle of craft paint to make it pretty! I try to eliminate plastic when possible for a more natural feel to the room (lol--I do have several plastic shelves, tho!)

[RoughCollie]

We use stacks of drawers on wheels (sold at Wal-Mart) for art supplies and picture storage. The top two drawers are shallow and that is where we keep things like crayons, markers, stickers, paint, scissors and so forth. The bottom 2 drawers are deep and each child had their own drawer. I stacked a shallow 4-drawer set (no wheels) on top of each rolling cart which held various types of paper (art, construction).

 

We've also used the clear plastic shoeboxes with lids to hold individual art supplies (each child had his/her own), or just to hold tons of crayons or markers.

 

Claire's portfolio idea is cool. My DC liked having their own art portfolios. I bought cheap ones at Dick Blick online.

 

I like the vinyl tablecloth idea. I use a heavier oil cloth one from the Vermont Country Store, bought online, only because it has lasted for years and has withstood the torment my children have heaped upon it.

 

I like Chris's idea of sewing the elastic around the edges.

 

If you don't sew, perhaps you could cut out a cloth to fit, buy the elastic and take it to your neighborhood drycleaner to see if they will sew it for you. I know ours offers some sewing services -- replacing zippers, buttons, hemming, and the like. That would be a better long-term solution than tape, IMO.

 

RC

[Tap]

There are 4 thicknesses available (at our store) and I would get the 3rd thickest. I don't know what weight it is but get the one that will be sturdy yet still allow you to fold a tight corner. Cover the table, wrap around the edges, and use duct tape underneath the table to hold it tight.

 

By using the clear, you can put a few completed art works under the vinyl. Or a few fun resources like a color wheel and line examples for texture.

 

It is very cheap and easy to change out whenever you want. Make sure to allow enough measurement around the table to fold about 4 inches under the table so you have a firm hold.

 

FYI...If you cover the table they may have a harder time with colored pencils because the vinyl will soften the surface of the table. A stack of paper under the top paper will help with this.