Make an Art Supplies Caddy

What You Need:

• An inexpensive wooden tray from a crafts store
• Paint
• Tin cans, tops removed
• Duct tape
• White paper
• Jars in assorted sizes, clean, with tops
• Superglue

What You Do:

1. Ask your child to pick his favorite color, and then help him paint the tray. Let it dry completely before you move on.
2. As you wait, take off all the labels from the cans and jars. Your child can help if there are no sharp edges on the cans--cover those rough spots with duct tape to prevent cuts and scrapes!
3. Invite your child to make a paper label for all the cans and jars, and glue it to the appropriate-sized can. Use smaller jars with lids for the tiny items, like beads and buttons. Bigger cans should be used for popsicle sticks, scissors, and glue sticks.
4. This next step is for adults only! Squeeze super glue on the bottom of every can and jar and stick them to the tray. Let it dry some place out of reach from your child.
5. Now, separate! Help your child put all buttons in the jar labeled "buttons," all pencils in the "pencil" can, and so on until everything has a home. If you have so many of one thing that it won't all fit in one can, use one or two more cans until every item is put away. Remember, "a place for everything, and everything in its place!"