My top ten (10) 'craft bin' supplies

One cannot move forward without being equipped with tools, and being equipped with proper tools makes life and the task we have at hand just a little bit easier to complete; the same goes for teaching and guiding our children the best way we can. In order to create, explore and make learning fun we need the tools to make it happen.

Ok, now you're probably seeing dollar signs and may have let out a sigh wondering how much you are going to spend. Truth is if you have a baby or toddler, whatever you have around the house may just entertain him/ her. They don't demand much...just your imagination and creativity.

Toys are normally purchased from each parent's perspective as to what is appropriate for his/ her child, the cost, durability, whether it is educational, will it stimulate the child, etc.; some, if not all, of these are taken into consideration. As parents, we have the choice to buy or create. You can purchase a small drum kit if you so desire (and that is perfectly fine) or you can make one. However, to make our projects possible or even attractive and fun, there are some basic supplies needed.  These supplies and activities you will create, some will be perfect for long trips, our children will be able to explore and bring their concept to life, and it will help them to work on their gross and fine motor skills.

Ten (10) supplies you just got to have around:

1. Crayons - There's no need to buy the very expensive brands if you don't want to; there are affordable ones in our local stores. I got mine for J$300 for a pack of 16 Jumbos (this summer 2013)....just make sure they are non-toxic.

2. Paint & paint brushes - be it water, poster, powdered, etc...again make sure the paints are non-toxic. This summer (2013) I paid J$500 for 2 sets of poster paint (12 colours). You can also get a smock if you want but I just put my babies in old Ts and it has been their go to art smock.

3. Cartridge paper/ Canvas/ Printing paper/ Scrap book - You decide what will be your child's canvas for painting, scribbling, colouring, etc.

4. Child safety scissors - Perfect for toddlers

5. Paper glue & Glue sticks

6. Pipe cleaners, also known as Chenille stem

7. Construction Paper/ Card stock

8. Googly eyes, also known as Jiggly eyes

9. A pair of lace - for lacing cards, beads, etc. These can be coloured or you can dye/ paint them with your child as part of a craft project.

10. Play dough - A child can get really engrossed in this!

I'm starting to believe '10' is a very short list; of course you can add glitter glue, tape, tissue paper, glow in the dark markers, thumb tacks, etc. I will highlight the supplies I used for each project I introduce.

So what is in your 'craft bin'? What would you add or take away from my list?