If you’re always thinking of arts and crafts to do with family, this is the blog for you! You may have wondered what paints to use, how to keep the mess under control, or how to make the most of creative time, and we’re here to give you the answers. Check out some of the most common questions parents ask about making art with kids.

1. What’s the best paint for preschoolers and young artists?

Some paints are better go-tos for family crafting, with easier clean-up and non toxic ingredients. Here’s a quick guide to some options we recommend:

-    Finger Paints – These are smooth and easy to spread, perfect for little hands. They're also non-toxic and usually easy to wash off skin.

-    Poster Paints (Tempera Paints) – These are bright, water-based, and great for paper, cardboard, and other surfaces. They’re ideal for kids who want to use brushes.

-    Watercolours – A great option for older kids who want to explore colour mixing and lighter, flowy effects.

We also have a whole Product Level dedicated to kids’ arts and crafts, which you can find in the Kids tab on our website. These products are made with little artists in mind for flexible and safe creating.

2. What is washable paint?

Washable paint is designed to rinse off skin, tabletops, and hard floors easily, with greater success cleaning from porous surfaces like clothes and furniture as well (though results can vary). The quicker you clean it up, the better – once it dries, some porous fabrics may hold onto colour more than others.

For skin, soap and water should do the trick, but if there’s any stubborn residue, a baby wipe or a bit of oil (like coconut oil) can help. For clothes, soaking in cold water before washing can help stop stains from setting. If paint ends up on walls or furniture, warm soapy water usually works, but for tougher marks, a gentle scrubbing sponge might be needed.

Even with washable paint, it’s always a good idea to use aprons, old clothes, and surface covers to avoid any extra cleanup!

3. What are ‘fine motor’ arts and crafts?

Art develops more than creativity – it’s also a great way for kids to build coordination and fine motor skills. Here are some simple arty activities to try that help with development:

-    Drawing and colouring helps strengthen grip and control

-    Cutting and gluing improves hand-eye coordination and dexterity – make a scrapbook!

-    Clay, dough, and sculpting strengthen little hands through rolling, pinching, and shaping – our Creative Clay, Modelling Clay, and Dough Set are great for this

-    Painting with brushes helps with control and wrist movement, especially when using different brush sizes to vary stroke weight

Creative time is a fun way for kids to develop skills without even realising they’re learning.

4. What are some good arts and crafts for groups, parties, and playdates?

Art and craft activities are a great way to keep kids entertained at parties or playdates while giving them something fun to take home. Here are a few easy, engaging ideas:

-    Mini Art Stations – Set up a painting station with Mont Marte Mini Art Sets 18pc, which include everything kids need for a mini masterpiece. Each child can create their own artwork to take home, with a tiny easel display in each pack.

-    Clay Creations – Put out some air dry clay and let kids sculpt small figurines or keychains. Once dry, they can paint and decorate their creations at home!

-    DIY Party Masks – Pick up some blank party masks, glitter, paints, and markers to make a DIY mask decorating activity.

-    Handprint or Fingerprint Art – Ideal for younger kids, create animals, flowers, or abstract designs using just their hands. Dip into some finger paints and press onto some paper or canvas!

-    Collaborative Mural – Grab some Stick on Peel Off Colouring Paper, stick up onto a window or non porous surface, and let the kids get colouring!

For more ideas, check out our Create blog space – there’s loads of kids projects to dive into.

5. How to create less art mess with kids?

Art and mess go hand in hand, but a little preparation can make cleanup easier:

1.    Cover the workspace with tablecloths, newspaper, or large sheets of cardboard to catch spills.

2.    Dress kids in old clothes or aprons to avoid stained outfits.

3.    Keep damp cloths, paper towels, and a bin nearby for quick cleanup.

4.    Use separate containers for paints, brushes, and other materials to keep things organised.

5.    Try using our Tear-Off Paper Palette for quick and easy clean-up.

5.    Plan art time before bath time—sometimes, the easiest cleanup is just washing everything off in the tub!

A bit of mess is all part of the fun, but a few quick tricks can stop it from getting out of control.

6. How to encourage creativity if I’m not ‘artistic’ myself?

You don’t need to be an artist to help your kids get creative. Let them lead the way! Focus on providing materials and encouragement rather than worrying about perfect technique.

Find inspiration together – go on a nature walk to gather materials, ask about what they’re creating at school, or watch online art tutorials (like the ones on our site!). The process is far more important than the final product, so encourage exploration, trying new things, and make mistakes together.

Plus, if you’re up for it, join in! Even if you’re just doodling or painting alongside them, your enthusiasm will be contagious. Kids don’t care if your drawing is perfect—they just want to have fun with you.

Creative time with kids isn’t about picturesque paintings or squeaky-clean workspaces—it’s about having fun, making memories, and letting them explore new ideas. So grab some paints, clear a space, and start creating together!

If you do get creating at home, #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook. We’re excited to see what y’all create!

For art ideas, explore our Projects and How-tos. If you’re looking for more answers to commonly asked questions, jump into our FAQs collection.   

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