Artist Canvas Keepsake

This is a fun way for your child to create a lovely keepsake for your wall or Grandma’s. If you want to, you can even frame it!

You will need:

• Good quality acrylic paints
• Paint brushes
• Small canvas ~ available from most cheapie stores

What to do:

• Choose a day when your child is relaxed and well-rested, to ensure a good experience for both of you.
• Dress your child in their oldest clothes, so you and they don’t worry about mess (too much, anyway!)
• Set your child up with their canvas, paints and brushes. Have separate containers and brushes for each colour.
• Don’t tell your child how to draw something unless they ask for help. Remember, this is a keepsake to remind you in 10, 20 or 30 years time of their artistic efforts (not yours).
• Once your child says the painting is finished, put it somewhere high & safe to dry.

Other thoughts:

• Before your child begins painting, talk with him or her about what they might like to paint. If they can’t think of anything, talk about things and people whom they know, to give them some ideas.
• If you want to, get out the camera and take some photos of the artist at work.
• 4yr old Mr Bump has gone through phases where he scribbles over nearly-finished work because he gets frustrated. If you think this may happen, then watch carefully, unless you want a blobby tantrum-brown canvas!