Today I wanted to share something that we set up at our house about a year ago that has been fantastic for us. It’s the IKEA RASKOG Utility Cart, which we have been using to house art supplies.
Initially, I ordered two as a nightstands for the boys’ room. It fit perfectly next to Ben’s bed, but just didn’t look right next to Max’s. So we took that one out and decided to try it out as an “art cart” instead.
Once we moved it out by the kitchen table, I used some existing jelly jars and little containers we had to fill with crayons, markers, paints, colored pencils, and our household favorite…Sharpies. All stuff we already had, but lived in different cabinets and drawers throughout the house. Ever since we did this about a year ago, drawing and coloring is a daily activity. At any given moment, the boys can start cutting, coloring, drawing, whatever they feel like.
We have always been into doing crafts and art projects with them, but that would normally happen a couple times per week. Now, they can use their comfort with the supplies to create their own works.
As you can see in this picture, the cart is just “out there”. Ideally, I wanted to tuck it into a nook or tuck it into a little space so it wouldn’t be in the middle of everything. But we don’t really have any nooks or any extra craft rooms hanging around the houseAnd that turned out to be a blessing because they actually use it. Constantly.
The only thing I really need to restock on a pretty frequent basis is the pad of paper. I usually pick one up from Target about once a month, because they go through it pretty quickly. I love the thickness and quality of the paper. I think that makes a big difference in wanting to draw. Plus, every once in a while I pull out long-forgotten activity books or coloring books and put them on the cart. And voila! They suddenly are interested again.
My favorite aspect of having the cart the past year is to see how the kids utilize the tools in front of them when they don’t have to ask permission and are not following a special project. I’ve noticed that they really use it to help them communicate. For good and bad. For example, when Max was frustrated with his brother for bossing him around, he made a not-so-nice picture about it and stuck it on their bedroom door. When we talked to Max about how the picture made Ben feel, he went and drew an “I love you” picture for him. Just last week, Ben couldn’t find his beloved favorite stuffed animals, Pigeon and Bear. He took it upon himself to draw a picture of Pigeon and Bear to notify his family that they were lost.
Honestly, it is these pictures that I am keeping for the future more than the art projects coming back from school. They come with stories and memories attached to them and are unique to them. It is a reflection of who they are at that moment in time and what inspires them.
They may not be “Pinterest” project worthy, but they are works of art for sure.
Jill
I love how the cart became it’s own piece of art in your house. 🙂 Great write up about this and Max and and Ben are adorable. Good to see you.
Ale Post author
Thank you, Jill! It was great to see you and your sweet kids yesterday!