Autumn; I love it. Our cupboard in the living room is full of drawing and craft materials, which are used even more at this time of year. Curious about what’s in my cupboard and what you can’t do without? I have listed my 7 favourites for you.

I think good materials are a must for promoting creative development and expression.
When materials are not of good quality, it blocks children in their creative flow.

Such a shame! Do you remember the pens that ran out halfway through?
Indeed, that was really frustrating. So:

Tip 1:
Make sure you have good materials. Yes, that means you’ll sometimes pay a little more, but in most cases that also means more and longer enjoyment.

Tip 2:
Put materials in easy reach and in sight. This lowers the threshold to get started. As a result, they are more likely to be creative.

Tip 3:
Try out all the materials yourself. It is great to be creative and you set a good example, which increases the chance that children will participate.
And now…..

My 7 favourite CREA materials:

1. Lyra pencils. I prefer colourfast pencils. Especially these from Lyra. They are comfortable to hold, the lead is not too hard and they come in a tin. I like that, because then they stay together and children like to complete things, so it is also easy to tidy up. Do you prefer to have them out in the open on the table? Then find a tree trunk and drill holes in it where you can put the pencils with the point up. Super decorative and handy!

2. Stockmar beeswax crayons. At Waldorf schools, they are used a lot in the lowest classes. They are especially good for young children up to the age of 6. I prefer the box of 12 crayons because they also contain black. I think it’s important that children have all the colours at their disposal. These crayons give off beautiful colours, lie well in small hands and go smoothly across the paper.

3. Stabilo thick pens with an impressionable tip. Really, when I discovered these, I jumped in the air! Man, these are fantastic! And I especially mean that the tip is pushable. You can’t break these nibs. Which is very handy with two energy boys in the family. They also last a very long time. I am a fan. I have been using the same set for 5 years now and they have been through a lot.

4. Blow pens; Ok, this one is new on my list. Two weeks ago I didn’t even know they existed. But wow! They are so much fun! Good for the mouth and hand motor skills and a super stimulus for learning to blow. The results are super fun. Highly recommended. All the children I have seen playing with them are busy for hours :). I don’t dare tell you what the quality is yet, because I have only had them for a short time. But it’s too nice not to put them in the list. So click here for the blow pens.

5. Watercolour pencils. For the precision workers among us, who like to work with attention. More sensitive children, in particular, like this. First, draw with the pencil. Then with the brush in water and go over the lines to watercolour. Beautiful effects and fun to do. It is nice how colours can run over and how nuances can be added. Make sure you use thicker paper otherwise it will tear quickly due to the wetness.

6. Crayon rocks. Just like the crayons mentioned above, these are made of beeswax. I think they are a bit on the small side so stay with them when children start working with them. The crayons are shaped like pebbles and encourage a good grip on the pen. They are ecological (I like to use as many natural materials as possible with children) and come in a little bag. I have to tell you, though, that the first time I received them I had a little ‘oh, is this it’ moment. That was because they were smaller than I expected. But ladies, we know that size doesn’t always say everything about the results… ? The same goes for these crayons, which colour finely and beautifully.

7. Finger paints; Will the finger paints be taken out of the cupboard? Then I’m there! I love to mess around and be physically active. Indispensable in every cupboard. Provide a plastic cloth on the table and on the floor and the children can go wild. When the weather is nice, I just let them play outside. With us, our bodies are soon covered with paint as well. So much fun!
And then of course a number 8.
Just because we can.

8. The rainbow pencil; I love this one! The amazement on the faces of young and old alike when a different colour appears every time and then runs over into another colour. I’ve worn out several by now, but the Lyra one remains my favourite.
I am sure there is something for you. In any case, enough inspiration for gifts for birthdays and the holidays. Have fun!