Confessions of a Neat Freak Artist

This is a confession. I am a bit of a neat freak, even as an artist. Yes, there are all kinds of us out there, don't believe that "messy artist" stereotype. Regardless, I have been completely neglectful of Michael's creative side because of my aversion to mess. Very sad, I know. He didn't even have an ice cream cone until last summer. Ridiculous, yes. Ok, it's out there, I'm a neat freak! ahhh, I feel better.

This in no way means that my house is always spotless, far from it. It's the pursuit of perfection that makes me a neat freak and drives even me a little nutty! Anyway, we are turning over a new leaf. Mess be damned. I will let my child be messy and creative. Rather than the occasional art experience, we will have art everyday!


I found this plate kit at Bed, Bath & Beyond for $4.99. It came with a set of markers to decorate with. The plate is ceramic. I was actually hoping it was plastic as I'm a klutz as well. Yes, a neat freak, klutz! The plates are usable, but need to be hand washed.


Painting Postcards. A long time ago I found these watercolor postcards at Hobby Lobby. I kept in touch with my niece for awhile by sending her these postcards painted or collaged. I also gave a pack to her with some art supplies so she could mail me some. It was a great way to feel closer to her. Michael, too, has sent a few of these home to our family.

We needed some wrapping paper, so I asked Michael to decorate these brown paper bags.

As a neat freak, you can imagine, I love organization! I found this great idea on Two Cups of Coffee, one of the artsy mom blogs I've been checking out recently. I've been so inspired by them. This is an over the door shoe organizer that I bought at Ross for $3.99. Hers is clear vinyl, mine is cloth that I can see through pretty well. It's a little less visually stimulating than the clear though won't clean up as well. Words cannot describe how excited I am about this! I had all of my supplies on the top shelf in my pantry and I could never find what I wanted without pulling everything out. Now I can see it at a glance. There are also supplies that Michael can easily reach himself, like the play dough & play dough tools and crayons.

So there you have it. I will never be cured of my neat freakness but I vow accept Michael's art mess as a very important part of his development. I may always get out the plastic table cloth to catch the paint mess, I will teach him the proper way to use and clean his brushes, but I will zip my mouth shut when I see him dip his white paint brush into the purple. (Though I may still cringe) After all creativity is about exploration and listening to your own inner artist. Mess be damned!