Somehow we mostly ended up taking this summer off from homeschooling, despite the fact that we usually school year round. As we prepare to start up again next month, I am focusing on what I will be doing with all my school-aged kids, but even more so, what I will keep my two little boys busy with while I work on lessons with the others. They are wild and crazy and very much into everything, so I need a plan! I like to find activities that they can do alongside their siblings, and as far as homeschooling goes, I often have younger children working at the kitchen table alongside the older kids. Art is my go-to activity. We’ve recently made some bedroom changes, and now Silas has a little spot for art in his bedroom too. He loves to draw and write, more so than any of my other children, and certainly more so than they did at his age. And Job usually likes to do whatever Silas is doing.
I teamed up with my longtime favorite, eco-friendly school and art supply shop, Stubby Pencil Studio, to stock up on supplies so that we will be ready for school days. Silas loves colored pencils, and watercolor pencils are always fun. We love these jumbo ones. I buy blank notecards for him to draw and paint on as a sturdier option than plain paper, without being as expensive as watercolor paper. Silas is also very interested in practicing his letters (not something my girls were really into at this age-every kid is different!) and he likes using the Laddie intermediate sized pencils.
I don’t typically give my younger children regular sized crayons because they break so easily, but Silas is at a place now where he can use them a bit more carefully, and lately he has really been enjoying getting to use these soy crayons. We have been using these for many years, and I keep a stash of them in my art supply drawer. I prefer crayon rocks for Job.
I haven’t purchased modeling clay in ages, but decided to give Plastilina clay a try with the boys. It held their attention for longer than I expected, and it will be an activity that I pull out when I am nearby to supervise. Scented markers are another new favorite of both Silas and my girls. They have spent hours drawing food-themed pictures with them!
If you are looking to stock up on art or school supplies yourself, Kate from Stubby Pencil Studio is offering one Small Things reader a $75 gift certificate! In addition save 15% off all orders through August 31 using the discount code GINNY15 at checkout. For your chances to win: leave a comment on this post and then enter via the Rafflecopter widget below. The winner is Lisa C.!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Christine says
I would love to have some of these products for my little one!
Rachel Marie says
That’s such a sweet looking reading and art space. I love it 🙂
Meg says
We have a family art time weekly! These would be great to use!
Joan Kubes says
Can’r believe it’s back to school time already! I would love to try a few things from Stubby Pencil.
Wendy says
Oh, my littles would be thrilled with some of these lovely art supplies…keep them busy, and be a blessing to me! Thanks for the offer!
Nathana says
I am hoping to get some great art supplies for our little Rebekah!
Erinne says
My little one would love to be distracted during homework time, and the big would love to use some fun new stuff too!
Dawn says
What fun my boys would have with some Stubby Pencil goodies. Thank you for the opportunity!
Suzanne says
Love this shop!
Daniele says
love this shop! Thanks for the opportunity.
Emilie says
Ooh, I really want to try out that modeling clay!
Autumn says
We just love art and could definitely use some new supplies. Thanks so much for doing the giveaway!
Rachael Swaty says
What a lovely idea vs the big brands of art supplies!
Laurel says
I don’t have any school-age kids yet, but my almost-3-year-old wants to do “school” this year. In addition to working on a weekly letter and saint, we’ll be doing lots of arts and crafting. I’ll definitely be taking a look at Stubby Pencil Studio for some great supplies! Thanks for hosting this giveaway!
suzy mae says
We can never have too many art and craft supplies to make messes with round these parts 🙂
Rachel says
We Love Art!!! Thank you so much for the opportunity!
Cheryl says
My little ones would love these. Thanks for the giveaway!
Amy DelaTerre says
I love Stubby Pencil Studio! This is my favorite time of year, stocking up on fresh new art supplies for our homeschool year ahead. Thanks for the chance to win more fun stuff, and the discount too! p.s. your two youngest are looking so BIG! Also, adorable.
Sarah says
Sure looks like fun! What’s not fun about art supplies?!
Melody J says
Great giveaway! My kids are always doing art and craft stuff as the weather cools off.
Martha says
This would be an awesome way to stock up on art supplies as we get ready to start homeschooling a bit this year!
heathermama says
wow! what a great give away. i’m going to have to get some of those water color pencils!
Jody says
We love Stubby Pencil! All 5 of my kiddos would put this to good use!
Marie says
I love Stubby Pencil! For both my daughter and myself! Thanks for the opportunity!
Alison says
I love Stubby Pencil Studio!!!! My 6yrold boy is also very art inclined & his tag-a-long 3yrold sister will happily draw with him for such a long time ?
Amanda says
Great products and I love shopping for new art supplies!
Ikkinlala says
These look great!
julie says
ART SUPPLIES!! I think I could spend thousands of dollars and minutes in this section at any store or on any website. What a great give away!
Sarah says
I’d love to try these!
Camille says
Perfect timing as we begin our first official homeschool year! Thank you for the opportunity!
Kerri says
I definitely need some more school supplies! We were supposed to do school through the summer as well, and like you, didn’t quite turn out how I had planned. Oh well. There is always tomorrow, right? 🙂
Blessings,
Kerri
Katie says
I’d love to try some of the supplies from Stubby Pencil!
Annalisa says
I love Stubby Pencil Studio! And I need things for the younger kids while the older ones are doing school work. Good idea!
Tiffanie says
This is a great giveaway and Love art supplies.
Michele F. says
I love new art supplies! Thanks for the chance! Michele F.
Sally M says
I always love your Stubby Pencil giveaways. It makes me go to their site and scope out things we need, too. Thanks for this blog.
alexa says
I love the look of that room. The bunk beds are perfect for a small space. Kudos to you for your creative organizing! Also, those stubby crayons look perfect for my 2 year old’s fingers. Thanks for the draw!
BeckyM says
What beautiful art supplies!
Rebekah says
What a wonderful giveaway! This will greatly help anyone who is gearing up for back to school!
Jamie says
I would love to try these beautiful supplies!
Melissa says
SO need some of those wonderful crayon rocks for my nephew. I know he will love them.
megen says
What amazing school supplies!
Jeannine says
Great ideas! Praying for a wonderful home school year for us both!
erin says
I have a little one who needs occupying as well. This would be a great way to bring some peace to our homeschooling.
Carolyn says
I would love to win this giveaway!
Olivia says
What a great giveaway! High quality materials are so precious for a homeschooling family.
Kellie says
What a great giveaway! My boys would just love this! Thanks for the chance.
Megan L says
What a blessing this would be to my family!! We are moving into our new home after a month of displacement and have all school supplies packed. This would be a great way to help my kids stay busy and happy while we get situated. Thanks for the opportunity!
Roxy says
Oh, ‘twould be so lovely to have new art supplies for our new year from Stubby Pencil!
Deborah says
I love new pencils and crayons and pens and paper and all those great art/office/school supplies!