when i get into my art zone it's like nothing matters but the work before me.  this is awesome when it comes to creating my own work.  but it makes it very difficult for me to paint while my kids try to paint... i sorta forget that they're there and paint seems to multiply on the table as they mix all the colors into one mix of sludge.

however, i think i've found a way to merge the two.  making art with my children. we had started out just making shamrocks, then moved to painting cards, and when i realized that H could easily paint with a stencil and get awesome results my first thought was, SPRAY PAINT!

to make this a happy afternoon for all, this is what i learned:

• it will be messy.  just embrace the mess, it's the only way to have fun with this. if you're concerned about staining things then remove anything you're concerned about.  wear paintable clothing and pull your hair up.  but, if you're anything like us, just wear your regular clothes and then wear your paint with pride.
• assemble everything you need before spraying anything. we used a canvas drop cloth, four 16x20ish pieces of cardboard or trashable canvases, masking tape (lots), spray paint, regular craft paint, stencils, stamps, shoelaces/ribbons/ etc. 
• create stations.  if you've got more than one kid doing this, break it up into as many stations as you can so that everyone is happy, everyone gets a turn, and you (the responsible adult ;-D) can work with one child at a time while the others work independently.
• roll with it.  your reactions to mess, art, mistakes and successes are all absorbed by the kids.  if something goes unexpectedly, like someone accidently painting their shoes bright pink, just roll with it. let go of all preconceived ideas.  
• prepare for some serious joy.  and not just from you.  i couldn't believe how quickly F picked that can up, shook, and got to work.  i might be raising a graffiti artist, or four. *tear*  help them to be successful and let them create as much as possible. let them spray, let them mask, and if they're not strong enough to press the nozzle then help them push but let them choose the colors and direction.  
• whenever the kids would get stuck on something i'd show them something new, how to use a stencil, shoelace, or masking tape to get new results.
• we did have one hard and fast rule, all spraying takes place on the drop cloth,at  one child a time. 

i shouldn't even have to tell you to have fun, just relax and it will be.  trust the mess.