Yeah…I’m not OCD, so let’s just establish that right now. I’m actually OCD in my BRAIN, but not in my HEART. LOL. I get seriously frustrated daily with the clutter in my house. I throw clutter away. Don’t care what it is. I hate it. Having said that, I am 100% an artist. I went to college to study art. My mom tells stories of me painting my bedroom walls with poop out of my diaper when I was a baby. Creating is just IN ME. Period. To me…life is about ART…..clean up the mess later.
I am NOT OCD when it comes to creating anything. My studio is a horrible disaster. My house is pretty clean most of the time, but most of our downstairs is hardwood. Ya know how I compute hardwood in my brain?
HARDWOOD = AWESOME ART SPACE.

Now….I’m pretty loose and free with the art-making in my house. Since we do have old fir floors and I know it’s all wipe-able….my brain goes like this:

BE HAPPY AND CREATE AND HAVE THE MOST FUN YOU CAN HAVE EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I do have a few friends that are very OCD and don’t allow paint in their homes. I am here to reform you. Here is my philosophy:

YOUR CHILD’S CREATIVE GROWTH IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE MESS.

There. Do you feel better now? LOL. I really hope so, or the rest of this post may give you a panic attack.

LET YOUR KIDS SLING PAINT. That’s it. Just DO.

I have a pretty big living room area that is actually 2 rooms. All hardwood. I let the girls go FREAKIN’ NUTS with the paint. I lay paper all over the floor and let them BE THEM.
Yes..it’s messy. Yes..you will have clean-up after, but OMG..your kids will have the TIME OF THEIR LIVES for a long while. Isn’t that AWESOME???????
If you have OCD or “clean” issues..this will be uncomfortable for you, but put that aside if you can and just ENJOY your children and the fun they are having!!! It is SO WORTH IT!!!!!

1. GEt a big roll of paper from the craft store (or Walmart).
2. Get big tubs of paint.
3. Get brushes, sponges, rags…etc…
4. Let your kids paint their bodies!!!!
5. GET YOUR CAMERA!!

I promise you..the mess and clean-up are worth the pure joy your children will have.
Also…..if it’s just straight-up not doable in your house…try it outside and hose them down afterwards!

XO…..live to show your kids the fun of childhood………. I’m at home and not at my studio laptop with my other photos, but…here is an old photo to show you….I spare no mess in my house. It’s all cleanable.
When in doubt..default to your kid’s creativity!

Julie