i need some ideas.

Both kids are so into drawing, coloring, cutting, and creating right now. Which I love. And somehow Lawson is able to color like this without hurting himself. So far, anyway. :)



The problem is, my table usually ends up looking something like this...


or this...


They have baskets and boxes where they keep crayons, markers, glue, scissors, etc. but it seems like as soon as we put them away, they are getting them out again. We all eat together in the dining room, so when the projects take place there, some major clean up is involved before we can eat. We rarely eat in at the table in the breakfast nook/toy room, so it seems logical to me that this is where the art projects should be happening. But... when you walk in from the back door (which we usually do) that table is the first thing you see. Who wants to come home and have the first thing you see be a mess??

So far, this is the only organization system I've come up with that keeps the things they are using most right at their fingertips. Obviously not the best system, though. I saw an idea on a blog this summer that suggested little buckets on a lazy suzan in the middle of the table. I can visualize that, but what about all the paper, magazines, paper plates, and drawings?



I would love some ideas from all you organized, creative moms out there. Any suggestions??