How to keep 2 yr old out of 4 yr old's arts and crafts stuff?

[mommyshoppinghabit]

My 4 yr old loves to do arts and crafts. When I take out the crayons and markers though, my 2 yr old always gets into them, spills them everywhere, and now has taken to drawing on the walls (ugggh!). I've bought the washable kind of markers, but they still leave an indelible mark on my walls, even after I've wiped it down w/the Magic Eraser. I'm thinking of repainting the entire downstairs w/glossy paint, but this is an extreme measure. He is not easily distracted w/other toys, he just wants what my older one is doing. Is there a consequence I can teach a young 2 yr old for drawing on the walls? He does doodle on paper but I can't watch him every minute.

[just_lily]

Do you have a high chair or a booster chair that you can strap him into, and give him his own age-appropriate stuff? Then at least he won't be able to reach the walls. Pudding finger painting is a HUGE hit with the littles in my house.

Or can you block off the area where the 4yo is? Or does the 2yo nap?

[kimellett]

I just made a special arts and craft area for my 14 month DD. DS (5) has his area, I have mine, and now she has hers. For now she has a paper covered table with a few crayons, paper, silk flowers, stickers and ribbon. She LOVES LOVES LOVES it. We'll probably have to continue blocking off DS's area (mine is too high for her to reach), but for now, she's perfectly content with her area.

[almadianna]

I think expecting them to stay out if it is there might be a bit much for them... what I do for mine is keep crafts that are appropriate for both in an area where both can reach them.
Keep the crafts appropriate only for the older one in a separate place where an adult has to reach them. I also have a baby gate in front of the door where the older does crafts so that I can close it up for her when she is playing and the baby is not leaving her alone. She loves it because it gives her her own little area.

[sapphire_chan]

I understand that many people have luck with putting the big kid into playpen. Also solves the problem of the younger sibling messing up the artwork.