I took the opportunity while filming was taking place for the new series of Mister Maker Comes to Town to ask Mister Maker for an exclusive mini-interview for Artful Adventures, and being the affable and generous person he is, he very kindly agreed. If I had planned this out properly in advance, instead of asking at the last minute, on impulse, I would have invited everyone to contribute questions, but unfortunately I’m not that organised, and I’m new to the interview lark, so I had to think of a few of my own – I couldn’t resist the classic desert island question, – the answer was not quite what I expected….

So without more ado, on with the interview:

Have you always enjoyed Art or did you ‘discover’ it more recently?

From a very young age, I have always loved making things and being creative. I feel really lucky that I get to do it every day now!

Do you have a favourite make that you’ve created?

There are too many to mention! I always particularly enjoy the messy makes though (sorry grown-ups!). The Splat Picture I made with gloopy, paint-soaked tennis balls was a lot of fun.

How do you get your ideas?

One of the big themes of Mister Maker is looking to the world around us to find inspiration for art. We encourage children of all ages to come up with their own arty ideas and to express themselves.

What do you enjoy most about being Mister Maker?

I’m such a lucky man! I get to travel the world, meet wonderful children and their friends and families and make art with them. Being Mister Maker is a pleasure, a joy and a real honour. I also get to wear the best waistcoat on TV!

Do you have any top tips you could share for doing art and craft activities with young children?

I think the most important thing to convey to a youngster is that with any piece of art, there are no right or wrong answers…only choices and enjoyment. Go for it! Have fun! Make it! (But remember to put down some old paper first and wear an old t-shirt if it is a messy one!)

If you were stranded on a desert island and could have just 5 items of art and craft materials with you, what would they be and why? (Assuming you already have pencils and paper)

Old cardboard boxes, tubes, string, scissors and gloopy glue. I’d use these things (and the sand and shells from my desert island) to make a huge, everlasting sandcastle!

Some sound advice there – its obvious that Mister Maker has a lot of fun inspiring and introducing young children to the joys of art and craft, and of course he always looks as though he’s enjoying himself!  He’s doing an excellent job.

I had expected googly eyes and pipecleaners to feature in the 5 items of art and craft materials!  How about you, what essential art and/or craft materials would you take to a desert island?