Displaying Your Children's Art

So you want your kid to be an artist, or perhaps they were born with the creative gene. Whatever the situation may be, one thing is for certain, you are proud of what your little one has accomplished. But, now the task is hanging this unique piece of art in your home without your lovely home looking like kindergarten classroom walls. Here are some tips on what you can do to ensure your little ones art piece looks more stellar than usual.

First of forget on giving your child computer paper to doodle on. If you think that your child produces good art then give them a different canvas. You could even ask, or take your kid with you to the store, to figure out what type of canvas to use. Most Importantly, the more you focus on your children's art the more special and unique they are bound to feel with your increased participation. 

1. Linen paper is sturdier, creates a textured look (especially when they use crayons or water colors) and is easier to frame than computer paper. Also, Try using a different utensil to paint (in the example picture below a flower is used instead of a typical brush).

2. Scan. Use whatever doodles, paintings, watercolors or sketches your little one has created and scan them into a file. Then, create miniature images with those works of art. Finally with your miniature scans, find a large frame and matte those scans.

3. Chalkboards. Hang sets of Chalkboard on your walls about 2 to 3 inches apart. There is no need to use different paper here. The collection of their art will speak for itself.

4. Tile. Painting on tile was always one of my favorite childhood memories. You can by tile at any local home improvement store, and space out the days you paint or make a creative day out of it. Once you finish be sure to put a thin layer of clear paint (or clear nail polish works too) and use the tile in a frame, in freshly poured cement, as the bathroom backsplash or whatever your child thinks would be stellar.

5. Wood. Painting on a wood canvas is always interesting. Any size, shape, or type works. Make sure that before you hand over that piece of wood that it was sanded, washed and re-sanded. Splinters are no fun.

6. Water Colors and Scissors. If you are a creative parent, or even just a parent that understands symmetry this is a project that is fun for everyone Have your child or children use water colors to make a tie-dye sheet of paper. After they dry, cut the water colored paper into shapes and paste them on card stock. Frame the art modestly, and whah-la you made art as a family!

Remember to have fun, and if you are the creative parent yourself - join in!

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