Giving children's artwork a prominent or noticeable place in the home or office is a way to give the child a moment in the spotlight. Framing art shows a respect for the talent and ideas of the artist. Once removed from the confines of the refrigerator, the art work can be framed to take on the new role of decorating accessory. Gathering a child's work together for grouped viewing affords the opportunity to show the full range of what he or she is accomplishing.
Create a Gallery
Choose frames that are easily worked with so that the child's art can be replaced often. Clear acrylic box frames are fast and easy to change out, plus they are inexpensive and can be used over and over. Mix and match sizes (box frames come in standard frame dimensions: 5x7, 8x10, 9x12, 11x14, 16x20) or choose one size. Locate a wall that is viewable by the child, the family and visitors and long enough or large enough to hold four or more frames. Create the child's art gallery by filling the frames and hanging them along the wall---straight across in a single row or in salon style, meaning scattered across the wall at varying heights.
Give Special Gifts
Special gifts for grandparents, godparents or family friends can be created by framing children's art. Ask the child to choose a piece of artwork to give as a gift. Have him or her write a small story to go with the work or to give it a title. If writing is not possible, then ask for an explanation and write it down for them. Include the date and the name and age of the child. Frame the artwork and the story side-by-side in a single frame and present it as a gift.
Mark Personal Growth
Each year choose a piece of the child's art, or have the child choose one, to have professionally framed. Hang the piecers together in chronological order in a special place in the home. Begin this practice as early as possible for a full visual story about the child and his or her vision of the world. Focus the story by having the child paint or draw the same subject every year. Add a photograph of the child taken at the same point in time the art was made and place it along side the framed artwork.
