It's a dilemma that every parent faces — what to do with all those masterpieces that our kids create in their art class. Hanging onto each and every one would require a dedicated storage room, but tossing them doesn't feel right either. Appoint yourself head curator of your household gallery, and consider turning your kids' artwork into a book, transforming it into a stuffed animal, or consolidating multiple pieces into an attractive display.
Portrait of the Artist
Framing collages of kids' art alongside their portraits [2] adds a personal touch to your display.
Turn It Into a Shirt
Follow Tonya Staab's DIY instructions [3] to turn your child's art into a wearable masterpiece!
The Masterworks
We adore these customized pieces from Simply Create Kids [4] ($70). Created in the style of museum or exhibition posters, you simply send in pics of your kids' art and Simply Create Kids handles the rest!
Clip Up the Art
For an industrial look, hang a few horizontal wires and clip up your kids' projects [5] — no matter their shape and size.
Paint Your Own Gallery Space
Painting brightly colored frames [6] onto your wall turns it into a permanent gallery space.
Stick 'Em Up
A package of assorted heart stickers [7] from Tinch Design Studio ($8 for 10) are a sweet way to show your love for smaller works or a budding photog's pics.
Grid It
With a little advance preparation, your child's room becomes a floor-to-ceilng art gallery [8].
Turn It Into a Toy
Child's Own Studio [9] turns lil ones' artwork into lovable, cuddle-able stuffed creatures (from $125).
Put It Under Their Plates
Kids will be happy to sit for a meal with their own personalized placemats [10] ($33). Make these at home with contact paper, take them to your local office store for laminating, or purchase one online, no fuss.
Turn It Into a Photo Book
Photo and digital scrapbooking websites like Blurb [11], Snapfish [12], Paislee Press [13], and Shutterfly [14] have templates to help you make photo books of your child's art and school work. Can't decide what to put in the book? Apps like ArtKive [15] make taking pictures, cataloging, and archiving the work before printing easy.
Make It Into a Functional Key Chain
Love a project so much that you wish it could go with you everywhere? Get it made into a Formia Design custom-made key chain [16] ($99) that's both fun and functional.
Put It on Canvas
Retailers like Costco [17] and CVS [18] will transfer your child's creation to a more permanent material, like canvas, a blanket, or a poster.
Create Fun Figurines
Crayon Creatures [19] ($199) brings life to children's artwork using a 3D printer to make a vibrant sandstone sculpture that can be displayed anywhere in your home or office.
Light Up With Paper Lanterns
Watch your child's face light up after you've turned his work into a paper-bag lantern [20].
Clip It on the Cabinet
I Heart Organizing's method makes use of old cabinets [21]. Simply add a fresh coat of paint and a magnet clip, and you have a stylish frame.
Make It Into a Stuffed Animal
Thanks to Budsies [22] ($79-$149), your child can cuddle with their masterpiece! The company turns tots' illustrations into soft plush toys.
Have it Made Into a Book
Unlike other books of kids artwork, Plum Print [23] does the hard work for you, meaning they take the photos of your kids' artwork (high quality photos) and print it in a book. Just sign up on their site with a $40 deposit and the company sends you a large box with instructions for sending in the work. Fill the box with art, 3D clay projects, or pretty much anything your kids make and the company can photograph it. You can even number the items so they are placed in order. Then, check off if you want the artwork returned to you or not, and send in your box. In a few week's time, your gorgeous book (and the artwork if you request it) arrives at your doorstep and you're ready to enjoy it!
