The Frames UK Guide To Framing Kids Art

The Frames UK Guide to Framing Kids Art

The kids are back at school (hooray) and already your home is beginning to be covered in paper. If you have a budding artist on your hands then Frames UK is here to help. Instead of cluttering up your fridge door or filling your drawers with their creations, you can finally give their masterpieces the attention they so deserve. 

Use any of our made to measure picture frames for their artwork, and you can not only create a really personal feeling in your home, or wonderful gifts for family and friends but you will also sleep better knowing your child knows how proud you are of them and the work they have produced.

To help you get started with framing your kid's artwork, we’ve pulled together some top tips – so carry on reading to get the best out of our advice:

Tip One: Go with your gut

The hardest part about framing your child's art is probably deciding where exactly you are going to hang It. Kids can generate huge masses of art on a daily basis, meaning it typically ends up in a massive pile somewhere. Try and go through the pile every couple of months, and pull out your favourites to store in a box (and discretely get rid of the rest). Then at the end of the year go through all the pieces that you have saved, and if there are any that really make your heart swell – these are the pieces you should get framed. 

You simply can’t frame all of it – so go with the pieces that you really love. 

Tip two: Get the whole family involved

 Let your children work with you to pick the pieces they want to frame – and get them involved in the framing process as well. Here at Frames we offer lots of classic, simple frames that you really can’t go wrong with, so be brave and let your child help you pick the frame style and colour and the mat colour as well – you might be surprised.

Tip three: Make it interactive

You don’t always have to put glazing in your frame – if your child’s artwork is interactive then make sure you can get to it to experience the insteractiveness. Framing pieces that are a little bit unusual, in an unusual way – such as without glass, means that you can add a touch of fun and whimsy to whichever room you hang it in. 

Tip four: Make your own gallery wall

You don’t have to frame and hang individual pieces on their own to make a statement – you can hang three or four pieces in the same theme or made using the same medium – and hang them all together to create a diptych or triptych to showcase your child’s artistic talents at their best.

Tip five: Mix your child’s art up

If you already have a gallery wall then you can add your child’s art to that, rather than creating a separate display. In fact, mixing it with other mediums and textures can be a fun way to incorporate these special pieces in a way that feels both organic and unique.

It will really create a focal point in your home.

How to help your child be more creative

If you’re looking at all of this and thinking your child doesn’t produce enough artwork for you to frame, then there are ways you can encourage them to create more:

Tip One: Create them a special workspace

Select a spot in your home where they can make a “mess” - find a table and cover it. If it’s warm, you could even let them work outside. Don’t put them off by saying “but don’t make a mess” - this can be really discouraging for a child. In fact, making a mess can often be the first stage in the creative process.

Tip two: Gather art materials together

If you have the space, get some storage and designate an area where you are going to keep their art supplies all together. You can start with basic materials such as paper, drawing pencils, crayons, markers, pastels, paint (make sure its washable), scissors, glue, rubbers and rulers. You may even want to throw in some sketch books as well – as they are a great way to encourage your child to draw. If your child is older, they may prefer to use acrylic paints – but you don’t have to start off with a large set, buy small but buy good quality and then you can always invest more if they develop a talent for it.

Tip three: Share examples of art to inspire them

It is important to expose your child to different art forms in order to inspire them – so try and get hold of library books or postcard size reproductions of famous art from different time periods and cultures. Calendars are also another great source of inspiration – you can take them apart and keep them in a file which your child can refer to again and again. 

Tip Four: Talk about art

When they do start to create art, make sure you encourage them by talking to them about what they are creating – why they chose the colours they did and what they were trying to express – rather than just saying “what is it?” Look for progress in skills and techniques – and always try to be encouraging.

Tip Five: Have fun

Encouraging your child to be more creative in the art they produce doesn’t always have to be about doing something directly related to art. There are lots of fun activities you can do that will encourage them to be more creative – singing and dancing included! You can also help your child to be more aware of the art around them by talking to them about details such as colours, shapes, patterns, lines and textures – share your reactions to everyday things and encourage your child to share theirs. 

However, your child decides to express their creativity and however you choose to display it – here at Frames we have all the picture frames you need to add a touch of style to your home.