From the Archives: Kids' Wall Art Gallery

Editor's Note: I first published this post in 2009, and it is one of the most searched/visited posts at the blog. I have added & changed some artwork since then (I'll post an updated photo later) but otherwise it's the same. It's still centered around a fabulous silhouette print of my kids from two years ago. That print was created by the talented Vana Chupp of Le Papier Designs, whom I was so happy to finally meet in person at the National Stationery Show last week. I love how the collection of artwork by the kids "grows" around this silhouette of them at a younger age!

I've curated several exhibitions in my previous life as an art history major/museum professional, but nothing has been more fun than creating a gallery of my children's artwork in their play area off our living room. I'd been meaning to do this for the longest time. While I am not quite Martha Stewart, I am pleased with how it turned out (and how little I spent (note: it's still a work in progress- there are blank spots left on purpose).



And closer up:


This is a portrait that R. made of me when she was four years old:


I centered the kids' artwork around this framed silhouette print of them (based on a photograph I provided), created by Le Papier Studio and price very reasonably at $20 (unframed). I framed it in a 9 x 11" natural wood Ribba frame ($7.99) from Ikea which included a mat.


For the kids' artwork I chose these Nyttja Frames from Ikea in different colors and sizes. A 2-pack of 5 x 7 frames cost just $3.99. I like that the fronts are clear plastic rather than glass; it's safer and more kid-friendly.

I'm very pleased with the results and look forward to adding more artwork!