Best Ways to Frame Kids' Artwork

Select a Frame

Bring the artwork to the store, be it a finger painting from pre-school or a simple crayon drawing created at the kitchen table one rainy afternoon. This way you will pick a frame that fits the artwork and avoid having to trim off any crucial elements of the mini-masterpiece. The frame should allow the artwork to shine, so the best frame will be a simple one. If the artwork is an odd size, pick a frame with a matte so that the artwork can be placed behind it, obscuring any gaps between the piece and the frame. Allow your child to sign and date the artwork before framing it if he or she would like.

Select a Location

Allow your child to help you decide where the artwork will be displayed. Try the family room, playroom, study, child's bedroom or hallway. Prominent placement of your child's artwork will show your child that you value it and are proud to display it for family and friends. However, if your child wants to hang the artwork in a formal dining room, you may want to redirect him! Just be sure to hang the artwork high enough that your child cannot pull it down on himself.

Creative Ideas

A bulletin board is a great way to display everyday creations. The fridge can also serve as a temporary frame. Putting the artwork on a calendar, mug or t-shirt also arms your little one with a great gift for grandparents.

More than anything, keep in mind that you are dealing with kids' artwork, so it should suit the playful and fun nature of the child and the artwork! This may be the perfect opportunity to use colorful mattes and frames you otherwise wouldn't use for professional or traditional artwork. The project should be fun, with the main goal of long term enjoyment of the artwork.