Chalkboard Art Frames

I miss the days when my children would do artwork. We used have art class where we could finger paint, draw with markers, colored pencils, pastels or even charcoal. 

Those days seem to be gone, and none of my children have maintained that artistic passion. Since I have an art background, this is sad for me. Until they begin producing grandchildren with artistic talent, I still can't give up their art. 

Even though they are all teenagers, and no longer think it's cool to color, I still miss having artwork that I can frame and have around the house. Children's art is so charming, it really helps to make a house a home. 

I decided to bring out some of their old art to decorate with. I am lacking in pictures at the moment, so it seemed like a very cost effective idea. Actually, I have kind of been watching for new artwork that I like, I just don't really care for any of the things out there on the market. I guess I am more of a one of a kind type person. I don't really want to have something hanging in my house that five million other people have. That's just how I am.

I began with these Pottery Barn artwork frames. We have had them for a long time. I love their classic design and simplicity. The back of the frame has a plastic pouch that you can slip artwork into. It's very convenient  you don't have to take the entire back off the frame each time you replace the art. These frames were navy blue, which isn't really my color anymore, so I decided to paint them with Rustoleum chalkboard paint. 

I used some blue painters tape to protect the glass and some disposable foam brushes for the paint. I love those things! They are very inexpensive so I just throw them away when I am finished with them. I have gotten rather lazy in my old age, I know.

I gave each frame two coats. I love the matt dark finish of the chalkboard paint. 

At the same time, I had this silver frame and mat that I had found at the thrift store. I decided to make it part of my chalkboard frame collection. I always hang pictures and group objects for display in odd numbers, 3,5, 7, etc. They seem more interesting this way. Did you know that? Since, I only had two of the Pottery Barn frames so this mat is the third piece in the grouping.

I salvaged the mat by painting it with two coats of the chalkboard paint.

Then I filled my frames with pencil drawings to go with my black and white theme. Then I hung them over my chalkboard wall in the dining room. I am working on an Easter Brunch presentation, I will have the menus and decorating ideas here soon, be sure and check back for the updates!

Pencil is one of my favorite types of art media. Simple and easy to do, I love the look and texture of pencil drawings. Have you seen what they are asking for pencil drawings in the Pottery Barn catalogue lately? It's crazy! 

Have your kids make some for you. Or you can do your own. Either way it will cost you practically nothing. Who ever said adults can't have fun?

Here are a few tips for framing your children's art:

If the colors are dull, you can photocopy the art, and frame the photocopy. This piece is a photocopy of the original:

If your a computer whiz, scan the art into the computer and ramp up the colors in a photo or design program like Picassa or Photoshop.

Use a spray fixative before framing art such as charcoal or pastel drawings to keep them from smearing.

This pastel piece is rather old, but has never smeared because of the spray fixative. It really works.

Don't be afraid to crop the art so it fits better into a standard size frame. It is okay to cut the work down to showcase the best parts of it.

I prefer simple frames. No patterns or fancy designs. Let the art be the focus, not the frame.

If you don't have a lot of storage room, take digital photos of all of your children's art and throw away the originals. I realize this may be hard to do! But, you will still have the memories intact without the clutter!

 Finally, don't forget to have your kids sign and date their work, it's so hard to remember who did what!

If you have some great Easter themed art that your children have done, I would love to see it! Email me a scan or a photo to designermom4@hotmail.com!

Designer Mom