Eight Ways to Use Your Kids' Artwork

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“No, I’m not a hoarder. I just feel too guilty throwing out my kids’ artwork.” Sound familiar? That’s what I want to tell people when they see the piles of Flash’s art. And I keep telling myself that when I’m at the life stage where I’m unknowingly dying my hair blue, I will thank myself for saving these masterpieces. So parents, here are eight things you can make with your child’s art.

1. Mugs

Instead of a hand print or portrait, try a drawing with a cute or funny quote. I created this mug, on zazzle.com, with Flash’s drawing of a car. I liked the myriad of font options. Want a pop of color? You can have the inside or the handle colored. Zazzle also has a lot of other objects you can personalize. A tote bag could be very cute as well.

2. Frames

Framing your child’s art and hanging it like it’s worth more than your kidney can look very cool. Take it a step further and have it printed onto a canvas. I Love My Kids Art can do this for you. Check out their cute gallery below. You could make a wall of framed and canvas art in the playroom or your child’s bedroom

3. Design Fabric or Wrapping Paper

I think I could spend all day, everyday on Spoonflower. You can design your own fabric, wall paper, wrapping paper, or gift wrap. I wish I knew how to sew because I would LOVE to make things out of fabric I design. Here is wrapping paper with an artichoke drawing.

4. Design Thank You Cards

How cute would it be to get a thank you card with an adorable drawing from a child? I used Tiny Prints. You could also try using art for invitations and holiday cards.

5. Make Art Books

Snapfish or Mix Book are two sites that allow you to create an album with your images. Snapfish is more affordable, but I think Mix Book’s quality is better. You can see some of the background options available on Mix Book.

6. Dining Room Art

The first time I’ve seen kids’ art in a dining room was at my mother-in-law’s house. Her kitchen table has glass over it, so she places her grandkids’ art underneath it. It results in a nice, big collage.

7. Place Mats

Need place mats for the kids? Have their art laminated! You can use it as mats for play-doh, painting, or eating.

8. Ornaments

I don’t know many parents or grandparents who wouldn’t love a personalized ornament, and with the holidays coming up I think it could make for a thoughtful gift. Cut up those small art images and frame with pasta, buttons, ribbons, a frame, or wherever your creativity takes you.