I'm trucking along in the playroom for the New Year New Room Refresh hosted by Stephanie at Casa Watkins Living. This week, the idea was to share a DIY project, piece of art or something that would inspire each one of you to replicate it in your own home. I'm taking that idea and kinda running with it today by sharing some inspiration, tips and tricks for creating a Kid's Art Gallery Wall.
We are half-way through the school year over here! Piles and piles of artwork have made their wayĀ home and some, unfortunately (or fortunately?!), gets stuffed very quietly into the trash can. We can't keep it all and I know you guys can't either. Months and months ago, my blogging friend Cassie, encouraged me to create a gallery wall filled with Greyson's art. She mentioned that her kiddo's (they are a bit older than Greyson) really enjoyed having their art displayed. So, with that in mind, I started thinking about ways to display art and where/how to display it.
I've rounded up a few ideas for hanging art in an easy way and wanted to share them with you.
via Making It In The Mountains
How simple and fun is that playroom? I think the casual way each piece of art is clipped in is a nod to a fun and vibrant space. I think you could recreate this look very inexensively and, also, in whatever style that you have. For example: my playroom has wood walls; so, if I was doing this, my boards would be white.
I think this would be simple to make out of scrap wood but if you had to buy wood, it would be an under $20 project. You can't beat that!
via Cassie Bustamante
I think the wood sign is such a fun feature ofĀ this wall. Cassie mentioned that the wall grows as each "Special" piece is created. I LOVE that idea. I think that sometimes the need to have something completed overshadows what we are creating in the first place.
Greyson (my little) for example would feel much more proud of each piece if I was adding a frame to the gallery wall when that special piece was created.
via DIY On the Cheap
If you have kids at home or have kids that create special pieces all the time, then you will probably love this idea. The cost is extremely low and you can constantly update the wall as new creations are being done. I love the grid pattern with the clipboards as well.
You want to know the main thing that I took away from these three images? To let the space that houses your artwork be fun, creative and imperfectly perfect. Does that make sense?
I think sometimes, spaces that reflect us and our families aren't beautiful in the strictest sense. Yet, they are beautiful when you see how ourĀ lives and our interests play out in that space.
So, without further adieu, where's my Kid's Art Gallery Wall:
Is it more minimal that you expected?
I really am trying hard to focus on less and how to make less work with my style and our home.
Everytime Greyson brings home a new piece of art, together we can decide if it's a piece for the art wall.
*A Tip for the gallery wall pieces that are unusual sizes (like all of this artwork): buy a larger frame and flip the insert of the frame over (the piece that says what size the frame is or the one that has a photograph on it). Use that piece as a fake mat. It will save you bunches!
I really like the idea of the wall organically growing over time.
Oh, look up at the previous picture. See the new light?! We had that one in our storage room and, although it's not what I would pick if I was going shopping... it's so much better than the fan. This room is always one of our coldest rooms so we for-sure didn't need a fan and especially didn't need one when it didn't have a light on it.
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Make sure to stop by and see all the other projects being shared for this challenge today.
Casa Watkins Living // A Designer At Home // Bigger Than The Three Of Us // Domicile 37 // Fresh Crush // Iris Nacole // Monica Wants It // Pocketful of Posies // Seeking Lavender Lane // Sharon Joyce Interiors // This Is Our Bliss // Up To Date Interiors // Vintage Romance Style
Also, a special thank you to the sponsor's of this challenge.
I love this round-up. The clip board idea is pretty genius - I might have to use that one. But I think I like your gallery wall best of all! Less is definintely more in this case - it's super cute. And I'm thoroughly impressed with the artwork - my boy's interests definitely lie in other areas - the most I'd get from him is a line drawing and he's done. Hoping my daughter is more into it as she gets a bit bigger!
Thanks Lizzie! I really like the clipboard idea too! If my kiddo was younger, then I'd definitely do that one. I bet your daughter will!
i love how it looks and love the reindeer! i have a very similar one we bring out every christmas- a reindeer that emmy did and a snowman that sawyer did. they make me smile every time i get them out for the holiday! thank you for the shout out!
The reindeer is my favorite. I kinda love the idea of bringing them out at Christmas too, though. Of course, you gave me the fab idea. Thanks girl!
It looks fantastic Ashley! It is more minimal but it definitely goes with the space. Can't wait to see it all.
Thanks Stephanie! I'm trying to be ok with it being a work-in-progress.
Aww I love this idea! We have been house hunting and looking for a house where we can have a kid space, this would be perfect or when we have one. I'll have to save this idea for later.
Thanks Deb! I like Cassie's idea of doing it in a hallway too!
Yes! I love the idea of incorporating kids art into our home decor! It's always so colourful and sometimes with the right matte it can look downright sophisticated! Great round-up!
Totally agree, thanks Jen.
So cute! I love the idea of using my kiddo's art to decorate the walls! I may have to find a fun place in my house for something like this!
Pinning!
Cat
Thanks Cat and you totally should.
So cute! The frames and art work definitely add that pop of color to your space! I like how it looks against the paneling. Great job and you have one talented little boy.
Awwww, thanks! I'll tell him you said so.
Aww, man it looks so good in there! Love the gallery wall and the white against the paneling. Also noticed the new light before you said something--it looks great.
I think the paneling definitely needed something on top! Thanks Sharon!
This is great, Ashley! Plus you'll never get bored and always have fresh art to put in there. I'm sure your son will love seeing his stuff on the wall. š
EXACTLY, thanks Monica!
You're so right...its impossible to keep all the artwork! And now that I have my 2 year old in "school", the amount of artwork instantly doubled each day starting last fall. Maybe I will have to rework my playroom design this final week and try to incorporate some of their masterpieces! Your wall is awesome! š
Yes!! I keep thinking the artwork may slow down but so far, it just keeps coming.
It looks so good! I love the minimalist and the white frames and chair with the wood paneling. It's so cozy but sleek too!
Thanks Kathryn. I think the paneling definitely needed something to help break it up and the white frames do just that. Plus, they are so affordable at Ikea.
Okay, your kid's art is really good! And your suggestion for using the larger frames and using the paper as faux mat- mind blown! We use the clipboard technique but I'm not hating Cassie's framed kids art!
Haha, I'll tell him you said so. He has his daddy's talent not his mommy's. lol Oh yes, I'm pretty cheap on some things and the white paper totally works.