Get The Look: Children’s Artwork Collages

When your child brings home a new piece of artwork, there are no words to describe just how proud you are. However, after those pieces begin to pile up it’s a little difficult to figure out how to display each and every one of them. Don’t think you have to hire a professional.

Of course the easiest way to achieve this look is to actually commission a collage piece from Jan Eleni (who made the one pictured) — but if you’re anything like me, there isn’t an extra $950 begging to be used on art. So, it’s time to get creative and deconstruct the process and get your hands dirty!

You can easily recreate this expensive look for relatively cheap and very easy in your own home. Heck — even while the little one is down for a nap.

Things You’ll Need:
• Your child’s artwork
• Scanner: most printers come with a built-in scanner but smaller, portable options can be purchased at any major retailer or online.
• Photo-editing software: there are free versions online if you don’t already have Photoshop.
• White drame: I personally recommend the white RIBBA frames from IKEA. This frame comes with paper and a matte.
• Glue

Scan each piece of artwork onto the computer. In your photo-editing software, create a blank sheet that is the size of the frame. Once each piece of artwork has been uploaded into Photoshop (or any other photo-editing software) you can begin to edit their size. You’ll want to make each identical in size (in proportion to how many pieces of art you’re using and the size of your frame). Evenly space them and lay them out exactly how you want them to look in the final product — this will be your guide when you’re actually glueing them to the paper that you will later frame. Print each newly sized piece of artwork (print as many on one sheet as possible to conserve paper), cut them out and begin glueing them to the paper that came with the frame (or, you can easily purchase a more durable piece from a print shop).

Frame the piece as usual and you’ll be surprised at just how easy the process was and how beautiful the outcome is! Personalized artwork doesn’t have to cost you thousands of dollars!

(Image: 1. Jan Eleni, 2. as linked above)