Art Work Frame

Encourage parents to put their child’s work on display. Each child’s creations can be changed behind the frame.

Play up the hype about the frame being special—take the time to wrap it and present it as a gift.

Project supplies:

· Cardboard – ask parents if they have a source

· Utility knives, saw, etc -to cut the cardboard STAFF ONLY ACTIVITY!!!

· Glue, or other adhesive products—want a safe for kid use product but something strong enough to hold the decorator items.

· Magnets to allow frame to attach to appliances, metal doors and surfaces.

· Photo Corners- (optional) these can be added to the back of the frame to slip the corners of the artwork into—can also use a piece of tape to secure the artwork in place or let the frame just trap the paper in place. (cut off 4 corners of an envelope and glue in place to create your own photo corners)

· Decorator items-put your creativity in motion and let children likewise add their talents. Possible items, stickers, yarn, fabric scraps, various papers, wall paper scraps, buttons, ribbons, pictures, catalogs, dried nature items…

· Markers, paints, …

Every frame will look unique—it they look alike that means the students did not have the support to experience the process—

Creating:

1. Cut the cardboard to a manageable frame size—width of the frame is a matter of choice. The inside dimensions of the frame should be slightly less than the paper size. To use an 8 ½ x 11 piece of paper— make the opening 7 ½ x 10 inches. (Adjust opening to fit the size of the paper used in your program) This will be a time consuming step of the project. (This would be an ideal project for a parent or volunteer to do.)

2. Let the children create!

Use words with caution: The frame at times could be used in either the portrait or landscape positions.

3. After the children have completed their work, staff can apply the magnets to the back of the frame. Consider how many magnets will hold the frame and artwork up and where the magnets will best be placed —you do not want them to interfere with attaching the art piece. Be sure to use a strong adhesive—keep in mind, magnets are dangerous when ingested. If you want to avoid magnet use play with the frame idea and create a stand-up frame that can display the children’s creations.

4. Make a dramatic presentation of the frames to parents. Revisit the frame idea in the future suggesting they replace the original or previous piece with THIS piece of art.

—-see our “keeper box” idea for another project

Note to share with families: Print this on an index card or a paper tag and tie it with a ribbon or yarn to the frame.

I made this frame for you.
My work is VERY Special!
Please display my artwork
behind this frame.
I will bring home many new creations.
Please change them and keep those that have special meaning.

Love
(child’s name)

Note for your newsletter or a letter to share with this project.

Dear Parent

Your child has made this project as a frame to display their “work”. Exploring art allows children to develop skills and learn.

Art experiences allow children to:
· be creative,
· use motor skills,
· feel different textures
· engage in conversation
· express feelings
· learn concepts.

As new projects are sent home replace previous pieces with new ones. There will be projects that you will want to keep.

_____ (student’s name) ________ Teacher, _____ (your name) _______________