Being a grandparent opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Because of this, I wanted to embrace it to the fullest, not only enjoying every moment loving on my grandchildren but also making memories that they would grow up and cherish, too.
I was fortunate enough to have my grandmother live with us during my early years so I developed a loving relationship with her right from the beginning.
In today’s mobile society many grandparents live thousands of miles away, myself included, making it more difficult to develop those relationships or make lasting memories.
Affiliate links included for convenience in making your own memory wall.
How to create a unique art wall for kids’ and grandkids’ drawings
Most of us have typically displayed our children’s artwork and schoolwork proudly on the refrigerator door. In a recent visit by my granddaughter (who lives 1,700 miles away), I asked her if she would draw a picture that I could put up to remind me of her visit and our time together.
In her exuberance to please, many pictures where drawn and before long I had a whole wall of beautiful artwork proudly displayed in a small dining area.
The pictures stayed up for several weeks after she left and I kept trying to decide what I could do that might encourage her to continue to send pictures and make her feel a special part of our home when she is so many miles away. That’s when we came up with the idea of a true art wall and thus it began to take shape.
What you’ll need to make a picture frame art wall
- Various empty picture frames
- Decorative twine
- Tape (optional)
- Miniature clothespins
- Precious, hand-drawn pictures 😉
I scoured around the house for old picture frames of different sizes and shapes and supplemented with a rustic frame from the Brimfield flea market when I got to visit in person a few months later.
My other grandchildren live close by and they frequently bring pictures of their artwork. But now with the use of picture frames, all the grandchildren can proudly display their work in a prominent place that is not hidden or cluttered as it might have been when on the refrigerator.
With the different size frames I can display multiple pictures and rearrange them according to size and orientation. The use of miniature clothespins (especially the chalkboard variety) allows me to easily identify each child’s drawing with their name or initials.
To further encourage those grandchildren who live further away, I started a grandparent / grandchild pen pal system and wait to see what artwork arrives in the mail!
What you need to know when hanging a picture frame art wall
- Some pictures I just use tape because if I choose to change the orientation from horizontal to vertical, it then changes the twine needs.
- You can attach twine to the back of the picture frame with upholstery staples or even just super glue. Just be sure to make it taught enough to support the weight of the mini clip + picture.
- Various size frames can accommodate cards, larger sheets of paper, and more.
- All of my grandkids really love the special art wall we have created for them and love bringing over or sending pictures to put up on it!
- Add your last name or custom lettering above the frames to personalize it if you wish!
More ideas
Teresa is Kara’s own mother! Professionally, she is a retired National Board Certified Elementary Physical Education Teacher. She is now the grandma to 5 beautiful babies and is the planner and coordinator of games and activities for the toddlers, preschoolers, and young kids at her church.
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