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    Colorful Striped Kids Art

    May 25, 2012 |

    These abstract paintings look like something I would buy, but I didn’t buy them. Nor did I lift a paintbrush.

    I had a hard time titling this post, mostly because I didn’t want you to see the word “kid” and think that it was art that only a mom or grandma could love. But I have to give them credit!

    image

    My kids LOVE to paint. When I go to paint something, I usually hear “where’s my paint?” I’ll usually get out their color wonder stuff, watercolors, or convince them that they want crayons, and let them draw something on paper and that’s it.

    But if I’m trying to inject color into my home and create pieces that speak to us, that we love, why not include them in the fun? Why not let them help me create artwork for our home?

    IMG_6725

    Supplies Needed:

    painters’ tape in varying widths (I used 1 ½ inch and ½ inch)
    paint (I use and prefer Martha Stewart craft paint!)
    paintbrushes
    blank canvas
    a kid (not pictured below)

    IMG_6727

    First first, if you find your canvas at Goodwill, you might want to paint it white. These just weren’t my style. (Sorry, high school kid who painted them.) I gave ‘em a few coats of glossy white.

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    Next, tape off the edges of your canvas. I wanted a crisp look, almost like the artwork had a mat.

    IMG_6728

    Next, add your stripes. You could have a specific pattern, or mix it up. I liked using tapes of different widths.

    IMG_6716

    let your tape stripes sit on the outside tape instead of wrapping them, it was much easier to pull off

    IMG_6717

    Here’s the key to making kids’ art fit your home: only give them colors that YOU want in a piece of art. They won’t mind, and your piece will look a little bit more refined and match your color scheme.

    IMG_6725

    Next, let them paint. Don’t tell them what colors and where, let THEM do it! Trust me, trust them.

    Use it as an exercise to color inside the lines for older kids, or just tell them to paint over them. Don’t worry about unpainted white space.

    IMG_6726

    IMG_6733

    When they’re done, peel off the tape while the paint is still wet. Let dry.

    IMG_6746

    IMG_6736

    I was thinking these would go in their room, but now I’m not so sure! I love how they look and want to show ‘em off in the rest of the house!

    IMG_6742

    Nice job, kids! I’m gonna put you to work more often...

    click here for other projects that put your kids to work your kids can help with!

     

    Have you let your kids help with your décor?

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sue D.

      October 16, 2012 at 1:52 pm

      This is such a great idea. Pretty sure the grandson need to make one for me (and maybe one for his mom). Thanks for sharing.

    2. Anna-Leigh

      October 03, 2012 at 5:39 pm

      So cool! I'm definitely going to try this with my girlie!

    3. Jenn/Rook No. 17

      June 02, 2012 at 2:52 am

      This is such a wonderful project to do with kids! It creates both special memories, and a beautiful work of art. Pinning this idea!

      Jenn

    4. Khayle

      May 31, 2012 at 3:01 pm

      Wow! This is a fantastic idea.. By little boy will surely enjoy this activity.

    5. Emily

      May 29, 2012 at 5:06 pm

      Cute! Good tip on you choosing the color scheme but letting them have free reign over where to paint each color.

    6. Erin @ DIY On the Cheap

      May 29, 2012 at 6:11 pm

      Great idea! My kids would love this.

    7. Laura

      May 29, 2012 at 8:35 am

      Pin the silk to the frame, pulling it taut and paint a few stripes of alternate colors at least 1" wide of each color.

    8. AshleyD

      May 28, 2012 at 9:25 pm

      Very cool! I need more wall space in my house! I think I am going to try this for kids room decor as well. Now off to GoodWill to find some canvas! 🙂 Oh, and when I am painting outside, brush or spray, I give my kids a real paintbrush and a bucket of water. They "paint" on the concrete. I don't have to clean up and they get to make a mess. Everyone is happy!

    9. nest of posies

      May 27, 2012 at 9:52 pm

      i can't wait to try this for Summer! we are already out of school.
      my oldest loves to paint, so this will be a fun project!

      thanks so much!
      kellie

    10. Lana @ ilovemy5kids

      May 27, 2012 at 7:26 pm

      I love ANY craft that will inspire my kids! 🙂

    11. Sharon @ Parents of a Dozen

      May 26, 2012 at 12:58 pm

      They did a great job. What an awesome idea! I usually keep my children's artwork on the refrigerator for a while and then it goes in the trash. Now your children will be very proud to have it displayed for a long time.

    12. Summer Dahlia @ tiny hands, big ideas

      May 26, 2012 at 3:10 am

      I LOVE doing canvases with kids - I've done them as preschool fundraisers for years. You lay out the steps in the tutorial really clearly, as well as how to give the kid total control while creating something that looks nice to grownups, too.

      This really communicates how easy and rewarding this project is!

    13. April @ illistyle

      May 25, 2012 at 7:40 pm

      Love em! I love that you have to remind us all to let go of control and let the kids paint with the colors they want. ha! Thank you, I need that reminder sometimes 🙂 My little one sees me creating all the time and "wants to be like mommy," which translates to crayon iguana on the bathroom wall, colored pencil abstract over my bed, and playdough on the front door. I do not know how these things happen... I swear I supervise this child.

    14. Megan

      May 25, 2012 at 6:55 pm

      I love the way they turned out. I think they should go in the living room. They are amazing! Kid work on canvas has long been on my list.

    15. Tiaras & Tantrums

      May 25, 2012 at 6:36 pm

      sounds like a perfect kid activity!

    16. Lisa

      May 25, 2012 at 4:16 pm

      That is soo cool!

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    Hi, I'm Ann Marie. I want to help you find peace in your home through simplifying your life, taking on small projects, and learning to find your style. Learn more about this site and why I started it...

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