We're starting to get a stock pile of art around here and I'm trying to find more ways to display it.  As a creative myself, I think it's really important to foster that imaginative side in my children.  I've never struggled with being artistic, but I have battled with anxiety in showing my work.  I get really snippy and judgmental on myself, my own worse critic.  I hope that by showcasing all of their art, even their "unfinished" pieces, my children will learn to appreciate art for art's sake and not the final perfect product.


And while I'm really drawn to bright colors, I also have a strong need for white and neutral in my surroundings.  In a house with two little kids, I'm learning to embrace both.  The sunroom/playroom in our new house really is the perfect spot to let this side run loose.  You may remember a few weeks ago when I showed you some major updates we had made in the space.  I am still really happy with how the front section, visible from the dining room, turned out .  The blue sofa and loveseat are so cozy and functional for reading or hanging out and always look really nice from the passing view.  I  was still working on getting the second half of the room, the toy section shaped up.


I hung a long piece of twine against the whole back wall secured with a nail at each end and one in the middle for support.  Clothespins allow for a really functional and colorful art display.  Last fall I framed two of my favorite pieces Wells painted and I've moved them to the narrow strip of wall above the white sofa.  Those are more permanent creations while the art strung on the clothesline is meant to be seasonal with new art rotated in constantly.



How do you display your kids art?  I know a few people who mentioned some cool frames at Target that let you easily slide a new picture in when you're ready for a change.  That would make such a pretty and organized display.  A friend of mine also hung long pieces of wood trim and secured clothes pins to that with a glue gun.  I love the merge between a grid and free-flowing.

Also, do you have a system for what stays, even short term, and what goes secretly into the trash?  At this age, I'm looking to keep things they bring home from school on display for about a year.  I'll probably only keep the things with their hand prints or extra special creations longer.  Anything seasonal gets stored away with the holiday decorations.  I think it's cool to bring out old art with each new holiday.  The daily scribbles or water colored pages last about a week around here.  What do you do?