Kids’ Artwork Pendants DIY

Hello again Shabby Creek Readers! I’m Laura from Left on Peninsula Road and I’m back to share an easy jewelry DIY that makes a great keepsake gift for Mother’s Day.

What mom doesn’t love children’s artwork? Especially that done by some of her most favorite people? (I’ll admit I’ve had a hard time parting with any art my children–and nieces and nephews–have made over the years.) This project showcases a favorite piece of art (new or old) and makes a lovely keepsake gift.

First, select some art. Either commission your young artist to create something new or get your prolific Picasso to select something from their overflowing portfolio:) Scan or photograph the artwork so that you can print a small copy to fit your pendant. (Rebecca Cooper has some great tips for photographing children’s art. Read them on Simple As That.)

What You Need:
Jewelry Frame (I found mine at Michael’s.)
Necklace chain or cord
Embellishments such as bead dangles or charms
Scanned or photocopied Children’s Art (Reduced and printed to fit frame.)
Jump Rings

You’ll also need a scissors or paper trimmer. If you use jump rings to attach any of your charms, you’ll want a small pliers handy too.

Trim your artwork to fit the frame. My frames are open on both sides. If your frame has an open back, add a quote or message, child’s name and year, a signature, photo, or a second piece or artwork.

Don’t overlook abstract works and experiment with cropping until you get the look you like. Add some decorative charms or beads to complete the look.

The locket-style jewelry frames I used are the simplest way I’ve found to make these special pendants but there are many other techniques you could try depending on the shape of your artwork and the supplies you have available.

I had a couple of horizontal photo pendants left from another project that worked well too. These have a slit in the side that allow the artwork or photo to slide in.

A rectangular bezel or Podgeable shape and some Mod Podge Dimensional Magic would be a great alternative if you can’t find a jewelry frame that works with the artwork you selected.

If jewelry’s not mom’s thing, try some of these other ideas for using children’s art as gifts:

• Scan or photograph a favorite piece of your child’s artwork and use a photo service like Shutterfly to make a one-of-a-kind coffee mug.
• Order greeting cards or notecards made with the artwork on the front. Tie a stack of cards with ribbon and add a pretty pen. You’ve got a personal stationery set that Grandma will LOVE!
• Frame a favorite original piece in a store-bought frame. If the original is small or odd-sized, try mounting on art or scrapbook paper or even fabric instead of a matte. (Can’t choose just one piece? Try this Children’s Artwork Collage idea from Simple As That blog.)