The children made these simple photo frames for Daddy’s Birthday. They were simple, quick and inexpensive to make. We added a nice photo of each of them with Daddy and he now has these up at work. These would make great presents kids can make for Christmas or for Father’s Day too (or indeed make a nice Mother’s Day gift to **ahem**)!
I bought the frames a while back in Ikea, they were really cheap, but I am sure the discount shops have these too.
Materials: a simple inexpensive photoframe, acrylic paint (or normal paint + varnish)
1) The children chose their colours. I always try and encourage only 2 primary colours to avoid a big brown smudge. But they actually only asked for Red and Blue (and some white). I removed all the bits that we didn’t want painted (i.e. the “glass”, in our case clear plastic) etc.
2) Let the children paint and let dry. I do love seeing how different the kids paint – I am sure it is age related. Pip Squeak’s painting is very free, with lots of mixing of colours creating new shades. Red Ted’s is very meticulous and he takes great care to get it just “right”.
3) Add the kids’ names and ages on the back.
And finished. They loved painting, I think it is great to have presents kids can make – it teaches children about giving and making an effort rather than then encourage early consumerism.
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If you have been crafty with your kid’s be it at home, in the kitchen or outdoors, please link up!
Becky says
It’s so hard finding presents for Dad, this is a great idea.
Pinkoddy says
What a great idea especially with Christmas coming up.
Thanks for hosting
Red Ted Art says
Agreed Becky, I encourage the children to make as much as possible!!! More presents that kids can make to come!
Two of Everything says
Great idea. I love the concentration on their faces!
Genuine Jenn says
I love this idea we were thinking about this or making a mug for the grandparents 🙂
Red Ted Art says
Or both?! 😉
The Monko says
Hey Maggy, just linked up my knitting nancy skipping rope. I hope its OK that I made the one in the post. I though as it is a craft that can be done by relatively young kids it would still be relevant and others with older kids than my three year old might like to try it.
Red Ted Art says
Of course it is ok!! Anything with and for kids is great!!! And great idea to make a skipping rope!!!!
Mary says
It looked great fun and so much better to receive something made by the children than something shop bought, and so simple too.
Mummy..Mummy..MUM!! says
What a great idea Maggy. Definitely one we will try . x
Bethany @ No Twiddle Twaddle says
lol. I wish I had read this post back in the Spring when I had the kids make canvases for the house. Of course, yes, my preschooler made a nice big brown smudge. But usually he is the one who won’t even try to do a project so I thought it was sweet that he painted so many colors even though it didn’t turn out the perfect color. Well, now I will know what to do different!
Red Ted Art says
Thanks Mummy Mummy Mum!
And yes, Bethany, yes, we are VERY familiar with the brown smudge 🙂 and it is sweet how they get so excited!!
Isil says
Great idea!
Capture by Lucy says
Love these, got a little photo frame idea I’m working on too, inspired by my grandparents! I love getting the children excited abut photos xx
Red Ted Art says
Oooh would love to see what you make!
Mums make lists (@mumsmakelists) says
Very timely – am planning feet & hand prints as well as photos for various Christmas presents and these will be a great touch.
JDaniel4's Mom says
What a wonderful way to frame pictures! You can create so many wonderful on them.
Jason says
Hi,
I’m such a big fan of your blog and ideas, that I’ve nominated/awarded you the Versatile Blogger Award. My post is up, so go and read about me, my choices, and how you can award this to others:
http://www.easypreschoolcraft.blogspot.jp
Jason
Red Ted Art says
Awe thanks, how sweet!
Rebecca says
That’s a lovely idea. Ibex they loved doing it too.
Thanks for linking to the Sunday showcase.
Chris at Thinly Spread says
I love these, I bought the IKEA frames a long time ago and the kids have made them for a number of years, it’s lovely to see how their designs change with the passing of time! Thanks for linking to Festive Friday, this is a lovely addition! x
Genny @ In Lieu of Preschool says
Thanks for sharing on Tuesday Tots! I LOVE kid-made gift ideas!! I am featuring your post this week on In Lieu of Preschool: http://www.inlieuofpreschool.com/2012/11/christmas-is-coming-ten-great-activities-to-get-you-ready-for-the-holidays.html Please feel free to stop by and grab a featured button. Off to pin!! 🙂
Red Ted Art says
Awe very much appreciated. Thank you!
Only Best For Baby says
Your children are so gorgeous and I love the look of concentration on their faces. It’s interesting to see how their approach is different.
I’ve just introduced my baby to painting and she loves to mix the paint and use a paintbrush in each hand! You can see her painting here – http://onlybestforbaby.com/blog/2012/12/painting-fun/
Gisele says
Spot on, thanks for the info!