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Charline Cormier-Pellerin

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I admit it. The décor in my home wouldn't meet the standards of most interior decorators. I love art and possess a fine collection, even though most collectors wouldn't recognize any of the pieces. The pieces that adorn my walls are mostly done by four local artists who haven't yet been discovered by anyone but me. They are my children. And yes, I am biased.

I firmly believe that there's no reason why my walls need to be covered by gallery art, as beautiful as it is. With young children running rampant in my mid-sized home, I would worry all the time. Without a doubt, concern for such an investment would cause stress. Cheap art alternatives can be just as lovely and unique, especially if you let your children create them.

The possibilities are endless and all you really need is a willing child, because as nice as their drawings are on the kitchen fridge, they're even nicer on the walls.

One way to turn your children's work into a piece of art is to laminate or frame it. If you plan to do this, start off by having the children make a picture. Make certain that they have access to white computer paper and their choice of crayons, markers, pens, etc. Encourage them to only draw on one side for this project and then make certain to carefully collect each piece once it is finished. Once the drawings are done, look them over and choose your favorite.

Taking this idea one step further, have the children draw on something that you have already added words to with the computer. For example, print off paper with your child's name and date of birth typed at the bottom, and have your child make a foot print or hand print using paint. Once it has dried, laminate.

You can even glue school pictures onto a corner of the drawings so as to reflect what the artist looked like when it was created. Surprisingly enough, lamination is fairly inexpensive. An 8-1/2 in. x 11 in. drawing can be laminated for less than $15. Most frames cost more than that.

Another great idea is to purchase a canvass (the type that can be hung as is), give the children paint brushes and paint and let them create a masterpiece (under your supervision, of course). This can be placed on the wall as soon as it is dry.

Not only is this art affordable, it makes for great conversational pieces and it boosts your child's self-esteem. After all, who is to say that your child won't grow up to be famous one day and skyrocket the value of those pieces through the roof.

* Charline Cormier-Pellerin, Moncton resident and mother of four children, writes a regular column on parenting and its many adventures for This Week.