DIY Decorative Child Artwork Display Board
DIY Decorative Child Artwork Display Board. Looking for a way to display this weeks masterpiece? I’ve got you covered, this simple DIY will save your walls from tape and nails while displaying all your kids (or grandkids) crafts.
I never realized the abundance of beautiful creations that would come home with my preschooler each week. For a while, I was taping them to the side of the cabinets, but now those cabinets are going to be painted soon. I needed to come up with a solution to protect my cabinets while also displaying this weeks masterpieces.
This is a simple DIY piece that anyone can make. I chose to make two artwork display boards, one for each girl, stained to match other décor in my home. American Walnut is my go to stain color, this is the same color used on the DIY ruler growth chart hanging on the adjacent wall.
For another DIY décor piece check out this post, DIY Ruler Growth Chart. I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the exact products I use. For full disclosure statement, click here.
Materials
- Sawtooth Hooks
- Stain or paint
- Sealant
- Staple gun / hot glue
- Wood cut to length (36″ was perfect for my walls)
- Twine
- Mini clips
- 1″ x 6″ x 36″ pine common board
Tools
- Saw (there are so few cuts, you can always have the lumber store make the cuts)
- Hammer
- Sander (or sand paper)
- Level
- Pencil
- Painters Tape
Step 1. Find the Perfect Board
For any project, the first step is finding the perfect board. More recently, I have noticed the trouble with boards in my area is that they are warped beyond belief! Personally, I have finding it increasingly difficult to find straight boards the aren’t too knotty. I hope you have better luck.
The Perfect Board…
A good board is one that isn’t warped, knotty, mostly straight, and not split. Furthermore, this could possibly be the most difficult part of the whole project. After you find the perfect board, make cuts as needed.
Step 2. Cut Board(s)
Once the perfect board has been found, decide the length you would like for the space available. I chose to make 2 of these artwork display boards (one for each girl). For easy math and cuts, I purchased a 1″x6″x6′ board and had the lumber store cut it in half (2, 36″ boards). Easy Peezy.
Step 3. Sand
After the board(s) are cut to size, sand each board smooth using 220 grit sand paper going with the grain of the wood. I love this hand sander: Once sanded smooth, wipe dust off with a clean microfiber cloth. You will not want any residue left on the board while painting or staining.
Step 4. Stain or Paint
Stain or paint boards according to manufacturers instructions. For more information on staining wood refer to this post. After stain/ paint has dried for 24+ hours add a protecting sealant, usually a water based polycrylic works well. Let the sealant dry another 24 hours before moving onto step 5.
Step 5. Add Twine and Pins
Once the sealant has dried, it is time to add the clips and twine. Home Depot had mini craft clothes pins, (here are similar ones from Amazon) as well as craft twine in their chalk paint section. These were perfect for this project!
Cut twine the length of the board plus 4 inches (36″ board + 4″ excess =40″ twine for each board). Secure twine at one end end onto the board with painters tape. String on desired amount of pins, (I used 10 each) and attach other end of twine to board using painters tape.
Using painters tape to initially secure twine allows for adjustment of twine and pins before permanently securing to board. I ended up moving my twine up about 1.5″ on either side.
Once the desired look is achieved attach the twine to the back side of the board using a staple gun or hot glue. Nonetheless, either works well and will hold up.
Step 6. Personalize
Here is were you can add a saying, child name, or other verbiage to the sign.
Until the Cricut machine is delivered, the boards will remain blank. However, once delivered, I am going to add “Look what I made” to each sign in a cursive font using adhesive vinyl.
A stencil or paint also add a personal touch, if you are blessed with beautiful penmanship.
Step 7. Hang DIY Artwork Display Board
Last but not least, you will want to add hangers and mount the display boards to the wall.
Once the artwork display board is complete to your liking, hang in a space to show off both your hard work and your little artists. To hang, screw directly into studs, into the wall (with drywall anchors), or add a hanger to the back.
Here I went with two saw tooth hangers at each end of the board. A nail into the wall and hung up the board.
Final Thoughts.
Personally, I love how this DIY child’s artwork display board turned out. It was easier and quicker to make than I anticipated. Once the artwork display boards are hung, my daughters were having fun picking projects to display. Children truly are precious. Hope you find these instructions easy to follow, happy decorating!
I have been loving the look of stained wood décor pieces scattered throughout my house indoor and out. Try using the same color stain or paint to tie together décor. Do you prefer paint or stain for indoor projects? Let me know in the comments section down below.