Kids' Artwork Pendant DIY

Easy DIY jewelry is fun to create and 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 Mother's Day gift.

How to Make a Children's Artwork Pendant

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

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 frame. (Rebecca Cooper has some great tips for photographing children's art. Read them on Simple As That.) For printing, I love this Hammermill Bright White copy paper. The colors print true and clear, which I love when working with copies of my children's art. I use a Canon Laser Printer for at-home printing projects.

Supplies Needed for Children's Art Necklaces

• 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 jewelry frame.)
• Jump Rings

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

Assembling Your Kids' Artwork Pendant

Trim your child's artwork to fit the frame. The frames I chose 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.

These 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. The artwork slides in from the side. These frames do not open.

A rectangular bezel or Podgeable acrylic 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 making gifts from children's art:

• 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 printed 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.)

I'd love to see what you come up with.

If you enjoyed this project, you might also like my other Mother's Day projects.

Thanks for stopping by today!


This project was originally shared on The Shabby Creek Cottage, April 20, 2015.