Pop art

Ever wondered what to do with the masses of artwork your kids bring home from preschool or kindy? 

Christall Lowe (with the help of her four-year-old boy), created the fabulous "pop art" for her wall. She tells you how:

1. Use a large, framed, second hand picture. Remove any glass, give the frame and print surface a good clean. Paint the front, sides and entire frame with one coat of primer, and two coats of a colour of your choice. I used an acrylic paint in Resene Rice Cake. 

2. Cut out an 8cm x 8cm piece of stiff card to use as a template. Lie the template over selected parts of the pieces of art and, using a utility knife, cut around it. You can write the date of the artwork on some of the squares to add to the sense of history.

3. Once you have enough, lie them out on a piece of white backing board. You can try mixing up different colours and styles for a fun, eclectic look, or group similar colours together.  Measure the white space around the board to create an  effective border. 

4. Use PVA glue or Super 77 spray adhesive to secure patchwork squares to the board, making sure all edges and bumps are pressed down securely. You may need to place a heavy weight on some squares that may already be warped, to ensure a nice smooth finish.

5. Once the glue is dry you can spray lightly with an artist fixative, or a matt artist varnish to help preserve the precious artwork.

6. Hang in a prominent place in your house for that extra special wow factor! 

Photography: Christall Lowe