Baby Art Ideas

There are many ways to make art.

When a new baby arrives into the family, we want to cherish every moment with her. Before we know it, the baby phase is gone and can be forgotten. There are many ways, however to preserve a moment in time -- a moment that can be relived through art and last a lifetime. Baby art can be practical, museum quality or quirky and can be displayed for all to see. It can be heartwarming and is guaranteed to make a sentimental keepsake.

Photo on Canvas

Capture a moment, turn it into art.

Transform a favorite baby photo into a work of art. Any digital photograph can be printed onto canvas -- for optimal results use a camera capable of more than five mega pixels. Upload your photo to a specialized website and simply pick a size for your canvas. Even with limited computer skills, it is possible to create one. The result will be a hang-able work of art -- a heavy cotton, printed canvas stretched around a wooden frame. A beautiful canvas is guaranteed to be enjoyed for many years and can be handed down as an heirloom.

Plaster of Paris Sculpture

He won't be this tiny for long.

Make an impression of the baby's foot in a plaster of paris solution. Plaster of paris is a calcium-based product that initially is in a thick, liquid form. The baby's foot can safely be dipped into the rapidly hardening solution. When the foot is removed, a plaster duplicate is left. Once dry, the imprints can be framed in a shadow box, leaned against a mantel -- or simply hung on a wall with a decorative ribbon.

Ceramic Tile

Little hands make a beautiful memory.

Use a nontoxic ink pad to coat the baby's palms. Gently press the baby's hands down onto a piece of paper, leaving the hand print. Remember to date the piece before sending it to print. A number of commercial companies will turn these prints into beautiful, keepsake ceramic tiles. They can be bought unframed or framed and ready to hang or use in the kitchen.

Bronzed Baby Shoes

Shoes you will cherish forever

Preserve a pair of tiny baby shoes to remember forever. Any style of shoe in any baby size may be used in this process, which involves coating the shoes in a polished metal. For a more elegant look, the shoes can be mounted on a faux wood base. Use them as a stand-alone sculpture or as practical bookends that lend an artistic flair to the nursery.

References

• ABC Bronzing Co.: Baby Shoe Bronzing
• Encyclopædia Britannica: Plaster of Paris
• Square 1 Art

Resources

• Casting Keepsakes: Clay Handprint & Footprint Impression Keepsake Kits
• Canvas4Life
• Casting Keepsakes: My Little Prints Baby-Safe Ink Pads