How to encourage your child to create art

For Christmas our nephew gave us this great magnet version of his artwork. A child’s mind is so uninhibited, creative, and expressive that it should be nurtured, embraced and shared. By reinforcing that ability, I believe one can build confidence and self-esteem.

Recently I discovered web sites that let you preserve the creativity of kids (& adults) by creating one of a kind products. All you have to do is take a digital photo of your child’s masterpiece, crop it in your photo editing program, and then upload it to a site that enables you to create a product. Just think how proud your child will be when he/she sees his/her art on your kitchen wall or on your coffee mug. Here are a few sites that I have been considering:

• artToRemember.com
  This is the organizationt that my nephew used to create the magnet. From the site: “Art to Remember has the perfect school fundraising program to make raising money for your school fun and easy! We turn students’ original artwork from classroom lessons into high-quality keepsakes, giving kids a sense of accomplishment while raising money for their school.” Keepsake products include note cards, tote bags, ceramic tiles, t-shirts and of course magents.
• imagekind
  Transform your child’s art into masterpieces with a variety of printing techniques such as fine art print and print on canvas. imageKind also provides an option to create greeting cards.
• Qoop
  Create prints, calendars, mugs, stickers and more with your child’s art.
• Moo
  Create MiniCards, holiday cards, stickers, and post cards. Just take a photo of your child’s work, upload to Moo and your on your way to creating a one of a kind product.
• tiny prints
  Upload your child’s artwork to create cards, invitations, and party favors. 
• Zazzle
  Release your child’s inner Matisse by letting her/him use Zazzle to create T-shirts, skateboards, tennis shoes, and much more.
• Got mac? Use iPhoto to create books, cards and calendars with images of your child’s art.

 If you have had any experience with any of these or with other sites, let me know.  I am interested in hearing what people have created and what they thought about the service.