Turn Your Child’s Artwork into a Decorative Keepsake Box
If your child is ready to hold a tiny paintbrush and take part in simple crafts, turning their paintings into a decorative keepsake box is a fun, approachable project. This easy DIY works just as well if you want to use adult-made art, decorative gift wrap, or patterned wallpaper instead of a child’s painting—no kids required. It’s a great way to display beloved artwork instead of tucking it away in a drawer.
We began by looking through the paintings Clara had made at school to pick a favorite. She loves painting and chose the colorful piece with yellow, orange, and red tones. Picking a single favorite or combining several smaller pieces can both look great depending on the size of your box and the artwork.
For materials, we used a lightweight wooden craft box purchased at JoAnn (they’re often available at Michaels as well), washi tape, basic craft glue or double-sided tape, paint for the box base, and Mod Podge to seal the finished piece. Start by setting the art face down and placing the box lid over it, also face down. Trim the paper corners so they meet the lid’s corners cleanly—this makes wrapping the painting around the lid much easier and neater.
Wrap the painting around the lid like a present, smoothing the paper as you go. Use washi tape to secure the interior seams and corners; the tape adds a decorative touch while holding everything in place. I used patterned washi tape that complemented Clara’s painting, but plain tape works fine if you prefer a seamless wrap-around look.
Repeat the wrapping process for each side of the box, trimming and fitting the paper carefully so the edges line up. The goal is to make the artwork look integrated with the box so it reads as a finished decorative object rather than just paper taped on.
If you like a framed look, run a strip of washi tape around the edge of the lid. I loved the contrast the tape created against Clara’s painting, but if you prefer the art to wrap cleanly around the lid, skip the border and let the paper extend fully to the edges.
Clara enjoyed helping with the next part: painting the bottom of the box. She painted the base red and loved being involved in that stage. For best results, apply a couple of thin coats of acrylic paint, allowing adequate drying time between layers. We used the drying breaks to play and get dressed, which kept the process light and enjoyable.
Once the paint was fully dry, Clara also helped apply Mod Podge to seal the top of the box and protect her artwork. A thin, even coat of Mod Podge will secure the paper and give the surface a durable, slightly glossy finish. Let the sealer dry completely before using the box for keepsakes.
There are three simple steps that made this a kid-friendly project: creating the artwork, painting the box base, and applying the sealer. Those are the parts children can safely help with, while adults handle precision tasks like trimming the paper and securing it neatly onto the lid.
The finished keepsake box is cheerful and personal—perfect for storing small mementos or giving as a handmade gift. I love having Clara’s artwork on display instead of boxed away, and it’s a simple way to incorporate children’s creations into your home decor. Clara’s teacher noted that when she paints she often steps back to look at her work, then adds a little more—an adorable habit I’m proud to watch. She’s my little Van Gogh, and projects like this give her art the attention it deserves.