Commissioned Portraits

Supplies needed:
• Cleat hangers
• Level
• Measuring tape

How to make it:
1 Commission a painted portrait of your little ones. Artists will interpret ordinary photos using a specified colour palette. It’s surprisingly affordable. (Keep reading for a list of Canadian portraitists.)

How to hang it:
1 Cleat hangers are ideal for large and weighty art pieces that need extra support. Install a cleat in the back of the frame (or have a framing shop do it for you). 2 Use a measuring tape, level and pencil to determine where it should be placed and, with a power drill, fasten the wall cleat to the wall. 3 Simply fit the frame cleat onto the wall cleat.

Create an heirloom by commissioning big portraits that can fill a large wall space. These paintings have a relaxed feel that makes them ideal for a casual dining room or family room. They are a great way to capture the spirit of your children.