Novembe 9, 2006

Ever wish you could save and showcase your kid's first masterpieces somewhere besides the fridge? The robot with the bellybutton and extra-long fingers? Those tiny hand and foot prints? Her early portraits of you (looking like an alien, but never mind)? Artist Jennifer Bunt can help.

Bunt, a formally trained silversmith, runs Magic Dog Studio, where she makes jewelry and decorative wall pieces from children's original art. All you do is choose a drawing you love (bold simple sketches work best; finger, hand and foot prints are also good) and send it to her. Size isn't important; Bunt can change the scale to fit her design. Then she cuts the images from sheets of sterling silver and creates sculptural and decorative pieces. Choices include wall hangings, pendants, charms, dog tags, earrings, key chains, even tie tacks and cufflinks (talk about wearing your heart on your sleeve). Especially charming is the Family Necklace, with a different charm for each family member, as created by your kids.

Each piece comes packaged with a card that features a reproduction of the original art, a space for personal messages and information about how the piece was created. It's the perfect personal gift for the upcoming holidays.

You can't keep them little for very long, but you can turn a tiny slice of their childhood into something to hold onto forever. Sure beats that half-finished scrapbook.

Available online at magicdogstudio.com.