This handmade Peruvian poncho was a gift my sister-in-law brought back years ago, and I eagerly waited until Clara was big enough to wear it. She wore it often, and it even appeared on the cover of a local magazine for its festive colors. Lately, though, Clara has outgrown it, and rather than tuck it away, we decided to preserve it and make it part of her room décor.
We had an acrylic frame that belonged to John’s mom—an inexpensive box-style frame with a white cardboard insert. It had been sitting in our playroom for over a year with an old grade-school painting tucked inside. The frame was light and simple, and once John and I inspected the back of the art we realized the faded charcoal construction paper would make an excellent neutral background for the poncho. It was dark enough to ground the piece while still letting the bright poncho stand out, and it also complemented the navy curtains and other accents in the room.
The frame itself showed some wear along the sides, so I wrapped the edges with white duct tape to give it a fresh, clean finish. That small update helped the frame look intentional rather than scuffed from storage.
I removed the acrylic top, set the cardboard backing in place, and centered the poncho on top. Sliding the acrylic front back on took a little patience: I learned that pressing too quickly disturbed the poncho’s fringe, leaving it flared and uneven. Working slowly and smoothing the fringe with my fingers as I went ensured the fabric lay naturally once enclosed.
Now the framed poncho hangs above Clara’s play kitchen, to the right of the postcard shelves. Sometimes it reads as a simple, single piece of art on that small wall, and other times it feels a little undersized, so we may add another element nearby for balance. For now it provides a colorful focal point that ties several room accents together, from flash cards on the shelves to a framed print across the room.
Photographing it was a challenge because reflections on the acrylic made close-up shots difficult, but in person the colors are vivid and the texture is beautiful. The framed display highlights the poncho’s handcrafted details while keeping it protected and easy to enjoy every day.
To the right of the closet door we added a set of ceramic animal hooks that were gifted to us during a trip and have become a favorite. The hooks have an elephant and a giraffe—whimsical and sturdy enough to hold small items. Clara is completely enchanted by them and has even named them. We installed the lower hook within her reach so she can hang and retrieve things herself, encouraging a bit of independence and tidiness. The upper hook sits just out of reach for now so we can use it for items we’d rather keep off the floor, such as necklaces or special accessories.
At the moment, the hooks hold a rotating assortment of playful, practical items: a paint chip deck that Clara likes to carry around, hair bows clipped to ribbon, and a few belts or stretchy necklaces. The combination of function and charm fits the room’s playful tone while giving every item a place.
We still have a few projects on the to-do list for Clara’s room—new sheets, crown molding, and some refinishing or painting of the dresser are next on our list. We also plan to add a small homemade piece above the hooks to balance the visual weight of the frame collage across the closet. None of these changes are urgent, but they’ll help the space feel more complete as we continue to shape the room around Clara’s evolving tastes and needs.
Framing the poncho turned what could have been a sad moment—outgrowing a beloved piece—into a lasting display that preserves the memory and craftsmanship of a handmade gift. It’s practical, sentimental, and adds a personal touch to her room that both of us love.