START EXPLORING A WORLD OF CREATIVITY, COLOURS AND FUN

Christen and Friends is an online platform celebrating the imagination, originality, and talents of school-age children - from six to seventeen years old.The idea began when Christen, then only seven, announced that she wanted to become a published author and sell her own book online.Her parents weren’t surprised - she had already run a lemonade stand, sold cupcakes, and delivered ice creams door-to-door. Always full of ideas, Christen was determined to turn her creativity into something real.At first, the goal was simple: to publish a book based on her own
story ideas and illustrations.But her parents soon realised it would be far more meaningful for Christen to write and illustrate it herself, with their support and encouragement
along the way.Christen poured her creativity into the project - writing the story, illustrating every page, and even designing a small craft activity to include in the book.The result was Precious the Cat - a delightful story brought to life through
her own words and art.Wanting to share the experience and inspire others, Christen and her parents
created Christen and Friends - a place where children can write, craft, draw, paint, photograph and publish their own creative works for others to enjoy.Here, creativity is celebrated, imagination is encouraged, and every child - supported by parents, guardians, family and friends - can proudly share their
creative journey with the world.

At Christen and Friends, we believe every creative effort deserves to be
seen and celebrated.Not every submission can appear in the main showcase but the Art Wall gives all young creators the chance to share their imagination with the world.Each drawing, painting, photograph, story, or craft project represents courage, effort, and heart - and this space honours that.Updated regularly, the Art Wall ensures that every child, in time, gets their moment to shine. Because creativity grows best when it’s encouraged,
supported, and proudly shared.

THEME OF THE MONTH

Every month at Christen and Friends, we celebrate a new theme that inspires our young creators to imagine, design, and share their best work!The Theme of the Month brings together a mix of creative works - all centered around one creative idea, like Spring, Valentine’s Day, Birthdays, or Teachers.Each themed gallery is a celebration of creativity and storytelling, showing how every child sees the world in their own unique way. Whether it’s built, drawn, painted, photographed, or written - every piece adds its own spark of imagination.Come back every month to see what’s new, explore the creativity of others, and maybe even find inspiration for your next creation!

THIS MONTH'S THEME IS...

CREATIVE MAP

Every great creation needs a place to start - and this is yours!The Creative Map is your simple, one-stop way to explore the exciting world of Christen and Friends. Whether you’re a young Creator, a Parent or Guardian, a Supporter, or just someone who just loves seeing children’s creativity come to life, these visual links help you find exactly
where you want to go.

Choose where you’d like to start your journey:

Choose which documents or information you'd like to access:

CREATORS

Dear Friends,Welcome to the Christen and Friends website! This is our special place to be imaginative, creative, and proud of what we make - from books, crafts, and drawings to photos and paintings. I hope this website inspires you to share your own original ideas and to enjoy seeing what others create too.Most of all, I hope this is a place where we can have fun together! I can’t wait to see all of your amazing creations and to share them here on our website.Your friend,Christen

This is a summary of the Creator’s Guide for Young Creators - available as a download, it's a simple, easy, step-by-step guide to being a young Creator - helping you create
safely and confidently while having lots of fun!

Creator's Guide for Young Creators

Christen and Friends is your place to imagine, create, and share your amazing ideas with the world. Here, you can show your talents through books, crafts, drawings, fotos and paintings - all while having fun!

What You Can Create

There are different types of creations you can share:Books - books you’ve written and illustrated yourself e.g. storybooks,
poems, picture books, or mini-magazines.
Crafts - creative handmade items using different materials e.g. beadwork,
clay models, origami, recycled crafts, or DIY decorations.
Drawings - anything you draw, sketch, or design - on paper, canvas, or
digitally e.g. drawings, digital illustrations, posters, or collages.
Fotos - your own photos that tell a story, capture beauty, or show
something interesting e.g. nature photos, pets, or people.
Paintings - anything you paint - on paper, canvas, or digitally e.g. paintings,
posters, or collages.You can choose just one - or try them all!

How It Works

When you send in your creation, the Christen and Friends team
will carefully review it.
Some creations will be listed for download and/or sale in the galleries. Others will appear on our Art Wall - a special place to celebrate everyone’s efforts!
Even if your work doesn’t get listed in a gallery right away, don’t worry. Every creation is truly valued and helps you grow as an artist!

Theme of the Month

Each month we feature a new Theme of the Month - like
Spring, Birthdays, or Friendship.
Create something that fits the theme and join in the fun!
It’s a great way to share your creativity and be part of something together.

Keep It Original

Your creations should come from you - your ideas, drawings, stories.
No AI, no copying - just your own creativity!
That’s what makes Christen and Friends special.

Work Together with Your Parents or Guardians

Before you send us your creation, ask your Parents or Guardians to help.
They’ll fill out a short permission form and make sure everything’s sent safely.
They can also read the Creator's Guide for Parents and Guardians to learn how the process works.

Most of All - Have Fun!

Remember: Christen and Friends is all about being creative, learning
new things, and having fun!
Whether your work is listed in a gallery, displayed on the Art Wall, or made just for joy - you’re part of something awesome.Keep creating. Keep dreaming. Keep having fun.

This is a summary of the submission process which is the simple way you send your creations to
Christen and Friends so they can be checked, approved, and - if everything is ready - added to
the website for everyone to enjoy!

How to Send Us Your Creation

Here’s how you can share your amazing work with Christen and Friends.Step 1: Register First
Before you send anything, your Parents or Guardians need to fill in and
sign the Creator Registration Form.
This form gives you permission to join and share your work safely on our website.Step 2: Create Something Wonderful
Now it’s time to make your creation!
You can draw, paint, craft, take photos, or write your own book.
Each type of creation has its own simple rules and listing guidelines, so make sure your parents help you check those before sending it in.Step 3: Send It In
When you’re ready, your Parents or Guardians will help you fill in and sign the Creation Submission Form and send your creation safely to us.Step 4: We Review Every Creation
Once you’ve sent your creation, our team will review it very carefully.
We look for creativity, originality, and effort - not perfection!Step 5: Wait for the News
After we’ve reviewed your work, we’ll email your Parents or Guardians to let them
know how it went.
If your work is listed in a gallery or shown on the Art Wall, we’ll also tell them where you can see it online!Remember!
Every creation matters. Every effort counts.
Keep making. Keep dreaming. Keep having fun.

PARENTS & GUARDIANS

Dear Parents and Guardians,Welcome to the Christen and Friends website - an online space created to celebrate the imagination and creativity of children everywhere.Encouraging young creators - this platform is all about nurturing creativity, originality, and confidence in children aged 6 to 17. While some of their work may be sold, our main goal is to inspire young creators to explore their ideas and proudly share them with others.Sharing and having fun - at its heart, Christen and Friends is a place for children to express themselves, connect, and enjoy the creative process together - not to chase perfection, but to have fun!Originality matters most - each creation should reflect the child’s own imagination - even if it’s a little rough around the edges! Parents and Guardians are encouraged to offer guidance, depending on each child’s age and needs. Our Originality Policy and Participation Matrix offer simple tips on how to balance support with independence.Keeping it safe and child-friendly - we’re committed to publishing only content that is safe, age-appropriate, and respectful. Parental consent is required for all submissions, and children are encouraged to use aliases rather than real names. More details can be found in our Child Safety and Content and Material policies.Looking ahead - we can’t wait to see and share your children’s wonderful creations alongside Christen's - each one a reflection of the joy and imagination this project was built to inspire.Warm regards,Jeff & Chrizelda
(Christen's parents)

This is a summary of the Creator’s Guide for Parents and Guardians - a simple, step-by-step handbook, available as a download, that explains how your child can safely and successfully
take part in Christen and Friends.

Creators' Guide for Parents & Guardians

Step 1. Registering a Creator
Before your child can share their creations, you’ll need to complete, sign and submit
the Creator Registration Form.
This ensures your consent and provides us with the information needed to protect
your child’s privacy and safety online.Step 2. Preparing Creations
Creators can submit work in any of a number of categories - books, crafts, drawings, fotos, paintings - each with its own simple set of specifications.
You’re encouraged to assist your child where appropriate for their age, but the focus should always remain on their own ideas and originality.Step 3. Submitting Creations
Each creation must be submitted together with a Creation Submission Form
completed and signed by you.
This form authorises the submission, confirms originality, and allows us to
publish the work if approved.Step 4: Evaluation
All submissions are reviewed by the Christen and Friends team to ensure they meet the platform’s content, originality, and quality guidelines.
While not all submissions will be listed in a gallery, every child’s work is valued.
Those not listed immediately may be featured on the Art Wall - a space celebrating creativity and effort.Step 5. Notification
You’ll receive an email notification once your child’s submission has been evaluated.
If listed or displayed, you’ll be sent a direct link to view their work online.Step 6. Staying Involved
We encourage Parents and Guardians to stay engaged in their child’s creative journey.
Explore new Themes of the Month, help them refine their ideas, and celebrate their progress together.

SUPPORTERS

Dear Supporters,As Christen’s parents, we created this platform to celebrate the imagination and creativity of children everywhere.Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where young creators can explore ideas, express themselves, and share their work with others.Thank you for visiting and for supporting this growing community of young dreamers, makers, and storytellers.Your support helps inspire every child to keep creating - and to have fun while doing it!Warm regards,Jeff & Chrizelda
(Christen's Parents)

This is a summary of the Creator’s Guide for Supporters - a simple handbook that explains how the platform works. Available as a download, it offers a clear picture of the buying process, along with the child-safety and privacy measures in place. It also emphasises how your purchases, and positive feedback help grow each child’s confidence and creative journey.

Creator's Guide for Supporters

Christen and Friends allows you to explore, appreciate, and support the
creative work of children aged 6 to 17.All listed items - books, crafts, drawings, fotos and paintings - are created by the children themselves and reflect their unique ideas, effort, and imagination.Supporters can browse the Art Wall to see featured creations, visit category listings to view available works, and use the purchase or download links to obtain copies directly from each listing.Some creations are available for free, while others may be sold at a modest price, helping the children experience the joy of earning from their own creativity.Please remember that these are children’s creations, not professional works!Their charm lies in their honesty, originality, and growth. Your support encourages them to keep learning, creating, and sharing.

GALLERIES

Welcome to the Christen and Friends galleries - a collection of creativity
from children aged 6 to 17!Here you’ll find listings of original books, crafts, drawings, fotos, and paintings, all created and shared by our talented young Creators.Each category has its own special gallery showcasing their
imagination, ideas, and effort.Each listing includes the Creator's alias or first name; their age group; a short creative description; and the option to download or purchase the the work.To explore, simply click on the gallery links below and enjoy
the creativity on display!

FORMS

Everything you need to take part starts here.
This section includes the essential forms for joining Christen and Friends and submitting creations. Each form is simple, clear, and must be completed with the help of a Parent or Guardian. Just choose the form you need, fill it in, and you’re ready to begin your creative journey.

POLICIES

Clear guidelines that keep everyone safe, respectful, and original.
Our policies explain how Christen and Friends protects children, supports creativity, and ensures that all creations shared on the platform are safe, appropriate, and truly the work of young creators. These policies help Parents, Guardians, and Supporters understand how the platform operates and what we expect from every participant.

DOCUMENTS

Helpful guides for Creators, Parents, Guardians, and Supporters.
This section provides easy-to-read documents that explain how, for example, to create and submit work, how creations are evaluated, and how to set up payments. Each document offers practical guidance to make participation simple, safe, and enjoyable.

CONTACT US

Please reach out to the Christen and Friends team. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

General Questions
For any general enquiries about how the platform works.
Email: [email protected]Creator Registration Help
If you need assistance completing or submitting the Creator Registration Form.
Email: [email protected]Submission Support
For help with uploading or preparing your child’s creation for submission.
Email: [email protected]Payment or Payout Queries
Questions about supporter payments, creator payouts, fees, or payment setup.
Email: [email protected]Content or Policy Questions
If you are unsure whether certain content meets our Policies or Originality requirements.
Email: [email protected]Technical Issues
For troubleshooting login problems, broken links, or site-related issues.
Email: [email protected]

Important: Creators may not contact us directly. For safety, all communication must be handled by Parents or Guardians on behalf of Creators.

FAQs

ABOUT THE PLATFORM1. What is Christen and Friends?Christen and Friends is an online creativity platform where children aged 6-17 can showcase their original creations - from drawings and crafts to photos and storybooks - in a safe, positive, child-friendly space.2. Who can participate as a Creator?Any child between 6 and 17 years old may participate, as long as their Parent or Guardian completes and signs the required forms.3. What can Supporters do on the platform?Supporters can view, admire, purchase, and/or download children’s creations. Their support directly encourages young creativity.

CHILD SAFETY4. How does the platform keep children safe?Christen and Friends follows a strict Child Safety Policy aligned with South African legislation. Safety measures include:
- No direct contact with children (Parents/Guardians only).
- Required Parental/Guardian consent for all participation.
- Recommended use of aliases instead of real names.
- Strict content and material rules.5. Can children contact the platform directly?No. All communication must come through a Parent or Guardian.

ORIGINALITY AND CREATIVITY RULES6. Why is originality so important?The platform exists to celebrate children’s own creativity, not edited, automated, or borrowed ideas. Every creation must be genuinely child-made.7. Can children use Canva, Kittl, InDesign, or similar tools?Yes, for layout, design, and publishing of their own original content only.These tools may not be used to create or imagine artwork.8. Can children use stock images from websites like Pixabay or Pexels?No. Stock images, clip art, pre-made graphics, and downloaded elements are not allowed.9. Can children use AI tools (like ChatGPT, Midjourney, DALL·E, or Firefly)?No. AI may not be used in any stage of the creative process, including for ideas, writing, images, editing, or design.10. Can children use digital drawing apps?Yes, if they draw every line themselves (e.g. Freeform, Procreate, Sketchbook).No templates, no auto-generators.

CATEGORIES AND GALLERIES11. What kinds of creations can children submit?Creators may submit:
- Illustrations (drawings, paintings, digital hand-drawn art)
- Crafts (handmade items, including sculpture)
- Fotos (child-taken photographs only)
- Storybooks (child-written and illustrated ebooks)12. What is the “Theme of the Month”?Each month has a fun creative theme. Creators can choose to make something inspired by that theme in any category. Submissions that follow the theme appear in the special Theme of the Month Gallery.13. How do I view the galleries?Simply choose a gallery from the list on the webpage and click to enter. No account or login is required.

FORMS AND SUBMISSIONS14. What forms must be completed?Two forms are required:1. Creator Registration Form – completed and signed by a Parent/Guardian.
2. Creator Submission Form – completed and signed by a Parent/Guardian for each submission.15. What are the Submission Requirements?Each category has specific guidelines (file types, size, photos of crafts, etc.).
A full checklist is provided in the Submission Requirements Document.16. How are creations evaluated?Creations are assessed using a simple, child-friendly Evaluation Form focusing on:
- originality
- effort
- creativity
- presentation
- suitability and safetyParents/Guardians will be notified of the outcome.17. Will all creations be displayed?All submissions are reviewed. Some may be listed for download and/or sale in a gallery, and others may appear later in the Art Wall for everyone to admire.

PAYMENTS AND EARNINGS18. How do Supporters pay for creations?Supporters can pay using PayPal or PayFast through Christen and Friends’ secure payment links.19. How do Creators get paid?Parents/Guardians will first need to set-up their own payment link with either PayPal or PayFast. A full Payment Setup Guide is available.Payments are then made to the Parent/Guardian by Christen and Friends after:
- deducting a 10% platform commission, and
- the fees charged by PayPal or PayFast.20. Who receives the money from sales?All earnings are paid to the Parent or Guardian, not to the child.

SUBSCRIPTIONS21. What is the Subscription Option?Parents/Guardians can choose to subscribe for access to (when available):
- bonus content
- special offers
- occasional discounts
- extra creative resourcesChildren cannot subscribe directly.

SUPPORT AND CONTACT22. How can we contact Christen and Friends?Only Parents and Guardians may contact us.A list of contact reasons and email addresses is provided on the Contact Us page.23. What if there’s a problem with a purchase or download?Parents/Guardians can email the support team, who will assist promptly.

TECHNICAL AND WEBSITE QUESTIONS24. Do we need an account to view galleries?No. Everything is publicly browsable.25. Can we submit directly through the website?No. All submissions are made using the Creator Submission Form, completed and signed by the Parent/Guardian.26. What file types can we upload?File guidelines are provided in the Submission Requirements document.Common examples: JPG/PNG for images, PDF for storybooks.