NOTICE

Our website is currently in a testing phase.
We are accepting creator registrations and artwork submissions, but
you may notice a few rough edges while we refine the platform.
We are currently not, however, accepting any sales or purchases.Please bear with us, and feel free to share any feedback on the materials or suggestions on how we can make the registration and submission processes
easier, faster, and more enjoyable.Your input helps us build a better experience for everyone!

START EXPLORING A WORLD OF CREATIVITY, COLOURS AND FUN

Christen was only seven when she announced to her parents:
“I’m going to publish my own book!”Her parents weren’t even surprised. She’d already run a lemonade stand,
sold cupcakes, and delivered ice creams around the neighbourhood like
a tiny business boss. So of course she wanted to make a book next!What started as a small family project quickly grew into something much
bigger - and way more exciting. Christen didn’t just want a book
made for her…she wanted to make it herself!So she wrote her own story, drew all the pictures, and even added a mini craft activity. The result? 'Precious the Cat’ - a book filled with creativity, colour, and
the imagination of a kid who simply decided to go for it.And that’s how Christen and Friends was born.This is a place for young creators - ages 6 to 17 - who love to write, draw, build, paint, snap fotos, invent things, or dream up anything at all. Here, your ideas matter. Your imagination matters. And everything you create
deserves a chance to be seen, enjoyed, and celebrated.With the help of parents, guardians, family, and friends cheering them on, kids can share their creative adventures with the world...just like Christen did.If you can imagine it, you can make it - and we can’t wait to see what you create!

Welcome to the Art Wall - the brightest, boldest, most imagination-powered
space at Christen and Friends!
Every drawing, doodle, craft, story, photo, scribble, splash of colour, and spark of creativity you see here was made with courage, effort, and tons of heart.This is where brave ideas come to play, goofy themes come to life, and colourful creations get their moment to shine. Big art, tiny art, wild art, neat art - it all belongs here, and it all makes this wall awesome.So take a look around…choose your favourites…and keep creating.
Because when kids make art, the world gets brighter - one masterpiece at a time.

THEME OF THE MONTH

Get ready for sunshine, splashing fun, and bright ideas - because this month is all about Summer! Think beach days, juicy ice lollies, pool adventures, watermelon smiles, sunsets, sunglasses, sizzling braais, holiday fun, and everything that makes summer feel magical.Send in your summery drawings, crafts, fotos, paintings, or stories -anything that shows what YOUR summer looks like. Big, small, silly, sparkly…every creation adds a little more sunshine to our Summer gallery!Come back all month long to explore what other young creators are making. You might even spot something that inspires your next bright idea!

THIS MONTH'S THEME IS...

CREATIVE MAP

Every awesome adventure needs a starting point - and this is yours!The Creative Map is your fun, easy guide to everything
you can do on Christen and Friends.Whether you’re here to create, explore, support, or just enjoy amazing kid-made ideas, these bright buttons help you zip straight to where you want to go.Ready? Click around and see what you can discover!

Choose your starting point:

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

We love creativity - and that
includes creative ideas for
making this platform even better!
Whether you’re a Creator, a Parent or Guardian, or a Supporter, your suggestions help us grow, improve, and
keep the fun going.
So pop your ideas - big, small,
or wonderfully wild - into our Suggestion Box.Creators: please ask your Parent or Guardian
to share your suggestions for you.

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

Creator's Guide for Young Creators

Welcome to Christen and Friends - your happy place for BIG ideas!
This is where you can imagine, build, draw, write, paint, snap fotos, craft, and
share your awesome creations with the world. If you love making
things, you’re in the right place!

What You Can Create

You get to choose what kind of creative magic you want to make - and you
can try as many as you like!
Books - Write your own stories, poems, picture books, mini-magazines - and
add your own drawings too.
Drawings - Sketch, doodle, design, or illustrate on paper, canvas, or a digital screen. Posters and collages count too!
Crafts - Build, stick, fold, shape, or decorate using materials you find at home - clay models, origami, beadwork, recycled crafts, you name it!
Fotos - Use your camera or phone to capture cool moments, pets, people, nature,
or anything that tells a fun story.
Paintings - Paint with brushes, fingers, or digital tools - anything from bright
splashes of colour to detailed art.
Every creative piece is welcome - big, small, simple, or super detailed!

How It Works

When you send us your creation, the Christen and Friends
team takes a careful look at it.Some creations will be added to our galleries so people can buy or download them. Others will appear for a short time on our colourful Art Wall,
where every effort gets celebrated!And if your creation doesn’t go into a gallery - no stress! Every single piece you send helps you grow your skills and shine brighter next time.

Theme of the Month

Each month we pick a brand-new theme - like Summer, Birthdays,
Friendship, or Super Adventures!If you make something that matches the theme, it can be
shown in our special themed gallery.Come back every month to see what everyone else made…and maybe
get inspired for your next masterpiece!

Keep It Original

Your creations must come from YOU - your imagination, your hands, your ideas.No copying, no AI…just your own awesomeness!That’s what makes Christen and Friends special.

Work Together with Your Parents or Guardians

Before you send your creation, ask your Parents or Guardians to help. They’ll fill out a short permission form and help you upload your work safely.They can also read the Creator’s Guide for Parents and Guardians to
understand exactly how everything works.

Most of All - Have Fun!

Christen and Friends is a place for joy, creativity, and big dreams. Whether your work lands in a gallery, appears on the Art Wall, or is something you made just because…you’re part of something amazing.So keep imagining! Keep creating!
And keep having fun - the world is waiting to see what you’ll make next!

How to Send Us Your Creative Works -
The Fun, Easy Way!

Step 1: Register First
Before any creations blast off toward Christen and Friends, your Parents or Guardians need to fill in and sign the Creator Registration Form. It’s super quick and makes sure you can share your awesome ideas safely.Step 2: Create Something Wonderful
Now the fun part - make your masterpiece! Draw a dragon, paint a sunset, snap a cool photo, build a craft, or write the next great storybook. Each type of creation has a few simple rules, so ask your Parents or Guardians to peek at the submission requirements with you before you send anything in.Step 3: Send It In
When your creation is ready to shine, your Parents or Guardians will help you fill in and sign the Creative Works Submission Form and send your work safely to us. Easy-peasy!Step 4: We Review Every Creation
Once we receive your masterpiece, our team looks at it with care and excitement. We’re checking for creativity, originality, and effort - not perfection. (Perfect is boring anyway!)Step 5: Wait for the News
After reviewing your creation, we’ll email your Parents or Guardians with the results. If your work is added to a gallery or shows up on the Art Wall, we’ll tell them exactly where you can spot it online - so you can show everyone!Remember!
Every creation matters! Every idea counts!
And every artist (that’s YOU!) gets better by trying.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 required to use aliases rather than first or full 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
Creative Works 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 category gallery for download or sale, every child’s work is valued.Those not listed 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.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.

INFORMATION VIDEO GALLERY

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; their age group; title; a brief description; and the option to download or purchase the creative work.To explore, simply click on the gallery links below and enjoy
the creativity on display!

FORMS

Everything you need starts here — whether you’re joining us or taking a break!
This section includes all the important forms for being part of Christen and Friends. Each form is simple, clear, and completed with the help of a Parent or Guardian.If you’re signing up, submitting creations, or deciding to step away for now, just choose the form you need, fill it in, and you’re all set.No matter what you choose, we’re glad you were here - and you’re always welcome to return whenever you’re ready to create again!

POLICIES

Clear guidelines that keep everyone safe, respectful, and original
Our policies explain how Christen and Friends protects children, supports creativity, and makes sure every creation shared on the platform is safe, appropriate, and truly made by young creators. They also help Parents, Guardians, and Supporters understand how the platform works, what we expect from every participant, and what to do if they ever choose to withdraw their child from taking part. Whether you’re joining, participating, or stepping away, these guidelines are here to keep the experience clear, safe, and positive for everyone.

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, 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 or Guardians only).
- Required Parental or Guardian consent for all participation.
- Use of aliases instead of first or full 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 or Guardian. A young creator must first be registered before any creations can be submitted.
2. Creator Submission Form – completed and signed by a Parent or Guardian for each submission. This is to ensure that the submission has the Parent or Guardian's consent and that the work complies with originality/content guidelines.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, for example:
- Creativity & Originality
- Effort & Care
- Presentation & NeatnessParents or Guardians will be notified of the outcome.17. Will all creations be displayed?All submissions are reviewed. Some may be listed for download or sale in a category gallery while others may be published temporarily on 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 or Guardians can choose to subscribe for access to (when available):
- bonus content
- special offers
- occasional discounts
- extra creative resources
- etc.Children 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 or 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 Creative Works Submission Form, completed and signed by the Parent or 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.