Artist Paints Infant Medical Helmets Into Joyful Works Of Art
Corrective helmets are used to help treat children with lasting flat spots on their heads to help reshape their skulls. This condition is known as flat-head syndrome and it affects about 10% of infants. Luckily, the effects of the condition are completely reversible if it is diagnosed and treated before the skull has fully hardened.
The corrective helmets used for treatment are generally plain-looking, with most being made of a strong, white plastic. However, artist Paula Strawn had other ideas and decided to decorate them instead. Her incredible painted helmets have now been worn by thousands of smiling children.
It's Not Just About Making Things Pretty...
Strawn started painting the helmets to help change the perception around them. On her Facebook page, she explains: "I believe a fun and friendly design is an attitude changer for parents, family, friends, and anyone who comes in contact with baby. Instead of pitying or worried looks, you will have people saying "oh how cute!"
She further explains that the painted helmets create a good icebreaker for parents to comfortably discuss flat-head syndrome.
Artist Paula Strawn Has Been At This For 14 Years
Although she only started her Facebook page for her service in 2011, Strawn has been in the business for 14 years and has now painted over 3000 helmets!
She gets helmets shipped to her from all over the U.S. on a daily basis. She only uses water-based, non-toxic, kid-friendly paints for her art.
The Designs Can Be Anything The Parents Want
While Strawn has a few very popular designs amongst her clients, she also does custom designs. Parents can ask for a customization of a previous design in order to personalize the helmet, such as adding the baby's name.
Strawn also allows parents to ask for new designs that she hasn't done before, as long as customers present photos or links for her to base the design off of.
...And Your Kid Can Have A Smaller Helmet For Their Little Friend
Strawn also takes requests to make smaller identical helmets that can fit onto the heads of a doll, so that the infant can have a pal that looks just like them! These smaller helmet-wearing buddies help to normalize the wearing a helmet for kids, and give them a partner they can show off their cool designs with.
She Really Takes Helmets From A Hassle To Happiness
Most importantly, these helmets remind kids that they are capable of anything and that their condition does not hold them back or stop them from looking cool as heck, all while engaging their imagination.
It just goes to show that a little bit of paint can go a long way and create a whole lot of smiles in the process.
