Skateboards have always been more than just a means of transportation. From the hand-painted graphics of the early 1970s to the iconic deck art that has transformed skateboarding into one of the world's most visually rich subcultures, the skateboard has long served as a canvas as much as a vehicle. That's why we were absolutely thrilled to collaborate with Cockney Green, a brilliant arts community based in London, for a creative partnership that brought this concept to life for a whole new generation.
About Cockney Green
Led by the immensely talented Kathryn McGuinness, Cockney Green is a freelance arts collective that believes in the power of paint. From graffiti workshops at the legendary Leake Street Tunnel in London to school programmes, community murals, and corporate team-building experiences, Kathryn and her team provide hands-on, inclusive, and truly unforgettable creative experiences for all ages and abilities. They are DBS-checked, fully insured, and led by a qualified art teacher, making them the ideal partner for a children's creative event.
The Collaboration: Painting Skateboards with Kids
We provided Cockney Green with a selection of plain, blank skateboard decks — the perfect empty canvas. A group of children then took hold of them and painted them with their own unique designs, transforming each skateboard into a one-of-a-kind piece of art.
Kathryn, who led the session, shared with us:
"The children had an amazing day and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Some of the kids brought their own boards to skate as well. Some will turn theirs into coat hooks, shelves, and other creative ideas."
It's that last part that we particularly love. These aren't just painted skateboards; they're keepsakes. Something each child crafted with their own hands, which they can take home, hang on their bedroom wall, upcycle into skateboard shelves, repurpose as coat hooks, or simply display as a piece of skateboard wall art that holds personal significance for them.
Why Skateboards Make the Perfect Creative Medium
We know what you might be thinking — aren't skateboards meant for skating? Of course they are! But the skateboard deck has a rich creative history that extends far beyond the skatepark. Skateboard deck art is a legitimate and celebrated art form, and there's something particularly special about the shape and size of a board that makes it an excellent canvas.
Here's why painting on a skateboard stands out from the usual colouring sheets and craft paper:
They're tactile and exciting. There's something immediately cool about holding a real skateboard deck. For children especially, it transforms an art session into something that feels genuinely special.
They're durable keepsakes. Unlike a sheet of paper that gets folded, torn, or lost, a painted skateboard deck is sturdy and long-lasting. These kids have created something they can keep for years.
They're incredibly versatile as skateboard home decor. A beautifully painted skateboard deck looks fantastic mounted on a wall, used as a floating shelf, repurposed as a quirky coat hook rack, or even displayed on a mantelpiece. Skateboard wall art has become a hugely popular interior design trend — and for good reason.
They bridge creativity and skate culture. Skateboarding and art have always been intertwined. By painting their own boards, children connect with that tradition in a meaningful, tangible way.
Skateboard Decks as Home Decor: A Growing Trend
If you're reading this and wondering what to do with a blank skateboard, you're not alone. Painted skateboard decks are increasingly popular as pieces of skateboard wall art and home accessories. Here are just a few ideas for how to use a decorated skateboard deck around the home:
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Hang it on the wall as a statement piece of skateboard art
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Install it as a floating shelf — skateboard shelves are a stylish and functional way to display books, plants, or ornaments
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Mount several boards together to create a gallery wall of skateboard deck art
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Repurpose it as a coat hook rack with hooks attached to the underside
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Use it as a display stand for trophies, figures, or collectibles
The possibilities are truly endless, and that's what makes blank skateboard decks such a fantastic craft resource.
Shop Blank Skateboards at SkateHut
Inspired by what Cockney Green and these brilliant kids created? Whether you're a school, a community group, an after-school club, or a parent looking for a creative weekend project, blank skateboard decks are a fantastic art and craft supply.
At SkateHut, we offer a wide range of blank skateboard decks in various sizes, perfect for painting and customising. Pair them with some acrylic paints and a coat of varnish to seal your design, and you'll have a unique, personalised piece of skateboard art that will last for years.
A massive thank you to Kathryn and the entire Cockney Green crew for creating such an amazing day, and to every child who grabbed a brush and crafted something uniquely theirs. This is precisely the type of partnership we cherish — one that embraces creativity, community, and the endlessly inspiring realm of skateboarding.
Interested in learning more about Cockney Green's workshops, community activities, and graffiti experiences? Visit www.cockneygreen.com to discover everything they have to offer.
Searching for blank skateboard decks or skateboarding gear? Visit our skateboard range to browse everything you need.