In school, kids are encouraged to create, draw, color, paint and build. These
activities can certainly stimulate children, and help them grow.
Very often, these masterpieces that your children create are brought home and
proudly displayed. But what do you do when all of the artwork begins to take
over your home? Here are 7 great ideas:
1. FIND THE DIAMONDS. Rather than keeping every single piece of artwork your
child creates, sit down with your child on a regular basis and ask him to
choose the one or two he likes best. By the end of the year, you should have no
more than 5 pieces of artwork that your child believes to be his "best" pieces.
This will help keep the artwork under control, and will still give you an
opportunity to save his creations for future memories.
2. A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS. Take photos of the artwork that your
child creates and keep these photos in a scrapbook. This way, even if the
artwork is discarded for space purposes, you'll still have the memory!
3. KIDS FILE STORAGE BOX. Office supply stores carry portable file boxes that
hold hanging file folders. These generally have a cover and a handle for easy
portability. Help your child create her very own filing system. Perhaps one
file folder for 2nd grade artwork, one for 3rd grade artwork, and so on. Now,
all the drawings, and any type of artwork that lays flat, will be kept safe and
organized. You'll even be teaching your child filing skills! It's never too
early!
4. KEEP IT CONTAINED. For other artwork that does not lay flat, the perfect
container may be a large, plastic container with a lid. Your child will have a
space for shadowboxes, and other artwork that won't fit into a file folder.
Again, be choosy. If you keep every single piece of artwork your child brings
home for the next 15 years, your house is going to be overflowing with it.
5. HANG IT. Get your child his very own artwork bulletin board so he can
display his favorite artwork in his bedroom. When organized on a nice cork
board, this really adds a nice touch to a child's room. Plus, your child can
very easily switch one piece of art, with another.
6. SUPPLY MANIA. If your child produces a lot of artwork at home, she probably
has tons of crayons, markers and other art supplies. Keep it all in a portable
box, light enough for your child to be able to transport it from one room into
the next. In addition, separate and organize the supplies into separate
Zip-lock baggies before putting them in the box. This will keep everything
organized and easily accessible.
7. THE PERFECT GIFT. Kids artwork makes the perfect gift for grandma, grandpa,
sister Jane, Aunt Sue, Uncle Jim, and so on. Rather than buying gifts for your
child to give to family members, encourage them to give their creations away as
special gifts to special people.