how and where do you store all your kid's school artwork and crafts?

Question

Folders are too small and sheet protectors can't accomodate construction paper. We don't have much space but I really hate to trash my kids work. I know I cannot save EVERYTHING but I know I cannot leave their work shoved in every nook possible. No one can really enjoy them, they are getting ruined and it is CLUTTERED! Please help.

Answer 1

I don't remember where I heard of this idea, but I think it's BRILLIANT, and I plan to do it with my own children when they start creating tons of artwork.

Instead of storing everything forever, take digital pictures of each piece of art. When you have a nice collection of photos, maybe over the course of a year, upload them to an online printing service that offers "photo memory books," which are professional-looking hardcover books with glossy pages.

You can even choose the layout you want for each page.... just one big photo, a couple of smaller photos, or whatever. And you can even have captions added directly on the page to make it totally personalized. Maybe the captions can say where your child made the piece (daycare, school, church, home, etc.) and the date it was created, maybe what materials he or she used, and so on...

Now you have a series of really neat art books that will be cherished and easily preserved, rather than an awkward pile of yellowing papers and projects that will eventually get thrown away by someone somewhere.

Here are a couple of good web sites that offer photo books:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/PhotoBookOverview.jsp?&flash=detected
http://www.shutterfly.com/shop/product_c18000/Photo_Books

Hope that helps, good luck!

Answer 2

I learned to only save the things that had true meaning for my daughter and myself. When she was small I would post artwork and good papers on the fridge and once a week she would decide which ones were actual keepers and which could go.

Answer 3

Maybe use a two drawer file cabinet-and lay the artwork length wise instead of across like a folder goes. I save my child's artwork the special stuff in such a file drawer. Take care.

Answer 4

I have got papers from my son from preschool. I put them in a picture album that is already being used for pictures. That way you aren't taking up any more space, and the papers won't get destroyed. Then you won't have clutter either.

Answer 5

I would use small stackable containers. They are roughly the width of paper but are larger. They can be stacked on top of each other. You can find the best price on them here.

http://www.earlymiser.com/product/B000AVS2UO

If that is too large you can also use construction paper storage bins which hold larger sheets than standard 8 1/2 x 11.

http://www.earlymiser.com/product/B000IFY38C

Answer 6

We have a shadow box purchased at Michaels that is about 2 feet by 3 feet. That is where we put my daughter's art. When she comes home from daycare we add the item to the box. She picks one picture to take down and throw away and then adds the new one. We will start one for my son as soon as his hand can hold a crayon.

Answer 7

my fiance is an artist and he has those carriers that fit his loose artwork. it looks like a big thin brief case, 2.5 ft x 3 ft. they are thin, slides behind the sofa space.

might wanna try an art store or even michaels (not sure what state you are in).

Answer 8

One of my aunts started having some of her favorites framed and decorated parts of her house with the artwork.