How To Organize Kids' Artwork Even If You've Got Mountains Of It

by Taylor

Below I've collected tips from readers, and from around the web with ideas for how to organize kids' artwork, even if you've got mountains of it.

The key I've gleaned from these tips, as a whole, is that it is so much easier to deal with the artwork as it is created than to try to deal with it later.

Then, you can properly label some of it, or otherwise document which child drew or colored it, or made the craft project, when they did it, and how old they were when the did it.

Further, kids when learning how to create, don't just make one or two masterpieces. Instead, they make LOTS of stuff, some of it pretty darn amazing and some of it junk.

There is nothing wrong with this, or abnormal. Kids are learning about the process of creating, and not everything will look amazing.

But practically, you just can't keep everything they ever make. There is not enough room.

Instead, you've got to cull, toss, and declutter their artwork.

Again, this is easier to do as you go along than to try to do it all years later, when you've got lots.

However, whether you do it a little at a time, or in one fell swoop after 10 years of accumulation the basic principles of the organization process are the same.

So, without further ado, here are tips and ideas I've gotten from readers with their suggestions, and also that I've found throughout the web on this subject.

Take A Photo & Preserve More Than The Memorabilia!

by Krista
(Wyoming)

Krista shared her tip on how to organize kids artwork.

Krista says:

I like to take a picture of my daughter holding the artwork she has created, drawn or painted, etc. This perserves the artwork and the age at which my child created it.

I also have several children, and ofter fail to label artwork, so this method ends the confusion over who created the artwork and at what age.

Taking a picture also really makes children feel proud. My daughter feels that the artwork is so special to me that I want a photo of her holding it.

I often also take a close-up of the artwork alone. I plan to add these photos to a digital picture frame so she feels honored each time her artwork is on display.

Another added benefit to a digital photo is that it allows you to dispose of some creations when needed and it preserves all artwork in case of a disaster such as a flood or fire.

Taylor says:

Thanks so much for these great ideas and tips Krista!

I love taking pictures of my kids' artwork too. It does make them feel special, and preserves such special memories.

***Update: Another reader, Jill, shared what she does for organizing kids' artwork within the comments, stating: "I scan all my daughters artwork from the preschool year and then create a photo book!" ***End Update

Photo by Auburn Alumni Association

Create A Childhood Memory Box For Your Kids Papers And Crafts

We all know we can't save every piece of paper our kids scribble on, or we would soon get buried under it all.

But, it is nice to save some special pictures, notes, and school papers from various stages of their lives, for sweet memories later.

I really liked the idea that Nan from Mom's The Word had about creating childhood memory boxes for each of her children.

She has written two posts about it, which I suggest you read for some good ideas:

• Creating Boxes For Kids Papers


• Saving Childhood Memories

What I really liked about her idea was that it didn't need to be an elaborate way to organize and save every paper.

Instead, she just saved some of the really special ones.

She also didn't just save the A+ papers, but some of the lower grades, to show her kids how they stretched and grew.

Finally, this is the type of idea where you can just jump in and start saving.

You don't have to worry about the fact that you missed saving stuff from all of second grade, but can just start now saving stuff in this grade.

Photo by chassvid

How I Save My Kids' Art Work Without Using Much Available Space

by Teresa

Teresa shared how she organizes her children's art projects in her home.

Teresa says:

I have 2 children, 1 in pre-school and 1 in kindergarten.

The only available space I have in my kitchen is the side of the refrigerator.

I hang up all of their art work everyday for a week. Then I throw it out and start fresh the next week.

If there is something special I want to save forever, I don't throw that out but put it in a folder, labeled with their name and grade.

At the end of the year I'll put the folder in my memory box stored under my bed.

A few things that are special and that they're very proud of I'll hang on their bedroom wall.

I usually throw out the artwork on the refrigerator when they're not looking. If they see it in the garbage I just tell them we can't save everything and I want to be able to hang up all the new things you make this week! They are OK with that once I explain.

Taylor says:

That sounds like a good system Teresa. Thanks so much for sharing it with me!

Photo by art_es_anna

How To Deal With Kids' School Art Projects - A Video

Below is a video which echoes the sentiments of the reader above, and suggests taking pictures of your kids' artwork.

The video also discusses how to organize all of your kids' school papers at the end of the school year.

Here are some of the things I liked from this video, and/or thoughts I had from the discussion:

• Clear out your kids' backpacks regularly (or encourage them to do it themselves when they are old enough).


• At the end of every school year it is important to take time to toss all the paperwork which is no longer needed, such as old school calendars, etc., so you don't keep lots of unnecessary stuff that takes up room in your home.


• In regard to artwork (and homework in general) you need to decide what your criteria is for what you keep, versus what you throw away. You will have to throw some stuff away or you will quickly get buried under an avalanche of paper.


• Allow your kids to help with throwing stuff away -- including their artwork. I think this is very important, because it is a great way to learn that we don't have to be packrats -- we can part with stuff without feeling that we aren't loved.


• You need a special way to save three-dimensional art that is separate from papers, because obviously 3D stuff can't fit in files.

***Update: Here's a comment from a reader about this suggestion of taking pictures. She says:

"I definitely take pictures of odd shaped artwork or scan it to keep even the coloring pages...It is a great efficient way to "keep" artwork for him in the future. I have it all filed by date for him on an external hard drive! it has worked great!"

***End Update

Photo by Frazzled Jen

Related Links At Household Management 101

Managing Kids Homework & School

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