So, you’ve decided to preserve the kaleidoscope of your children’s artistic expressions – from charming cardboard creations to vibrant paintings (or they’ve decided for you)! Now comes the question of how best to manage these precious creations, especially when it comes to displaying and preserving your kid’s artwork. In this post, I will explore a variety of practical and creative ideas to help you celebrate and preserve these artistic masterpieces.
Effortless Preservation in Plastic Tubs – a Memory Box
The simplest, quickest and (initially) least emotionally taxing approach involves gathering the artwork and storing them in plastic tubs. This time-saving method requires minimal effort, making it an attractive option for those with busy schedules. However, it may not be the most space-efficient solution.
Also, usually, over time, the dreaded cull must come, which can create more overwhelm for your future self. Sometimes, the cull can be easier, as it is easy to identify the ten unicorn pictures that all look the same. Choose the best, and ditch the rest. You may end up choosing this method, and try some of the others listed here. Ideally, you’re doing this whilst engaging your child in the process.
You may have one for you (what you love and cherish, and would be devastated if they let it go), and one that they put what they deem as precious.
Space-Saving Photography and Memory Boxes
For those seeking to save space, consider photographing your favourite pieces and physically keeping only a select few. Those being kept, can be stored in a memory box or a display folder. You can take it a step further by creating a Photobook of the photos you’ve taken of artworks. This provides a neat and space-efficient solution for displaying and preserving your kid’s precious artwork. Kids, love flicking through these photo books.
Showcasing Larger Pieces
When dealing with larger artworks, explore the option of storing them in display folders, available at stores like Officeworks. While this keeps pictures protected, consider if you’re comfortable with them wasting away in a cupboard. If not, (and your child is convinced it’s ok), you could repurpose larger artworks as unique wrapping paper or integrate clay and ceramic creations into your garden for an artistic touch.
Rotating Display Frames
You could try a more aesthetically pleasing approach by using front-opening, changeable storage display frames, easily found on websites like Amazon.com.au. This allows you to showcase different artworks with a ‘finished’ look. It both limits the number of pieces on display and provides a professional-looking alternative to filling your home with a multitude of unframed artworks.
Create a Filing System
This approach is a more organised version of the ‘everything in a plastic tub approach’. Consider setting up a filing system for those items not on display using hanging folders, each designated for a specific year. Tailor your filing system to your preference. You can organise folders by grade level (year one, year two, etc.) or maintain a strictly chronological order (2016, 2017, etc.). Choose a method that works with your vision for revisiting these memories in the future.
Functional Art
Explore creative and innovative ways to integrate the artwork into your daily life by putting their images onto mugs, T-shirts, or even plates! This transforms your child’s creations into functional pieces that you can enjoy daily, adding a personal touch to your household items.
Choosing how to display and store your children’s artwork is a personal choice which will be influenced by factors such as the available space in your home and your/their emotional attachment to them. Whether you choose the simplicity of plastic tubs or display frames, each method offers a unique way to honour and showcase your child’s artistic work.
What are your favourite strategies for managing and celebrating your kid’s artwork? Share them on the WellSorted Group Facebook Page.
