
Of all the areas at home that have proven to be the biggest challenge to organise … it has to be my daughter’s artwork. I love looking at wonderful creations Miss E brings home most days. However, as of a week ago I had no idea how to store or organise the seemingly endless outpouring of creativity. As part of the 40 bags in 40 days challenge I decided to get the mountains of artwork under-control. So here’s how to organised children’s artwork … declutter challenge week 4.
1. Decide what to keep
As you can see my storage solution consisted of a variety of bags. The collection of artwork usually started as pile on the kitchen bench … which moved to a bigger pile on the dinning table … and eventually ended up in a bag. These bags were scattered throughout the house as I moved them from room to room in an attempt to disperse the clutter.
I started by sorting the artwork into 2 piles – one to keep and one to recycle. Ouch! I found deciding what to recycle a tough decision, particularly the pictures produced last year when Miss E’s drawing skills really took off. I still ended up with a giant pile of artwork to keep as I couldn’t bring myself to be ruthless on this challenge … perhaps a few more years of school will change my mind.
2. File Artwork in Folders
Once I decided what I was going to keep, I put the artwork into clear plastic sheet protectors and filed them away in a folder.
Artwork on A4 paper fits perfectly into the sheet protectors, however it becomes a bit more tricky for the larger work. Some I have been able to fold in half or cut down to size. For the very large sheets of paper, I have rolled these up together and secured with an elastic band.
Any suggestions on how to store these greatly received!
I used tab dividers to separate the years, and clearly labelled the folders.
3. Magazine holder for incoming artwork, certificates etc.
Now that I have organised the previous years art, it’s time to set up a system to manage this years incoming art and craft, certificates etc. I have put a pretty little magazine holder in the kitchen as a central place for all the incoming arts, crafts, certificates etc. A perfect place as this is where the school bags gets unloaded every night. While I have used a mazagine holder to store artwork, a storage box or another holder will work just as well.
Once this is full the drawings, certificates, invitations, notes and any other crafts collected can be sorted into “keep” and “recycle”. My next big challenge is it coax Miss E into becoming more discerning with what is kept.
3. frame Favourite artwork
I have 3 white A4 frames that I purchased from KMart, which I have hung in the kitchen to display my favourite drawings. I intend to rotate the art in them every few months. A little bit of fun and colour to look at each morning eating my breakfast.
While I have the majority of artwork now under control and a system set up to manage it ongoing, I still face the challenge of what to do with arts and craft made from shoe-boxes and other bulky material. I tried gently suggesting recycling these, but was faced with an uproar … but mum! that’s Wonder Woman’s plane! … that to do?!
I also love the idea of an artwork hanging rail, but haven’t found a good spot for it. So for the time being the below will have to remain a dream.
I hope you found my tips on how to organise children’s art work useful, any ideas on what works at your place greatfully received.
Any suggestions on how to store large artwork? What to do with the art and craft made from shoe-boxes?
Also shared at:
Monday: Something to Talk About, Made By You Monday, Show and Share, Metamorphosis Monday, The Scoop 164, Inspire Me Monday, Show + Tell, That DIY Party
Tuesday: One project at a time, Do Tell Tuesday
Wednesday: Creative Spark, Wow me Wednesday, Wow us Wednesday, Centrepiece Wednesday, Whimsy Wednesday, Work it Wednesday
Thursday: Create It Thursday, Your Turn To Shine, On display Thursday, The Inspiration Gallery
Friday: Link Party Palooza, Best DIY Projects and Recipe Party, Feathered Nest Friday, The Handmade Hangout, The Creative Collection
Saturday: Show Me Saturdays, Found & Foraged, The Creative Collection, Saturday Share Fest, Saturday Sparks, Skip the Housework
Excellent post on a real problem. We still face the question of what to do with Miss J’s artwork 20 and 30 years later
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