What to Do With All Those Drawings
Drowning in kids' drawings? Here's how to decide what to keep, store it neatly, photograph the rest and turn favorites into keepsakes.
To manage kids' artwork, keep a small selection of favorites, store them in one labeled folder or box per year, photograph the rest before recycling, and turn the best into a photo book or keepsake. Involving kids in choosing makes it easier and builds pride.
Kids who love drawing produce a lot of art. Keeping everything is impossible, and throwing it away feels terrible. A simple system helps.
The keep-it-small system
1. Display. A few current favorites on the wall.
2. Collect. Everything else goes in a "this month" tray.
3. Choose. At the end of the month, kids pick their favorites to keep.
4. Photograph. Take a photo of the rest.
5. Store. Favorites go in a folder or box for the year.
Sketchbooks keep it tidy
Drawings in a sketchbook stay together, dated and in order. The How to Draw: Sketchbook keeps practice drawings organized in one place, so you are not chasing loose sheets around the house. Each finished sketchbook becomes a record of a stage of growth.
Keepsake ideas
- Photo book. Print a yearly book of favorite drawings.
- Calendar. Use 12 drawings for a family calendar.
- Gifts. Turn drawings into cards or prints for grandparents.
- Placemats. Laminate a few favorites.
Let kids choose
Kids often have different favorites than adults. Letting them choose respects their opinions and builds decision-making skills.
Label everything
Write the date and the child's age on the back of every saved drawing. In ten years, you will be glad you did. For display ideas, see displaying kids' art at home.
Questions parents ask
How do I organize my child's artwork?
Display a few favorites, collect the rest monthly, let your child choose what to keep, photograph the rest and store favorites by year.
Is it OK to throw away kids' drawings?
Yes, after keeping favorites and taking photos. Involving your child in choosing makes it easier.
What can I make with kids' drawings?
Photo books, calendars, greeting cards, prints for grandparents and laminated placemats are popular keepsakes.
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- Art Days to Celebrate With Kids All YearThere are art days to celebrate all year long. Here's a calendar of drawing-friendly days for kids, from World Art Day to Dot Day, with activity ideas.
