Children love to create. It is a joy to give a child a crayon for the first time and watch magic take place. I want to keep every picture my children draw. However, that is nearly impossible with four children and years of art lessons and creative art play under our belts. So over time I have found ways to preserve the special memories. I still have pictures my daughter drew ten years ago when she was three. I have the first picture my son drew of me nine years ago when he was only two. I have a little girl who draws nonstop. I could give her a package of copy paper for her birthday and she would think it was just as good as gold. She draws about fifty pictures a day so keeping up with her artsy side is hard.
So how can we preserve those lovely memories for years to come?
Digital Prints: Take pictures of their artwork with your digital camera. Then you can put it in a collage with other creations and have printed out on a poster or a smaller picture to frame.
Laminate: You can laminate some treasures for safekeeping.
Binders: Mark a binder with the year and child’s name and fill it up with drawings and some fun artwork. If you have to cut some down that is fine at least it will stay safe. You will want to get sheet protectors as well. This is a great way to “scrapbook” your child’s art even if you are not a scrapbooker.
Clipboards: Hang up a clipboard for the picture of the day or week. Each time your child draws or creates something new just put it over the old picture. Once it is filled up you can transfer to a binder or folder or add another clipboard.
Frames: Create a fun wall in their room and frame some of their art. I have several pictures on my walls going down the basement. I also have some in my living room. I love looking at their little creative talent.
Poster Shipping Container: If you don’t mind rolling up the paper, you can store plenty in a poster shipping container. Just mark the outside with the child’s name and date.