Displaying kids’ artwork in creative ways without letting your home turn into a chaotic mess of paper, cards and stickers attached to basically anything? Yes, it can be done!
Ah, kids. They are such fun little creatures. I’ve lost count of the number of times one of my kids, or a nibling (group term for nieces and nephews), or a friend’s kid has made me a piece of art, written me a letter or card, or given me a rock they found.
And don’t even get me started on how quickly it piles up when they start daycare, preschool, and kindy!
Generally, I’m a pack rat and hate throwing anything out. But when you downsize, or declutter, some things have to be sacrificed. Some of these artworks I keep in my purse, the small notes, or drawings my kids have given me that remind me I am a good mum on the days I don’t feel like one. And others, I had to get creative with.
So here are a few ideas on displaying kids’ artwork that also help you reduce clutter while celebrating their creativity:
10 Artwork Storage and Display Ideas
1. Art Appreciation Ritual
Develop a family tradition where you appreciate and discuss your children’s art regularly. This can be a weekly or monthly ritual where you sit down as a family, look at their creations, and discuss the stories behind them.
This not only values their work but also strengthens your bond. It’s a great time to involve them in the decision-making and decluttering process by letting them choose their favourite pieces to keep and repurpose.
They might have a favourite picture they would love to put on a cup or mouse pad for a relative. Or even one they want to keep for themselves.
2. Create a Gallery Wall
Select some of your favourite pieces and frame them to create a rotating art gallery in your home. You can switch out the artwork periodically, giving each piece its moment in the spotlight.
Digital frames are an amazing tool for this because you can set the pictures to rotate periodically, which means you can show more pieces.
3. Designated artwork storage folders
You can make your own art folders by visiting your local newsagent for some heavy-duty card or you can buy an art folder to secure your little one’s collections in. We found this one below at Shein for under $15.
4. Displaying Kids’ Artwork on Greeting Cards
Scan or photograph the artwork and use it to create personalised greeting cards for special occasions. This way, you can share their creations with friends and family.
5. Design a Memory Book
Compile the artwork in a scrapbook or photo book. Add captions or stories from your children about each piece to create a beautiful keepsake. This can be a fun project to work on together. You can sort it by age, holiday, grade at school or anything you desire.
6. Transform Art into Functional Items
You can turn their art into functional items like calendars, mouse pads, coasters, placemats, mugs, or tote bags. There are online services that can print the artwork onto these items, allowing you to enjoy their creations in everyday life.
7. Hang them up
We also love the idea of using a curtain rod as a way to hang your kids’ artwork.
8. Collaborative Art Projects
Use your kids’ artwork as a starting point for collaborative art projects. Incorporate their drawings into larger family art projects, like a mural on a playroom wall or a mosaic on a tabletop.
9. Turn Their Art Into Toys
There are services online that can take your child’s five-arm, three-toed, seven-nosed, pot-bellied drawing and turn it into a plush toy they can keep on their bed, or 3-D print it into a figurine.
10. Go digital
Keep your fridge clear of paper and magnet buildup by keeping digital copies of your kids’ artwork and school papers. That’s right, with this teeny tiny footprint, you can keep each masterpiece safely tucked up in your phone, computer or tablet for future viewing. Take a pic and save it to an album or check out apps such as Keepy and Artkive.
For the love of art
Children’s art is a unique form of self-expression. It provides a glimpse into their developing minds and emotions. When children create art, they learn problem-solving, fine motor skills, and self-confidence. Additionally, it can be a source of pride and accomplishment, helping to build self-esteem.
If their artwork is discarded without acknowledgment or appreciation, it may send a message that their efforts are not valued, potentially leading to feelings of rejection and inadequacy. But this doesn’t mean you need to keep every single piece of art.
You can involve your kids in the displaying kids’ artwork decision-making process by letting them choose their favourite pieces to keep and repurpose. This way, you can declutter while preserving their most cherished creations.
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