by Maria Gracia of Get Organized Now!
In school, kids are encouraged to create, draw, color,
paint and build. These activities can certainly stimulate
children, and help them grow.
Very often, these masterpieces that your children create
are brought home and proudly displayed. But what do you do
when all of the artwork begins to take over your home?
Here are 7 great ideas:
1. FIND THE DIAMONDS. Rather than keeping every
single piece of artwork your child creates, sit
down with your child on a regular basis and ask him
to choose the one or two he likes best. By the end
of the year, you should have no more than 5 pieces
of artwork that your child believes to be his "best"
pieces. This will help keep the artwork under control,
and will still give you an opportunity to save his
creations for future memories.
2. A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS. Take photos
of the artwork that your child creates and keep these
photos in a scrapbook. This way, even if the artwork is
discarded for space purposes, you'll still have the
memory!
3. KIDS FILE STORAGE BOX. Office supply stores carry
portable file boxes that hold hanging file folders.
These generally have a cover and a handle for easy
portability. Help your child create her very own
filing system. Perhaps one file folder for 2nd grade
artwork, one for 3rd grade artwork, and so on. Now,
all the drawings, and any type of artwork that lays
flat, will be kept safe and organized. You'll even be
teaching your child filing skills! It's never too early!
4. KEEP IT CONTAINED. For other artwork that does not
lay flat, the perfect container may be a large, plastic
container with a lid. Your child will have a space for
shadowboxes, and other artwork that won't fit into a
file folder. Again, be choosy. If you keep every single
piece of artwork your child brings home for the next
15 years, your house is going to be overflowing with it.
5. HANG IT. Get your child his very own artwork bulletin
board so he can display his favorite artwork in his
bedroom. When organized on a nice cork board, this really
adds a nice touch to a child's room. Plus, your child can
very easily switch one piece of art, with another.
6. SUPPLY MANIA. If your child produces a lot of artwork
at home, she probably has tons of crayons, markers and
other art supplies. Keep it all in a portable box, light
enough for your child to be able to transport it from
one room into the next. In addition, separate and organize
the supplies into separate Zip-lock baggies before putting
them in the box. This will keep everything organized and
easily accessible.
7. THE PERFECT GIFT. Kids artwork makes the perfect gift
for grandma, grandpa, sister Jane, Aunt Sue, Uncle Jim,
and so on. Rather than buying gifts for your child to give
to family members, encourage them to give their creations
away as special gifts to special people.
About the Author
Maria Gracia runs her website Get Organized Now! at
http://www.getorganizednow.com.
Visit her for a FREE Idea-Pak and an E-zine filled with tips, ideas,
articles and more to help you organize your home,
your office and your life at the Get Organized Now!
Web site!
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