Once S started preschool, I knew that she would be bringing home art (and other papers from school). What I didn’t realize was that she would be bringing multiple pieces home EVERY DAY!! And I also didn’t realize how attached I would get to it. We don’t keep a lot of clutter–my husband hates it. So, when S’s daily art started piling up on top of the refrigerator, he told me I had to do something with it and, because I couldn’t bear to part with it, I put in all in an empty diaper box. Which went in the corner of our bedroom. See where I’m going with this.
One day this summer, while S was away at her grandparents, I decided to tackle the box. What to keep, what not to keep. I loved it all. And you could tell how much she grew and learned by the progression of her coloring and writing skills. And her special holiday projects–it was just too much for me.
But then I decided that I could keep it without really keeping it. I decided to make a book for her with pictures of all her art projects. It will be much easier to look at and takes up much less room. I haven’t made it yet, but I’m exploring my options. I’m not really into scrapbooking, so I’m thinking a photo book from Snapfish, Shutterfly, or other online resource might be more my style. I did keep a few of my favorite art pieces, especially my Mother’s Day handprint, to go in her memory box.
I posted to Facebook a picture of the box full of crafts that I was sending to the recycling bin and friends offered more suggestions as to what to do with old art. One idea that I really loved (thanks, Joette) is to create a montage in a frame and hang it in your office/home. You can keep it forever, or change it out as you want.
What do you do with your children’s art? Are you keeping it, stored away in a box somewhere? Do you toss it as soon as it comes home? Do you display it somehow? I’d love your suggestions! S is starting kindergarten this year, so I’m sure what was brought home last year is just a drop in the bucket.
