Organizing Kids Artwork

Since I collected some links for my gal pal Paula (and which I too, one day...long down the road, might use), I thought I would share them here. Here are some ideas on organizing, re-crafting or displaying your kids artwork (since lord knows, we will be getting a whole bunch of it in the coming weeks!):

• http://www.home-organizing-ideas.com/organizing-kids-artwork.html
• http://respacedpdx.blogspot.com/2009/04/how-to-organize-and-store-kids-artwork.html
• http://www.thetranquilparent.com/detail/how-to-manage-a-glut-of-kids-artwork/ (Read some of the comments for other tips too!)
• http://www.cafemom.com/dailybuzz/home_garden/3778/Use_Templates_to_Make_Your_Kids_Artwork_into_a_Themed_Gallery

For short-term stuff (e.g., we change them monthly as the kids change their school units), I use twine and cheap-y little clothes pins (found at Ikea - and kid-themed!) to hang their artwork up in our mudroom.

Most stuff that they do at home (unless we are talking about some stellar work!) gets recycled that day. And I don't let them have much input as to what gets pitched since they would save everything!

For long-term (e.g., whenever I get to sorting it all out), I have a Rubbermaid storage bin that fits under their beds.

For me, I like the idea of scanning your kids' artwork. You could then compile them into an 8 x 8 book (e.g. through Black's or Shutterfly) as a gift for grandparents or for the child themselves when they are older! And with Tristan, I am going to start posting them on his blog. He's such a comment whore anyway!

Note: My kids get a laminated book of art work from their teachers at the end of each year. As such, my ability to pitch may be a little less encumbered!