Dealing with Kids’ Artwork

The kids come home, open their backpacks and out pours all that “beautiful” art work. Now what? Storing and displaying kids’ artwork is something I didn’t even know would be a issue for me until my eldest went off to preschool. The sorting of artwork and papers from school becomes a daily task just like sorting the mail. I discovered quickly that I needed a good system. Here are a few inspiration shots that helped me create my perfect (well, at least to me) system:

Love this idea of mounted plastic sleeves for a playroom wall. So easy for the kids to slide their artwork in and out and I like the modern feel the clear sleeves have when hung on a wall. The black backing also makes the art pop.

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Who doesn’t love anything covered in burlap?

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I’m a sucker for anything that uses Ikea curtain wire for displaying artwork.  I like this idea of using three seperate wires..maybe one for each child.  The artwork that is framed above could be used for those extra special pieces of art that you wouldn’t need to change out often.

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 I’m usually not a fan of gallery walls (let the backlash begin!) but this one DOES IT FOR ME! The artwork is colorful and blends so well against the gray/blue wall.  The mixture of frames works with each piece of art. Seriously, some of these pieces don’t even look like kids artwork. Perfection!

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Remember this photo from a previous post?  It’s those Ikea curtain wires again and this time covering up an entire wall–just a quick clip to change things up.

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So, lots of great choices here for how to handle our little art problem, but in the end you have to pick something that is going to be easy for you and your kids to stick to. Tomorrow I’ll share with you the system I have in place for storing kids artwork and also some tips on what to do with all of those student achievement awards, special papers, and other mementoes you want to keep.

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6 Comments on “Dealing with Kids’ Artwork

  1. LOL me too Carrie.
    Great post! I was planning on doing the same in Wade’s room by using the ikea’s wires.
    But I have to say that I am looking forward to tomorrow’s post as I think my solution to store W’s masterpieces is not ideal, specially the 3D ones.

    Thanks Amy.

  2. so timely as i was literally JUST adding this to my to-do list! i am going to drive down to ikea today to snag some of those wires. such a clean, easy way to do it. my plan is to hang up the most recent artwork, then when it’s time to take that batch down for a new installment, i’ll put the most special of the old artwork in those flat under-bed storage bins. each kid gets his/her own bin under their bed. as each one fills, just pile ’em up in the garage for them to sift through when they’re 18! ha!

    btw: LOVE the colorful kids artwork gallery wall. i am so doing that above our piano!!! best part: the frames don’t match and matting is optional. so easy.

    thanks amy!

    1. This is such perfect timing! I was just shoving another one of Kels pieces of art in to my “keepsake” box that never gets seen. I LOVE this! I want to use them all!!! I love the plastic on black for a playroom and the wire ones for my kitchen. Love love love! Thank you!

      1. As a Kindergarten teacher, I love the thought that the art work we create will end up on the wall instead of in trash. I will share this with my families. These are wonderful ideas to display children’s creations. Thanks!

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