What To Do With all those Kid’s Crafts from School

By Painter Mommy on October 12, 2009

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I have always been a huge fan of handmade things, ESPECIALLY from my children. And since both my oldest children have been going to preschool since age 3, they have come home with some really wonderful things. I usually put them on the refrigerator so we can enjoy them. Most of the crafts are seasonal, so I like to save them and use them the following year (the ones that are in good condition after surviving the fridge) .

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For the past 2 years, I have put all the crafts into a drawer until just recently the drawer became so packed that I could not add one more craft to the pile. I have always had in mind to get this organized but always put it off. So today, I FINALLY figured out what to do.

Initially I really wanted to purchase some kind of sectioned organizing system like a big box with hanging folders. But because some of the crafts are over sized, I knew that wouldn’t work. So I came up with the idea to buy poster board and fold it in half and staple it along the open edges so it would make a really big envelope. I would then have each envelope labeled for that particular season or holiday. But again, I have been putting off getting to an office supply store.

When I woke up today, I was totally inspired to figure this craft thing out once and for all. I never got the poster board, but I realized that I had a whole bunch of manila folders that I was not using. I opened one up, cut off the tabs to make a perfect rectangle and then stapled it to another one on 3 sides leaving one side open at the top.

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I then took some clear packing tape and attached it to the back of the folder. I folded it over and stuck it to the other side and then added a label. I categorized the craft folders by both seasons and holidays.

This is really going to help me keep the kid’s special crafts organized so I can enjoy them for years to come. And this doesn’t mean I will save absolutely everything. I definitely don’t want to do that. With 4 kids I am sure there will be hundreds of crafts over the years. I really want to keep the ones that are special. And as new crafts come in, I will be getting rid of some from the envelopes. But at least now, I can open up each separate folder at that specific season and use the crafts to decorate around the house. I am going to keep them in a cabinet so they can be easily accessed and not get ruined.

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So, what do you think about my kid’s craft organizational system? Do you think it is something that would help you? And if you already have a system, please share!

12 responses to “What To Do With all those Kid’s Crafts from School”

kristendom
October 12, 2009 at 9:27 am | Permalink

This is a fantastic idea! My husband and I were just talking about what to do with our 3-year-old’s numerous arts and crafts projects from preschool – they are starting to take over the house . Thanks for the idea and the motivation to get organized!

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Jenn @ FFP
October 12, 2009 at 11:41 am | Permalink

Great idea! Love it and will totally copy it!
.-= Jenn @ FFP´s last blog ..I Heart Excited Faces =-.

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Brandy
October 12, 2009 at 12:24 pm | Permalink

Twitter: brandyellen
Love your idea! I have been trying to figure out what to do with all my children’s items! I have been placing Ki’s in a Pampers Box for the past few years organized by “year” and well it’s not really the best way to organize I don’t think – we now have a lot of boxes to try to store! Great idea Dawn, thanks for sharing and thanks for stopping by my blog!
.-= Brandy´s last blog ..A Maze Of a Day =-.

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Daille
October 12, 2009 at 1:17 pm | Permalink

That’s pretty cool. I just grabbed a folder today to store some recipes for my hubby’s club.
.-= Daille´s last blog ..7 Tips for Your Halloween Party =-.

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Mary Lutz
October 13, 2009 at 5:12 am | Permalink

That’s a really great idea! My kids are grown now, but I sooo remember trying to figure out what to do with their crafts. I wish you would have been around back then with this idea. LOL. I used the crafts they made that year for each particular Holiday or season. I also took photos of them as a way of preserving their art and put the photos in scrapbooks.

As your kids grow, the amount of crafts they bring home will lessen, so finding some way to organize them and preserve them is important and will bring up memories for years to come.

Enjoy!
.-= Mary Lutz´s last blog ..Working your WAH Business Around the Holidays =-.

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Amanda Formaro
October 13, 2009 at 3:52 pm | Permalink

I think that’s a great idea I have everything in a file cabinet, but many things are folded, your idea is much better for preservation. I’ve also taken some of their artwork and actually framed it and put it on their walls. Looks great!
.-= Amanda Formaro´s last blog ..Paper Bag Scarecrow craft =-.

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Sarah Rand
October 17, 2009 at 4:14 pm | Permalink

DAWN,
I loved your back to school video blog. It is helping me to think of what I can do. Even though I don’t have a family, I seem to have lots to do in the morning and I can’t seem to get things under control. Your tips are really helpful, especially about doing things the night before. THANKS.
Sarah Rand

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Night Owl Mama
October 22, 2009 at 3:21 pm | Permalink

Wonderful idea. I have a school folder that has each yr pic’s and special questions to ask your child. I save all report cards and a few written papers, and of course my favorite crafts.

I also have a Treasure chest full of things that I have saved over the yrs. Loveys, blankeys, home made projects, special pictures. I have one for my god daughter too.
.-= Night Owl Mama´s last blog ..Cheerleaders Rare Reaction to the Swine Flu Shot =-.

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Amanda @ High Impact Mom
October 22, 2009 at 8:30 pm | Permalink

What a great idea! We buy a small tub label it, and stick in the top of KG’s closet. At the end of each year, we pull it down and store it. I know…one day I will have to go through them..but really? I don’t want to throw them away and I have a huge two story garage, so that time won’t be coming up anytime soon
.-= Amanda @ High Impact Mom´s last blog ..Whrrl Story from my trip to Vegas =-.

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Spain
October 30, 2009 at 3:48 pm | Permalink

Thanks for dome of the advice which i did found really useful!
So thanks for sharing a lot!

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Alex Bystrica
November 26, 2009 at 2:26 pm | Permalink

If only I’ve known all this when I was in grade school! Now I don’t have any of the crafts, I’ve made.

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jamie
November 27, 2009 at 2:35 pm | Permalink

Great Idea i never thought of useing them as decorations, im going to purchase plastic bins, to store them in thanx for the insperation…

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