How to Store and Organize Kids' Artwork Before Creating a Custom Book

Quick Answer

To store and organize kids' artwork before creating a custom book, start by collecting pieces in one spot, then sort by date or theme, and cull ruthlessly. Keep only the works you love most, store them flat and protected, and photograph the rest. When you're ready, a prepaid collection box like the Back to School Box makes shipping simple.

Every parent knows the feeling: the fridge is full, the art bin is overflowing, and you're not sure what to do with yet another macaroni masterpiece. You want to remember these creative years, but the sheer volume can be overwhelming. The good news is that with a simple system, you can organize kids' art without stress and turn the best pieces into a beautiful custom book.

This guide walks you through a practical, step-by-step process to sort, store, and prepare your child's artwork for a custom book. You'll learn how to decide what makes the cut, how to keep those treasured pieces safe, and how to make the transition from storage to book as smooth as possible. Whether you're dealing with a few dozen drawings or several years' worth, these tips will help you create a keepsake your family will love.

Step 1: Set Up a Simple Collection System

Start by designating one central spot for all incoming artwork. A large envelope, a magazine holder, or a dedicated drawer works well. Label it with your child's name and the current year. Whenever a piece comes home from school or is created at home, place it there immediately. This prevents the dreaded 'art pile' on the counter and makes the sorting process much easier later.

The key is to make this a habit. Spend just a few seconds each day tucking new pieces into the designated spot. If you're more organized, you could use a clear plastic bin with folders for each month. But even the simplest system—a single box or folder—helps you stay on top of the flow. The goal isn't perfection; it's to have a clear, dedicated place where all artwork lives until you're ready to sort.

• Common mistake: letting art accumulate in multiple spots around the house. Choose one central location and stick to it.

Step 2: Sort and Cull Your Collection

Once you have a sizable collection, set aside time to go through it. Sort pieces by date, theme, or child—whichever works best for you. As you sort, you'll naturally begin to cull. For each piece, ask: Does this make me smile? Does it show a special skill or milestone? Would I be sad if I lost it? If the answer is no, it's okay to let it go. Take a photo of the pieces you don't keep; the memory lives on in digital form.

Be honest with yourself about what you can realistically include in a book. A custom book can hold dozens of pages, but you don't need to include everything. Quality over quantity. Look for a mix of favorites: a recognizable self-portrait, a handprint turkey, a first attempt at writing their name. These are the pieces that tell your child's story best. The rest can be recycled or repurposed—perhaps turned into custom notecards to share with family.

• Checkpoint: If you wouldn't feel disappointed to lose a piece, consider photographing it and letting the original go.

Step 3: Store Kept Pieces Safely

Once you've narrowed down your favorites, it's time to store them properly. The ideal conditions are flat, dry, and away from direct sunlight. Use a dedicated art storage box or a large portfolio folder with acid-free sheets. Avoid folding or rolling larger pieces. For oddly shaped or 3D items like cards or ribbons, consider a separate envelope or layer them between pieces of cardstock to keep them flat.

If you're not ready to create a book yet, label your storage container with the child's name and the date range. Store it somewhere accessible but out of the way—like a closet shelf or under a bed. Check on your stored pieces every few months to make sure no moisture or pests have found their way in. The goal is to keep your child's artwork in good condition until you decide to turn it into a custom keepsake.

• Common mistake: using glue sticks or tape to attach notes to originals. The adhesive can damage the artwork over time.

Final Steps Before You Send Your Art

1. Photograph Everything: Take high-resolution photos of every piece you keep—and even those you don't. This gives you a digital backup and lets you include favorite images that might not fit in the book physically. Checkpoint: Store your photos in a cloud album or external drive so they're safe.
2. Sort by Size and Type: Arrange your pieces by size and material. Crayon drawings can be grouped separately from painted canvases or collages. This helps the book designer understand how to handle each piece. Common mistake: mixing delicate 3D items with flat paper without protection. Add a layer of cardstock between them.
3. Pack Carefully: When you're ready to ship, place the artwork flat in a sturdy box. Use tissue paper or cardstock between pieces to prevent sticking. Avoid bending or rolling anything—Plum Print will handle the rest. Next step: Choose a prepaid collection box like the Back to School Box to simplify shipping and track your order.

Helpful Products from Plum Print

• Back to School Box: Celebrate your children's creativity with tailor-made keepsake art books! Enjoy 50% OFF your prepaid collection box and stay organized throughout the school year. Send it back to us whenever you're ready! This prepaid box gives you a deadline to sort and store art throughout the year, and it makes shipping your selected pieces to Plum Print effortless once you're ready to create a custom book.
• Memory Book Deposit: We preserve your cherished mementos, graduation cards, handwritten letters, newspaper clippings and more into beautifully designed books. We do all the hard work for you! If you have a mix of artwork and memorabilia, this deposit allows you to send everything in one go, and Plum Print's team photographs and designs the book for you, saving you time and effort.

Organizing kids' art doesn't have to be daunting. By setting up a simple system, sorting and culling carefully, storing pieces safely, and following these final steps, you'll be ready to create a custom book that celebrates your child's creativity. And when you're ready to transform that pile into a treasured keepsake, Plum Print's services make the process easy and enjoyable.