Tips for Organizing and Storing Your Child's Art Before Creating a Custom Book

Your child's art is precious, and you've likely accumulated a pile of drawings, paintings, and crafts. Before you turn them into a beautiful custom book, you need to organize and store them properly. Good preparation ensures your child's masterpieces are in the best condition for scanning and preservation.

In this guide, we'll share practical tips for sorting, storing, and preserving your child's artwork. From simple supplies to digital backups, you'll learn how to keep their creations safe and ready for a custom book.

Sort and Declutter Your Art Collection

Start by gathering all the artwork from around your home. Sort it by date or by child if you have multiple kids. This helps you see the progression of their skills and makes it easier to select pieces for your book. As you sort, decide which pieces are keepers and which can be photographed or recycled. Be honest: you don't need to keep every scribble.

Create three piles: keep, photograph, and discard. The keep pile is for pieces you love or that show significant milestones. The photograph pile includes large or bulky items that are hard to store. The discard pile is for duplicates or torn work. This process makes your collection manageable and ensures your custom book features the best of your child's art.

• Sort by date or child to track progress.
• Use three piles: keep, photograph, discard.
• Involve your child in the sorting process for a fun activity.

Store Artwork Flat and Protected

Once you've sorted, store your art flat to prevent bending and creasing. Use archival-quality boxes or portfolios, which are acid-free and protect against yellowing. You can also use clear plastic sleeves to keep individual pieces safe from moisture and dirt. Label each sleeve with the date and any notes about the piece.

If you have limited space, consider a rolling art cart or a hanging file system. These keep artwork organized and accessible. Avoid storing art in attics or basements where temperature and humidity fluctuate, as this can damage the paper. Instead, choose a cool, dry place like a closet or under a bed.

• Use acid-free boxes or portfolios.
• Store flat, never rolled or folded.
• Keep in a climate-controlled room.

Digitize Your Child's Art for Backup

Digitizing your child's art is a smart way to preserve it and prepare for a custom book. You can scan or photograph each piece at high resolution. This not only creates a backup but also makes it easy to share with family or include in digital projects. If you're planning a custom book, you'll need high-quality images anyway.

For best results, scan at 300 DPI or higher, and use natural light if photographing. Consider using a service like the Hi-Res Digital Images Deposit, which provides professional scans of your child's art. This ensures your images are crisp and ready for printing in a custom book.

• Scan at 300 DPI or higher.
• Use natural light for photos.
• Back up files to cloud storage or an external drive.

Prepare Artwork for a Custom Book

When you're ready to create a custom book, select the pieces you want to include. Aim for a mix of favorites, milestones, and seasonal art. If you have more than 20 pieces, consider a larger book or a collection of books. As you prepare, handle artwork with clean hands and use cotton gloves for delicate pieces.

Remove any staples or tape, and flatten curled edges under heavy books. If a piece is too large for scanning, you can photograph it in sections and stitch together, or use a service that handles oversized art. Remember, the goal is to showcase your child's creativity in the best light.

• Choose a variety of pieces for interest.
• Remove staples or tape carefully.
• Flatten curled paper before scanning.

Keep Art Safe While You Wait

After you've selected your art, keep it safe while you wait to send it in or create your book. Store selected pieces in a dedicated folder or box, separate from your general collection. This prevents accidental damage and keeps everything organized for the next step.

If you're using a service like Plum Print, you might use a Shipping Kit to send your art securely. The kit includes pre-paid shipping materials designed to protect your child's art during transit. This ensures your originals arrive safely and are returned in the same condition.

• Store selected pieces separately.
• Use a shipping kit for secure mailing.
• Keep art away from pets and young children.

Organizing and storing your child's art doesn't have to be overwhelming. With these tips, you can declutter, protect, and digitize their creations, making them ready for a beautiful custom book. By taking the time to prepare, you'll preserve your child's art for years to come, and the final book will be a treasure your family cherishes.