Let's be honest, we all have piles of children’s school (and kindy!) artwork building up on the fridge, sideboard, or tucked in a drawer. For me, it's all of those, and a box in the back of the kitchen. Of course, they're special and irreplaceable - from preschool finger paintings to kindergarten craft projects, every piece tells a story. These early creations are full of personality, creativity, and memories — but they can quickly become overwhelming.
With a few simple strategies, you can organise and preserve just a few special pieces of your childrens' artwork so it can be enjoyed today and treasured in the future, rather than eventually chucking out the pile because it's just too much to deal with.
1. Set Up a (Small) Artwork Storage Space for each child.
Designate just one drawer or small box for each child’s artwork. Having a dedicated but space keeps pieces in one place and makes organising much easier. If the drawer or box is getting full, it's time to cull. Then, you can choose favourites for the School Years Journal or the School Photos Album, while disposing of or repurposing the rest.
2. Organise by Age or School Year
Sorting artwork chronologically from preschool through kindergarten and into primary school allows you to see your child’s growth over time. Simple labelled binder tabs in the School Years Journal are perfect for keeping everything tidy and easy to revisit.
3. Keep the Most Meaningful Creations
Not every piece needs to be saved. Focus on artwork that marks milestones, achievements, or projects your child is especially proud of. Use the School Years Journal clear sheet protectors or the School Photos Album self-adhesive display pages to highlight favourites, while recycling or reusing other pieces for crafts.
4. Create a Rotating Display
Showcase your child’s work in a rotating display area, like a fridge, wall, or bulletin board. Swap pieces regularly and store older ones safely. This allows your child to feel proud of their creations and keeps the home organised. Once displayed, you can safely recycle or gift older pieces.
5. Photograph and Scan Artwork
For larger or three-dimensional projects, take photos or scan each piece. Apps like CamScanner make it easy to store digital copies on Google Drive. Later, you can reprint, frame, or create a digital archive of your child’s creativity without keeping every single piece physically. Trust me, you won't miss keeping all the physical copies!
6. Use Purpose-Built Keepsake Tools
Keepsake tools make organising artwork easy and fun:
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Ideal for pasting artwork alongside notes about the project, milestones, or special memories
- Easy to add additional pages, with infinitely flexible storage pockets hold artwork, notes, and small mementos
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Guided prompts encourage children to add their own words and drawings
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Helps create a shared record that fosters reflection and connection
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Holds large drawings, certificates, or special creations safely
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Provides a visual timeline of growth from preschool onwards
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Durable design and clear sheets protect your child’s precious memories
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Self-adhesive backing allows pieces to be added, removed, or re-ordered easily
7. Involve Your Child
Invite your child to help decide which pieces to keep, display, or store. This makes organising fun, encourages decision-making, and teaches them to value their own creativity.
8. Make It a Regular Routine
Schedule a monthly or termly session to review new artwork. A consistent routine prevents clutter and ensures all new creations are captured in your keepsake system.
9. Celebrate and Reflect Together
Periodically look back through your child’s artwork collection. Celebrate creativity, milestones, and achievements together. This not only preserves memories but also strengthens your bond and helps your child feel proud of their accomplishments.
Why Starting Early Makes a Difference
Using our School Keepsake preschool or kindergarten gives you a complete record of your child’s journey. Photos capture visual growth, while journaling preserves thoughts, feelings, and milestones. Starting early ensures you capture all the precious moments from the very first year of school, creating a lasting family treasure.
Begin Preserving Memories Today
It doesn’t take long to get started, but beginning early makes all the difference. Whether your child is just stepping into preschool or beginning kindergarten, capturing these moments now creates a keepsake that will bring joy for years to come.
✨ Explore our School Photos Album and School Years Journal to start preserving your child’s school memories and artwork in a fun, organised, and lasting way.