If you have children who love to create, you know the struggle is real. WHERE do I put it all? I’ve got you covered with five simple hacks for reusing your child’s artwork.

What to do with all those preschool paintings? They are huge, they rip and leave a trail of dried paint crumble in their wake. Not to mention that they are impossibly awkward to store. To be completely honest, I throw most of them out. If you aren’t quiet there yet, read on for simple, easy, creative solutions to ALL. THAT. ARTWORK.

1. Pick a few paintings and use masking tape to keep it flat on the table.  Odds are, your child created that painting standing up at the easel, so placing it down flat offers a new perspective. Take out some markers, stickers, or even some sharpies if you are brave. Allow your child to revisit their work and add to it.  

2. Too many large paintings kicking around? See which ones are in good enough shape to use as wrapping paper.  Kids love to gift their art work and this is a great way to do it.  Let them have at it with a roll of tape and do the wrapping for you. It might not come out professional looking, but its a great fine motor activity and it will give your child a sense of autonomy.

3. Recycle old art work by cutting it into small shapes.  Put out the pieces on a tray with glue and a piece of sturdy paper or cardboard and let your child make something new! It is amazing how these things turn out the second and third time around. Plus, you win because your child is engaged in a non-screen activity and you didn’t even buy anything!

4. Post it! Mail that painting to a friend or grandparent. Brainstorm a list of people who might like to receive mail.  Help your child fold their work and place it in an envelope.  Show them how you address it, and let your child decorate the envelope.  Head to the post office together and mail out the package, allowing your child to take the lead as much a possible.  Boom. I just killed an entire morning for you! Your child and their grandparent will probably be very happy.

5. Have your child choose a painting they remember making. You know, that really special one that you can tell they spent ages on. Sit down with them and have them dictate a story about what is happening in the painting. It is okay if they make up something entirely new on the spot. It is the writing and sharing that matters here. Write down their words carefully (this is a great pre-reading exercise, btw).  Later that evening, allow your child to present her painting to the family while you read her story out loud!      

How do you handle all that art work?

Looking for more ideas? Here is another post I wrote about storing children’s art work.

I hope you found this post helpful.  If you want to hear more from me, please be sure to subscribe to my blog and join the conversation over on Instagram.  

-Lizzie