Finally—a clutter-free way to keep up with all the kids’ art work and crafts. Wait for it…
Yes, it’s a photo book! I’m not sure why I didn’t think of this earlier, but I’m feeling pretty happy about my new creation. As any parent (or grandparent) of small children will tell you, it doesn’t take long for you accumulate a lot coloring sheets, macaroni crafts, watercolor paintings, Christmas ornaments, etc. While you hate to break your child’s heart and tell them that everything can’t possibly be posted on the refrigerator, there’s no way you can keep everything. So, photo books to the rescue.
Here’s why I like the photo book idea, and I think you’ll agree: (1) Between Shutterfly and Groupon, you can find an endless amount of great deals on photo books. I used a $20 off Shutterfly coupon for this one, so total cost with shipping was less than $10. (2) Since photo books are so compact, they free up room to “save” even more of your kids’ artwork. (3) It’s a cool keepsake for the kids.
If you want to try it out, here’s how I did it. Over the last few months, as the kids brought home new art work and crafts, I’d pick out a few and snap pictures using either my cell phone or camera. Periodically, I’d download the pics to my computer. When it came time to put the book together, I just dumped all the pics on Shutterfly and grouped them together by each child.
To finish it off, I through in some pics of the boys, along with some cool art-related quotes at the end of the book…good stuff to help them remember to keep their creative juices flowing.
I suppose the hardest part was waiting for the package to arrive, and that didn’t take long at all. Super easy! For now, I think I’ll do one book at the end of each year. I kind of rushed to get this one done, but I might experiment with different backgrounds and clip art the next time around.
oops read my comment about the art project under your about page…i got distracted-sorry!
Motherhood is Messy recently posted..Dear Abby…Your Advice Is Timeless. Series One
Great idea! I can never figure out what to do with those things.
Great idea Kacey!
Something else you can do is have the little ones sign their names on each pic. This can be done over a period of time to see how they are progressing with their handwriting..
I like the idea of having them sign their pictures. As they get older, I also think it’d be neat to have them write a description to go along with some of their artwork.
This is a great idea, kacey! I always feel so guilty throwing away their artwork. I am going home to start snapping tonight!
My little sister was having the what to do with the art problem, i told her to photograph it. But you have taken it a step further, I’m going to have to forward this to her. I’m visiting from the SITS craft group, feel free to email me, if you need a blog buddy.
Sonia Barton recently posted..Picture to Canvas
Thank you so much for stopping by. I enjoyed browsing through your blog. Your crafting and photography skills are amazing.
That is a WONDERFUL idea! I know the boys will appreciate it in years to come.
I am on it! Thanks!
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Great idea! I’m going to start working on this today!
Erica recently posted..Budding Artists
This would be perfect for your kiddos. By the way, I loved their new artwork. I’ll have to try that with my kiddos when they get a little older.
What a GREAT idea! My kids love pulling out their old papers and this would be a nice, mess free way for them to do it. Thanks for sharing!
That is better than slice bread! What an awesome idea. Thanks for sharing and I cat wait to do this
Ha-ha! Best comment ever. Who knew that photo books could be used for things other than pictures??