What to Do With Your Kid's Artistic Masterpieces?

Is your child a promising Picasso or a make-believe Michelangelo? Then I would have to guess that your refrigerator is hidden beneath a pile of child-sized masterpieces. Those little ones can be pretty prolific in their art work, can't they? I'm always trying to think up new and interesting ways to use my little ones' artwork. Here are a few of my favorites.

Frame it. I have a few frames around the house that I like to reserve for my kid's most recent artwork. They feel great when they see their work in a place of prominence, and an appropriate frame makes it look even better. Choose a frame that is lightweight and easy to swap pictures in and out of, especially if your little one creates a lot of art. Beware of paper size, too. My kids usually use printer paper, which doesn't fit in a standard 8 by 10 inch frame. You either have to cut down the work or find a frame that fits it.

Hang it. I made a fun picture holder. I found a long piece of bamboo, maybe about 5 feet long. I hung it on the wall with two pieces of leather twine looped around each end, then tacked to the wall. I hung eight loops of twine along the length of the bamboo, and attached a clothespin at the bottom of each one. I use the clothespins to attach artwork. Because the loops aren't attached to the bamboo, I can move them around to fit the width of the picture I want to add. It's a simple, fun way to display pictures and I can change it very easily.

Mail it. Most chuches have a list of lonely shut-ins and nursing home residents. Take a few minutes each month to mail some handmade pictures to people who might not otherwise have any. Or send it to friends and family members for birthdays, special occasions, or just because. You'll brighten their day and make your child feel like he or she is making a difference in someone elses life.

Wrap with it. Kids pictures make terrific wrapping paper! Just saying...

Make a book out of it. We made a picture book out of my oldest son's favorite pictures. I just picked up an inexpensive scrapbook at Big Lots with pocket pages. I slid my son's artwork in, and we would sit and 'read' his favorite book together. It was great bonding time, and helped him work on his communication skills.

Scan it. If you want to keep a picture but don't have the room, scan it. You can save it to your computer or get it printed on fancy paper. Better yet, set it as your Facebook status for all the world to see.

Write notes on it. My son only likes to use one side of the page when he draws. We use the backside of his castoffs to write grocery lists, to do lists, and notes for each other. It's a cute reminder of my son, as well.

However you like to store your child's hard work, remember to write a name, date, and what the project is somewhere out of sight. You'll appreciate the reminder someday! And your child will love to look back and admire their own work.