There is a corner of my house where drawings pile up faster than I can fold laundry. My kid brings home three or four new pieces every single day, each one declaring itself the best drawing ever made. I cannot throw them out. But I also cannot keep everything.
That tension is real for every parent. You want to honor the work without it taking over your home. This method gives you a way out.
📱 Source: @shanablakley on Instagram
What You Need
You do not need anything fancy. Grab whatever you already have around the house:
- A canvas, poster board, or cork board
- A phone or scanner
- Double-sided tape or a glue stick
- Scissors
- A box or bag for the “let go” pile
That is it. You can start today.
The Step-by-Step Process
1. Sort Through Everything
Set a timer for 20 minutes. Go through every piece of artwork and ask one question: would I want to see this on my wall? If yes, it goes in the keeper pile. If not, it goes in the donate or recycle pile.
Be honest with yourself. Your child will not miss most of these pieces once they are gone. The ones that really mattered will stand out.
2. Digitize the Keepers
Before assembling, take a photo of each piece you plan to use. This gives you a backup and means you can let go of the originals without losing the memory. Some parents also print a mini photo book from these scans later on.
3. Arrange on Your Canvas
Lay the pieces out flat first. Do not glue anything until the layout feels right. Think of it like a mosaic. Layer smaller pieces behind larger ones. Mix orientation: portrait and landscape pieces sit next to each other.
Play with balance. You do not need to cover every inch. A clean collage with breathing room looks better than one packed wall to wall.
4. Glue and Display
Once the layout is set, attach each piece with double-sided tape or a glue stick. Hang it somewhere visible, like a hallway or bedroom wall. That is the whole point: you want to see this every day.
See the method in action in the reel above.
Why This Works Better Than a Box
A storage box buries the art. A collage puts it in your daily life. Your kid sees that their work matters. You get an actual living room moment instead of a guilt pile in the closet.
And the act of curating, not just hoarding, teaches something too: that not everything has to be kept, but the things that matter can be kept beautifully.
The Bottom Line
Pick one canvas. Spend 30 minutes sorting. Build your first collage this weekend. You will not regret the wall space one bit.
Linea
Professional mom of three and somehow still standing. Low-prep activities, cozy traditions, kid-friendly recipes & finds for curious kids, because we're all winging it together :)
Learn more about us →