Preparation
Gather thirty of your child's creative works (more can be included for an additional charge).
Works can include:
- paintings and drawings of any kind and of any size
- sculptures made of wood, clay, play-doh, or any other material your child can stick together
- cards, poems, mobiles, murals, dioramas, photographs … anything your child conjures up!
All art will be returned in its original condition along with the final product.
I know this stuff can be hard to assemble. It may be packed away in the attic or basement, or all over the house on easels, fridges, bulletin boards, etc. Below are some tips for physically preparing the artwork for transport. The task of deciding what to include in your book is another story. You may think some pieces are too wrinkled and torn to look nice. Be assured that magic can be done with photography and photo refinishing technology. Or you may think a funny little doodle on a tiny piece of paper is too insignificant to be included. But what is important is that you include what holds meaning to you. A mother's day card that your son scribbled when he was 2 will look majestic when published and set to a sweet line of poetry. A page ripped out of a coloring book that you saved because you were impressed with your daughter's ability to stay within the lines at 4 will look profound reproduced on the page. The point is to have these mementos of childhood assembled in a convenient and accessible way so that they are not forgotten, just like those pictures on the mantle remind you of the time they were taken. Your selections can include a few pieces from each grade in elementary school, or a random mix of pieces that just make you smile. Your efforts will be repaid with relief from the guilt over not knowing what to do with the artwork, and relief from the clutter it inevitably creates.
For paintings/drawings/collages etc. on paper or poster board: Stack the pieces with the largest one on the bottom. Then roll all the pieces together so that the smaller pieces are inside. Secure the roll with masking tape or a rubber band. Poster tubes are available if mailing artwork from outside my local area, but not necessary if arranging for local pick up or drop-off.
For sculptures: Wrap generously in bubble wrap or newspaper. Multiple pieces can then be placed in a box.
For pieces that cannot be rolled, such as some paintings where the paint will crack, or collages where pieces may come loose, a padded mailer will work. Just be sure to insert cardboard cut to size on either side of the art to protect it. That is also only necessary if mailing the art, but if arranging for local pick up or drop off, feel free to pack the art in whatever is convenient for you. I have received collections in plastic storage bins, cardboard boxes, even laundry baskets!
