Scan and share children's artwork

Transferring your child’s artwork into digital files releases countless creative possibilities while freeing up wall space.

Scanning your child’s artistic work preserves and protects it from damage and aging.

Preserving artwork is also an excellent way to reduce clutter, while archiving and storing the originals for safekeeping. Plus, just think of how many friends and family members you can share these mini-masterpieces with, either as prints, cards, calendars, or a host of other gift options!

If your little artist has a substantial body of work, you'll want to narrow the collection down before scanning.

Have your children help you sort the stacks of art piling up in your home. It's not only a great way to avoid throwing out favorites, but it also provides a wonderful opportunity to learn more about your child's artistic interests and process.

Be sure to write down as much information as you can about each piece, such as:

• Title of artwork
• Date of completion
• Grade in school
• Influences: what gave your child the idea?
• How did they feel or what thoughts were they having while creating it?

You can use these nuggets later when archiving or gifting your art photographs and projects.

Photographs documenting the creation of your child's latest painting, drawing, or sculpture are also a good way to show the artistic process at work.

Scanning crafts is simple with a little know-how. It’s an easy way to share one-of-a-kind creations.

Scanning your child's artwork not only opens up a world of options in terms of sharing and preserving the pieces; it also means that—if need be—you can box away the originals. Not only will this free up more space in your home, it will ensure the original won’t be worn and torn after show and tell, and that both sets of grandparents can get their own prints!

You can even preserve and share arts and crafts that aren’t perfectly flat by scanning 3-D art pieces.

Your HP photo scanner or All-in-One has different settings optimized for photographs—perfect for capturing every little detail. After you scan an image, you can save it in several different file formats. Choosing the right format depends on how you'll use your image. Learn the tips and techniques you need to scan like a pro.

And, whenever possible, try taking photographs of the artist with his or her work—or, better yet, creating the work—to help you remember exactly how old your child was when the masterpiece was created.

You can find cute, colorful frames at the HP Creative Studio, along with many other photo projects for kids.

A scrapbook of your child's art makes for a great keepsake or gift.

Now that you have your child's artwork lovingly preserved, it's time to share these creative visions with the world! Your child's art can fuel a number of precious gifts and keepsakes.

Here are just a few ideas:

• Download and print beautiful frames to set off your child’s creations.
• Create a scrapbook or photobook full of art and drawings mixed with photographs, awards—even a report card.
• Snapfish is another way to take drawings, finger paintings, and collages and turn them into professional-looking gifts such as photo cards, mugs, and more.
• Turn your child's drawing into a photo T-shirt! Add the design to T-shirts and sweatshirts by printing your iron-on transfers and give to family members to wear with pride.
• Use your child’s masterpieces as the focus of a custom photo invitation or thank you note. They’re the perfect way to share your child's creative life with friends and family.

A basic DVD holds 4.7GB of data, or 15,000 high-quality pictures.

Once you've digitized your child's artwork, organize it into folders (by date) and burn to DVD. While you’re at it, make two discs: one for archival purposes, and one to share with Grandma or other friends or family.

Digital files or prints of your children's art pieces last longer than the pieces themselves.

You can also print copies using HP Premium Plus Photo Paper for extra longevity. It's the best way to ensure that these examples of your child's artistic flair can be enjoyed by many generations. Printing multiple copies is also a great way to share!

Learn more about organizing and archiving artwork, photos, and other important files.