Fun Summertime Project: Kid’s Art Story Book

If you’re a parent, grandparent, or anyone spending time with a special kid this summer – celebrate and save the memories with a kid’s art story book. Here are my pro tips to make it easy and fun:

Start with the “story”: write a simple note about why you’re making the book.  For example: “to remember the fun we had together this summer” or “so we can look at your favorite art from this school year.” Use words they can read. (Read this if you aren’t sure what a photo story is or how to tell one.)

Now, choose the content (ask them to help!):

•    A fun photo of your kid’s face

•    A photo of them creating art

•    A photo of something they drew – like a family pet

•   Favorite art pieces – choose pieces

  • that show “the story” you’ve chosen

  • that include a variety of shapes

  • that are colorful

  • that have their name in their current handwriting

Then, use your phone’s camera to digitize the art. Some pro tips:

o   Lay the art flat, in natural light, to avoid shadows.

o   For easiest photobook making, shoot iPhone photos as jpeg files, not heic files.

• To verify/change to jpg files:

  ·       under “settings” on your phone

  ·       scroll down to “camera”

  ·       choose “formats”

  ·       choose “most compatible”

o   Stand over piece, shoot straight down, use the portrait setting, don’t crop the photo to the art. (Instead leave an equal space of background around it - makes cropping for the book easier.)

(Read this if you want more about digitizing options for kid art, photos and documents.)

Now, choose your photobook:

o   Think about your audience – your special kid! How big are their hands? Do they read?

o   Choose a photo book size that is easy for them to hold

o   Consider layflat pages – gives space for long drawings

o   Use a simple text font for early readers

Here are two online photobook suggestions from my own experience (I don’t receive promotional benefit from either company):

o   Zno.com’s little black book – 6x6 is a sweet size, layflat pages

https://www.zno.com/little-black-book.html

o   mixbook.com’s My Kid’s Art Portfolio Book or Arts and Crafts template for kids’ art – traditional photobook style, choose paper, binding, sizes

https://www.mixbook.com/kids-photo-books

If you’d like help creating the photo book, join us for BookCamp this fall! In 4 sessions, you’ll create the perfect book for gift giving. (Mention this blog post for 10% off your tuition. 😊 )

A kid’s art photo story book is a wonderful way to keep and share memories with the kid (or kids) in your life and preserve their unique creations!