How can you store all your grandchildren's works of art?

Have you ever watched the look of intense concentration on the face of a child as they draw, paint or create a masterpiece of art? I often wonder what thoughts are going on behind that intensity.

Yes, art is fun. Yes, young children enjoy getting messy with paint and feeling the textures of different media. I love watching them concentrate on a new paint texture and try out ways of using it or changing it. But it's so much more than just 'fun' for a child's education and development.

Studies show that, through art, children learn to think creatively, to observe, describe, analyse and interpret. They learn to express feelings with and without words. They practice problem-solving skills, critical thinking,  and develop related language and vocabulary. It also develops confidence.

So.. as a grandmother, I encourage my grandchildren to explore art and to create. It's a real thrill when one of them rushes up to say, "This is for you, Nan. I made it 'specially!" They will often ask me where I have placed the treasured painting.

But I have seven grandchildren and a small fridge... with limited display capacity. So I was delighted to hear of Artikive- an app that enables me to photograph and save the artistic creations of my grandkids. I can honestly tell them that their work is always with me ready to show to anyone who would like to see it.

 And... I can have them printed up in book form as a permanent reminder. The app allows me to add a child's name to the art and provides a date so that my grandchildren can browse the printed book and find their work of art and its label.

The app is available for iPhone, iPad and any smart phone. You can find more information about this great little app here..