Even though most children’s artwork only costs a sheet of paper and some crayons, there isn’t anywhere you can go in a store to replace it. When your child sends their artwork by mail to a grandparent, teacher or friend, they have to give it more protection than just putting it in a skinny envelope. Shipping boxes provide additional protection to prevent damage from corner bumps, prevent the artwork from becoming bent or curled up during transit, and ensure that the artwork will look as your child intended.

Wait until your child’s artwork has completely dried before packaging. Many times paint, glue, and markers seem dry on the surface; however, there is moisture underneath which could ruin their artwork. Glitter and objects that raise above the artwork require even longer drying times since pressure can cause them to adhere to the backing material. After the artwork dries completely, place the child’s name and date of completion on the back using a permanent marker that does not bleed.

Only items that are not adhesive (i.e., glue) can come in contact with both sides of the artwork. Paper sleeves or protective acidic-free tissue should surround the artwork. Each separate piece of artwork can be separated with a layer of acid-free tissue to prevent marks from transferring due to friction created from rubbing multiple artworks together. Additionally, a plastic bag around all of the artwork can act as a barrier from water during delivery; however, the adhesive that seals the bag should be placed so as not to adhere to any part of the artwork.

The primary function of stiff support is to prevent paper from bending. Position the artwork surrounded by its protective covering between two sturdy boards that extend past each end of the artwork. Use double-sided tape to attach the boards to each other rather than attaching them directly to the artwork. Make sure the artwork cannot shift within the confines of the boards horizontally or vertically. Corner reinforcements fashioned from paper folds can offer assistance without applying adhesives to either side of the artwork.

Flat shipping containers are ideal for artwork that contains large amounts of thick paint or glued shapes, or those components that may crack when rolled up. Tubes are suitable for thin sheets of paper that bend easily; however, the sheet may become creased upon arrival. If tubes are employed, carefully roll the sheet of paper around an interior support rather than tightly rolling it. Under no circumstances should any force be applied to compress the artwork into a small container.

Position the stacked artwork and internal supports into the larger cardboard container and fill in all available areas surrounding the internal boards. The container must maintain its equilibrium position with no excessive weight resting atop the artwork. Close off all openings in the container securely. An optional “Do Not Bend” notice can be included to alert handlers to exercise caution with respect to handling; however, sufficient internal support is required to perform this task.

Before sending the artwork via postal service, create an image or scanned document of it. Although a digital image will not replace the actual artwork, it can preserve a record of it if it is lost during shipment. Carefully designed shipping containers transform a student-created art project into a gift capable of crossing long distances. Using dry materials, clean covering materials, rigid supporting boards and careful packaging enables students’ creative efforts to travel across vast distances unscathed.