Hi there from Stuffnthingzstore. I am a budding old artist and over the years have experimented with various means of storing my original art work. Here are some hints and tips on how to preserve those masterpieces!

I have an inexpensive large folio holder for the larger pieces, this way I can lean it up in the closet behind clothes. I would not recommend using poster cardboard rolls if possible (been there, done that and ruined some pieces). Also, I highly recommend that you frame and display your best pieces in your house. Don't be shy, be proud of your work! Think framing is too expensive? I stock up on 11x14 sale frames (costo often has 3packs)... I also pick up odd sized frames from the frame stores. Sometimes you can snag extra mat board cheap.

I have a $100 mat cutter that I can cut my own mats if I am really ambitious and want to display something a certain way. Try to get archival quality mats for your original work, and if you plan to display your work in a sunny location I would consider archival glass as well. You need to preserve what you've done, it might be priceless one day.

Be sure to check for framing at Art supply stores, not galleries, the art supply stores cater to students and starving artists and the pricing is usually very good! I have also had good luck buying art and frames on Ebay. Remember when perusing the art on ebay, also look carefully at the framing, I have purchased a piece of art from Ebay for the frame itself. Another trick to Ebay is to find art in a location near you so you can arrange to pick up the piece. It gives you piece of mind not to have to think about the glass breaking in the mail system. Overall though, I will say that only one item was broken via the mail using ebay and I was fortunate enough that the item was something the seller had in multiples.

Above is a picture of putting this guide to use in displaying original art. The focal point in this photo is a matted original watercolor on the piano leaning on the wall, some nic-nacs around it, a small gold frame with an original pencil drawing of a cactus, on the wall is a porcelain double horse head plaque my dad painted in 1963. note all the themed items around these originals, making them look very special but yet blending right in with the decor.