Preserve your family’s history and precious memories with the art of SCRAPBOOKING

In the past, many people tried to document their family history by placing their photos and other memorabilia in a photo album. Some just put photos in, while others added concert tickets, hair from a haircut, or fabric from a baby blanket to spice up their album. This was scrapbooking in its most basic form.

Scrapbooking has become a fun way to preserve your pictures, mementos and certificates. It is a visually creative and appealing method to both keep and display your memorabilia. In the last ten to fifteen years, it has gained in popularity. Today, there are better scrapbooking materials (acid free, lignin free paper, adhesives, archival quality products...) and new techniques to help you scrapbook and create a pleasant presentation.

Why scrapbook ?

First, scrapbooking is a chance to pass on information and create a family tree/history. It is through photos and stories that history lives on. Here is a chance to document for future generations what is happening in the here and now. In years to come, your grandchild can pick up your baby book and see that they look like or enjoy the same hobbies as you. It is a chance for them to see that you have something in common other than your surname.

Secondly, scrapbooking helps get your pictures, etc. out of the original packaging or box where they are stored. In a scrapbook, they can be seen and enjoyed. It is a chance for you and your friends to relive memories of last summer’s vacation at the lake or cousin Susan’s baby shower.

Thirdly, through journaling, a scrapbooking must, you have a chance to give voice to your pictures. Not only do you see what is in the picture, but you know what is happening around it.

Finally, with ready made scrapbook kits and theme based packages, scrapbooking has become quite easy and less time consuming than you might think.

Next:  Albums

There are four main styles of albums: the three-ring binder, plastic strap binding, post bound , and spiral bound album.