More Simple Ideas for Storing Memories
After reviewing Kelli Crowe’s video about scrapbooking children’s art, I started thinking of other ways to store memories. Any system I choose needs to be fast, simple, and concise.
Here are a few ideas my brain churned out.
1. Scan your children’s art and compile it into a photo book.
I have used Picaboo and Walmart to make gift books for family.
Both companies produced beautiful results. Picaboo uses free software and has lots of options for backgrounds and layouts. Walmart’s books are less expensive, but options are restricted.
2. Purchase a plastic file box for each child.
Keep only what will fit in the box. Let children choose their favorites. Use colorful file folders and slip in photos and souvenirs too. As they grow, their box will become even more of a treasure. And one they can take with them wherever they go.
3. Keep a blog and turn it into a book.
I did a quick test of Blurb and Blog2Print. Neither worked for me, but I want to try again. Have you used a service like this successfully? (If so, please let me know in the comments.) A good place to start a blog is Homeschool Journal.
4. Take pictures and slip them into a photo album.
2-up albums are easy to use. Cut scrapbook paper to fit the pockets and intersperse notes or handwriting samples among the photographs.
5. Use creative containers.
Slip old suitcases underneath a bed or stack them in the corner. Decorative boxes can add color and interest. Think outside the filing cabinet.
What are your ideas? Anna-Marie shared hers in the post Art Preservation Made Easy and Fun. Please write a post of your own or leave a comment. I’d enjoy hearing what creative things you are doing (or plan to do).
Now this is practical, not only are art supplies often over-sized, but the finished works are too. We are also entering VBS craft season.
I can handle Sunday School take homes however: I ask them what parts are important to them, and pitch the rest; we already read the Bible as a family twice a day. But some of the take home games and applications are great and if the kids are interested, we keep them. I clip out any memory verses and glue stick them to pieces of construction paper for their files, we go over them during school time in the week. Fancier cardstock verses get a hole punched in them and but on a ring binder.
I put lots of stuff on the refrigerator and up on the walls with sticky tack, but they get really grimy after a while that way.
-Christine
Another good places for making books is Lulu.com. My dh and I made a hardcover anniversary book for our son and his wife on their first anniversary. It was a huge hit, and so much fun to do. (Note: at Lulu, you can do special private projects, not just projects for publication. You can even set it up so relatives can buy it.)
Christine,
Thank you for sharing! I like the idea of having an art gallery, but stuff usually ends up on the refrigerator or taped to a wall. Having frames that are easy to change might help.
Barbara,
Thank you for letting me know. I’ll look into it. The photo books are fun to create, but they don’t have much room for text. And I have plenty of memories that have no photograph. ;)
Love these ideas Renae!
My son who is always drawing has a bazillion “favorite” drawings. I have yet to find a good system that works for us or me rather. :D
He wants to make his own field guide of mythical creatures that he has made up combining real animal parts. Do you have any suggestions for taking a child’s work and turning it into a real bound book?
Thanks in advance.
Beth,
How exciting! Maybe he’ll be the next Tolkien. :D
The photo books might work, but if you want to have more than a few lines of text you will be limited. Barbara Frank mentioned (above) you can get books printed at Lulu.com.
Please let me know if you do. I would like to hear about the process and get a glimpse of the final product.
I scrapbook so I’ve scanned the boys artwork and saved for backgrounds, etc. I also take a pic of the child holding the art which I add to same and/or different pages. I like your ideas – let us know what service you decide with
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Carnival of Family Life: Happy Easter Edition…
Welcome to the Happy Easter Edition of the Carnival of Family Life!Family Cooking & RecipesRani presents Super Potato Salad posted at Christ’s Bridge. If you want to put your dyed Easter egss to……
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