CRAFTING

Finding Inspiration

I love the feeling I get when I create something beautiful, especially if it involves preserving my family heritage.  There is nothing quite like seeing your loved ones immortalized to be remembered for generations to come.

I got into scrapbooking when I created a memory book for someone who was retiring from the place I worked.  I realized how much I loved doing it and so began my scrapbooking career. I was looking for inspiration to start my second project when I came across my parent’s old wedding album.  It was worn, torn and yellowed by the years but the pictures were in good shape.

My dad passed away back in 1982 after they had been married for thirty years.  This album was one of my mom’s most cherished possessions, a gift to them from a friend who took the pictures at their wedding. I used to love sitting for long periods of time just looking at these pictures when I was younger.

My mom is the youngest of seven children and grew up in a poor farming family. My dad was one of five children from a family who although they got by quit well were not wealthy by any means.  My dad was in the seminary and ministered part time at my mom’s home church. I think he made $25 a week when they got married. There was no way they could afford a big wedding much less a wedding album.

When I came across the album again cleaning out closets, I knew what my next project had to be. So I lovingly took on the task of creating a new album. It was one of the most fun projects I have ever done. I picked out each background paper and embellishment with care. I wanted each page to be as unique and special as their marriage. I also wanted my mom to have something special to remember the wonderful life they shared. It had to be something beautiful and happy not all torn apart and faded.

Inspiration can come from many different sources; the world around us is full of it. Things we see, here, touch, people, places and just about anything in our lives. You may have a long family history with many wonderful people, places and things you have experienced. Your children are a great source of inspiration, the things they say and do everyday. Inspiration can come from special events or things that happen in the world that makes an impact on your life.

Even inspiration for colors and layouts can come from things you see most anywhere. TV, billboards, work, home and play just to name a few. If you keep you eyes and your mind open then inspiration isn’t that hard to find. Think outside the box as they say and let your imagination run wild. Don’t be inhibited or held back by the so called “norm”, let yourself go and be creative. Get out those old photographs and imagine the possibilities.

Keep a journal handy and when something you here or see inspires you jot it down. When an idea pops into your head then you’ll be able to capture it for a later time when you want to use it. Don’t count anything out; you never know when it will be of use. Once you start keeping an open mind and your eyes open you’ll be surprised at all the inspiration you’ll receive.

Happy Scrapping

Making Memories

Creating a scrapbook of memories takes lots of work but there are a few steps you can take to make the job easier.

Get into the habit of organizing your memorabilia and photos as you collect them

Keep all the items you want to include in one scrapbook together in one place (box, envelope, etc.) Be sure to keep everything associated with one scrapbook separate from others you might plan to create (don't mix items for a vacation scrapbook with ones for a Christmas scrapbook.)

Be sure to write down any important information concerning each piece you save and attach it to the item (names, dates, places, etc.) And when you are ready to create that scrapbook, your memories will be in one place, much easier to find and work with.

While big events make great scrapbooks, don't forget the little things that make wonderful memories like the cute things your child says or spending the day with a dear family member or friend. So get in the habit of collecting small mementos (lock of hair, a flower, etc) to help preserve special moments.

Train yourself to think beyond conventional photos, programs, or ticket stubs, etc. Before long you'll be saving anything that has sentimental value.

Making memories or a great scrapbook involves a lot more then just photographs, so be creative!