Creating a Family Album
By Victoria Walker
A Family Album is an important keepsake for future generations to learn about
their ancestors. It is also a wonderful gift to create and give to another
family member. A family album should not only include photos of each family
member, but also facts about each person featured in the album. You also may
want to include a 'Time Capsule' page reflecting what life was like in the
year the family album was created.
A Family Album can be used as an anniversary gift for your parents,
grandparents, or any other family member. After you decide for whom you are
making the album, decide what the focus will be. If you are making the album
for your grandparents, you may want to dedicate a page to each of their
children and grandchildren or you may choose to create an album focusing on
your grandparents' siblings and parents.
Purchase a small album, either a 5" x 7" or an 8" x 10". The number of photos
you plan to use will determine the size of the album. Keep in mind that the
larger the album, the more photos and accessories you will need to fill it.
Gather photos, mementos, and items of interest to be placed in the book. Try
interviewing a few family members to get some added information for the
album.
Here is a simple outline to follow when creating your family album:
Use the first page as an introduction to the family. Write a poem, a bit of
history about the family or create a family tree.
Use a two-page spread for each family member, one to include photos and the
other to include journaling - one of the most important aspects of
scrapbooking is journaling. On the adjoining page, list some information
about the person. If you don't have many personal facts about your relative,
just include their name, birthdates, birthplace, and their children's names.
Here are some suggestions of categories to include in these profiles:
- Hobbies and Interests
- Favorite songs/movies/actors
- Nicknames
- Schools attended
- Professions and careers
- Clubs, Charities and Organizations
- Places where they have lived or traveled
Use the last page to write a summary about your family or if you didn't
create a family tree on the front page, create one on the last page.
A Family Album will be a treasured gift for many years to come. And, one
thing is certain - by creating a family album, you will ensure that your
family's history will never be forgotten.
Copyright 2001, Victoria Walker All Rights Reserved
From the E-Book, Your Guide to Scrapbooking
(
http://victoriawalker.homestead.com/ebooks.html)
Victoria Walker is the author of the E-Book, Your Guide to Scrapbooking,
(
http://victoriawalker.homestead.com/ebooks.html), which is available at her
web site. She is also a Freelance Writer, Craft Designer, and President of
WordWalker Publishing. For more information, visit her website at
http://victoriawalker.com or email her at mailto:
Victoria@...###
