Memory Keeping...Getting Down To Business

Now that you're all organized and have started journaling, you are ready to to start scrapbooking.  The best part is that there is not really a "right" way to scrapbook.  You really should do what is best for you.  Today, I am going to show you some of the options that are available.

Photo Albums

As mentioned in the first post of this series, if you have your photos in adhesive albums, I really encourage you to get them out. If you look at ones that are older, you may notice some discoloration.  Only use these if they guarantee that the album is "acid free" and "archival safe".  You don't want to your photos to yellow.  A better option for those who aren't interested in scrapbooking is to put them into photo albums with sleeves to slide the photos into.  One like the one pictured below might be a good option for you.  You can click on the picture to be taken to Amazon to find this album.  This type of album comes in a variety of sizes so you can find what works best for you.  Need a brag book that you can carry in your purse?  Need a large book to set on your coffee table?  No problem.  You should be able to find whatever you need.

Pocket Page Scrapbooking

One of my favorite ways to scrapbook is to use Picture My Life from Close To My Heart.  It combines cards that you can either purchase or make with the pocket pages similar to those described above to create fun pages.  This is a simple way to create great layouts with less hastle.  Click on the photo below to be taken to my independent Close To My Heart online page to learn more about this.

There are other products on the market similar to Picture My Life, so be sure to check your local scrapbooking/ craft store to see what else is available.  One of the best parts of using the PML system is that it can easily be combined with traditional scrapbooking in the same album.  I do this frequently and love it.  Here's a video that I posted awhile back that shows how I mix and match.  The Close To My Heart Workshops Your Way illustrate this well.  They are great for beginners as well as for those who simply run short on time.  Check them out here.

Traditional Scrapbooking

Of course, you don't want to miss out on traditional scrapbooking.  It is so fun! If you are new to scrapbooking, a kit is a great place to start.  In the link to the Workshops Your Way, you will see traditional scrapbooking kits as well as the WYW kits.  You can do so many things when putting together a traditional scrapbook.  You can also adapt to using (acid free) smaller albums too.

Digital Scrapbooking

One of the simplest forms of digital scrapbooking is to sign up with a company such as Shutterfly or Snapfish.  You can even check out options like Walmart and Costco.  Once signed up, you can upload your photos and design your book.  I purchased this book from Shutterfly with a coupon code and paid very little.  It was a very simple way to do an entire album quickly.  I highly recommend this option if you're in a hurry or just really love to do everything on the computer.

If you like more elaborate scrapbooking pages that look more like traditional scrapbooks without the bulk, I would advise that you Google it. Unfortunately, this is not something that I have tried, but there are resources out there.

As you can see, there are so many options for you to save your memories.  I really hope you find one that works for you and your family.  Come back soon for vacation ideas!

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  Remember to take some time to enjoy the little things.