Collecting Memories

Organizing personal mementos is just that--personal. Everyone has an individual way of doing it. You may be like Donna and Christy Savage, sisters-in-law who enjoy going on getaway weekends where they spend their time filling scrapbooks with colorful, creative pages. Or you might be someone who prefers a simple collection of photos that may or may not wind up in an album.

Regardless of your method, gathering photographs and sentimental reminders is one way to share meaningful moments with your family for years to come. Special albums are beautiful when displayed in bookcases and on coffee tables and bring a personal touch to your decor. The point is just to start compiling your memories in some form.

Here are several different methods for preserving keepsakes. From full-tilt, crop-till-you-drop scrapbooking (one of the most vital components of the arts and crafts industry) to a unique idea from a Southern Living photographer, the following suggestions will inspire you to indulge in this rewarding pastime. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then photo and keepsake albums can be the novel that tops any best-seller list.

Scrapbook Savvy
"I didn't have a hobby before I had children, but now I do," says Christy Savage, an orthodontist and mother of two. She and her sister-in-law Donna are prime examples of parents who've found pure joy from creating scrapbooks with all the trimmings. "I started scrapbooking to help me remember all the moments of my children's lives," says Donna, who has two little ones and another on the way.

These women cut, glue, label, and organize the photographs of their children's milestones, family vacations, and special holidays in beautifully crafted albums. Colorful papers, sassy stickers, die-cut letters, and personalized comments about each occasion fill every page.

Christy points out that you can be as creative as you want, without worrying about right or wrong. "Everyone has their own style," she says. "The presentation is for you and your family." She and Donna enjoy spending time together discussing the way a page looks, sharing supplies, and getting away for weekends to work on their books.

"This is a rewarding hobby because it's so productive," says Christy. "I've made an investment in both time and money, and I have so much to show for it. My children will be able to reflect on each milestone and family memory for many years to come."

Getting Started
Both Christy and Donna began their hobby when expecting their first children. For them, keeping track of a baby's first step or first word was easy inspiration, but really anything worth preserving deserves an album or keepsake container.

Don't be intimidated by the process. "Anyone can make a scrapbook, whether you begin with an original idea or start with a premade page," says Donna. There are many products now available to help get you on the right track.

"All you need are the basic tools," says Christy. These include archival glue (which helps preserve photos longer when mounted to album pages), scissors, some sort of scrapbook with acid-free paper, and, of course, the photographs. Such supplies are easy to find in one of the many aisles devoted to the hobby at arts and crafts stores.

The Next Step
Once you've got the photos organized in some manner, then all you have to do is place them in the book. You'll find that grouping and labeling items is fun because you relive the memories as you go. And with additional supplies such as paper frames, colorfully designed papers, and die-cut letters, you will be surprised at how quickly your inner artist comes alive.