There are
many important characteristics of a good holiday scrapbook, and it is all a matter
of personal preference. Since the idea is to compile your own memories into
your own personal album, it is important that you choose them carefully.
Photos
One of the
key ingredients of a holiday scrapbook is your photos. The images you portray
are much of what actually make up a good part of your holiday memories, and
often depict a true representation of your family and friendships. Since there
are probably several from which to choose, you might consider coming up with a
central theme for your holiday scrapbook and base everything you decide to
include on that idea. For example, if your scrapbook is a Christmas album, you
would want to use pictures that are representative of that holiday.
Use a wide
variety of photos within your central theme. If you have children, include
pictures of them taking part in various holiday activities. Also include photos
of other friends and family members, and then tie it all together by using
group photos that show the involvement of your entire clan. You can use
pictures of your child sitting on Santa’s lap, photos of people opening
presents, and images of everyone around the Christmas tree.
Use images
that are unique and will easily show others your dynamic personality. Decide on
striking images in attractive settings that will make the viewer stop to look
at and admire them. Choose carefully, and have fun creating your holiday
scrapbook.
Sliding Cards
Microcut
sliding cards can help take your holiday scrapbook to another level. They make
it easy for you to include the photos you want on an attractive card that you
can embellish as desired. Simply scan your photos into your computer, then use
the included software to put two separate images together for one card. Then,
print and assemble the cards to create a page that viewers won’t miss. You can
get more information about sliding cards from the Internet, where you can also
purchase the software and necessary supplies. Also check your local scrapbooking
supply stores for this product. Sliding cards are fun and easy to assemble, are
very unique, and add fun and originality to your holiday scrapbooking project.
Paper Patterns
The type of
scrapbooking paper and particular paper pattern you use are also very important
elements when personalizing your holiday scrapbook. Because this project is all
about you, your family, and those around you who help make your life special,
it is a good idea to choose patterns that depict just that. For example, if you
are putting together that Christmas scrapbook, you will easily be able to find
patterns of Christmas scenes, Christmas trees, snowmen, and so on. If these are
patterns that will give others an idea of your holiday memories, then they are
the ones you should choose. You can, however, go for something a little more
personal by piecing together paper patterns that will reflect an array of
events and activities. If you have a large family, you will want to show that,
so choosing patterns that include Santa or ginger bread houses, along with the
others mentioned above, can add personality to your pages.
Paper
patterns can also be an effective way to add subtle beauty to your pages by
serving as a backdrop to your photos. Since the photos are often what you want
to stand out, choose something that compliments them. You can also choose
different patterns for different types of images, and mix and match as you
desire.
You can
find various patterns in your local supply stores, or shop on the Internet to
find, view, and purchase paper patterns. There are also numerous web sites with
pictures of holiday scrapbook pages that others have used, along with other
paper pattern tips and ideas. The key is to simply make it your own.
Journaling
Journaling
is another important part of your holiday scrapbook. While not everyone chooses
to do this, it is a good way to keep track of the memories that go along with
the photos. By writing down the date and time the photo was taken, the names of
everyone in it, and other information such as the location, event, and various
activities that took place at that particular time, you will be able to easily
recall the day as if it had just occurred. This is especially important if the holiday
scrapbook is passed down from one generation to another, because often times
later generations either weren’t old enough to remember the actual event as it
took place, or weren’t even present at that time. Journaling is also a good way
to add character and personality to the images, and helps them tell a
story.
Urge others
whose images are included in the holiday scrapbook to write down their memories
and ideas. What better way to add variety to your memory book than to include
special memories and sayings from those you love. Not only will you have their
pictures to remind you how wonderful the holidays were, but you’ll also have
their words. This will definitely help make your holiday scrapbook unique and
eye-catching.
Mementos
Add mementos
to your holiday scrapbook. If you have received greeting cards that hold
special meaning for you, paste them on pages designated just for this purpose.
If there is a specific Christmas or holiday poem that you find poignant,
include it as well. You can also add other mementos such as holiday pictures
your child has drawn or colored, special holiday stickers, or cards with
holiday sayings that go along with your images and theme.
Family Project
Make your
holiday scrapbook a family project. Encourage everyone in your family to gather
items and photos that are of special importance to each person, then designate
pages for those items. Give each family member a page if possible, and if your
family is too big for one book, consider putting together a second. Combine
items where there aren’t enough to fill up one whole page, but be sure to keep
it all in order. Holiday scrapbooking can then be enjoyed by the entire family
from beginning to end, and each member will have played a special role in
putting it together.
Though holiday
scrapbooking can become a big project, it can be a fun one as well. Encourage
those around you to take part, and to continue the tradition. If your children
help you put it together, they are more likely to teach their children, and
your family scrapbooks can then be enjoyed from one generation to the next. A
holiday scrapbook should tell a story, after all, the holidays are about
family, togetherness, and the memories gained through these special times and experiences.
