Guest Author - Lawanda Kress

#1 To preserve memories

Chances are, you are not going to be around in 50 or 60 years to describe to existing family members and friends what is happening in the important photos you saved. Chances are, your children are not paying attention as you try to explain who is in the photo and why you are all crammed in a “Beetle”.

In order for your important moments to live on forever, it is important to put them in some kind of order and preserve your memories of the occasion.

#2 To get your photos in order

Admit it. Right now you either have dozens of photographs in boxes, stored in the attic or basement, or in those outdated magnetic albums. Am I right? Well, is important to dig out those photos and organize them. What good are they doing in a box? After all, you wouldn’t have taken them if they weren’t important at the time. So, dig out that old box from high school and start organizing.

#3 To keep your photos safe

Okay, we have already established that your photos are in boxes, the attic or in magnetic albums. All of these can ruin your precious memories and they will be lost forever. If you throw pictures in a box, there is the chance they will get torn and crumbled up. At the very least, they will be unorganized. The attic or the basement is also a bad location to store photographs. Those places typically contain a lot of moisture, which can cause photos to stick together. The worst by far are magnetic albums. While your photos may be on display and “organized” they won’t stay looking good for long. Magnetic albums are not acid free and photos will yellow.

#4 To find your family

One of the best ways to jump right into scrapbooking is to create a heritage album. Start with information and photos about important dates in your life and then add your relatives. There are many genealogy sites online that can help you look up information about your family. Get the kids involved in this project? While creating memories they will also be learning about their family heritage.

#5 To have fun

Scrapbooking is fun. Once you get started, it won’t be long before your addicted. Join other avid scrapbooks and start a crop. Working with others not only offers additional layout ideas, but also opportunities to learn new techniques, share scrapbooking tools, and get some great down time away from the kids.

Whatever your reason, preserving memories is important. Pick up your photos and an album and get started today. It really is easy.