The following are the steps you need to take to get started on your child’s scrapbook:
1. Set up a work area: If you do not have a work area devoted to scrapbooking and to getting started on your child’s scrapbook, then you won’t be as effective, and you will probably never get it done. So, set up an area that is devoted to organizing and preparing your child’s scrapbook. Be sure to have sticky noted,pens, your photos, and an acid free photo box, as you will use these regularly while you get started on their scrapbook.
2. Decide on a theme: You have choices when it comes to your child’s scrapbook. Do you want it to be an ongoing life album? Do you want it to be an album of a specific time period or event in their life, such as newborn, toddler, school days, vacations, etc.? You will want to know the theme as it will help you to determine whether or not you will include specific photos, events, etc. in your child’s scrapbook, or somewhere else.
3. Create categories: This is going to help you get through your stack of photos faster, and better. You will make beautiful scrapbooks that go together well. So, write out categories for your photos and memorabilia. These can be in chronological order, or any other way you want. The important thing is to sort and categorize. So, for example, you could have a category of “Firsts” where you put the photos of their first tooth, first step, first time using a big toilet, etc. all together even if they do not seem to go together. You could do a “relatives” category where you have photos of events that included extended family members. The options are endless, so think about the theme you chose, and make categories that suit it well.
4. Organize photos: Once you have your categories determined you will want to sort your photos into those categories. As you sort, prepare yourself for when you do the actual scrapbooking by jotting down memories the photos inspire, and any other thoughts you have on a sticky note. You can then attach this to the back of the photo to remind yourself later when you scrap that page. Once your photos are sorted into categories, put the photos within each category into chronological order.
5. Organize memorabilia: You will want to simply keep memorabilia with corresponding photos, and if there are not photos, sort it as if it was a photo just like you did above.
6. Store photos and negatives: After you have completed the above steps you will want to store any photos, negatives, photo CD’s, etc. until you are ready to use them. So, be sure to store all sorted photos in 100% lignin, acid, and PVC free negative sleeves, storage binders, and photo boxes. Otherwise there is a chance your precious photos could be ruined. You can’t replace those photos, (unless you still have the negative or digital image in good form), so do not run the risk of ruining them due to neglect. Make sure that you label your storage well so that when you are ready to work on a specific category you can find it easily.
7. Get started: last but not least, start your albums, purchase supplies, you should have some ideas, you know what your categories are, so now you can go to work creating a beautiful way to preserve your memories and enjoy your photos for years to come.