The dictionary defines a scrapbook as "a blank book in which miscellaneous items (as newspaper clippings or pictures) are collected and preserved." Websters dates the origin of the word to 1825, so it is hardly a new concept.

Many of you will remember making scrapbooks as kids --saving ticket stubs, brochures from holiday destinations, notes and newspaper clippings, special birthday cards or postcards. That was scrapbooking THEN. Scrapbooking NOW retains some of those elements, such as preserving precious memories, but focuses on the important elements of safety and longevity, journaling, and creative expression.

To learn all about what ACID FREE means and how important it is for your photos, as well as other safety and preservation issues, check out the What is Acid Free? post.

Journaling is a new word, but not a new concept, which means documenting important information alongside your photos so in the years to come your children will be able to answer their children’s questions of “How old were you there, Daddy ?” and “Where were you when that photo was taken, Mom?” It is the thing that some find brings the most meaning to their books.

Which brings us to the last element -- creative expression. It is an added benefit that the process of preserving family memories can also offer the scrapbooker an wonderful outlet for their creativity This may be the most fun aspect of the process! Adding the embellishments and decorative elements to each page makes the process artistic as well, and brings back those Blue Peter-days of glue pots (safe-for-photos ones this time!), scissors, glitter, and paper.

In the end what you create will be a treasured and precious family heirloom, a personal family history like no other.