Banner

Some Tips on Creating a Memory Scrapbook for Kids

Getting the kids involved in scrapbooking is a lot easier said than done.  Some children just don't have the attention span needed to create an entire scrapbook and they may also be somewhat creatively challenged.  But if you can get them involved in making a memory scrapbook for kids, this may be what they need to appreciate the hobby and to enjoy it more often.  A memory scrapbook for kids can mean that they feel really involved in the creation of such a book and when they feel more involved, children are more likely to enjoy a hobby and to continue with it.

But before you just grab some materials and ask everyone to gather around the kitchen table to start a memory scrapbook for kids, let's go over a few important tips so that you can be sure you're making the most out of this hobby and are successful with it.

First, go online and get some examples of other scrapbook pages that will appeal to your kids.  Usually children enjoy things that are brightly colored and eye catching.  If you do this first before starting your memory scrapbook for kids, they can be more excited about it as they can imagine the finished product.  Just putting some materials before them and telling them that it will turn out great might not be enough to get them interested.  You can also find other examples of a memory scrapbook for kids online as well so they can get a real idea of what they're working on.

Second, have the child pick out what they want to put in a memory scrapbook for kids.  This can be photos but it can also include other mementos.  For example, if you went bowling with friends you may have not just a picture of everyone on the lanes but you have the score sheet as well.  As with all other scrapbooks, making a memory scrapbook for kids means not just pictures but any other memento you might have.  Encourage kids to pick out movie ticket stubs, good report cards, postcards from friends or that you picked up on a trip, leaves they collected during a walk, and so on.  Anything and everything that fits into your memory scrapbook for kids can be worked into your design, and as the child feels involved in picking out things they're more likely to enjoy the book itself.

Because kids are usually drawn to bright colors, it might be good to remember this when composing a memory scrapbook for kids.  Sometimes adults prefer more subtle colors or deeper colors like rosy red or warm earth tones.  You may be tempted to use those types of colors in your memory scrapbook for kids because you like them or because you feel they'll go better with the photo or memento, and yet this might not be good for the children.  If they're drawn to brighter colors, primary colors, or pastels, then work this into your design or theme.  These colors might not be your first choice and you may think that another theme would look better, but remember that this memory scrapbook for kids is just that - for the kids.  Let them choose what appeals to them.

Along those same lines, when making a memory scrapbook for kids you may also want to let them pick out their own embellishments and decorations.  Scrapbook pages can look crowded and busy very quickly so you may need to give them some limits or they'll probably pick out everything they see.  Use that sample or example memory scrapbook for kids that you've picked out as your template and have them copy it and the embellishments they see on that page.  If your sample page has one large embellishment and then a few smaller ones in a corner, use that as a guide.  If you're making a memory scrapbook for kids and they insist on using all the embellishments they can find, consider just making up more pages rather than putting everything on one page!  Tell them that those other embellishments they've chosen can be used for the next memory scrapbook for kids you put together and this too may help encourage them to come back for another project!

Another good suggestion when it comes to working with children is to consider making a mini memory scrapbook for kids.  Regular scrapbooks are usually twelve inches by twelve inches, but many mini albums are eight inches by six inches or five by seven.  This smaller size can be easier for a child to work with as it leaves less room for them to work on.  Even experienced scrappers can sometimes get overwhelmed with trying to fill up an entire page so you can imagine how difficult it is for a full sized memory scrapbook for kids.  That smaller size can also mean that it looks more proportionate for things like ticket stubs, report cards, and other small mementos.  If you can't find a mini sized memory scrapbook for kids, make one up!  Trim sheets of your larger paper to a workable size and bind them by punching a hole in one corner or three holes along one side and tying it all together with ribbon.

If you apply all these tips you might find that getting your children involved in putting together a memory scrapbook for kids is not a chore but something they really enjoy!  Of course you don't want to force the issue but suggest it the next time you're stuck indoors or they're looking for something new and exciting to do.  You can even suggest they begin saving mementos for their next memory scrapbook for kids.  If you suggest this, you may be surprised at the things they begin to save and how often they want to work on their scrapbook and pages to add.  And who knows, it may turn out that they enjoy putting together a great memory scrapbook for kids even more than you do!

 

 
Scrapbooking Supplies