Blog: Paper Organizing Made Easy
Thinking Outside The Scrapbook: Alternative Ways To Keep Your Memories

(photo by desi.italy)

Do you scrap? I don't. Why? It's a big commitment I've chosen not to take on. I am fascinated by it, however, and a close friend has a breathtaking talent for it. I do enjoy cruising the aisles of the craft store scrapbooking section (I use some of those tools for labelling and an occasional greeting card or bookmark). The thought of making ongoing collections of perfectly decorated scrapbook pages is overwhelming to me, and just makes my stomach feel heavy. I can see why craftier, less commitment phobic people are crazy about it. What a great gift for
your children's children! However, what if your child doesn't want your meticulously crafted scrapbook collection? (It can happen - see how Maria Gracia responded to a reader's question about this very subject.)

If you have lots of unfinished scrapbooks laying around, don't beat yourself up about it. It's perfectly ok not to scrapbook; you do have permission to abstain. So, if you don't want the commitment of scrapbooking, how can you keep your photos for future generations? Here's a few ideas:

1. Archival boxes: There are lots on the market, some are even museum quality. As you receive snapshots or have family photos taken, store them by year to keep it simple. Use an acid-free pen to write names and dates for the future.

2. Use a USB device: Sometimes called a "jump drive", they are small and ever increasing in storage capacity.

3. Safety deposit box: Keep copies of photos on digital media, or hard copies to make sure your memories are not lost in a disaster.

Keep your snapshots and portraits in a safe place where you can enjoy them, and make keeping them together enjoyable as well. If that means tossing them into a box, that's ok. :)

posted on: 3/5/2008 10:30:00 AM by Brandie Kajino
category: Paper

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Paper Organizing Made Easy

by Brandie Kajino

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About Brandie:

Brandie Kajino, "The Home Office Organizer" "Empowering you to organize your home office"

Brandie's Website:

www.thehomeofficeorganizer.com

Brandie's Other Blogs:

• Settling Into Your New Home

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