Simple Scrapbooks
25 Fun & Meaningful Memory Books You Can Make in a Weekend
Boxes of family photographs may invite conflicting feelings of joy and guilt—how to assemble all of those pictures in a meaningful way for the entire family to enjoy? Julian’s new book will inspire the scrapbook enthusiast regardless of skill level to try something different: a simple scrapbook.
Julian, a well-known teacher and author of Core Composition, understands how overwhelming and time-consuming scrapbooks can be to even the most experienced. The simple scrapbook is a themed, finite approach, and will be manageable for those who might not ever have the nerve to get started. Julian’s goal for readers is to “make it meaningful” by recognizing the moments of life that should be recorded for future generations.
Divided into four chapters, the themes are introduced: Scrapbooks for Everyone, Families, Children, and Holidays. Directions for twenty-five albums are given. Each book presented begins with a personal introduction by the author who shares her thoughts about the particular book. The Nature Journal is an example created by Sharon Soneff. General directions are provided using the highlighted book as a detailed model. Guidelines for this journal suggest that the organization could be by seasons; by activity, camping, for example; or by location, such as regions of the country. Recycled papers continue the theme, using handmade paper in earthy tones. Julian invites readers to use an assortment of objects for texture and variety, but cautions that sand or other items should not come in contact with the photographs. Creating subtitle pages offer opportunities for quotations and “decorative elements” partnered with photographs. Fill-in pages can be added in time, and are one of the most important parts of the scrapbook. This is where the creator of the book adds personal thoughts and reflections about the book, using a journaling style. Use of descriptive words is encouraged, thinking and feeling about the moment of time that has been chosen. Each album ends with a Fun Idea, such as the use of quotations. Preparation and steps for putting the album together, are presented in a sidebar at the end of each book description.
All the scrapbooks highlighted give credit to their creators, and all materials used are listed. Resources for materials are given, including supplier names, toll-free numbers and Websites. There is a great deal of information and detail in this book, and the wish of the author is this: “whenever you create a scrapbook page, remember the underlying purpose of preserving your own unique memories for posterity.” This task is made possible in these pages.
Reviewed by
Tracy Fitzwater
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
