A school scrapbook that spans a long period of time, from kindergarten through high school, would really show the changes in that period of one's life. (SHNS photo courtesy DIY Network)
As the end of summer approaches I'm reminded that it's quickly
becoming "back-to-school" time. The children return to school,
followed by the ritual of the annual school photo. No matter how
many snapshots you may have of your children, you are most likely
to save every one of their school photos from kindergarten through
high school.
When I was in grade school everyone had a folder that included
tiny versions of their school photos from every grade and each year
the newest photo was added. When we graduated eighth grade we got
to keep it and I have it still. I love seeing the changes from year
to year in my face, my clothes and especially my hair and it's so
convenient to have it all on one sheet.
While I have albums filled with birthday photos, Christmas
pictures and vacation snapshots galore, they all tend to cover a
specific time. Of course I enjoy these albums but I realize how
much I would appreciate a school scrapbook that spans a long period
of time from kindergarten through high school. If your children are
older and you have school photos from several grades, consider
creating a school scrapbook for each child.
When you create one scrapbook to cover such a long period of
time you must be selective and pick a few things to highlight from
each year. You could include photocopies of student artwork, ticket
stubs from special events and other memorabilia that you may have
to complement the photos. And if you don't have a photo to
represent a special memory, try to re-create it with embellishments
and journaling.
A great way to introduce the school theme is with a page that
features multiple windows. Each window flap is decorated with a
number to represent a grade level and when the flap is opened, the
photo from that year is revealed. Begin by dividing the page into
nine squares, leaving borders around all sides. Cut around three
sides of each square with a craft knife, leaving the left side
intact so that each square will open like a window to reveal the
photo behind. Place a photo behind each window opening and hold it
in place with tape on the back. Decorate each square with bright
colors of paper, stickers, ribbon and colored brads in the bright
colors found in a box of crayons. Fasten metal numbers on each
square to represent the grade level of the photo that sits
behind.
If you select just a few highlights from each year you can
easily fit grades K - 12 in one scrapbook. And as your kids grow up
they will love looking through it to remind them of their school
years.
A school scrapbook that spans a long period of time, from kindergarten through high school, would really show the changes in that period of one's life. (SHNS photo courtesy DIY Network)
