{ From Your
Computer to Your Bookshelf }
Top Ten Tips for Displaying Your Photos
1. Digital Photo Albums:
A new and
improved way to scrapbook, digital albums are the best modern solution for
showing off your photos. They’re quick and easy, with hundreds of options.
Because they can be a bit pricey, don’t hesitate to try out the albums from the
big-box stores’ photo labs. Also, watch for promotions on websites like
Snapfish and Shutterfly. For an excellent overview and comparison of several
digital photo book services, go online to this article from the 1/2/12 Wall
Street Journal:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324669104578207733312284810.html (it’ll be easier to find by Googling: pages of memories done in less than an hour wsj )
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324669104578207733312284810.html (it’ll be easier to find by Googling: pages of memories done in less than an hour wsj )
2. Traditional
Scrapbooks:
Good old
scrapbooking is a nice hobby and lots of fun, if … you don’t try to scrapbook
every event of every year. Choose special life moments and create special
scrapbooks to remember them. Enjoy the creative process and maybe even scrap
with friends. One of the joys of scrapbooking is writing your memories about your photos.
May I put in
a plug for scrapbooking with kids.
THEY LOVE IT! Girls and boys alike! They aren’t picky about supplies & love
the bright-colored sale stuff. I print photos for them to use on my color
printer at home and let them cut and paste to their heart’s content. (And, I
insist they write!) Our motto: “If mama says no to scrapbooking, ask grandma.”
3. Project
Life:
It’s a type
of scrapbook. For an overview of this easy, unique way to record memories and
keep photos, go to: http://www.beckyhiggins.com/products/what-is-project-life.php
4.
Smash Books:
What’s a
Smash Book? It’s a wirebound scrap album with pre-designed pages that have fun
graphics and spaces to add photos and memorabilia. Here’s a tidbit from the maker’s
(K and Company) website: “Why smash?
Because it’s time to get stuff into a book. Because you need less mess. Because
done is better that perfect. Live it up, glue it down, smash it in.” (Note: Teens
love the Smash Book concept.)
5.
Digital Scrapbooking:
You can make
basic digital layouts or get very creative with digi embellishments galore. There
are lots of online freebies available, so you can keep costs to a minimum. To
get started, explore the websites cottagearts.net or jessicasprague.com.
6. Looseleaf
Binders
Standard-size
binders are simple to use and nice to store. You can create pages using
easy-to-obtain standard cardstock (heavy, colored) paper and page protectors. (Another
favorite tip is to adhere your photos with Scotch
Brand Removable Double Sided Tape.)
I use binders for special letters, awards, large photos, etc. I also
park stuff in binders temporarily until I can find time to scrapbook it. As a
result, I have lots of binders, lol.
7. Family
History Books
Traditional
Family History binders are a mix of genealogy, life stories, and photos.
They’re a treasure and well worth the time it takes to put them together.
8. Photo Boxes
You can
print a sampling of your digital photos and store them by their dates in
nice-looking purchased photo boxes. If you have your photos sent to your home,
you’ll save money on printing. Don’t be afraid to let your loved ones open the
boxes and look inside!
9. Collage
Almost every
commercial digital photo processor offers photo collages. You can make collages
from 8 x 10 to full poster size and include up to 30 photos. The digital
process is magic! You pick your photos and background color and they’re automatically
arranged into a cool collage. (You can edit as desired.) Framed collages make
wonderful gifts.
10. Slideshows
and Powerpoint PresentationsShare your
photos through slideshows and presentations. I use Picasa (by Google) to store
and organize my photos. I love sharing through Picasa Web Albums slideshows.
Happy memory keeping!
