Are you looking for an activity for your kids when it’s too hot for them to go outside? Consider scrapbooking. It’s a great way to foster creativity and imagination while allowing your kids to create something that will remind them of their childhood forever. And best of all, there are no rules.
Now if the “no rules” thing scares you a little bit, consider purchasing a Pocketful of Memories Book instead. It still allows the creativity of a scrapbook but with a little more structure, and it’s sure to be a treasured keepsake.
But if you’re ready for your kids to dive right in to scrapbooking and start creating, then there are really only four essential ingredients that they need, the rest is up to them.
- First they’ll need a blank scrapbook/memory book which can be purchased from your local craft store. They come in several different sizes and styles so pick whichever will suit their purposes best.
- Next they’ll need some card stock, not construction paper. Card stock is much thicker, more durable, more colorful, and easier to work with than construction paper. I recommend HearthSong’s inexpensive Card Stock pack which comes in six different colors in the standard 8.5” x 11” size.
- Now for the fun part…MARKERS! This is where your kids will really
wow you. From writing funny captions next to family photos to creating beautiful designs which will transform a page, markers really personalize a scrapbook. And to make the page pop even more, HearthSong has packs of ten washable Glitter Glue Pens for that three-dimensional look. - Finally, the most basic of all ingredients, tape. I definitely recommend tape over glue when it comes to scrapbooks because it’s not as messy, and you will avoid the rippling effect that glue has on paper (though it’s not as noticeable on card stock). Tape can be purchased, well, pretty much anywhere.
Have the kids collect their “scraps,” whatever those may be: family photos, ticket stubs, old drawings, and they’re well on their way. The more they add, the more personal it becomes. Have them experiment with ribbon, stickers, patterned papers, anything!
Scrapbooking is a great, creative way to pass the time, and who knows, your kids might even get you addicted to it! If that ends up being the case, then never fear, there are a ton of resources out there which will help you find new and creative ways to preserve your memories. But always start out with the basics first! And if you have any tips of your own, please share them with us by leaving a comment.
-Katie D., marketing assistant
Tags: Arts and crafts, family crafts, Scrapbooking, Scrapbooking for Kids
