About Graduation Memory Boards

Graduation of any sort is a big deal. It's a time for the graduate to reflect how far he's come and where he's geared to go. It's also a time to look back on many fond memories of the school years, many of which can be captured on graduation memory boards. These boards can be custom ordered or are incredibly simple to make with a little time and a horde of nostalgic photos and objects.

Function

Graduation memory boards serve as a showcase of memories for the graduate. The most popular graduation is high school, but memory boards can be created to commemorate an exit from college, elementary school, any other training seminar, or even kindergarten. In addition to serving as a saunter down memory lane, the board can include images of the graduate's dream career and other goals he has up the road.

Types

Memory boards are usually made of a cork or foam core base covered in a decorative fabric or painted with designs. The most common shape for graduation memory boards are a simple square or rectangle, but the base can be cut into a variety of shapes that stick with the graduating theme. These can include stars, a giant "A+," a mortarboard, a car, or any design that has enough surface area to attach the memorable mementos.

Features

Graduation memory boards often contain artwork and images that reflect their past years in school. This includes photos, report cards, newspaper clippings, sayings,quotes, notes from classmates or teachers, and any other nostalgic bit that will help create the fond memories. Other life events that occurred during the school years--such as obtaining a driver's license, working as an intern at a top radio station or the graduate's first prom or rock concert--are other memories that can be captured and showcased.

Considerations

Graduation memory boards can be interactive, allowing classmates, teachers, school faculty, family members, and friends to add their own contributions. Folks close to the graduate can be asked to submit their favorite photo or memento of his past years in school. An adequately sized piece of poster board can also be cut out and stuck to the board where those attending the graduation party or ceremony can add a word or two as they sign it.

Creation

Making a graduation memory board is a fun and simple task. Start by collecting photos and other mementos of the graduate's years in school. Once the collection is complete, buy a piece of foam core that is large enough to accommodate them all. Cover the base with a decorative fabric or a piece of the person's old clothing. Use tacky glue to adhere the cover to the board. Allow it to dry thoroughly. Use straight pins to stick the items on the board. Use a small loop of wire for those that need a hook to stick the pin through. Push the pin all the way through the foam core so it sticks out the back of the board and can be bent with needle nose pliers. It can then be further secured into place. Everything needed is available at craft and fabric stores.