How to Create an About Me Book

Scrapbooks capture your family's memories, but one member may be missing from the albums: you. Whether you're the one taking the photos or simply hesitant to write about yourself, the layouts about your life may be few and far between. Help future generations discover your history and milestones by designing an "About Me" album.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Photos
• Scrapbook album
• Page protectors
• Cardstock
• Patterned paper
• Paper trimmer or scissors
• Adhesives
• Pen
• Embellishments

1. Gather photos from your childhood and images of you and your family. Hand the camera to your significant other to take some snapshots of you with the kids, enjoying your hobbies or celebrating at family gatherings and events.
2. Buy a scrapbook album in the size and style you choose. Shop at a local scrapbook store or in the scrapbooking department of general retail, crafts or hobby stores. Also purchase page protectors to hold your layouts within the album.
3. Brainstorm layout topics that will reveal more about your personality, achievements and dreams. Try themes like your favorite things, times with family, hopes for the future, quirks, pastimes, school years, jobs and most memorable moments.
4. Find images to suit one of the ideas, then choose coordinating cardstock and patterned paper to serve as the background of the layout. Use a paper trimmer or scissors to crop images to the perfect size and adhere them to the page.
5. Use a photo-safe pen to add your recollections about the events depicted in the photos. Write more than just the names and dates. Give readers a true glimpse of what you were thinking and feeling.
6. Add embellishments to further the themes of your layouts and to add a decorative touch.

Tips & Warnings

• To ensure your "About Me" book stands the test of time, only buy cardstock, adhesives, paper, pens and embellishments that are archival-safe and acid-free. Store your album in a cool place away from direct sunlight.