How to Make a Memorial Scrapbook

Make a scrapbook of memories

When a loved one passes away, it is a time for grieving. Several funeral homes will ask family members to bring pictures to display during the wake. Some funeral homes are also scanning these pictures and putting them on-line with graphics and music. Loved ones want to remember their deceased family member or friend alive and having fun. You can make your own memorial scrapbook to remember your loved one. Friends and family will love to look at this scrapbook when you get together. Grief is eased somewhat when people gather together and remember the deceased fondly. A memorial scrapbook will do just that.

Things You'll Need

• Scrapbook with acid free pages
• Colorful 5 x 8 index cards (acid free)
• Stickers (acid free)
• Pictures of your loved one
• Pictures of family members and pets
• Scissors
• Double-sided tape (acid free)
• Small basket

Instructions

1. Make a small sign for the wake. On the sign, write a message such as: "Please take a card and write down a memory you have of ________. It can be a small moment, a funny thing she said, or an activity you did with her. When you are finished, place it in this basket. If you need more time, you can email a message or send your card to: ADDRESS." Have a small basket full of blank cards and a basket for memory cards. Leave these near where people sign the guest book.

2. Gather pictures of your loved one from family members, friends, and your own personal collection.

3. Buy a scrapbook with acid-free pages. The size of the scrapbook will depend on how many memory cards and pictures you have.

4. Arrange the memory cards and pictures in your scrapbook. Try to find a picture of the person who wrote the memory or a picture of your deceased love one doing a related activity as mentioned on the card. This will not always work out perfectly, but you can try to arrange your book like this before you secure anything to the pages.

5. Secure the memory cards and pictures to the pages. Add more memories if you want. If you think a lot of people would still like to share memories with you, then send out an email or snail mail call for memories. Your book can be a work-in-progress.

6. Add stickers and accents to the pages to have them flow together. Think of this scrapbook as a memorial to your loved one, and put a little TLC into it.

Tips & Warnings

• At the wake, you may want to have some examples of things people could write on the card from your own personal experience with your loved one. For example, if your grandmother passed away, maybe you could write a card about the time she taught you to make chocolate chip cookies and her dog ate the ones cooling down on the table. People want to share their memories, but they might need encouragement if this is the first time they've been at a wake with this opportunity.

Resources

• MargoDill.com