How to Make a Graduation Scrapbook Page for Friends

Graduation is a special time; one that represents the culmination of years of hard work and of building new friendships. One of the most meaningful gifts you can give to friends and fellow graduates is a graduation scrapbook page. You can include highlights of the years spent together along with souvenirs of the graduation itself. Your page can commemorate events attended, special moments and shared activities. Even if your friends don't have a scrapbook, your efforts will produce a work so memorable they'll want to frame it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scrapbook pages, one for each friend
• Photographs
• Souvenirs of school years
• Graduation invitation and other memorabilia

1. Decide which friends you'd like to make a scrapbook page for. You might choose to make pages for a circle of friends who attended activities together over the years or individual friends you knew apart from one another. In the first case, your pages might all be the same, while for separate friends, each would be different. If you choose to keep the scrapbook page a surprise, you'll have to find a way to collect pictures or other memorabilia they might have that you're missing.

2. Sort out your memorabilia before you begin so you can be sure it will fit on one double-sided page. Put events that happened before graduation on one side, reserving the back side for the graduation details and the ceremony itself. Plan the graduation side of the page before the day comes so you'll know what you need to include. Sort and arrange items by date or any order that pleases you. Review what you already have and what else you want to include. Lay out your design before you permanently attach pictures or other souvenirs. Leave space so you can view each item without the page being cluttered.

3. Collect photographs of friends who'll be receiving a scrapbook page. If friends have copies of photos you're missing, ask to borrow them without giving away the surprise. Having candid pictures of friends engaged in activities from the early years is as important as formal graduation portraits. Consider milestones, such as events you attended or occasions spent together. Having a mix of photos captures the best of both worlds. If no photos are available, record your memories in writing beside photos and other keepsakes. Your reminiscences will enhance everyone's enjoyment of the collection.

4. Assemble the first side of the page before graduation once you've chosen a design. Slide your souvenirs inside protective covers or use double-faced tape to hold photographs and other paper memorabilia in place. Get extra invitations to the graduation ceremony or make copies so each friend will have one. Put those on the back side of the page. On graduation day, you'll have another chance to take photos of your friends together one more time. Pictures can include favorite teachers, buildings of significance and similar memorable shots. On the back, or graduation side of the scrapbook page, list the academic major of each friend or other honors achieved. Write the destination of each, including city, job or college.

5. Plan in advance when you want to present your friends with their scrapbook pages. A party planned for later on graduation day will give you time to download digital photos and print out copies to put on the scrapbook pages. If you act quickly, you can deliver the pages the same day. Arrange to exchange addresses with fellow graduates who must leave immediately after the ceremony.

Tips & Warnings

• Using scrapbook pages that have protective covers saves wear and tear on the photos and other items you've collected. It will also help them last longer.