How to Make a Scrapbook for the Elderly
Creating a scrapbook is a thoughtful and creative way to collect, display and preserve cherished memories for years to come. As an artistic project, there is no right or wrong way to complete it, making it all the more enjoyable! Scrapbooks make thoughtful gifts for loved ones, especially senior citizens who have lifetimes of cherished memories.
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Things You'll Need
- Blank scrapbook
- Decorative scrapbook paper
- Glitter
- Stickers
- Stamps
- Ribbon
- Trinkets
- Glue
- Scissors
- Photos or memorabilia
Instructions
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Instructions
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1
Assemble a list of memories, activities or people who are important to the senior citizen. Ask him what about his favorite hobbies and pastimes. Talk to him about his proudest accomplishment. Contact his family members to ask about what he appreciates most in his life. Once you have a list of who and what is most important to him, decide how best to represent them in the scrapbook.
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2
Brainstorm a page design for each item or person on the list. Think about how to creatively represent each subject. For example, a page about his grandchildren could take the form of a family tree, where each "leaf" contains a photo of a family member. These designs determine which of the supplies you will need from the Things You Will Need list.
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3
Gather photos and memorabilia (such as certificates or newspaper clippings) from his family members. Make high-quality copies of them at your local office supply store, or scan them at home so that you can return the originals. These artifacts can especially help to personalize templates or designs found online.
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Decide on a logical order for the scrapbook's pages.roup them by theme (family, friends, accomplishments, etc.), or put everything in chronological order.
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Decide on a creative way to present your scrapbook to the senior citizen. For example, include a photo of the two of you on the first page, alongside a note about why you assembled the gift.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember, there's no right or wrong way to put a scrapbook together. Use your imagination! If you lack inspiration, check out the list of resources. There are many websites that provide free scrapbook templates.
If you're better with a computer than scissors, consider creating a digital scrapbook with software such as Adobe Photoshop, using the scanned images and clippings you've collected. You can then get it published via a variety of companies, such as MyPublisher.
If you're creating this scrapbook for a senior citizen you don't know that well, consider including him in the process! Bring the necessary supplies to him, and help him assemble the book, using the time to get to know him and his life story.
If borrowing photos or other items of sentimental value from a friend or family member, return them in the same condition in which you received them. Remember that these items are one-of-a-kind and often impossible to replace.
