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February 9, 2001
Heritage scrapbooking a fun challenge
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One of the biggest frustrations of heritage and family research is a
lack of information. Fascinating community, business and family stories
are lost because of the lack of records-photographs, diaries, documents,
etc. On the other hand, when photographs, diaries or descendants are found,
the imagination can start to build a picture of the past.
Occasionally over the next while, this column will look at some of the
trends in the recording of history-scrapbooks, photography, diaries, oral
history, etc.-not only as a legacy, but as a creative and pleasurable activity
as well.
Scrapbooks-or to use a fancier term, "heritage albums"-is the topic
for today. Scrapbooking can combine photos, annotations, drawings, newspaper
clippings, mementos, and whatever the creative spirit dictates.
A recent article in the North Bay Nugget states that scrapbooking is
"the fastest growing hobby in North America. It is not only an expanding
hobby, but an expanding business "with over $300 million in sales" last
year.
These quotes are from Lisa Bearnson, who heads a company called Creative
Memories, which is one of several such companies that sell consulting services,
materials and scrapbooking magazines to guide you.
The Nugget article states that the scrapbooking craze "has caught the
attention of craft companies producing thousands of supplies from scissors
to stickers, to acid free paper, to idea books for the avid scrap booker."
There are apparently over seventy stores across Canada that devote themselves
entirely to scrapbook supplies. A phone call to Creative Memories provided
the names of two representative consultants in North Bay.
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Creative memories has representitives to help you create
a unique scrapbook with pages like this displayed on their web site.
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Of course, you don't need a consultant or a fancy store to start scrapbooking,
even though some helpful hints from a consultant might be informative and
fun. Stationary stores and "box" stores sell acid-free scrapbooks, felt
pens, glue sticks, etc. Make sure you label and date items, especially
photos.
As a local historian I have seen beautiful photos, etc. made almost
useless because of a lack of the date, location or the names of the people
involved.
The North Bay Public Library has a new book called Creating Your Own
Heritage Album by Bev Kirschner Braun (I ordered my own copy at Gulliver's,
and received it within a few days). It is loaded with excellent ideas,
as well as lists of web sites, addresses and phone numbers.
There are four scrapbooking web sites listed, including:
· The Scrapbooking Idea Network: www.scrapbook.com
· The Scrapbook Obsession: www.geocities.com/heartland/ranch/2637
· Graceful Bee: www.gracefulbee.com
The Braun book touches on some of the reasons why people scrapbook.
The obvious one is to provide a legacy for your family or community
by recording the events of your life. With economical laser copying, the
book cane be copied and shared. Scrapbooking can also fulfil a creative
need in people, as well as a therapeutic one associated with grieving.
Scrapbooks don't have to be general in nature; they can record a vacation,
the life of a child, the building of a cottage, a reunion, etc. Pictures,
awards, clippings, plane tickets can be copied and used a second time in
a general scrapbook ,as well as in the specific books mentioned above.
With the new millennium, new century, and new decade beginning in a
few days, why not make a New Year's resolution to record some of your family's
history for fun and for posterity?
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