How to Make a Family Book

A great way to spend time and to learn more about family members is to create a family book. A family book is similar to a scrapbook. However, it does not focus on events. Instead, it focuses on members of the family. It is a great activity to do with children as they can be creative when putting the book together.

You Will Need the Following:

A photo album, a binder and paper, or a scrapbook

Scissors

Glue

Photos of family members

Biological information and hobbies of family members

Decorative paper

Pens

Markers

Paints

Paint brushes

Pencils

Set Up the Family Book

The first thing that you want to do is set up the family book. Decide the basic layout of the pages. Does each family member get one page? Does a family member get the front and back of a page? Does a family member get pages that face each other? Where do the pictures go? Where is the information printed? There are also ,many types of books that can be used, but it is good to have a book where items can be added so new pages can always be added for new people or new pets.

Set Up an Outline

The outline doesn't have to be detailed. However, it is important to draw an outline with the pencil so you know where pictures will be put and where information will be written. Lightly pencil in areas where pictures and perhaps decorations will be made with decorative paper or photos.

Paste the Photos in Place

Now that the basic layout is set and the outlines are made, paste the main photo of each family member in place. This way you know which page is for which family member.

Add Information

Write the information for each family member. Information that should be include is the name (which would probably be at the top of the page), birth date, date of death (if the person has passed away), and hobbies of each family member. You can include information such as favorite memory, favorite vacation, favorite book, and distinguishing characteristics. You may not want to include all of these or you may want to include these and more. The information that you put in your family book is up to you.

Include Pets

Pets are part of the family. Include past and present pets as part of the family.

Include Ancestors

Include ancestors if information about them is available. This way the family book can be passed down for generations and the people in the family can know about their ancestors.

Decorate the Family Book

Decorate the family book by writing or drawing in areas that are not used for information. This can be done with the makers or paint brushes. These areas can also be decorated with cut pictures and with cut decorative paper that is glue in those areas.