How to Make a Personalized Gift And Leave a Memory to Cherish for Years to Come

With the Holidays upon us in mere weeks, it is all too easy to walk into a mall and purchase a gift that is promised to be "the perfect present" for anyone on your holiday list. But the problem lies in the those on your list who have so many knick knacks that they have literally no room for more nor do they happen to need or have any use for a crank flashlight, a singing Santa or the latest in designer candles. If you are looking for something for that special person in your life that won't be relegated to the back of a closet, this memory maker book might be just the ticket.

Inspired by a box I inherited full of family images that needed saving for future generations, I came up with this project which can be used for any member or your family or in fact, a long time friend. As it is individually created, each project is one of a kind and will special in it's own right.

MATERIALS:

Pictures/images and possibly newspaper articles which have special meanings to the recipient.

A scanner to copy said images or a good camera to take images of said images.

Good quality paper (I use cardstock but this can also be printed on photo paper, depending upon the final effect you desire)

A good printer and new ink cartridge (this can use a lot of ink so a cartridge in reserve is a must)

A scrapbook with removable pages or a photo album for a hardback book effect.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take images and download to camera.

Using software of your choosing, created pages with images complete with descriptions of said photos and identifications of those in the images.
This is the time where you can use the personalities of those you are presenting with this gift. Let your creative side loose and have fun. When caring is brought into the mix, nothing is wrong and everything is a memory waiting to happen.

Create pages using photo editing software and be creative. Do remember that sometimes simple is best in font espeically when it comes to being able to easily read the text and to keep book of a uniform nature you might want to consider using a common font throughout the entire book.

Print pages try to include as much information on the images and scans as possible. This is a memory maker and the more information as to dates, names and locations will be appreciated. If there is a family story involved with the image, feel free to add it as well. Additions like that are what make the book special.

Very carefully, place pages in the order you wish not forgetting a title page, and end page and create holes to attach pages to book.

There you have it. This is memory gift which is guaranteed to mean a lot to those whom receive it. This book is extra special to those who are celebrating a first Christmas, high school or college graduation or grandparents who love to brag about their children and grandchildren. I have given this book many times and in fact have even used this as an end of the school year book for teachers. It may take some time to create but the appreciation for it will go above and beyond the time in which the recipient opens it.