Heritage photos and albums can be so fascinating, but sometimes we’re too overwhelmed and intimidated to start. In this episode I identify two questions you can answer that will help you know how to get started. Your answer will depend on your personal situation and in this episode I show you examples of two very different approaches.
You can also download the high-quality version.
Below are the pages I showed in the video…
Using Digital Prints & Journaling From Own Perspective
It is a really fun experience to play with photos of your own parents when they were young, especially when digital photos allow you to get more creative with the design. I am taking a dual approach with the story in these layouts of my dad: I’ll share my own thoughts mixed with Dad’s explanations and I’ll give historical commentary when I can. Not only did I share my reflections of my dad’s pictures on this layout, but tucked away in the upper right corner is a tag with an explanation of the 1940’s Taylor-Tot stroller/walker that looks ridiculously dangerous for such a little guy.
This layout will sit in my “People We Love” album until I decide on a final album.
Journaling on front of layout reads: My dad–Silas “Teddy” or Ted Buckland–with his older brother, Jay. It’s 1945 and from my 2009 perspective, Dad is sitting in one of the more dangerous contraptions I’ve seen designed for a baby! I recognize that look on his face…it’s his “you caught me by surprise but I’m not quite ready to respond because I’m thinking about it” look. It’s often followed by a wonderful laugh or chuckle. Love you, Dad.
Historical commentary journaling on the tag at top: Taylor-Tot strollers had a metal play/snack tray with beads at the front (see his waste?), a metal wire bumper to keep the child in, and a removable stamped-metal foot tray (so it can become the walker). They were made with blue metal and a white painted cane insert. There was a white painted wooden seat, solid painted metal wheels with black rubber tires, and swivel front wheels.
Using Original Photos & Journaling From Someone Else’s Perspective
I never met my husband’s biological mother and he doesn’t remember her because she died when he was 1-1/2 years old. While I don’t have the creative freedom to do with this album what I do on other ones, it’s been a fascinating experience getting to know this person by remaking her scrapbook.
Journaling in her own words: Then came the big year, ninth grade. I have never had so much fun in my whole life as I did during that year. I was elected to president of our algebra class which put me in the student council. We had meetings throughout the year making plans and discussing problems of the school.
Seminary was my favorite class with Bro. Haws as my teacher. We studied the Book Of Mormon and everything else pertaining to the Gospel. I was president of our separate class. The testimony meetings we had were simply out of this world. I really enjoyed it and learned a lot.
We ended the week with a skit from each party. Our theme for the Gold Party was “South Pacific.” We made up words to the songs such as “Happy Talk,” Some Enchanted Evening,” etc.
I ran for secretary of the student body on the Gold Party along with Rose Bowers as mayor, Deena Riley as girls representative, and Dean Hendrickson as boys representative. For a week we campaigned with posters, hats, and all kinds of garbs. Results were announced at a matinee dance in the afternoon of the skits. Although I lost to Caren Curtis (who made the best secretary), every minute of trying was worth it.
Choosing Products, Colors, Patterns
I wanted to give this subject more time than we could fit in this episode, so we will address heritage layouts at least a couple more times over the next couple months or so. Until then, I hope you get a few ideas from the layouts you see here.
If you’ve been working on your own heritage albums, I’d love it if you leave a comment about the format you’ve chosen for your albums. If you have pictures online, please share a link so we can see.
