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.

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.