Welcome to Journals for Keepsakes        Weekly Column...

By:  Jennifer Hollowell

Memory Preserving Ideas 

Use of journals as a means of creating a keepsake is all too important.  These memories can be later used for your own nostalgic purposes or as a gift to treasure.  Not only does it prevent the inevitable holes in memories from occurring, it’s a lot of fun to look upon as you go. 

There’s so many wonderful ways to preserve memories and the marketplace certainly does not fall short on supplies.  With the right tools, guidance and detailed instructions even the most uncreative or unorganized person can pull this off.  The key is commitment.  If you’re committed to this project on a long-term ongoing basis, the fruits of your efforts will be enjoyed for generations to come. 

Falling short on ideas?  Here’s a brief list describing some of what you can expect from this column:

1. Date books: utilization of a basic over the counter date book in any variety helps keep memory preservation on a less intimidating level.  The spaces provided aren’t enormous, so you won’t feel compelled to create a lot of content or have a lot of blank pages during days without writing.  I use this with my two year old because I haven’t found a memory book right for what I would like to write about him.  I have the freedom to write what I want when I want with this tool.
2. Calendars: it is nothing short of amazing how many different calendars are available on the market today.  Not only can you use the first year calendars to mark milestone moments, you can continue with the method each year thereafter using your favorite themes.  The use of stickers isn’t a requirement for such an endeavor, so you have the ability to choose any type of calendar you like.
3. Binders: looking for a way to organize all the little tid-bits of information you’ve been picking up from doctors, printing off the Internet or collecting from magazines?  This organizational method not only keeps handy information at your fingertips, it allows you to chart your child’s progress on a year-to-year basis.
4. Scrapbooks: again, the possibilities are endless in this venture.  Exploration of the many ways to use scrapbooks as a way to journal your child’s development and create keepsakes will be a refresher course from some and a learning experience for others.
5. Photo Albums: these don’t have to be boring anymore, not with today’s technology and the amount of resources available to consumers today.  See how you can spruce up your current photo albums and create fresh new approaches to future projects.
6. Letters: I am a strong advocate for letter writing, always have been.  There are so many ways to preserve memories through the collection of letters and letter writing to your children before they reach the age of understanding.  Not only will I touch upon this subject in terms of jump starting your own project, I will report on my own progress with my two sons.
7. Letter journals: by collecting letters written to your children by relatives and friends, it creates a timeline of events and emotions that bridges gaps between your own journal projects in a very personal way.
8. Create a website: knowledgeable of HTML?  With all the tutorials out there, you really don’t need to be to create your own pages dedicated to the growth of your children.  These journals can take on your own personality with photos, graphics and other forms of content based solely on your desires.
9. Online journals or diaries: this is a very good approach for someone desiring an online presence, but doesn’t have the time to design and assemble a site. 
10. Traditional journal or diary: instead of using a date book, you could step things up a bit with the use of traditional journals or diaries.  This format enables you to write as much or as little as you like without blank pages intimidating you on unwritten days.
11. Sketchbooks: are you an artist?  Harness this passion with a collection of works dedicated to your children.  They don’t have to be themed toward children, rather inspired by them.  These don’t have to be masterpieces, but rather children inspired pieces of work. 
12. Poetry: poetry journals are great to have for those who enjoy this craft, but even better when the inspiration is coming from your children.  Creation of compilations of works devoted to your children specifically or with them in mind is truly a treasure.
13. Baby books: this is a traditional means of journaling your children’s growth, development and memories.  There are so many to choose from today both in stores and online it’s no wonder this is now considered a challenging task for many.
14. Blessing books: you can make one or buy one depending on how creative you are and how much time you have available.  You children will cherish this gift in later years when they see your specific hopes and dreams for their futures.
15. Prayer Journals: Praying for our children is one of the most important decisions a parent can make depending on their faith and religious backgrounds.  There are several books that can point you down this path and teach you how to organize and record your thoughts in a journal to keep for yourself of give as a very personal gift.
16. Greeting card journals: receiving greeting cards via postal mail is becoming very archaic these days with the advent of free greetings through email service.  So, with the few you’re sure to receive for your children it would be that much more special to create a journal containing them.  I’ll touch upon how you can personalize this journal and make it more than just a blank book filled with cards.

Not only will ideas be given on a weekly basis, but also my own personal experiences and various other methods of guidance during this creative process.  What better way to stay inspired than by hearing the trials and tribulations of others going through the same thing.  Harness this adventure and think of all the benefits it will have in the years to come.

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