Families are like branches on a tree. We may grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one. This is a very accurate statement that shows how close and deeply connected families are. We may also have our differences but this doesn't matter when we're all gathered together and making memories. Over the years we collect thousands of big or small moments we want to remember forever. Finding ways to keep those memories alive will be a treasure for future generations.
Photo Books
There’s at least one person in the family who loves taking pictures and capturing every moment we spend together. Our phones are loaded with thousands of photos from the time spent with friends and family. There are, of course, some that are our favourites, so why not have them printed on a book? Find a reliable hardcover picture book printing service and get your own precious book of memories.
The type of paper you choose will have a big influence on the quality of the printed photos. There are 3 main choices, glossy, matte and extra matte. Glossy is the perfect paper if you want to enhance the bright colours, strong contrast and vivid motifs. It has a smooth surface which accentuates the detail in the photos and creates very dynamic and lively pictures. This is a perfect option for holiday pictures and panoramic photography.
Matte paper looks very professional and elegant. This type of finish will make the pictures look classy and feel good in your hand. It's not a reflective type of paper and won’t show any fingerprints. This is a great feature because many hands will touch these books. Matte paper is low in contrast and this makes it perfect for black-and-white photos, portraits and landscape photos.
The extra matte option has soft contrast but you can still get vivid colours and nice sharpness to the pictures. It's a little reflective and a bit flossy. When you touch it, it has a sort of velvety feel. This is a great option for wedding photos and birthday celebration photos. Of course, you can use this elegant option for any type of picture. You'll get an amazing result each time.
Another thing to consider is the book binding. There are 2 main types, the perfect binding and the lay-flat binding. Perfect binding is very popular. It looks classy but you can’t spread an image across two pages. Lay-flat bindings are great for landscape and wedding photos because they give you the space to showcase the beauty of the photo and all the details in it.
Shadow Box Frames
Shadow box frames are one of the most versatile ways to preserve family memories. They have the capacity to display so many things. Besides the emotional values, they can also be great decor pieces. There's nothing you can’t do. The only limit is your imagination. While creating the shadow box. It's important to tell the story of the chosen day and moment. So, pick a theme, print photos, gather your supplies and start working.
The box is a nice way to display moments from graduations, weddings, birthdays, family gatherings, anniversaries, family weekends and much more. You can even create a collage with them. Each box is for one special moment, all arranged on the wall to display your happy memories.
The sense of depth and dimension enhances the beauty of the items inside. The 3D effect is what makes it unique and beautiful in every way. Instead of going with hardcover picture book printing, shadow box picture frames can be an awesome replacement. You can use it in so many ways. One example is when a newborn comes into the family.
Snap a few pictures of the baby and print them in a smaller size. Take a few items that belong to the baby such as socks, shoes, pacifier, bib, hat or anything else you want. Choose a colour theme and decorate. You can use ribbons, flowers, stickers and much more. This is a time to express your creativity and make something unique.
Scrapbook
A scrapbook is another way to keep your family’s memories alive. Just like a hardcover photo book, the scrapbook is a layering of precious moments one after another. Adding a new theme for every new moment you preserve is a wonderful way to make the scrapbook colourful and fun. Vibrant pages for birthdays, classy neutral colours for weddings or a rustic layer for anniversaries are just some suggestions on what you can work with.
Scrapbooking isn’t hard and it doesn’t have to be perfect. It's more about expressing yourself and enhancing the right family moments. To start your adventure, grab a notebook, pens, pencils, markers, watercolours, washi tapes, stickers, stamps and anything else you might find useful and creative.
Family Interview
Getting the tale straight from the source is the best method to capture the authenticity of any situation. Every member of your family can add a unique story to the history you're writing. Conversations are the best way to learn more, uncover, and preserve memories. Doing family interviews doesn't have to be complicated or formal. All you need is recording equipment, interview questions, and a family member who is ready to participate.
Family Heirloom
Family heirlooms have been a part of human civilisation since its beginnings. It's a great way to honour family ties, remember the past and never forget your ancestors. So many stories and memories can be stored in one small item like a locket, a ring, a picture or a toy. No matter what the object is, it should be something personal, something with emotional value, something that will create a bond between the old and new generations.
Repurpose Old Clothes
We all know that a simple piece of clothing can hold a very significant emotional value. This can be your mother’s wedding dress, your grandfather’s soldier jacket, or your father’s sports team uniform. All of these pieces are related to important parts and moments in their lives. In some cases, these items are passed down to future generations to wear or to keep and cherish.
One thing is for sure, vintage clothing rarely loses its value. If you don’t want to wear the piece as it is, there are ways you can alter it or completely reinvent its purpose. You can customise the wedding dress, make a pillow out of the soldier jacket or frame your father’s jersey. If you have many items at hand, there are companies that can make blankets and pillows out of them. This way everyone can use it and remember their history.