Scrapbooking has become all the rage in the modern world; through elaborate albums that have been chosen for the occasion or time period being memorialized, scrapbookers fill the pages with carefully cropped photos, elaborate page decorations, and detailed journal entries to describe the event and the people and activities that are shown in the pictures. Scrapbooks are enormous undertakings – especially for busy moms who are most often the ones dedicatedly filling the pages. But once complete, they offer a longstanding and cherished reminder of a specific time in life; a wonderful gift for children and grandchildren to have for a lifetime and something for which we will always be grateful. After all, how many of us have found disintegrating photo albums that were once owned by our grandparents – the pages yellowed and fading, the photos damaged, and worse yet, not a note in sight that gives a clue to the people or the places at which we are looking. Scrapbooks are the time capsules of our generation and they will serve our family well in the future.

In addition to such scrapbooks, many family historians are looking to capture our family stories in other ways – through the use of an actual book that tells of our history. Through self publishing websites families are able to turn notes into a bound book that will last for a lifetime. When penning the story of our families for use by self publishing websites consider the following:

* There are many versions to a family story. Consider having everyone from grandparents to aunts, uncles, and children write their version of what they know and remember – as well as the stories that were told to them as children. Through this compilation of memories we are able to weave the tapestry of a family’s history.

* The inclusion of photos. Consider including photos that speak to the particular story that you are recounting. Self publishing websites allow users to upload photographs, artwork, and illustrations for use in the book.

* Cover art. When completed, this will be a bound book that can be enjoyed by family and friends. Consider what you want on the cover of this family memoir.

* Quantities. At the completion of self publishing, users can request as many copies of the finished book as they would like – perfect for holiday gifts for family members far and wide.

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