favorite theme photo book

A super simple and doable approach to memory keeping.

It's not news that the big trends in memory keeping have changed. Actually its a sort of revolving past time. We keep so many photos on our phones. We may not have time to maintain the 12x12 albums of years past, that's not to say we, eh hem, me, do not enjoy that process. But we don't always do the same things the same ways all the time.

Enter Heidi Swapp. An inovator who continues to find ways, to not only make pretty stuff, but to keep our most precious memories in that pretty stuff.

The newest line of Memory Keeping collection found at Michaels Stores includes this Favorite Theme Photo book.

I share a most recent version and my take on it here today.

Life as we know it is a story unfolding. My story has been composed of a whole lot of short stories lately. The 'right now' is so very different from the 'right now' of last year this same time.

I wanted to attempt to capture here in this photo book.

It all starts with home. This space has changed roles recently for our family and for me. This was a place to document and write about this new reality.

Part of the Memory Keeping Collection include a couple of new Embellishment Kits. I pulled out the Family Kit and put it to work...well...because this photo journal is focused on our family currently. So that just sort of made sense to me.

OK...true confession...the reason this kit appeals to me so much is that stamp set. Each of the embellie kits includes a sweet collection of stamps pertinent to the theme of the kit. I love them.

Our family recently came off a fabulous summer of hiking and exploring and discovering new places. I think we are still high on that whole experience. I tell that story here.

The Family kit includes chipboard pieces like the You Are My Sunshine. The Favorite Faces sticker is actually included with the photo journal itself. It was really a great creative opportunity to write my thoughts, and write I did, plus play with all the parts and pieces and add to the spirit of the photos.

This guy does not even live here anymore. But he's an integral part of us just the same. That random shot is my new favorite. It captures them so beautifully.

The other thing that FINALLY happened recently...my oldest girl got her drivers license. You know what they say...'female drivers, no survivors'. But I digress. Moving on...

The kit includes these great pockets with little tags. I dressed it up with a piece of ribbon stapled to the top. Plus included glitter letters gave me my hashtag sentiment. It's just one of many ways to add notes to the photo journal.

OK...seriously...my heart. Sigh...this one just started first grade. School is now in session. The next few pages I share recent school photos and just write to them about what is going on in their right now. I really am blessed.

Those girls. What a hot mess!

I think the main aspect of this photo journal is the fact the the photo placement is a no brainer. The 4x4 just slips in the page. Perfect!

The right side is ready for pen. For pockets. For tags. Whatever. This book takes some intentionality in that it has so much great space to journal. I can't encourage you enough to do just that. Write it down. It really does matter.

The pretty stuff is just the icing on the cake. It's just the pretty part. The kits make it super easy. The spaces invite the words. The photo slot is waiting for your most precious memories.

So go ahead. Make memories. And then keep them. And you'll never forget.

supplies: Heidi Swapp Memory Keeping Photo Journal

Memory Keeping available at Michaels.
twine and ribbon also available at Michaels.