Scrapbooking takes on new dimensions as hobby grows in popularity

Scrapbooking has become a popular and exciting hobby. It is a creative outlet with which we can record the special happenings in our families.

The past few years it has taken on a new dimension — scrapbookers don't just photograph and write about events such as birthdays and vacations, but document their feelings, beliefs, hopes and dreams, the desires of their hearts.

When I discovered this trend in scrapbooking, I immediately felt at home with it, and I was determined to add that element to my own scrapbooks. The result has been so fulfilling. I've made better pages than ever and feel that I am also leaving a legacy of faith and hope for my children, grandchildren and generations to come.

Over the ensuing months, I've collected some ideas that could be used in "Scrapbooking Your Faith," as it has come to be known among those who scrapbook.

The first is obvious: recount the importance and meaning of special religious events. In January, we had two special events in our family. An 8-year old grandson was baptized, and our latest baby granddaughter was blessed. Their mothers made scrapbook pages about these events that didn't just tell who, where and when, but "why."

Another idea is to pair a picture with a scripture verse, value or creed. Maybe the picture comes first, or in some cases you may want to take a picture to go with a verse.

When I was scanning some old family camping pictures, I found a photo of my then-6-year-old son, Doug, carefully crossing a large stream on a narrow log. His best friend was following behind.

I made a page about faith, with a picture of Christ embedded into my picture indicating that Doug's faith in Christ and his ability to cross the stream would get him safely there.

One time, my daughter, Alison, had to actually stage a picture to go with a spiritual theme was when she was illustrating "The Family Proclamation," and was doing a page on the importance of prayer in our lives.

No one in the family had any pictures of children praying, so she called her two sisters for help. Within hours (thanks to e-mail and cooperative sisters), she had pictures taken in Kansas and Southern California of beautiful young girls in prayer.

Capturing miracle moments and trying times are definitely things to scrapbook. There will be times in our lives that are hard, and others that can only be explained as divine intervention. What got us through those hard times? How did we see the hand of God work in our lives?

Ann Kerr made a simple page for her husband, Cliff, to express the closeness he feels to God when he's in the mountains. (Courtesy photo)

Scrapbooking lends itself to lots of elements. Include meaningful prayers, songs, or quotes. Certain themes such as values, wonder, thankfulness and forgiveness go beyond the boundaries of organized religion.

A beautiful photograph taken in the mountains can form a background for journaling that relates the feeling of closeness to God when you are alone in a quiet mountain retreat.

I once saw a page with a picture of tiny red berries that read, "Remember the little things. God does." I want to make a page like that with all my beautiful pictures of little things.

I want to make a page with a picture of "beautiful" weeds that adorn the countryside some times of the year. I want to make a page of the astounding beautiful high Sierra when it is covered with snow. I want to thank God for all His creations. Actually, an expression of gratitude for anything can become a spiritual scrapbook page.

People who have inspired you is another scrapbooking angle to take. Gordon B. Hinckley, the prophet of our church for the last 13 years, recently died. My husband and I were in Hawaii on the day of his funeral and watched the satellite broadcast. We felt so humbled and thankful for his life and teachings.

Learning how to scrapbook

As a public service, Ann Kerr is available to speak to clubs and groups on the subjects of "Scrapbooking Your Faith" and "Digital Scrapbooking." Her presentations feature color slides with examples and ideas to get you going. For more information, call Kerr at 334-0404 or send an e-mail to annkerr@comcast.net.

The first scrapbooking I did when I got home was a page that will let my grandchildren, most of whom are too young to know President Hinckley, what a special influence he has been in our lives.

Most of the inspiration in our lives comes from a parent, or a teacher, or a good friend. Record what these special people mean to you.

Consider scrapping the places that you commonly associate with faith. It could be a church you've attended all your life or a special place of worship. I made a meaningful page for the LDS Sacramento Temple when it was finished last year, and my husband and I served as hosts at its open house.

Think about your blessings. Meditation on what's good in our lives can be powerful. Documenting it through scrapbook pages is even more powerful. Make a list of your blessings, and then take a moment to truly appreciate and record them.

Scrapbooking our beliefs is probably the most obvious genre of all. No one label can describe everything that we are. We are made up of what we believe. Our character and our personality are defined by it. Scrapbooking these beliefs lets others know the real us. It can truly be a valuable heritage for our posterity.

Ann Kerr is an active member of the Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lodi and an avid scrapbook maker.

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