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One of my favorite memory keeping tools is my scanner. I have used several Hewlett Packard models over the years and I currently have a HP Office Jet 6500. It’s nothing fancy, but it gives me nice results. Most scanners purchased within the last few years will do an adequate job. If you don’t own a scanner, you could always ask to borrow a friend’s scanner, or go to your local copy shop and use their equipment. Just bring along your own SD card or flash drive so you can save your images.
Why should you scan your special mementos? I think there are many good reasons to scan; it provides a backup copy, allows you to share the piece with others who might appreciate it (family, friends, etc.) and you can use the items in your creative projects. I’m a digital scrapbooker so I use scanned images directly on my pages. All types of scrappers will find uses for scanned items. You could use the original on your pages, but you are limited to a one-time use. I almost always prefer to use scans or at least have a scanned backup for special items.
When I save a ticket stub, or piece of memorabilia in scanned form, I have an image to keep indefinitely, just like my digital photos. A ticket stub like this one to a Shakespeare festival play, is just as much a snapshot in time as a photograph. I have journaling, time-capsule information on pricing, and a piece of the cultural experience I took part in. I love having a scanned copy so I can use it on my blog, include it on a scrapbook page (or two), and save it for future generations.
I scanned an original page from my own baby book because I treasure my Mom's handwritten notes about me. I could retype these, but it wouldn't have as much meaning as seeing her actual penned words on the page. Now that this page is scanned, my Mom and I can each have our own copy, and I can use this piece in my own memory projects.
When my daughter won a blue ribbon for her own cookie recipe at the Utah State Fair (at the age of 7 years old), I wanted to preserve her award for generations to come. The ribbon accidentally got folded when she carried it home, but I think that just adds more charm to the piece.
I had the wonderful opportunity to spend 2 months on a study abroad in England when I was in college. I spent a lot of time using this map of the underground to plan my stops. I love that I have a scanned copy as a keepsake.
watercolor ocean by my son in 2008
As a parent, I want to keep and cherish all of the artwork my children have created, but there simply isn't room to store it all. I don't feel guilty about throwing it out as long as I scan the original to save.
When you go to the effort to scan something, it shows the person that it belongs to that the piece really means something to you. My children know that I'm proud of their achievements when they see me rush to the scanner to save their special papers.
my son's handwriting at age 6
Without my scanner, I would be less likely to save the little tidbits from our everyday lives. Every document, creation, and memento I have scanned is like a special treasure that helps illustrate our life stories. I love browsing through my files and reliving memories when I see the things I've scanned. I hope you will make good use of scanning technology to save the bits and pieces of memories that tell your story. They will become some of your greatest treasures!
For more scanning inspiration, you might enjoy these other posts I've written:
Memory Monday: Scanned Treasures at scrapbookladypages.com
Memory Monday: Scan a Note at scrapbookladypages.com
Digi Scrapping Memorabilia at thedailydigi.com
Get a peak of my new Big Picture workshop, Round Up here.
GIVEAWAY!
*** winner is sts2000 ***
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I have a box for each child that I put things in...but they are getting older now and I love some of your suggestions....because the boxes are burgeoning. Thanks for the opportunity.
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The Daily Digi is giving away a year long membership valued at over $80. To enter the giveaway leave a comment below sharing what you do with your memorbilia.
Giveaway ends in 48 hours on 11/7 @6:00 am PST
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The Daily Digi membership, Digi Game includes:
- The Digi Files: over $50 worth of digital scrapbooking supplies by seven of the top digital designers in the community.
- The Playbook: an interactive ebook (at least 30 pages) showing layouts created by our team and the techniques used to achieve the looks, links to more resources and tutorials, and a video tutorial.
- Exclusive collaborations: a huge exclusive kit created by past contributors to The Digi Files every four months you are a member. You get the first kit, “Story of Everyday Life” right when you subscribe (pictured below)!
- Extra Bonus Gifts every month.
50% OFF ALL SELF-PACED DIGITAL CLASSES
DISCOUNT EXPIRES TONIGHT!!
This one time only discount still applies, all details here on all of Big Picture's Digital self-paced classes.
*Disclaimer: This coupon only applies to digital Self-Paced class; coupon does not apply towards other Self-Paced Projects, Workshops or Gift Certificates. Good for one time use, per student. Expires November 5th 2011 at 10:00pm PT. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Coupon must be entered in the “Promo Code” box during checkout and press “apply” button; discount will be applied immediately. Not applicable towards previous purchases. Other terms and restrictions may apply.
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