Tray Selection

A variety of antique and reproduction trays are available. Before buying, plan how you will keep your memory box dust-free when completed. (I simply had a sheet of Plexiglas cut to size, then drilled tiny holes in it so I could screw it into the frame of the finished box.)

Picture Selection

In selecting photographs, pick those that bring back a flood of memories—snaps that show you growing up, at work or play, with special friends, family members and favorite pets. (Before cutting up your original photos, you might want to scan copies for safekeeping or make copies at Kinko's or some other copy center.)

Mementoes

Gather precious small keepsakes to include with some photos. For example, my box includes my baby ring (which first belonged to my mother); school pins and medals; newspaper clippings; a 50-cent "diamond" my husband gave me as a joke; a piece of fur from our dog's favorite toy; a tiny seashell from mother's collection; a "Love" charm from my dad and a carving of a mule that reminds me of how stubborn I've always been.

Arrangement

Experiment by laying pictures on a large piece of heavy cardboard in the order in which you plan to place them in the box. Figure the sizes to which each picture must be trimmed, based on the size of the individual boxes in the tray. Do final trimming of pictures only when all the individual boxes have been modified to fit your requirements. (See next step.)

Tray Modifications and Finishing

To accommodate different sized photos, you will have to remove some of the tray sections. (Add glue to stabilize the tray as you remove supporting sections.) Finish the tray with stain or varnish of your choice.

Photo Placement

Place photos in different ways, slanting some from side to side, angling others from front to back or curving one or two. Glue other photos flat to the back, or to pieces of Styrofoam cut to desired thickness.

Box Trims

Line the back, sides or bottoms of individual boxes with appropriate fabrics, laces or trims. For example, with my wedding pictures I've included some of the lace from my wedding veil and tiny flowers from the cake decoration; grandma's box has a piece of her crocheted lace; one of my "glamour shots" has a strip of rhinestones from the fanciest pair of shoes I ever owned, while sheet music trims the boxes of my husband, a professional musician.

I hope these tips will inspire you to create your own memory box because I know it will give you enormous pleasure in the making and be a continuing joy to you and your family for years to come. Children grown and gone? Think about putting some of their childhood/growing-up photos into a special memory box for each of them for Christmas this year.

See also Make a Unique Memory Box of (or for) Your Father

[Back to Making Memories T/C]