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With the advent of video cameras, digital cameras and scanners, old-fashioned, still photographs are becoming a thing of the past. While it is always fun to watch home movies and receive pictures via e-mail, nothing is more precious that a moment captured in a photograph.
Many of us have hundreds, if not thousands, of photos packed away in boxes or scattered in drawers with the intent of someday putting them all together. Well, there is no time like the present.
First, make it a family project. Designate a rainy afternoon to sit together and sort through the photos, each picking out favorites. The memories recalled from those special times will make the project enjoyable for everyone. Now that you've collected your favorites, you'll want to find the perfect spot to display them so they can be enjoyed over and over again.
Purchase several large frames to create your own theme collages. For instance, pick your favorite Christmas photos, using red or green foil wrapping paper, cut a sheet to fit the large frame. Arrange your photos on the paper, cut out desire shapes, then tape the pictures in the foil and secure your frame. Making your own collages not only saves a lot of money but also allows you to custom design your frames. Next take a trip to your local dollar store, flea market and second hand shop to pick up a variety of frames in different shapes, colors and sizes. Make sure you buy frames that are versatile so that you can either hang them or place them free-standing.
If you have a two-story home, a stairway wall is the ideal place to showcase your framed photos. Arrange them chronologically, or by "theme". Another nice method is to make a "circle of life". Hang your old wedding portrait in the center and branch out diagonally with each of your children, grandchildren, etc. The benefits of using a stair-wall for displaying your pictures are twofold: You'll get the satisfaction of seeing them daily and they will be easy to clean as you make your way up the stairs.
For free-standing frames, fill a table with assorted small prints that can be interchanged with the seasons. For example, frame your favorite Halloween photos and display with along with your other Halloween decorations. When you store the decorations for another year, store the photos, too.
Another nice idea for frames is to display photos depicting kitchen scenes in the kitchen, family room scenes in the family room, etc. Don't forget those "first bath" baby pictures to hang in the bathroom!
Since your first picture choosing project will be a success, designate an annual "photo-op swap" where the family selects photos to take the place of those currently on display. You can either place the new selection over the old, or remove the old and place it in an "All Time Favorites" photo album.
Just remember that no matter how advanced technology becomes special moments captured on film can never be replaced.
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