Watch you scrapbook pages come alive when you add bits of everyday life to your layouts by including ephemera.

Ephemera is the term used to describe all those papers and trinkets that daily pass before us - usually seen as useful for only a short period of time and often thrown away without a thought. They are, however, worth a second look . . .

Non-winning McDonald's Monopoly Game Pieces collected during a vacation bring back memories

Have you ever considered using any of these items in your scrapbooks?

• ticket stubs

• store receipts

• stamps

• fortunes from fortune cookies

• travel brochures

• report cards, notes from the teacher

• school ID cards

• play bills

• maps

• airline tickets

• candy wrappers

• postcards

• menus and placemats

• coins or tokens

• junk mail

Scrapping these items with your photo memories can add a sense of realism to your scrapbook and bring every day experiences to life for a future generation.

Think of your grandchildren marveling at the cost of milk, bread, and candy bars in 2006, as they look at your grocery receipt; or wondering what a "barcode" is. Including these everyday items on a scrapbook page can give them a behind the scenes look at the life of those smiling people in the photos.

A few special precautions to note when using ephemera - You may want to

• Give them a spritz of an archival mist to neutralize acid content

• Place the ephemera so it does not touch your photos

• Place items in transparent or vellum* envelopes or pockets

• Scan or color copy the ephemera - this option also allows you to resize items to fit into your layout

What do you buy at the grocery store each week? Take a few photos; scrap them along with your receipt.

What's your favorite restaurant? Scrap the menu and the bill and journal what makes it a special place and what you like to order.

While on vacation, keep your ticket stubs, pick up brochures, business cards, maps and gas receipts. Use them with your photos to enhance memories of your trip.

Take a second look at what you are throwing away today that could become a memory for tomorrow!

A mini golf scorecard and picture from brochure enhance memories of a day of fun

Menu from a special lunch - be sure to journal what you ordered!

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*See my guide on Using Vellum Papers in Your Scrapbook Pages and Cards

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