makings of a memory keeper | how to print photos

makings of a memory keeper | how to print photos

The question of what it means to be a memory keeper crops up in my mind, actually, very often. And what a multi-sided answer that could be.

I am a memory keeper because I have always been a memory keeper. Ever since I could hold my first Instamatic in grade school. Or when I was completely inspired by Anne Frank, when I was 14, by her diary to then carry on with my own diaries, eh hem, journals, now to this day. Or that first Christmas Journal I was given the year we were married that allowed one photo and plenty of prompts to write of that year’s holiday happenings. I have always been a memory keeper.

I think whether intentional or not, we are all memory keepers in one fashion or another.

I just so happen to need to not only write in a journal, and take photos, but to print said photos. It’s said without memory, we have nothing. Photos are our visual memories of past moments.

I remember the details of so much of my life and raising my family because…because of photos and the printing of them and documenting them in an album. All those aspects makes me a memory keeper. What makes you a memory keeper?

Today I want to share with you the reality and ease of printing your photos from your phone and then the reality and ease of placing those images in Heidi Swapp’s Photo Journal. No glue. Just slip them in. And document the memory a little, or a lot. Let me show you what I mean.

Most of our photo taking these days are on our phones. Printing from my device has been one of my go-to’s of late.

My developer of choice is Walgreens. Their app is on my phone. I upload photos to my phone, and then send them to Walgreens. They are ready in about an hour or so.

Because I have them cropped already to a square, Walgreens will print them at 4×4.

Now that I have a great stack of images printed, it’s just time to have fun and place them in my Photo Journal.

The page of the Journal has an opening in the top about 4-inches wide. The window is slightly smaller than the 4-inches, so if needed, I simply trim a little from the side of the photo so that it shows through just like I want in the window.

That is how easy it is to add square photos to the Photo Journal pages. Totally takes guess work out of where to put the photo. By putting it inside the pocket you have sped up the process of journaling and documenting these wonderful memories.

Now it’s time to add the rest of the photos plus use one or two of the Memory Keeping Kits to embellish as little or as much as one desires.

The Photo Journal that I used is called Adventure Awaits and includes these clear word and phrase stickers. They make for great journal prompts and will be found through my book.

Photos have always captured my heart. My dad always had a camera in his hand. From early on I was influenced by the power of an image.

To view an image instantly evokes emotion in us. When these are images of my people, a place we shared, a moment in time captured, those emotions are real and sustained and very vivid. To me, theses photos are the very inspiration that brings me back to my camera all the time.

Being a memory keeper causes me to be an observer. I look for the story. I am my families photo journalist and curator. It’s up to me to watch and be alert for the little things, the big things, the silly and sometimes even the sad. I capture life with my camera. I remember life when I print my photos and then write the story.

In an age with constant imagery, it only seems likely that we continue to find ways to keep track of the important. Our lives are important stories. What am amazing gift we are giving to those who come behind us with these albums full of photos and with our very words.

People very often come to my home and they remark how unique it is and take note of my photos and albums. I don’t say this as a point of pride, but as a point of satisfaction. I have accomplished something if I am in the midst of telling my story and it gives a sense of comfort to others who visit.

As stated previously, there are lots of answers to the question Why Am I a Memory Keeper?

I am a memory keeper because I always have been a memory keeper.

I am a memory keeper because it’s important.

I am a memory keeper because I have a story to tell.

I am a memory keeper because it matters.

Let’s inspire to all be memory keepers because the life we live is amazing, and it needs to be remembered and shared.

Supplies: Memory Keeper Collection – Photo Journal