Hanukkah Scrapbooking Tips

Now that Hanukkah is over, and you have loads of beautiful memories to be recorded, it's time to start thinking about how you want to organize your photos and what topics you want to focus on.

1. Create a collage. One of the easiest ways to get a lot of photos on a page, without making it look cluttered, is to make a collage. Collages allow you to combine various shots from an event without focusing on one particular aspect of the holiday or gathering. A 4x6 collage, for example, can have four 2x3 photos on it. The combination of sizes is endless (and you can certainly mix-and-match photo sizes, as well as mix landscape and portrait photos). A photo editing program, like Photoshop Elements, is one way to easily create a collage. Once you're done you can either print at home or use an online service.

2. Document family traditions. Holidays are the perfect time to focus on family traditions. Think about what your family does to carry on traditions that have been passed down through the generations (do you use your great-grandmother's menorah?) or what traditions your own family has created (maybe a special game or book you like to read).

3. Don't forget the food. Food is always important. LOL! What recipes do you make year after year? Did you try any new ones this year? How do you like to eat your latkes (with sour cream, applesauce or both? My father adamantly declares that there is no other way than to eat them with sour cream, LOL! ) What one food says "Hanukkah" to you?

4. Detail shots. I hope you were able to get some special shots during the holiday. These types of photos deserve to shine on a page of their own. Consider turning your favorite to black-and-white for a classic, timeless look. Maybe you have a picture of the menorah lighting, a playful game of dreidel or a collection of some kind (my father has a wonderful collection of Hanukkiah). When it comes time to creating the look of candlelight/flames on your page, you can cut or punch a heart and cut it in half. You could also use sparkling gems, rhinestones or glitter.

5. It wouldn't be a holiday without friends and family. Scrapbook about who you spend the holiday with. Do you always get together with family? Do you celebrate on multiple nights? Do friends attend your holiday gathering or do you go to a friend's home? Don't forget to include this part of your celebration.

I hope I've given you some ideas and ways to organize your thoughts and photos. Now it's time to get scrapping. :)