Most of us have items we consider treasures that are packed away in boxes rarely to be enjoyed. Our family albums and scrapbooks are a great way to access and view these special items. Creating a pocket of sorts for your memorabilia is one such way to preserve your cherished keepsakes. Finding a special memento carefully stowed inside a pocket or envelope adds even more sentimental value to your memory preservation. 

Finding ways to showcase an entire collection in an album can be tricky. My grandmother loved spoons and had a large spoon collection. Upon her death, I found it very difficult to give up any of her treasured spoons, yet putting them in a box in the attic seemed pointless. I realized that by taking a photo of the collection and placing it (and maybe one of the spoons) in a special pocket, I could more easily enjoy the collection that meant so much to someone who meant so much to me.

Pockets need not be extravagant or expensive. In fact, most pockets can be made from just about anything you already have on hand:  plastic, paper, vellum, fabric, etc. Begin by scanning the photo or item you want to store in the pocket to ensure safekeeping of the original. Next choose the type of pocket you want to create. Creating a paper pocket is the easiest and the adhesive options are limited only by the imagination. Brads, eyelets, fibers, stitches and clasps are just a few of the many options. 

A digital layout is no exception to pocket love. Creating a pocket as a "layer" on your layout is very simple and will pop off your page beautifully. Using your image editing software, create a deeper drop shadow (than usual) on the pocket and slip your memorabilia underneath the pocket as another layer. A vellum pocket becomes even easier with your software than working with real vellum. Simply lower the opacity of the paper pocket layer, allowing your treasured item to peek through. Many of our CDs and downloads have stitching, staples, brads, eyelets, and other fasteners-perfect for digitally "attaching" pockets to your page.

So, before packing away or tossing away old trinkets, consider their impact inside an album in a pocket of love preserved for you and future generations.

Beth Ervin, CottageArts.net