RECORD FAMILY EVENTS IN 4-H SCRAPBOOK PROJECT

The 4-H Scrapbook Project provides youth an opportunity to record a family or individual event in a unique and special way. In fact, the hobby of scrapbooking continues to grow each year as more people utilize digital cameras and computers.

In 4-H, the project is divided by age groups: Beginner, grades 3 - 5; Intermediate, grades 6 - 8; and Advanced, grades 9 - 12.

Scrapbook album size should be at least 5' x 7' or larger for the Beginners and Intermediate. Advanced may be 8' x 10' or larger. It should be noted that 12' x 12' is the most common scrapbook album size and will be easier to work with and to find materials for. However, many acid free and lignin free paper can be found more easily in 8' x 10' sizes.

Photos, memorabilia and journals must be included in each scrapbook. The photos help to show the event or activity while the memorabilia (ticket stub, graduation program, etc.) makes the scrapbook more real and unique.

Journaling is a must, without it, your photos and memorabilia will be less meaningful over time. Members in the advanced division are asked to tell more of a story with their scrapbook, sharing thoughts and feelings.

Youth are encouraged to use photo safe pigma pens which are fade-proof, waterproof, and acid free when used on acid free paper. It also causes no water damage to photos over dime and will be legible for generations to come.

Additional skills learned in the 4-H project include cropping (cutting and trimming unnecessary parts) techniques, using decorations (stickers and die cuts), page layout and design and of course, neatness.

For more information about 4-H and the nearly 50 projects offered in the program. Contact the Wells County Office of the Purdue Extension Service, 260-824-6412.