BOXES OF PHOTOS

  

Smile! You probably have boxes full of family photos that need to be organized. Its one of those projects you promise to get to"some day'. Sure, you may frame a select few. Or file some in photo albums. What do you do with the rest of the photos? 

Digitize

If you have a scanner, you may want to turn those prints into digital files. Tackle the project in small intervals. Set an easy to attain goal, such as scan 25 photos each week. File the photos as your scan. Then you can throw the photo away. It is hard to throw them away, but once you have scanned them there is no need to keep the photos. Be sure you back up your files online or to an external hard drive. If you are going to keep your old photos, label the boxes and store them neatly - where they won't get wet or become affected by humidity.

Frame

A family photo wall is always a favorite in any home. Try to include more than just the kids school photos and wedding photos. Mix in candid photos of all family members. Hang a photo of the friends and relatives who are in your life on a daily basis. Nothing makes guests feel more welcome than seeing their photo hanging on the wall. Refer to the blog post, Wall of Frames, for tips to creativity hang the frames to make an impact. This is also a fun decorating idea for your child's room too. Use brightly colored coordinating frames and include photos of grandparents, school friends and accomplishments.

Unique

Think outside the box when creating photo displays.  Photo's hung on branches are a charming touch in an entry way. Some of our favorite idea's include:

• If you have an old frame, hang photos from clothes pins on a piece of twine. 
• Make a photo collage under a large piece of glass on your desk.
• Tack photos on a large bulletin board and mix in memento's

Parties

Any of these idea's can be applied to support a party theme. Burn CD's of the photos for family members for holiday, anniversary or wedding gifts. Photo CD are great party favors. Use a childhood photo of each guest as place cards for your next dinner party. You can string old photos to make garland. The idea's are endless. Be creative and think outside the box... or, uh, outside the photo album.