Document and Photo Preservation

Do you have a lot of old pictures or documents? Are you a genealogist? Do you hold photos that no one else has of your family? Taking your precious old documents and storing them folded in a box is not a good way to preserve them for future generations.

Are you the repository, for old information, in your family? If you have been successful in finding old documents and photos you need to go the extra mile now and get them preserved. You can spend a lot of money in this preservation process, or you can do things a little simpler. Either way you will be saving these original documents for future generations. If you are interested in the process keep in mind that you may be the only family member who is.

If you have come across old certificates that have been folded, open them very slowly and lay them down flat on a clean surface. Do not refold them. If any pieces fall off of the paper, do not tape them back on or throw them out, just leave them with the document. Take several pictures of it. If the paper is not so fragile, put it on a scanner and scan it into your computer. Make certain your hands are clean, or wear white cotton gloves when handling old paper. Contact a custom framer who knows how to preserve old documents. Framing is the best way to keep dust off and prevent mold from growing on the paper. You do not need to use expensive framing, it is the preservation that is important. The framer will use archival safe materials and seal the dust out.

Photos can be easy to scan if they are loose. If they are in a frame, once again take them to an archival framer. The photo may be stuck to the glass and removing it may damage the photo. Scan the photo along with the frame, and also take pictures of the photo prior to removing it. If you prefer to not reframe, be sure to keep this original in an archival box and store in a cool dark place.

Like any works of art, it is important to keep them out of direct sunlight. Hanging documents in a hallway is the best way to prevent damage from the sun. Preserving documents and photos may seem expensive, but it isn't going to get any cheaper. If you aren't willing to do it, it may not ever be done.

The Eight Steps to Scrapbooking Nirvana

Late in life, I set out on a quest to discover the secrets of scrapbooking. Many before had tried to convince me of their wisdom and experience, but it all sounded like veiled sales pitches: "Buy kits. Buy stickers. Go digital." But what was the true, pure path to enlightenment?

At last I found her. Wizened with adhesives. Anointed with paper cuts. Peaceful in spirit and rich with memories. I asked; "What is your secret to making scrapbooks filled with the essence of life?" She smiled, flicked some glitter from her nose, and replied: "My child, you must embrace the Eight Steps to Scrapbooking Nirvana..." And she began...

First step: Organize your memories. Start with your photos. It may be just you, but even better with family or friends. Label acid-free sorting boxes for each theme in your life; family, friends, babies, vacations, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, achievements and other precious events. Focus on the moments you want to remember, share and preserve. As you sort, mark the dates and names on the backs of the photos with a photo-safe pen. Abhor the ballpoint. Along with the photos, capture the ephemera of life; the cards and notes, drawings, documents, certificates, awards, newspaper clippings, tickets - even jewelry or locks of hair. Remember - anything you can hold in your hand can be scanned into a computer.

Second step: Organize your space. Find a table where half-finished pages can be left undisturbed. Create a simple, accessible storage system for your tools, your glues and tapes, your paper materials, your embellishments. Categorize your rubber stamps and ink pads. Store markers and blender pens horizontally. Invest in good lighting.

Third Step: Envision a single memory. Jot down your top-of-mind reactions in terms of colors and textures, meaningful items, elements from nature. Think about the sounds and smells and feelings. Examine the photos from that event - who is there? What are they wearing? What is in the background? What happened before and after? How can my page be an extension of not just what the event looked like, but what it meant to be there? Remember: This can be a family activity.

Fourth Step: Journal from your heart. A scrapbook is a diary of life, and your story is told in pictures and words. Journaling is the difference between a scrapbook and a photo album. Think about your great-great-grandchild finding this in the attic someday. What would you want your scrapbook to say? Write the who, what, when, where and why of each memory, narrated in your unique voice. Don't forget the magic of laughter or the power of an evocative heading.

Fifth Step: Map it out. It may be a single page. It may be an entire album. Sketch your visual ideas, always considering the focus of each page; the connections between the photos and your journaling; leading the reader's eye; creating emphasis through size, color or technique; headlines; embellishments. Trust your design preferences. Like white space? Use it. Wild colors excite you? Get wild. Be influenced by what others have done, the techniques and products you want to try, but don't lose sight of the story you want to tell. Use copies of photos and scraps of actual materials if it helps you. Always remember: Coloring, resizing, cropping and silhouetting can be the ultimate makeovers for the average photo.

Sixth Step: Gather ye stuff. Make copies of your photos and protect your originals - mistakes happen. Select your papers, adhesives (archival, of course), cutting implements, and decorative elements. If you must, put what you have in a zip-lock bag and hasten to the craft store to choose the right details. Have everything close at hand. Do not run with scissors.

Seventh Step: Bring your page together. Cut your papers and materials. Lay out your elements according to your sketch. Leave space for hand-writing your journaling, or print or rubber-stamp your words. Keep your hands off the glue until you have staged your page, closed your eyes for 10 seconds while repeating "I've never seen this before," and then viewing it again with new eyes. You'll probably move some things around.

Eigth Step: Finishing touches. If your project was a single page, add the final embellishments: embossing; antiquing; buttons, bows, grommets, lace, stitching or anything that adds a touch of whimsy or nostalgia. Always ask: Is everything here a part of my story? and, Just how heavy and busy should this page be? Your final reckoning will come with your cover binding, so keep your ambitions practical as well as meaningful.

With those words, this wise, wise woman picked up a photo of a tiny, newborn baby. With a glistening eye and a tremble in her hand she said, "Someday he will be a man and begin to contemplate his past and how he came to be. Let him find his answers in a scrapbooked story lovingly told and masterfully presented, and he too may choose to follow the Eight Steps to Scrapbooking Nirvana for his child." She closed her eyes. Her voice became a murmur. "Unless, of course... acid..." And she began to snore.

Bible Story Crafts For Kids - Light of the World Kids Craft

Children will enjoy the connection made in this craft between the loving glow of candlelight and the Light that it symbolizes. This is one of the really popular Bible Story Crafts for Kids because it is about God's light and it is reminding the children that they too have this light and to let it shine. Candles aren't always among the easy kids crafts, but this one is an easy to make candle holder. And children will be so proud of making their own lights to shine.

The memory verse from the Sermon on the Mount can be added to the candle as well: "Ye are the light of the world...Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

The "salt of the Earth" from the scripture lesson may also be tied into this craft with the glitter symbolizing the salt. Scripture: Matthew 5

Supplies for each Candle

Small to medium, wide mouthed jar such as a baby food or salsa jar

White glitter

Gift-wrap, tissue paper (assorted colors)

White craft glue

Small piece of sponge (around 1/2 to 1 inch square)

Clothespin

Tea candle or votive candle (depending on size of jar)

Ribbon

Prep

Cut ribbons for each of the children's candles. Write the memory verse, or the beginning of it "Ye are the Light of the World," on the ribbon where it can be read after tied around the neck of the jar. Set aside, so children can add them after their candles are completed.

Instructions

Tear or cut small pieces of the tissue paper.

Since the glue will be used with a decoupage sort of technique, thin it first by mixing in a plastic cup (such as a yogurt container) with a little water.

Clip the piece of sponge with a clothespin.

Using the "sponge brush," cover the outside of the jar with the thinned glue.

Before glue dries, cover this with bits of colored tissue paper. Keep the tissue paper layering thin so that the light shines through well.

While the tissue paper is still wet with the glue, roll the jar in a plate of glitter.
Salt could be used instead, but in areas of high humidity it may eventually dissolve.

Add the candle, light and enjoy. Or send the children home to light the candles with their families.

Get more exiting Bible Story Crafts For Kids at Bible Crafts For Kids

How to Make Meetings Not Suck

Have you ever noticed that most meetings are a waste of time? Not just the idle chatter, or the time spent waiting for attendees who are late, but the fact that they take longer than 20 minutes and fill your day with more noise, little of it relevant to your focus?

Here's a handy guide for how to cure the Boardroom Blues, especially if you're the one leading the meeting!

The Assumptions:

Meetings shouldn't be planned for more than 20 minutes.

Meetings should be used for conversations that advance results, for decision-making, and for relationship-building.

They should not be used for disseminating information that can easily be disseminated in another medium.

They should not be used for report-outs of information that is not relevant to all parties in the room.

The only people invited to a meeting should be those who have some value to add or something to contribute to the agenda and purpose of the meeting.

What to do before, during and after a meeting

Before the meeting, make sure the topics on the agenda are going to be relevant to everyone in the room. Determine the agenda ahead of time and send it to everyone. Invite them to add or clarify something to the agenda so that the attendees have some say in what is going to be talked about. They should be part of the decision making.

During the meeting, engage your audience and stay away from "death by PowerPoint." I don't think it's effectively used the way most use it. It needs to engage the right side of the brain to be more effective. You don't just want to put up visual data. Maybe add an image with it to back up what you are saying. The key is balancing the left and right side of the brain to keep your audience intrigued.

To make sure there is order in your meeting you can use a Native American tradition which is a "talking stick." This is a decorative stick and whoever has the stick gets to talk. Sometimes, the introverts get drowned out by the extroverts, so a stick helps balance this out. Some of the best ideas come from the quietest person because they're integrating everyone's ideas and making it all come together. Remember the basic rule is to respect everyone in a meeting.

After the meeting there should be action items and timelines of who's going to do what by when that will help determine the bigger picture. When a meeting is done really well you don't have to allocate positions. People will start volunteering for jobs as the energy of the room is moved in the direction of what the goal is. It's a matter of knowing who is going to do what when.

Following up is key after jobs are allocated. If someone signs up to do something it's up to them to follow through with their assignment and if they haven't completed their task, what's their counteroffer?

90 percent of meetings don't have to happen. But, engaging your audience is easy of they have a compelling reason for being there and have had the opportunity to contribute to the agenda ahead of time. It all goes back to respecting their time and making sure everyone understands the focus of the meeting. Your attendees only check out if they're accustomed to hour-long meetings and they've trained themselves to only listen to what applies to them. Keep the meetings short and to the point to be most effective.

DO'S

1. Stick to the agenda, especially if other people have contributed to your agenda

2. Listen to your people, be more of a listener than a speaker

3. Look for ways to eliminate unnecessary meetings

4. Check to see that you can be respectful of other peoples time

5. Be clear in your communication

6. Be purposeful and thoughtful

7. Acknowledge and recognize people who are doing a good job

8. Honor the time of the meeting if you come plan a 1 hour meeting and you're finished in 30 minutes, don't try to fill up time. End the meeting. Don't expect people to stay late if the meeting is planned for 20 minutes and runs over, honor their time as important.

DON'T'S

1. Don't hog all the airtime yourself

2. Don't reprimand anyone in front of the group

3. Don't use your blackberry or get on twitter

4. Don't plan a useless meeting, use an e-mail to get the information to everyone instead

5. Don't do the opposite of any of the do's listed above

Signet Rings Have Significance Today

The word "signet" is derived from the Latin word "signum," meaning "sign." Since the beginning of writing, personal seals, or signs, have been placed on documents to identify the writer and assure authenticity. Worn by nobility, a signet ring was carved into a semiprecious stone such as agate, or engraved into metal using the intaglio method to create a reverse image of the desired picture. Some signet rings were cast in metal, but they were inferior and not as detailed.

The noble would press his ring into a drop of wax to seal shut a document, or even press his ring into the paper to create embossing, like a notary public does today. Generally, the image on the ring was a coat of arms, a zodiac sign, or an image to match the personality of the wearer, like a lion.

In Europe the rings were commissioned by nobility and created by artists. Therefore, they were works of art, often made of gold and very much valued for their beauty as well as for their material value. Sometimes they were even embellished with designs and calligraphy on the side to add to the appearance. The rings were guarded and treasured by the owner, and passed on to successive generations in much the same way that a crown would be passed on to a prince or princess. They were a symbol of authority and power, indicating that the owner had the right to bear arms (the crest or shield) in medieval Europe. The Pope's ring was kissed to honor the supreme authority of the position, and when a Pope died, his ring was destroyed to symbolize the clearing of the way for a new Pope.

Even today, much tradition surrounds the signet ring. Depending on the country, the ring is worn as a symbolic gesture by nobles on a certain finger and a certain hand. French, German, and some Spanish nobles wear it on the ring finger of their left hands. The Swiss wear signets on the right hand, and nobles of the United Kingdom wear them on the little finger of the left hand. Of course, it is worn with the impressing outward to enable the wearer to turn his hand over and press it into the wax.

In olden times, a signet ring was a way of doing daily business, and was necessary to authenticate and protect documents when the only way of transferring them was through couriers. Although many noble European families still have rings, they are not used much today except for very formal traditional occasions.

Signet rings have led to the tradition of school rings, often with the symbols or crest of the school placed on top of a stone set in a gold ring. The year of graduation is often incorporated into side decoration, and although not used as a sealing device, it indicates a membership in the school or as a souvenir.

Signet or class rings continue to be a popular item to commemorate graduation from high school. Each fall when the ring vendor appears at school to take orders, there is much excitement among the students as they choose their customized piece of jewelry to keep memories of this important time of their lives.

Utilise Interior Design Specialists For Your Refurbishment

Thinking about hiring a London interior design specialist? Home refurbishment involves a lot of different specialists that take charge of different aspects of the process. However, when the bathroom and kitchen is redone and the rest of the house has been expanded, it's the interior designs that make a house a home. Even if a London-based homeowner is based abroad, interior designers can work on a home in London while communicating with the homeowner through email, a website, and photos.

London Interior design professionals can work independently or as part of a refurbishing team. Either way, designers work directly with the homeowner to insure that every aspect of the design process meets the client's needs.

How an Interior Designer Works

Some people confuse interior designers with interior decorators. The major difference between the two is that designers must know how to read blueprints, work with architects, and even design spaces that accommodate people with special needs. An interior decorator's main concern is decorating the house once the layout is complete.

Most designers begin by speaking with the client about their wants and needs for the space. This helps the designer estimate cost and create rough drafts of the initial plans. Interior design firms may utilise computer-aided design programs, also called CAD programs, to help generate detailed plans and make any revisions to the project after speaking with the client.

A generated timeline lets the client know when the work should be completed and allows the client to check up on the design process. Since many London design specialists work with international clients, they will keep the clients up to date through a variety of communications. Email is a popular way for designers to send documents and pictures to clients for approval and general feedback. Once a project is finished, the designer will complete a walk-through with the client to make sure no changes need to be made.

How to Choose an Interior Designer

The most important thing is finding a designer who understands the end goals of the design process. Homeowners should interview designers and get their ideas for the space before choosing who to hire. It's important to make sure that the designer will mesh well with the other professionals involved in the refurbishing process, since they must all work together to achieve the end result. Some refurbishment companies even have designers on staff as a value-added service. The ideal London interior design candidate will have a degree in design, have excellent CAD skills, be able to visualise ideas for the space, and have a talent for choosing great colours, materials, and design layouts.

Scrapbooking With Vellum

Wispy, see-through, and nearly invisible, vellum is an incredibly versatile paper. It is used to create a decorative overlay or pockets in your scrapbook layouts. The translucent look of vellum also makes an ideal accent such as champagne glasses, windows, clouds, bath bubbles, ice, angle wings, wedding veils or anything that requires sheerness. Vellum is available in an assortment of weights, colors, and patterns. There are all sorts of interesting looks you can create with this easy to use paper.

Making realistic accents with vellum is just one way to use this paper. Here are a few more tips and ideas to get you going.

Use vellum to print your titles and journaling. Place your title on a different shade of paper that is in your color scheme to accent the title. If you are using it for journaling, print your words and either add them to a photo matte or lay them over a picture.

Lay vellum over your photos or the whole page. If you lay them over the photo, this will give them a smokey look. If you lay it over the full page, cut a square or oval over the picture for a framed look with your journaling either underneath the vellum or printed on the top.

Create a pocket and put special items in it that you want saved from your special event that you are scrapping. Example of this is confetti from a birthday party, sand from the beach, fall leaves, etc. You can make an open pocket to add journaling tags that you can remove and read in your pockets for a unique twist on your page.

Use different colors of vellum and cut into different shapes and sizes. Place the squares in different positions on your base pages to create a collage as your back drop.

Remember when scrapping with vellum that you need to be careful about the adhesive that you use. Use only clear two-sided tapes or clear glues or you will have the adhesives showing through. The uses for vellum are unlimited, be creative and you will be amazed with what you can come up with in this unique paper.