Create a unique memory book to save special keepsakes and photos—and to reminisce about all the fun you had this summer!
Discussion Points for Parents/Teachers
- Talk about your favorite summer memories.
- What types of things can you keep in the pages/pockets of your book?
- Discuss turning found and recycled objects into art.
Supplies
- Mat to cover work area
- 4-6 paper lunch bags
- Paint (your favorite colors) & paintbrush
- Hole punch or stapler
- Scissors
- Ribbon or string
- Collage items from summer trips/activities
- Ticket stubs
- Maps
- Bookmarks
- Receipts
- Photos
- Postcards
- Colorful paper scraps
- White glue
- Washi tape/colored tape
Directions
- If desired, paint both sides of the bags and allow to dry. Or, leave the bags plain.
- Fold each bag in half to create a crease.
- Stack the bags on top of each other. Make sure the open ends are on opposite sides to prevent one side of the book being more bulky than the other.
- Punch two holes on the center crease of each bag, making sure the bags line up evenly. (Or, staple the bags together in the crease.)
- Run a piece of ribbon or string through the holes and tie together on the outside “binding.”
- Decorate pages with collage items, photos and Washi tape.
- The open bag ends make great pockets to hold items (secure closed with a paper clip).
Note:
Some pages will have the bottom bag fold on them. Either secure the fold down and place items over it, or use the fold to tuck keepsakes inside.
Other ideas:
- Make a book for poems or stories. Include poems/stories you like (or write your own) and create cardstock characters to tuck inside the bag openings for creative play.
- Make a book for nature collections. Collect items from a nature walk (nothing picked off a plant—only things found on the ground such as leaves, sticks or flower petals).
- Make a family book. Dedicated a page to each family member; include a photo and tuck their favorite recipe, story or memories inside the bag openings.
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Alyssa Navapanich is an art enthusiast who teaches art to elementary school kids in North County.
