Extra Extra: Newsworthy Scrapbook Pages

News. We encounter it every day. Whether you read your local paper each morning, pick up the headlines on Yahoo during your lunch hour, or tune into the television at night, chances are, the news finds its way to you. So often, we forget that the news impacts each of us on a personal level. Many times, a simple "isn't that sad" or "how shocking" escapes our lips, and it's back to life as usual. But other times, it's not so easy. Nearly five years ago on September 11, Americans were reminded that it's not so easy. Perhaps it's your nation under fire, and perhaps it's simply a local headline. But the news changes us and impacts us every day-and that is worth scrapbooking.

There are several different ways to include major headlines in your scrapbooks. Try a few of these ideas for one of your next projects:

World and National News

Major headlines can often impact us in very profound ways. Even if you didn't personally know anyone directly hit by the September 11 attacks, chances are, the events impacted you. Maybe they scared you. Maybe they instilled a patriotism you'd never felt before. Perhaps they simply made you more thankful for the things you hold dear. In the aftermath of terrorist attacks, shuttle explosions, Gulf Coast hurricanes and other tragedies, we all have feelings and thoughts that should be put down on paper.

9-11-01 by Andrea Steed

Try creating a scrapbook page recording one of these major events. Search online for photographs, or use photos from a magazine or newspaper. If you're ready, write your own journaling detailing your personal emotional response to the event. Otherwise, simply record the facts or include a copy of a news headline.

Local News

When my hometown of Iowa City was hit by tornadoes earlier this month, I truly realized how devastating and terrifying tornadoes can be. Not only did I have a strong emotional response personally, but it was truly amazing to watch my community and state bond together to help rebuild the town. Following the event, I posted photos and an entry on my blog about the impact of the event. I now have the foundation for a scrapbook page.

When local news hits your community, consider snapping the photographs and recording your emotions right away. That way, when you're ready to create a scrapbook page, you'll have all of the materials you need, and can turn your focus to design and creation.

Yourself and Your Family in the News

Perhaps you've recently found yourself or a loved one the center of a local news story. Whether it was your daughter's weekend at Girl Scout camp, or simply a record of a local event, it's fun to see yourself and your family at the top of the story.

Consider creating a scrapbook page to commemorate your moment in the spotlight. Use photographs from the event. If possible, include the actual newspaper cutout, or a screenshot from the television. (Remember when working with newsprint to use a product like Archival Mist to ensure the clipping's longevity.) No matter how insignificant your 15 minutes of fame may seem now, it will certainly be fun to look back on in just a few years.

The Garden Contest by Jane Swanson

No matter how you choose to scrapbook the newsworthy events in your life, make sure they find their way into the scrapbooks lining your shelves. Would you expect to see a scrapbook from a mother living in 1943 that didn't detail her thoughts about her husband away at war? Probably not. Don't omit the news details from your scrapbook story, either. It's precisely that extra information that will make future generations want to "read all about it."

Hopefully this has inspired you to create your own "news-worthy" pages. Get everything you need to create fantastic layouts at the Scrapjazz.com theme store.