1. If you have old documents that have been stored
either rolled up or folded, take care to flatten them before copying
and storing. Documents can become very brittle without proper care.
If they are rolled, restore moisture by placing them in a humid
environment for several hours to make them more flexible checking
often to ensure no ink is bleeding or that the document does not
become saturated. Stop the process if further damage is being caused.
Carefully unroll or unfold the document and flatten between pieces
of blotting paper with a heavy object (a large book) on top. Be
patient, this process may take a few days but will be worth it for
the everlasting results.
2. DO NOT laminate! Lamination is an irreversible decision that
may seem like an easy preservation solution but actually accelerates
the chemical aging process. Using archival page protectors or photo
sleeves to hold layouts is a great way to keep memories safe.
3. Using wedding document originals that are possibly already damaged
can cause further damage to both the document and a layout. Make
quality copies on archival paper to use in your artwork and store
originals in archival boxes or albums placed in moderate temperature
with relative humidity and away from direct light (both natural
and artificial). Do not store them in damp places like attics or
basements.
4. After making copies, create layouts with the documents and use
photos to illustrate the special day. You can even create layouts
with no photos using just the documents and your creativity. Include
wedding documents in wedding albums to help tell the entire story
of the beloved couple. One day another generation will be able to
look through your albums and know who got married when, to whom,
and where. Many of us don’t have the opportunity to find out
some of this information from past relatives. Once someone leaves
us, the information and memories may be lost forever. You can avoid
losing your past by continuing or beginning scrapbooking.
It is a rewarding and enjoyable way to show your family now and
in the future how much you care. Since weddings mark the beginning
of so many lives, make yours and those whom you love truly special
by documenting weddings safely, beautiful, and forever. To find
the products mentioned in this article and shown in these layouts,
check with your local scrapbook retailer. Browse our Premier Retail
Stores for coupons to a store near you.
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