Strange question

[crljean]

I've been asked to do a 10th anniversary scrapbook for a gospel singing group. I have photos, newspaper clippings, programs, etc. My challenge is a 3'x5' "honest-to-goodness" American flag that was flown over the Iowa Statehouse. It was presented to the group when they sang for the opening prayer breakfast at the Capitol. How do I respectfully incorporate this into the scrapbook? My only thought is to fold it into a 12x12 square and put it into some sort of clear plastic "envelope." Anyone have any better suggestions? All help will be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[Karin Sue]

Is this to be a digital scrapbook or pasted up?

I would consider going with all digital, scanning or photographing everything including the flag. Maybe you could photograph all the members holding the flag if you don't have a good flag photo already.

Then you could use a nice acid free memory box to store all the original photos, clippings, flag etc. Nicely organized of course (maybe somebody else could do that.)

If you go digital with a master 12x12 if anyone wants a copy they could get 8x8 copies made, or you could make pdfs slideshow or webgallery on cds. (Of course you could always scan or photo a paste up album and still do that)

If you are going with a paste up album I don't see any alternative to your envelope idea--although you could still go with a memory box for the flag and anything else ungainly that turns up (maybe rings or choir robes?)

[NMarti]

Carol
I would recommend digital as well for pretty much the same reasons as Karen. Once it is done, eveyone involved will want a copy and you can post it at an online site like Shutterfly or Viovio and they could order their own copies. The flag alone will make the book so thick it will be hard to manage. Digital does not destroy or damage any momentos either.

[crljean]

Thanks for the suggestions. I was thinking in terms of a "hybrid" book - some digital and some traditional. However, your comments make me see the value of going completely digital in that anyone who wanted could have a copy. You also have a valid point about the flag making the album thick and unwieldy. Scanning & going digital would also preserve the newspaper clippings which tend to turn yellow and disintigrate. This is a 144 voice non-denominational group in which my husband sings. They are becoming somewhat "famous" around the state. Thanks for your prompt replies!

[NMarti]

Carol
Oh my - 144 voices? That's 144 people who will want their share of the memories. Definitely digital! :D

[frank abramonte]

crljean, consider obtaining a actual photo of the flag flying over the state statehouse and making it a full page in your book. Include a caption as to how long it flew over the statehouse and then presented to the group when they sang for the opening prayer breakfast at the Capitol. Perhaps you can include an image of the group somewhere on the page.

[cats4jan]

I think you need two items - a 12x12 scrapbook - and a memory box with the flag as the top layer and all the clippings and photos underneath it.

And yes, go digital and post to a on-line photo website that has book printing services. Although I have never used them, I have heard many good things about Viovio - for book printing. I understand they have many sizes and hard and soft cover book options - I do know their prices are very reasonable.

By uploading the scrapbook onto a website - that will take the responsiblity for printing and distributing books off your shoulders and allow everyone who wants a book to order their own custom sized and bounded book.

The suggestions of photos of the flag flying and photos of the group with the folded flag are excellent. They can be the focal point of the scrapbook. It can even be the cover incorporated with the name of the group.

Please make sure to date all entries - even if you use "circa" when the exact date is not know. Personally, when I see heritage items and the date is missing - I feel like I'm missing out. I really love to know when a photo is taken.

Good luck with your wonderful project.