How to Make a Legacy Book

When my mom passed away, one thing I had not expected was the number of questions I had that would go unanswered.

Not all big things, but questions about childhood memories, family traditions, her feelings about certain things and relationships. Many times my family had trouble sharing feelings. Plus, life is busy, and putting off conversations or asking questions was all too easy. I would think, “The next time I see her.” One day I got a phone call, and suddenly there would be no next time.

These feelings prompted me to explore creative ways to share with loved ones. Creating a legacy book is a little different from the scrapbook trend of a few years ago. May these ideas get you excited about the interesting ways you can impart your thoughts, feelings, faith, history, and life lessons to those important to you!

Step One: Choose Your Message

Considering what you want to communicate will point the way to the book you want to create. Determine what you want to share:

• Expressing love and faith in God
• Family history and stories
• Tell childhood memories
• Collecting family recipes with history
• Imparting life lessons and wisdom
• Encourages a celebration of individuality
• Building confidence in embracing unique talents or interests

Step Two: Choose Your Base Book

When choosing your book, use your imagination and think outside the empty scrapbook. For those of you who grew up thinking it was wrong to write in books, here is your opportunity to be a rebel!

Your book should have plenty of space for writings, pictures, recipes, or other items you want to include. Plan to do some altering, so you are really just looking for a backdrop or complementary content for your memories.

I have found my books in the discount sections at bookstores or Hobby Lobby, antique malls, Half-Priced Books, and Amazon. Did you know you can buy vintage books by the foot and order by color? What a fun thing! Although you don’t get to pick the subjects, they do have a search for specific titles. Here are some of my favorite legacy book base examples:

For sharing your faith, I love these Filament Bible Journals. There is one for every book of the Bible. Of a nice size, the paper is great for highlighting, with text on one side and a blank page on the other side to share your thoughts and stories. Instead of tackling a whole Bible, you can easily share favorite verses from Psalms or, my personal favorite for life wisdom, James.

Look at coloring books. There are so many coloring books out there, but I spotted this one in the half-priced section! New Mercies I See has a picture on one side to color, and the opposite page is blank to write, add pictures, and memorabilia.

To share life lessons or memories, consider a picture book. I love The Charm of Simple Things. This little book is filled with peaceful thoughts and charming pictures, quotes, and stories. The margins are ample, and some pages have lined areas for writing. Look for other picture books where you could add your own thoughts while delighting the other person with a subject they love. Again, don’t be afraid to write in or alter the book; that is part of the fun and uniqueness of the gift.

I really like this recipe book kit. It has everything you need to create a legacy recipe binder with plenty of room on the pages for stories of family traditions, celebrations, history, photos, menus, etc.

To encourage interest in a life path, consider finding a vintage book on a particular subject. Use it as a backdrop to share thoughts, life lessons, wisdom, and random ephemera. Basically, you are using the old book like a scrapbook. There may be interesting sections or illustrations to work around. For example, if someone is interested in hiking, working with an old John Muir book. Do they enjoy art? Find an old book on nature sketches, classic art, or the history of a museum. Add an empty sketchbook or journal to the gift. This can be a really fun and creative project!

How about a day planner? There are so many to choose from. Fill in the dates of birthdays, historical events (a child losing their first tooth), memories (first day of school), vacations, really anything you know happened on a particular day. Adding cut-outs from photos is fun.

Step Three: Gather Your Supplies

Getting organized and having all your supplies on hand helps keep your project focused. Nothing Julie Andrews would want to sing about, but
I’m kind of an office supply nerd, so this is a really fun part for me. Here are a few of my favorite things, but please explore what brings you joy. You can visit this art journaling site for ideas.

• TUL Retractable Gel pens
• Bible Highlighters
• UHU Glue Sticks
• Scotch Double-Sided Tape Runner
• Washi Tape
• Stickers
• Micro-Tip Scissors
• Photos or printouts of photos

Step Four: Unleash Your Creativity!

You have so much history, wisdom, experience and love to share. There is no good or bad, right or wrong way to create a legacy book. Each one will be as unique as the individual creating it and receiving it. Cut, paste, draw, write, highlight, add photos, stories, and memorabilia. Enjoy the journey!

Did you know Christmas is just 141 days away? 🎅🏻😁

“I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders.” Psalm 78:2-4

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