A creative and enjoyable way to save mementos for yourself, your family and friends is to make a memory box.

Unlike a scrapbook, a memory box can hold more tangible items aside from just photos and flat paper collectibles. It can be hung on the wall or placed on a table to be appreciated.

With a memory box, memories don’t have to be buried or lost in some deep recess of your mind or closet. Old photos and small collectibles are less likely to get misplaced or damaged once placed inside a memory box.

The first step is to gather small items connected to that one event you would like to remember. These may be items you’ve already collected and set aside.

Here are some tips on how to decorate a memory box creatively:

Create a backdrop

Get a piece of cardboard and cover in fabric. It may even be a fabric which is memorable to that particular event or a plain one which will enhance your collectibles visually because of its color and texture. Be open to materials such as suede or leather.

If you’re doing one for your child or a particular person, you could also paint his/her name on the fabric, using permanent markers or fabric paint. You could also spell out the name with cut-out letters from old magazines and glue them on.

When your backdrop is ready, place your items neatly in an arrangement pleasing to you by either gluing or pinning them on the backdrop.

Take your board to your local framer and have him make an acrylic or glass cover to strengthen your backdrop for either hanging or standing upright or flat.