Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Today in the United States we celebrate the life and influence of Martin Luther King, Jr., the freedoms he fought for, and the ongoing efforts throughout the world to honor human rights. Join us as we share some ways that you can incorporate the spirit of this celebration into your scrapbooking.

For example, what people in your life or your nation’s past are you grateful for?  In “Fond,” Mou Saha tells a story about her grandmother as told by her mother.

as seen in CK's "Super-Fast Pages with 4" x 6" Photos, Vol. 2," p. 27

Tip: Create a layout about someone who has influenced you or the world around you.

In “Paris Marathon” seen here, Sande Krieger remembers how a loved one completed a marathon run, despite having a broken ankle.

Tip: In the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement, make a layout about accomplishing something during difficult circumstances.

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s  “I Have a Dream” speech encouraged a nation to act on their hopes and dreams. Create a layout for your children with this theme in mind. In “I Hope You Dance,” Mou Saha uses her daughter’s drawing to illustrate her dream. In “Follow Your Dreams,” Laina Lamb records her son Cooper’s desire to become a marine biologist. She used a great picture of Cooper by the beach to illustrate the layout—remember that not all pictures have to tie directly to your page theme.

as seen in CK's "52 More Scrapbooking Challenges" by Elizabeth Kartchner, p.98

Tip: Have your children draw pictures to illustrate their dreams, and build a layout around their drawings.

as seen in CK's "Super-Fast Pages with 4" x 6" Photos, Vol. 2," p.41

Tip: Create a layout to encourage your children to pursue their dreams.

Steph Devlin expresses her hopes for her daughter to “never stop dreaming” in this lovely layout. The picture complements that thought without completely taking the spotlight.

as seen in the January 2010 issue of Creating Keepsakes, p. 102

Tip: Quote a leader from the Civil Rights Movement on a layout to express a hope or feeling.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

Did you know that today is the annual King Day of Service? Visit allforgood.org and type in your zip code to find out what organizations in your community could use a helping hand today—or any time of year. To learn more about this day of service, visit to mlkday.gov.

If you’re participating in a holiday service or event today, we’d love to hear about it. Leave your comments at the end of this post. Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!

—Dorathy Gilchrist, associate editor