What to do with old photos??

[wvsandy]

Before you throw any of them away including postcards, letters, etc. consider taking to an antique shop. Just think of our designers looking for great memorabilia to add to kits. Someone else may be collecting postcards or doing crafts. Sometimes we all need stuff like this.

 

[mimisgirl]

yes, both my grandmothers died within the last two years and both had tons of photographs. Neither Grandfathers even knew half of the people in the photos. The obvious family ones were sorted out and divided up between those who were interested, My Dad is big into ancestry and did some searching for about a year - and was able to put names to a good deal more - but the rest were set aside - some were tossed before I heard about it - but once my Dad told me (he likes old photos too) I asked him if I could have them - they are wonderful for art journaling. Some, like from the 80
s that were just BAD anyway - we tossed to save space - but the older ones, the black and white ones, even some of the damaged ones were still beautiful and I have already used several in different mixed media projects. In fact, if your family does not want them you could easily find mixed media artists who would LOVE to use them - (cough ** hint** I know one at least) lol, but actually - depending on how old they are - some MM artists are even willing to pay a pretty penny for old photos, if you are interested in looking into it, there are places online you can sell them.

 

[BevG]

My mom had to deal with her parent's slide boxes, probably 50+ tray boxes of slides. They used to travel a lot so most of them were landscapes and buildings in places only the 2 of them went. She did pull the slides of people out, but threw the rest away. If they had been printed, she might have been willing to keep them. I currently have the slides she saved and some day hope to get them scanned.

 

[scrapsandsass]

Yes. I'd keep them all. LOL. My grandma got rid of a bunch of hers awhile back. I wanted to cry. She didn't even warn me... just took them out and gave them to a guy who runs an antique place. HE DIDN'T EVEN PAY HER FOR THEM. She had tin type and other amazing photos. It made me sick to my stomach. Even if I didn't know the people, they are amazing. You could always scrap/art journal them or use them for projects like others have said. You can always decide you don't want them later, but it is better to have the chance.

 

[cookingmylife]

Even if you don't keep them all Tracie, you could give them to an antique shop, put them on free cycle as art supplies and/or also most hospitals or art teachers often take things like that for art therapy in the psych wards, or collage in school etc. You can also scrap them yourself and make up the stories! Katie Pertiet over at Designer Digitals does that!

I know there's a funky antique store between DC and Richmond that has loads of old photos and postcards for sale and I suspect many come from people like your Dad.

I cannot bear to throw away old photos but digital ones? those are easier to cull for me. Not easy, but easier!