Tenant Art Show 2025: Yasmin tells her life story through scrapbooking
Yasmin layers her family’s memories over scenic backdrops, weaving them into a story.
Yasmin Osborne discovered her passion for scrapbooking to preserve the milestones of her family’s life.
She carefully cuts out photos of family, friends, and important life events, layering them over scenic backdrops sourced from magazines.
Her collages are a window into her past and a way to keep memories alive.
Among them is one of her most personal pieces, a tribute to her son, Shane, who tragically passed away in a motorbike accident on May 30, 2011, while on his way to work in Australia. He was 45.
To honour his memory, Yasmin created a special scrapbook featuring photos of his wife and their twin boys, who turned 21 just two days after their father’s passing.
Yasmin with her scrapbooks
She also included snapshots of his first motorbike, his time in the Territorial Army, and the house he built in Australia.
Yasmin’s scrapbooks also tell the story of her own life, capturing everything from her childhood days in the Girl Guides and playing netball to her early marriage at 17.
Her albums also reflect her professional journey, including her work as a rehab coach and recreation coordinator at the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust, where she introduced scrapbooking as a therapeutic tool for patients.
One of her fondest scrapbooked memories is working at the old Noah Hotel in the city, where she was a valet for the then Prince Charles.
Over the years, Yasmin's created more than 15 scrapbooks for family and friends, documenting milestone birthdays, high tea gatherings with lifelong friends, and her grandson Malakhi’s achievements in rowing and football.
Her passion for photography grew when she struggled to see Malakai rowing down the Waimakariri River. She invested in a better camera to capture his competitions more clearly.
Beyond scrapbooking, Yasmin enjoys all things creative.
After attending the last Tenant Art Show, she was inspired to try diamond art and made several pieces for her granddaughter in Australia.
She also enjoys knitting, sewing, and digital colouring, activities that keep her mind active and engaged.
This year, she’s excited to show her scrapbooks at the Tenant Art Show and hopes to inspire others to try it for themselves.
Some of her pieces are also on display in her community lounge, bringing joy to fellow residents.
With new photo albums her daughter Jodie brought from Australia over Christmas, Yasmin can’t wait to start new projects.
She looks forward to documenting more memories with her grandchildren and partner, adding to her ever-growing collection of albums.
Yasmin's work is part of the ŌCHT Tenant Art Show at Tūranga, the city library, from February 4. Entry is free.
Pages from Yasmin’s scrapbooks
