Memories Deserve More Than A Shoebox ^TM

Time Saving Tips

"I'm trying to complete three baby albums simultaneously, and I need help! The task seems insurmountable, and the longer I wait the bigger the job will get. I have three sons-ages five, two and one. Time is a major issue and projects need to be quick. Can you give me a rough guideline to help me keep my sanity?"
-Megan H

Our first expert suggests:
Working on multiple albums is always overwhelming. When I remember that scrapbooking is about preserving memories and not rushing to meet a deadline (such as a completed baby book when my son turns one), I enjoy the memories and the creative process more. Here are other things I do to help save time:

1. Create one layout, then alter the layout for the next child. For example, I designated a set number of photos for each child's Halloween page last year. I created the first layout as a template, then changed the papers and accents (based on the colors in the photos) for the other children. The result? Same design, but unique.

2. If I create a layout involving all the children, sometimes I duplicate it for each album if I really like how the layout turned out. The real key to working on multiple albums is realizing (and accepting) that you won't be able to scrapbook every photo, every moment and every memory. Pick the most special (or meaningful) photos and leave the others for another place and time.

Our second expert suggests:
1. Organize your photos! I have so many photos that I find it's easiest to start on an album when I have my photos organized by child and age.

2. Write your journaling. Journaling takes me a long time, so sometimes I carry photos with me. I write my feelings as they come to me. Then, I clip my notes to my photos. When I'm ready to scrapbook, my journaling is almost complete.

3. Choose the supplies you want to use. It's easy for me to complete an album when I stick to a particular color scheme. I go through my supplies, selecting colors and products based on each child's personality or album theme. I store the supplies, photos and journaling in a storage bin so everything is handy when I'm ready to work on that project.

4. Keep it simple. I don't have time to spend hours on each layout. I go through past issues of Creating Keepsakes and idea books. When I find a design I really like, I adapt it for a page in each child's album. Although my children's albums may look similar in style and design, the different paper and embellishments help create a personal album they'll cherish for years to come.

Our third expert suggests:
Busy moms don't often have large blocks of time for hobbies. It helps to break everything down into baby steps that can be fit in between chores.

1. Break the scrapping process down into five- or 10-minute units. In five minutes, I can sort a roll of film, pull papers or embellishments for a layout, or print a title on the computer. It takes about 10 minutes to sketch out a design. Most journaling can be done in 20 minutes or less.

2. Find a small counter or table space that lets you keep your work out (yet safe from sticky fingers). You can steal small moments here and there to scrap. When my children were younger, I placed a piece of masonite on top on the layout I was working on to protect it from peanut-butter fingerprints.

3. I think of my albums as half full rather than half empty. I can enjoy the process a lot more when I don't feel like I'm in a race to finish it all. Children are a lot of fun. Scrapping for them should be fun, too!