If you’re like me creating is a part of life. It allows you to explore and express yourself. It’s like a little haven. It’s an outlet. A retreat from the rest of the world.
Oftentimes we don’t have the time we’d like to dedicate to our hobby. Our days are filled with work, taking care of others, cooking meals, and in general just trying to get things done or simply get by. Scrapbooking gets put on the back burner until there’s a slot open in the schedule.
But what are some ways we can get more creating in our days?
- Schedule it. Set aside 20-minutes a day or a few hours one night a week as your scrapbooking time. If you’re consistent in meeting your scheduled scrapping time it’ll be part of your regular routine before you know it. No more frustrations that there’s never enough time to scrapbook–it’s right there in your day planner!
- Break your project into smaller chunks. Many times scrapbooking seems impossible to fit in our days because we’re setting out to do too much before we’ve even started. Instead of trying to scrapbook all of last months photos in one sitting break them up into smaller pieces.
If you’re planning a mini-album or set of layouts, break the project into three segments:
1. Get your photos together in and order, then if you have time write down your journaling.
2. Gather your supplies. Cut paper that needs to be cut, paint chipboard, make embellishments, cut ribbon, etc. This is the step to prep.
3. Put it together and add finishing touches.
- Involve your kids. Have your kids do their own art project while you do yours. This may involve some involvement on your part depending on the ages and abilities of your children.
- Take pictures. If you don’t have time to dig out all your supplies and project, how about trying to get some shots you’ve been meaning to get. This works best with still life.
- Print pictures. Upload and order prints for your next project.
- Keep your supplies within reach. Keep the essentials (adhesive, scissors, paper trimmer, etc) in a tote/basket for easy transporting or a desk drawer with your current project (in a folder with your materials) nearby. This is helpful when you have just a few minutes. You’re still able to get something done even if you only have 5 minutes.
- Make realistic goals. Don’t set yourself up for failure. You’re likely to get more done when you working in smaller, more focused chunks of time than attempting to scrapbook the last 6 months in one epic sitting.
