[dropcap]S[/dropcap]crapbooking is a fun, rewarding pastime. An activity that helps individuals gather memories with family and friends, scrapbooking is a way of documenting important events, life’s milestones and even the important moments of everyday life. However, scrapbooking, in its traditional sense, is time-consuming. These six suggestions take the hassle out of scrapbooking while maintaining the value and the uniqueness of the finished product.
Use a scrapbook kit
The possibilities are limitless when it comes to scrapbooking resources. However, a scrapbook kit is among the most essential tools available on the market. While the quality of kits differ, a high quality kit contains the book, matching papers, and a variety of embellishments all in one convenient package to take the guesswork out of selection. Some kits even offer layout suggestions to streamline the creation process even further.
Make a plan
One of the most time consuming steps of scrapbooking is that of choosing the next page. Making a plan prior to starting the book helps save time. A plan includes the important events to be covered as well as the order in which the events will appear in the book. Using a maximum of two pages per event will also save time and space.
Limit the number of changes on each page
Establishing a “standard page” is a real time saver. By creating a set of items to be repeated throughout the pages and choosing a few minor embellishments, or changes on each page, makes the process much easier and faster.
Utilize an online collage generator
Sites like beezmap.com are especially helpful when creating scrapbooks. Such an online program allows users to create a collage using digital imaging and details. Once finished, the collage can be posted and shared for viewing with others.
Make a “Smash Book” instead
Rather than spending on the time and energy on an elaborate scrapbook, consider making an old-fashioned smash book. Glue or smash photos and mementos in a themed scrapbook or journal. Doodle or journal around the photos to give the book a unique look. The notes make a great addition to help you remember details or funny things that happened that even pictures can’t always remind you of.
Try a digital photo book instead
Much like the online collage generator, many sites offer the option for creating digital photo books that can be kept digital or printed just like a scrapbook. This option is much faster than traditional scrapbooking but offers the same opportunity to personalize the book.
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[/ezcol_2third] [ezcol_1third_end]Organizing memories is an important part of life, but it shouldn’t take up valuable time to make new memories. These six suggestions serve as a few ways to make scrapbooking easier and more effective. Do you scrapbook? How do you make a scrapbook without the hassle?[/ezcol_1third_end]
[author image=”https://plus.google.com/u/0/_/focus/photos/private/AIbEiAIAAABDCKTLjZjbzrSBWiILdmNhcmRfcGhvdG8qKDhiOTJkN2ZhZWE0NjAxOTQ5MTljNjY1YjUxMjgyYjc4OWMwNTg5NTQwAayTU7p7NlfEqpp-EOEhsujTzzYn?sz=48″ ]This is a guest post by Anita Ginsburg. Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO and often writes about home, family, health and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys spending time with her family when she isn’t writing. [/author]
