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Finding the Time to Scrapbook
Learn how busy moms can organize their day to find more time for
scrapbooking.
by Brandie Valenzuela
You've organized the pictures, you have lots of paper and other
supplies -- in fact you have so many, you are now a certified scrapbook
supply collector! However, there is a bigger problem
for you and it is called a lack of time. You know that no one will
be able to enjoy the great moments you captured on film if you don't
get going, yet day in and day out, you just can't find the time
scrapbook.
I know the reality is that sometimes it is just too hard to get
going on our scrapbooking. I also know that the majority of scrapbookers
are mothers, who must take care of the needs and wants of their
children, and take care of a home. With cooking, cleaning, and in
some cases, work outside of the home, how are you to find the time?
In this article, I hope to help you find that time so that you can
make progress in your scrapbooking.
Your Attitude - Now, don't take that heading the wrong way, but
you have to admit, you attitude has a lot to do with your lack of
scrapbooking. It isn't that your attitude is bad, it is just that
you haven't got to a point yet where you really want to make the
time to scrapbook. No matter how convincing I am trying to sound,
and no matter how many times you read this article, or others like
it, you won't make the time unless you REALLY want to. Make sense?
Now is the time to change your way of thinking. While we all hate
to think about it, imagine if tomorrow you were gone from this Earth.
Would you leave behind albums full of memories or boxes full of
photos? This is not to say that you have to be totally caught up
-- in some cases, you will never be caught up. Accept that fact
and move on. Decide now and today that you will make scrapbooking
a priority!
To-do-lists - "To-Do" Lists are one way to remind yourself
to spend some time scrapping. With "To-Do" Lists, you
develop a list everyday that has all the things you need or want
to get done. I suggest starting off with the tasks that are most
important. Chances are that with all the things you have to get
done, scrapbooking won't be at the top of your list, but make sure
you get it on there somewhere. Also, be sure to be specific about
what you want to get done with your scrapbooking that day. For example,
if you have been working on a specific layout, make a goal to get
it done. As you work down your list, cross off each task that you
have completed. Imagine the satisfaction you will feel when you
have completed your "have-to's" and now you get to spend
sometime on your scrapbooks!
Same Time, Same Place - Some scrappers have found that they can
get the most done with their scrapbooking when they scrap at the
same time of day, everyday. This time is different for everyone.
Mothers with small children in the home, may find using the time
they have during naps or after the children are in bed for the night,
the best time to scrap. Others who have children in school during
the day will find that to be the best time. Consider the following
when deciding when the best time is for you to schedule your scrapping
time:
Can I scrap well with my children around?
When do I usually enjoy my leisure activities?
Do I scrap better during long scrapping sessions or small blocks
of time?
Answering these questions will help you to determine when scrapping
will best fit into your schedule.
Me, My TV, & My Scrapbooks - Another idea for finding the time
is to plan your scrapbooking during a favorite television show.
Let's say you love to watch the hour long drama "E.R."
on NBC every week. Make a pact with yourself that you will not allow
yourself to sit and watch "E.R." unless you are scrapping
at the same time. What a great incentive! The best part is that
if you do no other scrapping all week, you can rest assured you
are making some progress because you will get something done during
that favorite TV show!
Your Own Scrapbook Area - I don't mean necessarily a whole room
(but those are great too!), but how about a table or desk, just
for your scrapping? If possible, find an area of your home that
you can set up and leave all your scrapbooking supplies at it. If
you have a place that everything is ready at all the time, you are
more likely to work on your scrapbooks. If you have to lug out all
your pictures, albums and supplies everytime, you might find your
scrapbooking hobby to be a hassle and that isn't going to help motivate
you!
Crops - One of the best ways I have found to really get some scrapping
done is to plan scrapping sessions, also known as crops, with a
friend or two or my local scrapbook group. When I make plans with
someone else, I will follow through, but when it is only me, I tend
to let other things get in the way. So, find a friend that enjoys
scrapbooking -- all you really need it just one other person, but
sometimes the more the merrier! Then schedule the best time for
your scrapping -- once a week during lunch is something that I enjoy.
Don't have a scrapbooking friend? Visit your local scrapbook store
and see if they have crops -- if they do sign up for the next one
and in no time, you will have scrapping buddies!
© 2002 Brandie Valenzuela
About The Author: Brandie is a wife and homeschooling mom to three
children, who also works fulltime from her home designing custom
scrapbook albums and teaching scrapbook classes. For more information,
visit: http://brandievdesigns.4t.com
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