My Scrapbooking Process - Part 1

Welcome to my new blog series! I'm a scrapbooker and I've never really shared my method or process for how I create pages to fill my albums.

I'm a bit picky about how I scrapbook. Before CTMH, I used to buy papers and embellishments then print off a stack of 4x6 photos and freehand it like mad. That ended up with lots of leftover paper scraps, unused stickers, extra photos and reprints as some photos just didn't work out at that size. If you're like me, that's wasted money and effort that could be used creating more pages! After CTMH, I've refined my method and process. This may seem a bit retentive to some, it works for me.

I'm a hybrid scrapper. That means that I do traditional scrapbook pages (think paper, stickers, photos etc) and pocket pages. For me, this is the best of both worlds. I get to do my speedy pocket pages and spend extra time on traditional layouts for special photos. It works for me and actually helps me scrap faster. For traditional layouts, I use the vast range of page ideas from our how to books. I like the inclusion of cutting guides and instructions that CTMH how to books provide. As you may have realized by now, I'm a consultant and I use their products exclusively.

As I scrap in two formats, and I don't like trying to wedge extra photos into completed pages, I have a photo planning tool. I use a digital scrapbooking program to plan, edit, and resize my photos BEFORE scrapping them.

Update: I'm now using Artisan 5 and Historian 4 as my previous programs finally bit the dust.

I use 3 page protector designs when I'm pocket scrapbooking (design 4, design 3, design 5 in that order). These page protectors (and more designs) are available in packs of 10 from my shop, or in a variety pack.

To make my planning template, I created a new 12x12 digital project and called it 2016 PML (the current year I'm working on). I went to my website, found the 3 page protector designs I use, copied the images, and added one to my first page.

Design 4

I duplicated and flipped the image so I can see both sides before adding in photo wells.

I repeated this for each of the three page designs and saved my page.

Top to bottom, design 4, design 3, design 5

I duplicated this finished template page several times. Now I have several pages to use for my album planning!

If you use a different style or brand of pocket scrapbooking, or if you use something like photoshop, this method will work for you too. Simply find the picture of the page designs you use, add it to a blank digital page, copy and flip the design, and add blank photo spots. Rinse lather repeat. Please note, the page designs featured here are © CTMH!

Now that my digital planning template is all set up, come back and see how I actually USE my template for scrapbooking!

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