Multiple Album Madness

Are you working on more than one album? I know the feeling! I have six children and I feel guilty because I’ve completed a lot more scrapbook pages for my oldest than the others. So, I’ve been working on the other albums. My kids are always interested in what I’m doing and want to see the finished pages. I often get asked the question, “When are you going to work on mine?”

It’s overwhelming enough to work on one album at a time, let alone six. But I’ve picked up some tips and tricks to make it easier and thought I’d share them with you.

-Create one layout, and then alter the layout for the next child. Create the first as a template and then change the colors, papers, and embellishments for the next child. The result? Same design, but unique.

-Create a layout with all of the children. For example, rather than taking a bunch of individual pictures on Halloween, just take several group pictures. Then you can create one layout and duplicate it exactly for each child.

-Journal on the go. If journaling takes you a long time to get it just right, carry photos with you. When you are sitting in the car for the tenth time that day, waiting to pick up children, you can pull the photo out and create your journaling. Then, when you’re ready to scrapbook, the journaling is almost complete.

-Break it down. Break the scrapping process into smaller projects. In five minutes you can download pictures, pick paper or embellishments for a layout, or create a title on the computer.

-Keep your work out. If possible find a place to keep the page you’re working on out. If you have a few moments to spare, you can work on it. If possible, find a large piece of glass to place over the project to keep curious, sticky fingers away.

The real key to working on multiple albums is accepting that you won’t be able to scrapbook every photo, every moment, and every memory. Pick the most meaningful photos and leave the others for another time. Most of all, remember that scrapbooking is about preserving memories and not rushing to meet a deadline.

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