As part of our Simple Tip Saturday series, we’re inviting fresh voices into the mix. Today we’re hearing from Jessica Upton with her simple tip.
What is one way you simplify scrapbooking?
I simplify scrapbooking by making it a part of my everyday life. By that, I mean I am always looking for new photos to take in order to document the big and small things that happen in our lives. I also write down the things my kids say and do every day. I love that I can look back thru my pages and always be reminded of how sweet their toes were when they were babies, the amazingly funny things they said as toddlers, their first attempts at writing their names as preschoolers, how bittersweet the first days of kindergarten were, the difficult days of finding themselves as tweens, of how middle school has some of the same challenges I faced and some completely new ones, and even the awesome relationships I have with them as they enter the teen years. I do something every day for my scrapbooking which makes it that much easier when I sit down to scrap. I also have a Sunday afternoon date with myself every week. This was my husbands idea (makes it even better, right?). From 3 p.m. on, I sit and scrapbook. We order pizza or Chinese so there is no cooking or clean up. I only stand myself up if a family activity comes along.
What problem does it solve for you?
It solves the problem of remembering the details. By writing something down every day, I always have good material to document with my photos. Scheduling time to scrapbook also solves the problem of making sure I have time in our busy schedule for me to spend on my hobby. Everyone knows that I have this time scheduled on Sunday so if they need help with homework or something else, they should ask before 3pm. If I don’t have any other time during the week, I know that I will have a few hours of uninterrupted time on Sunday afternoon.
Why do you think it works so well?
I think that both regular documenting and scheduling time to scrapbook work so well for me because then I have no excuses. I always have material to scrap and time to do so. I make it a priority because it is super important to me and I love doing it. I love routine in all aspects of life though, so I think that helps. I don’t want it to be a chore or I won’t want to do it, but at the same time, the routine of Sunday afternoons makes my heart so happy.
How can others get started with it?
Write something down every day. Good or bad. Not every day is sunshine and roses and you will likely find that you love reminiscing about both later in life. Use a journal or your phone to keep these little notes in. Make it easy for yourself to find when you sit to scrapbook. Also, find a time that works for you to consistently work on your album. Then it becomes part of your routine. Try not to stand yourself up unless absolutely necessary.
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I love the idea of scheduling time every week- that is something I could definitely do!
Your ideas are so great 🙂 Now I feel better when I think about scrapbooking. Sometimes I feel stress because of so many distracted things. Thank you so much 🙂
Throughout her 60-year marriage my mother kept a daily calendar…since her death it has been a pleasure to look through them and see the “little things” that happened in our day-to-day lives. She noted phone calls and letters sent and received, hair cuts, medical appointments, vacation trips…and I have been able to date many of her photographs because of it. – Fawn
Something to think about for me….blocking out an hour on the weekend might be a good start for me to achieve small successes …..totally in the same boat as the previous post by Thuy.
Shiieeet! You’re crazy good!! Jag minns det som ige5r hur jag beundrade dina tanckinger. Brukade he4rma dig i min dagbok sen och skrev typ att “ingen fick se4ga att jag he4rmade jennifer”..hahah! Hur som helst – helt fantastiska tanckinger! Du me5ste ta upp det igen! Skulle le4tt be dig me5la en tavla e5t mig. en stor med ett kvinnoansikte…kanske ett par brf6st ockse5..hmm.
I am proud to support a politician who upholds Christian values! Please know that you have done the right and moral thing Mr Bernardi. May you be blessed for that. I wish you all the best.