It's the most wonderful time of the year! So of course we want to document all of the fun things we do, places we go, traditions we keep... But it's also true that the next month will absolutely fly. If we're not intentional, there's a good chance we'll ring in the new year with no layouts to show for all of the memories we've created.
So how do we fully engage in the season and still make time to capture those moments?
Here are a few practical suggestions--and resources--that can make it possible.
Use a sketch
This one is a no-brainer for a busy time of year. Why stress over coming up with a design when someone else has already done the work for you?
Donna Jannuzzi created a quick and darling Christmas layout using this sketch by Jenn Olson.
I would be failing you if I didn't mention that Donna herself is an amazing sketch designer. If you pop over to Ella Publishing's blog, you will find all sorts of sketches by Donna as well as fantastic tips on how to use them. You might even discover that she's written a book about it. :)
Here are a few more great sources for free sketches:
Use a digital template
Just plug in some pictures and journal a bit? Sign me up!
I hope you all followed along two weeks ago when Ann Costen covered digital scrapbooking and how to use templates. If not, I highly recommend going back and reading, especially if you are relatively new to digital scrapbooking. This post will link you to three templates that she designed for download.
While they aren't templates, these holiday elements created by Karen Grünberg would be a fun addition to a digital page. (Click each image.)
As far as other digital scrapbooking freebies, the list is far too exhaustive to even begin to cover here. But Hand Picked Freebies is a great place to start, since she compiles them from all over the web. Lots of quick pages there.
Blog about it--and then make pages later
I love Marie Taylor's system. She pre-plans a photo for each the twelve days leading up to Christmas, uses her blog to record them, and then transitions them to paper later on, when the pace of life is more normal. She'll be sharing details next month, so watch for her post!
I hope these suggestions have given you hope that you don't have to set aside your hobby until January, but can instead manage to scrapbook a few pages over the course of this next month with minimal time and effort.
P.S. You'll want to be sure and come back on Monday when we launch the 2nd annual edition of WCS for the Holidays. Ideas, inspiration, eye candy... I can't wait!
