The projects themselves aren’t the biggest obstacle.
It’s everything that happens before I can actually sit down and work on them.
How many times have you pulled out a scrapbook layout only to realize you still need to print photos? Or found a mini album but couldn’t remember where you put the supplies you wanted to use? Maybe you’ve started a card kit, but the instructions somehow ended up in another project. Those little interruptions add up, and before long it’s easier to start something new than finish what you’ve already started.
So before I began checking projects off my list, I spent some time getting everything organized. I know that future me will appreciate the extra effort! Here are a few things I’m doing that might help you, too.
5-Things Journal Bin
Gather Everything for Each Project
One of the best gifts you can give yourself is making each project completely self-contained. Gather everything for one project into a large envelope, project bag, or plastic container. Include things like:
- pattern paper
- coordinating card stock
- stamps & dies (if needed)
- embellishments
- ribbon or twine
- instructions
- sketches or inspiration photos
When inspiration strikes, you’ll be able to grab one bag, or bin, and start creating instead of spending twenty minutes hunting for supplies. Note: my list is far too long to do this for EVERY unfinished project so I chose to do this for my top 6 unfinished projects that I want to ensure get done.
Note: I shared how I use mini page kits in this blog post. This is the same idea.
Project bin for our family trip to Italy. It includes all the supplies I need so I can grab and go.
Print Your Photos All at Once
For scrapbookers and memory keepers, unprinted photos are often the biggest reason projects stay unfinished. Rather than printing photos one project at a time, I’m batching the task. I’ll go through several albums, choose my favourites, edit them if needed, and send them all to print together. Once they arrive, I’ll sort them into the project they’re meant for. It’s one less excuse for putting off finishing a layout or mini album.
Reusable bags from Dollarama are great for storing project supplies. These are the supplies for my 2023 Snippets project.
Write Yourself Notes
Have you ever picked up a project months later and thought… “What was I planning to do here?” You’re not alone! Whenever I pack away a project now, I leave myself a quick note. It might say: add a sentiment; emboss the background; finish journaling; add photos from our Banff trip or include a sketch of the layout I want to create. Those little reminders save so much time when it’s time to pick the project back up.
My unfinished project list. This will get checked off as I complete the projects.
Keep a Visible Progress List
There is something incredibly satisfying about checking projects off a list. I’m keeping mine right on my desk where I can see it every day. Each checkmark reminds me that progress is happening—even if it’s only one finished card kit or one completed layout. Those little wins add up quickly.
Give Yourself Permission to Change Your Mind
Not every unfinished project needs to be finished exactly as you originally imagined. Our styles change. New products inspire us. Sometimes the original idea just doesn’t excite us anymore. That’s okay.
- Swap out the paper.
- Choose different embellishments.
- Simplify the design. This is a big time saver and one I will use a lot over the course of the month!
- Or even repurpose the supplies into something completely different. It’ ok to not finish a project!
The goal isn’t to stay faithful to the original plan—it’s to create something you’ll love today.
Remember Why You Started
Every unfinished project represents an idea that inspired you. Instead of looking at that pile with guilt, I’m choosing to see it as a collection of creative possibilities waiting to be enjoyed. Some projects will come together exactly as I imagined. Others may take a completely different direction. Either way, they’re finally getting the attention they deserve.
I’d love for you to join me this month! Pull out one unfinished project, gather everything you need, and see if you can finish it before starting something new.
Be sure to let me know in the comments: What’s the first project you’ll be checking off your list?
Until next time,
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