How to start a big memory keeping project

If you are a regular to my blog, you know that I love memory keeping. You’d think because of this love and by looking at the number of scrapbook albums I have, that I’d have documented my wedding. But I shared a few weeks ago that, after 22 years, I still haven’t scrapbooked my wedding. So I decided it was time. We’ve got some great products coming out in the Occasions Catalogue that inspired me to get going.

But as with any big project, it’s not easy. Today, I thought I would share a bit about my process in a video format. This process is what works for me, it may not work for everyone or for every project. But if you can use some of the tips that I’ve shared then that’s great. Here’s a break down of the process in case you don’t want to watch the video.

How to start a big memory keeping project…
NOTE: This process starts with the photos printed. If your photos aren’t printed, that will be your first step and can take some time.

1. Gather your photos and memorabilia. Keep in mind that you don’t need to document EVERY photo. Just choose your favorites to highlight in your album.
2. Decide how you’d like to scrapbook them (pocket pages, traditional layouts or a combination of the two).
3. Gather your basic supplies: album, page protectors and a paper cutter.
4. Go through your photos and sort them. The way you sort them is up to you. We got married on a cruise then came home and had a reception. So I have all our wedding ceremony photos (on the ship) first and then the reception photos afterwards. The reception photos are broken down to the family photo shoot, meal, speeches, cake cutting and then dance. We had disposable cameras on each of the tables so ended up with A LOT of photos and some not so great photos. I ended up tossing any duplicates to make my pile a bit less overwhelming.
5. Now that your photos are all in order, tuck them into pages. Anything you want to document traditionally can be tucked into a full 12×12 page and then the others tucked into pocket pages. As I did this I tried to figure out how the photos would fit into the pocket pages and trimmed the photos accordingly. But this can wait if you just want to get the photos into the album.
6. Now decide what products you want to use to create the album. This can also be done when you gather your supplies. I chose to use two product suites – the Sweet Soiree Suite and the Petal Passion Suite – but will also throw in a few other products as I go along. 
7. Now that all the photos are in the pockets, you can go back and tuck cards into the empty pockets. At this point you can embellish the cards and do some journaling or just decide what cards you want to use where. It just depends on how much time you have. One thing I do, is  try to do both facing pages so that they coordinate.
8. You can also start working on your traditional pages at this point as well. I have learned when working on a big project that simple is best. I can accomplish more by not over thinking things. I will have a few of my favorite photos that I may go over the top with but for the most part things are kept simple. I continually reminding myself that DONE is BETTER than PERFECT! This really helps me get through.

Once you get to this point, you are basically just working through the album. I try to make that project my main focus until it’s complete. I’ve learned that if I stop I never go back and it ends up being yet another unfinished album.

In closing, I thought I’d share an upcoming class that I’m super excited to be hosting…

A Wedding Themed Memory Keeping Class!

Are you like me and have been married for years but have yet to do anything with your wedding photos?
Maybe you need a bit of a nudge to get you started.

Are you planning a wedding? Imagine having your pages already
finished so that all you need to do is print your favorite photos and
add them to your album?! It can’t get any easier than that!

Have a friend or family member getting married in the near future? This would also make a GREAT gift idea. 

Not only will you get 6 hours of time to work on your wedding album but you’ll also receive photos of MANY additional pages you can use as inspiration as you complete the rest of your album at home! At this class we’ll create 8 traditional layouts and as many pocket
pages as we can finish in the 6 hours dedicated to the class. The
remaining supplies are yours to take home and continue to use!

Your $135 class fee includes:

• Petal Passion Memories & More card pack ($12.50)
• Sweet Soiree Memories & More card pack (free)
• Sweet Soiree DSP ($17.00)
• Sweet Soiree Cardstock ($10.00)
• Sweet Soiree Embellishment Kit ($14.50)
• 12 x12 whisper white cardstock ($8.75)
• Variety Pack pocket pages ($9.25)
• Any extra supplies you need to recreate the planned pages
• Lunch and refreshments

Optional Add On ($49.25 + shipping and taxes) (must be purchased at time of registration)

• Black 12×12 ring album ($40)
• 12×12 Page Protectors ($9.25)
• Free level 1 SAB item of your choice

This class is available to go. Anyone across Canada can participate.
Instructions, photos and a video will be available to complete the layouts at
home! All pre-cut supplies to complete the 8 traditional pages and 6 pockets pages will be sent by mail from me, the supplies above will be delivered directly to you from SU.

Deadline to register for this class is January 10th.  Don’t miss out on this class, it’ll be fun and you’ll feel so accomplished after completing so much in such a short time! Register today.

Have a creative day!
Sherry