Memory keeping can be overwhelming. When you think about the number of photos that you may have on your computer, on your phone or in boxes it can be a daunting task to even think about where to start. But I am here to tell you that it can be done and it doesn’t have to be scary! With the Project Life or pocket page system, you can easily tackle that large project by breaking it down into smaller chunks!
I filmed a video sharing how I break the process down but I’ve also written out the steps below for those of you who might not want to watch:) Let me know if you have any questions.
1. The first thing you want to do is pick an event, vacation or month to start with. Maybe you went on a holiday this summer and you want to start there, or maybe it was your son’s first birthday, your wedding or a new baby. It doesn’t matter what it is, just decide and commit:)
2. The next step is to gather all the photos and organise them. If you have photos on your phone and your computer, and some that have emailed to you from your Mom – create a file and put them all in that file.
3. Go through all those photos and decide which ones you want to print and have them printed. Tip #1: I suggest starting with the Design 1 Stampin’ Up! page protectors. They are all the same and if you get in the habit of printing all your vertical photos 3×4 and your horizontal photos 4×6, it works out perfectly, without much thought. There are lots of options out there but they can be overwhelming and sometimes require a bit more thought, and that may be where you draw the line. So make it easy on yourself:) Tip #2: when you are printing 3×4, print 2 photos on a 4×6 – it will save you money. You can use the Project Life app on your phone or iPad, or Photoshop Elements, and I believe Pic Monkey, also has an option to do it. Some photo centres also have the option – usually under their collage features.
4. Now it’s time to get started – pull out a package of page protectors and slide your photos into the pockets. You can fill every pocket it you want but I like to leave some empty to add cards for embellishing and for journaling. But for now just worry about getting those photos into pockets. This is quick, don’t over think it. You can always change it later.
** Note: after any of these steps you can take a break and come back another day. That’s what’s so great about this system you don’t need to pull out tons of supplies and have 4 hours to do it. 15 minute increments are just fine:)**
5. Now choose a card collection and fill in your empty pockets. Remember that you’ll want to add some journaling so you don’t forget the stories that go along with the photos so be sure to tuck some lined or grid cards in there.
6. Go back and add the journaling and any embellishments you’d like.
You are done! It really is that easy but you do have to commit to documenting those memories and start somewhere. My recommendation is something recent. Because it’s fresh in your mind and you are still excited to tell that story!
I hope this helps you get started on your memory keeping journey!
Have a creative day!
Sherry
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