9 Ways to find time to Scrapbook and Create

What's the biggest challenge facing would-be scrapbookers? It would have to be, finding time to create!

Believe me when I say I know how hard it is to find time to scrap - what with kids, house, work, and running a business.

The scrapbooking process is partly to blame. From snapping photos to picking them, printing, planning layouts, and of course purchasing supplies and creating pages - Scrapbooking takes time!! Of course, we often get caught up in our daily routines. A common phrase I hear from our crafty ladies is that they struggle to find the time to create.

Here are 9 ways that may help you find time to scrap!

Time management tricks

1. Schedule scrapping time!

Be proactive, and schedule scrapping into your weekly routine. Even if it's only a single evening a week, planned "scrap time" will make it happen.

If you don't plan it, it won't happen. Use the time blocking technique. Mark a space in your calender and stick to it.

2. Make scrapping a priority!

Do you only find the time to create when you think all your chores are complete? You might need to change that thinking. Make scrapping a priority. Put it up there as one of your priorities instead of way down the list. It will help you get more layouts completed.

3. Pull the plug on the tube!

Better still, give up Netflix or TV for scrapping. If only for a night or two a week. Once you go down the YouTube rabbit hole it's hard to find your way out. YouTube is great for inspiration and ideas. However, try and limit the time you spend watching. Spend the time creating instead.

4. Commit to a class!

Sign up (and pay for!) a class in stamping or scrapping techniques. You'll learn new skills, and the financial commitment will spark motivation and interest in your hobby. Reward: more layouts!

5. Follow a few challenge blogs!

Just pick one or two and start following a few blogs. Often joining in on conversations and following challenges give you a little push to start creating. Especially if there is a prize involved.

6. Scrap with a Friend

Nothing like scrapping with friends. Invite your friends over and have some wine. Scrapbook together. Share ideas and supplies and just re-connect.

Setting up that time with your friends also holds you to a calendar commitment that you are less likely to break.

Another fun idea is to take photos while you scrapping, print them then and there and scrap them!

7. Set a Goal

What do you want to achieve with your scrapbooks? Do you have a baby album or holiday to scrap?

Whatever the scrapbook is, it will be more likely to get done if you actually write it down and add a deadline date.

8. Optimise your calendar

If you're still having a hard time finding the time. Try the following tips when it comes to meal preparation and housework.

Start preparing pre-making freezer meals. I batch cook on the weekend, easy meals like casseroles and spaghetti bolognese or curries. That means no cooking during the week which means craft time for you.

Online grocery shopping is another great time saver. Shop online, save your basket for use next time. Saves me about 4 hours all up.

You can even allocate chores to kids and hubby. Jobs like laundry, cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, and more.

9. Oganise your craft space.

It is also helpful to keep your supplies organised. That way you don’t waste your time looking for the right paper, cardstock, or sticker that you know you have somewhere. Or worse, wasting time going out and buying more craft supplies.

OH Wait!! now that's not a time-waster, that's fun!!

The thing is, if you just pick one or two of these ideas and start focusing on putting them into practice, then you can get into a routine, form a habit, and then it will become more or less second nature. A bit like my Monday Minis.

Til next time

Julie