As part of our Simple Tip Saturday series, we’re inviting fresh voices into the mix. Today we’re hearing from Sabrina Alery with her simple tip.
What is one way you simplify scrapbooking?
Sometimes the hardest part of putting your memories down onto paper is finding the time. I rarely feel short on ideas but life gets busy and by the time everyone is in bed, my brain and motivation have shut down for the day. I’ve found that seeking out cardmaking and scrapbooking challenges for inspiration and motivation gives me something to look forward to and pushes me to carve out small chunks of time during the day.
What problem does it solve for you?
When it’s just up to me, I can put an idea off forever – simple moving it onto the next day’s to-do list again and again. But when there is a deadline to meet or someone else’s time wrapped up in me finishing a project, I’m almost certain to finish. The time has always been there of course, but it’s easy to fill it with all of the day-to-day life stuff and mindless phone scrolling instead of making memory keeping a priority.
Why do you think it works so well?
I am motivated and excited by deadlines. Knowing that something has to be finished by a certain date gives it a sense of urgency in my mind. The thought keeps popping up in my head throughout the day and I look forward to sneaking away to work on an idea. Also, with challenges, you get to interact with and be inspired by the other challenge participants. I love seeing how several people will interpret the same inspiration photo, color challenge or sketch. Not to mention, there are often prizes or awards along with winning a challenge. Some choose a winner randomly and other’s pick their favorite project. But as fun as it is to win or receive a little pat on the back, try not to get caught up in the winning or losing because that will suck all of the joy out of participating in challenges. Just have fun with it and be happy you have another project to add to your album!
How can others get started with it?
If you like the idea of joining a challenge or just need a little extra motivation to get started, just type “scrapbook challenge” or “cardmaking challenge” into your Google search bar. There are tons of blogs dedicated to challenges and you can seek out one that works for your scrapbooking style. You can also visit the blog of your favorite manufacturers, kit clubs and magazines to search for challenges. Most have at least one monthly challenge.
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Congrats Sarah and Debby!! I’m so excited to see your High Hopes prcoejts over the next term…enjoy yourselves!! (I know I had an absolute blast during my term and felt so blessed to be a part of the High Hopes team!)These ladies are so welcoming, and I know you will be made to feel right at home.Alex…congrats to you as well my dear! You are fabulous, and will continue to bring so much to this team.Michelle, I will miss seeing your weekly contribution…but I wish you all the best!