Scrapbook themes.

When I started this blog a little over three years ago, one of the ideas I was excited to share is the way I keep scrapbooks for my kids.  I love all the parts of keeping scrapbooks -- the papers, the organizing, the creative techniques, the safekeeping of memories -- but I didn't want the recording of memories to take more time (or be more fun!) than the making of memories.  I started a system when J was 3 of only doing a set number of pages for each year, and using the same materials & techniques on those pages so that there is a theme for each year.

I must have been creatively stale when I developed the themes for this past year because I don't particularly love either of them.  (It all started when I did the doodle theme a couple of years ago and realized I could do a similar theme for both kids at the same time, overlapping supplies & not needing to reinvent the wheel.) So I've been dragging my feet a bit about finishing up winter & spring...until I did a little inspiration shopping for F's next scheme:

 
I try to assemble a theme with 3-4 solid colors, 1-2 patterns, a method for writing out page titles, and a couple of embellishments.  I started with the blue paper (it has teeny tiny reddish-black dots on it) and the kraft letter stickers.  A couple weeks later I added the number stickers, the distressed-looking lined paper and the paper with rulers.  At home, I had the leftover black & white polka dot tape and the tickets, and yesterday I found the yellow and green (both are not quite solid) to round it out.

 

I finally feel motivated to finish up his last theme so I can get started on this new one while I'm still excited about it.  Everything is kept in a large zippered pouch, along with photos (in envelopes labelled "cub scouts" or "4th grade").  I've been using the Notes on my iphone to keep track of the little things I want to include.  Next step:  sort through the "memento drawer" in the kitchen, which I haven't done since the beginning of the year!

Comments

[chel]

Oh- I LOVE the supplies you picked out. I love seeing your scrapbook pages!

[MelissaPete]

I am feeling that if I don't work on my girls' scrapbooks soon, I'm going to BUST! I have gone too long without that creative outlet. I think scrapbooking for me is similar to your sewing and design. The joy I feel when I'm working on my girls' books is tremendous. Thanks for the color theme reminder. Sometimes I get stuck for where to go next.