It's been a LONG time since I had layouts to share. I, like a lot of people out there, was getting burnt out and was not really scrapbooking for "myself," but rather scrapbooking for work. Now, that is not a complaint at all. That was just my reality. I love my job and I love that it allows me to be creative. I had just blocked myself into this corner by setting rules such as scrapping only with my products, or trying to use the products to best showcase it, and so on. I don't know how it is for you, but for me, all those rules got a bit too much. As a manufacturer, I understand that product needs to be used and showcased to spotlight it in the best way possible. I get that. What I was forgetting is that scrapbooking is also a hobby, and I was not giving myself that time to treat it as such.
So I've dusted off my scrapbook mojo and started scrapbooking for myself. The first thing I did was give a whole bunch of stuff to Emily who took it all with much glee! Then I gave more away to others. Now I'm quite aware of just how much I have... and it was overwhelming (still is). But I am chipping away at it and this is how I'm doing it:
USING IT UP: Nothing is sacred (for long). No more hoarding that perfect piece of paper or embellishment to create that perfect layout *just in case* I get that perfect shot. I am digging through my stash and using things up. I'm finding that supplies look better on a finished layout that they do languishing away in their packaging. In this layout, I've been hoarding the chipboard letters that spell out "SIGN" for ages, and it was time to use them up.
MIXING IT UP: Old and New get equal time. I am mixing and matching "old" and "new" supplies. And I don't even care. As long as it looks good, fits the vibe, gets my message across, and gets it done, then it's all good. Also, I'm mixing up new techniques with old. It's a lot of fun. In the layout, there's lots of old: the Lil Davis chipboard alphas and Making Memories alphabet stickers. New products are Collage Press papers and some FontWerks tiger eye buttons.
SHOPPING WITH (SOME) CARE: I used to buy scrapbook/craft supplies if I liked a pattern, or thought I could use the item. I've changed my shopping habits a little now - I shop with intention. I usually like to get some photos printed off first and then purchase supplies with those photos/projects in mind. That means my scrap purchases are smaller, but I'm finding I am shopping more often than I have in the last 2 years. And since I'm following the "Use it up" and "Mix it Up" rules, I'm depleting my current stash as well, which also allows me to shop some more without guilt.
PRINTING PHOTOS: This was the real shocker for me. Long story cut short, I've decided printing from home is not for me. I'm much happier now that I'm printing photos from the lab.
The most important thing for me, though is not about the products, the techniques, or even using up my stash. It's the fact that I'm scrapbooking and catching little snippets of our family's life, onto paper. It's about telling the story and capturing the moment. That is scrapbooking for me, and everything else about the hobby is pure gravy.
Love this post about scrapbooking. I too am trying to use my supplies instead of hoarding - an trying to just enjoy it!
Posted by: Donna | July 28, 2009 at 03:54 PM