Challenge.....

I have scrapbooked for around 12 years now, my first project was my wedding album for my 2nd marriage...one that did not last (the marriage, not the album)!  From that point till now, I have been hooked!  I love how you are able to take your memories, add photos, journalling, and embellishments to create your own one of a kind album.  The one thing about scrapbooking that I really like the most, is you will never find someone else who will have the same photos as you do, unless it is a function where multiple people have taken photos.  This is where everyone's personal taste will come into affect.   

We are going to be working on a monthly album this next year....January through December.  A way to showcase YOUR memories of the month, the things you do, the places you go...things like that!    Your challenge is to look at how YOU want to showcase your memories...  I am using a kit that was purchased at Walmart a few years ago made by Colorbok check out their kits here!  I used a generic album in blues and a bit of green accent color!  The inside pages are various colors, so I added a few more page protectors and paper to the album itself.  I started out using what embellishments they have included with the album, and added a few of my own, to truly be able to personalize the contents of the album. 

My plan for the album is to get a few photos each month, and journal what happened during the month.  I am planning hidden journalling, and to keep little things to include in the album.  One idea I found recently that I am planning on doing with this album is add them in the middle of the 2 pages.  Things like receipts, or handouts I get...things from that month will be included in this area.  Each month is titled for the month, each layout something unique. 

I chose this kit because it was cheap, less that $20, and I have an entire finished album by the time I am done.  Should you want to pick from what you already have,  here is a list of supplies: 
Album (I use 12 x 12 for this particular project)
Paper, 26 sheets of cardstock, for the background 
Accent papers that match the above
Various embellishments that match the above papers
Markers to journal with, can be various colors if you choose, or computer generated if you please! 

For each month, look at different ways you can journal...from your blog, or use your Facebook status' as your monthly journalling!   This album is fun to be able to showcase an entire year, to see where you are at right now, and then see where you end up at by the end of the year!    If you are pregnant, pick a day where you will take the photo, such as the date you are due.  Or, if you have kids, find a focal point, such as a plant or stuffed animal to show how much they have grown, and take the picture on the same date each month!  Make the album fun...or therapeutic....or just as an easy way to showcase an entire month at a time!  If you have multiple pictures, put them in an accordian type of way, so you can put more pictures on the layouts as you need it!    This type of project can be great for anyone who is single, or just doesn't take a lot of photos right now...such as myself!  

The "challenge" part, is to start to put together what you want to use...or pick up a kit that is perfect for you.  Start to look at your purpose for the album, is it just to keep track of things that happen each month, then you can use a simple format.  If you are like me, and you use scrapbooking as a therapy tool, then you might want to get more into hidden journalling and take photos of things that will help you through the problem!  It doesn't matter what size you do, all you are required to do each month is 2 layouts...the work is throughout the month! 

So, take the time to fill out a sheet to detail what you are planning on doing, or make an altered journal to keep track of everything for each month.  This will make it easier to complete your album and make things more uniform in look and feel. 

Think of your future generations and what you would want to share with them...and yes, that means the good, bad and ugly sometimes!  But if it helps even one person, then you have done your job! 

I hope you enjoy the challenge for the next few weeks....start to put everything together, you will need to add 6 page protectors to complete the entire album!   Get the front and back cover finished and placed in the album...  Journey through 2011 or something like that!  I know for me, this will be a wonderful journey full of healing, hard work, and a bit of fun times! 

Lynda Jeffs

Memories in Tyme