Preparation is Key

Ever worked with kids at your side? Gives you a feeling of what ADD is like, doesn't it? Each given moment someone needs your attention/patience/mediation skills/advise. Not that I would like my kids to seek advise elsewhere, I just would like some time to myself every so often, so I can play in MY sand box or, rather, scrap box.

So I came up with the following system:

1. I need full attention for the initial scrapbook design. I design when I'm alone (school day mornings) or at night.
2. When I'm happy with the theme, idea, color, size and everything else that will concoct the final look/design of the scrapbook album, I write it down in details. Writing the scrapbook design plan down is essential because it keeps me on track when I get distracted. I write sizes, keep color swatches, ribbon bits etc. The goal is to eliminate complicated thinking processes from now on as much as possible.
3. Now it's time to cut scraps to size and place them neatly on the space I cleared on my ever-so-crowded scrapbook table.
4. When everything is cut and counted, I'm ready to paste and place. I try to do this only when a short interval of uninterrupted focused time is at hand. A few mistakes with the glue have proven this to be a mindful task, commanding its respect.
5. Scrapbook embellishments come next and if you have the design all laid out before you (or sketched) and the embellishments ready at your side, it's a breeze.
6. Congrats! - you have just finished a scrapbook layout/mini scrapbook album while watching your family grow! You are now a mighty multi tasker:)