Okay, I've alluded to this in my intro. I'm new to everything about scrapbooking, but not computers. I can't wait to get started, but as a new-ish mom, I feel like I can't get things together to do more than download a few freebies, organize them, and post a couple messages here - lol!

I have some ideas for what I'd like to do for my first few layouts, but I'm constantly getting interrupted or have other things screaming for my attention (um... that would be literally screaming).

I can't be the only one in this boat. So I'm wondering, what do you all do to find time to scrap or to streamline your creative process? What makes things easier for you to get those layouts done?

Thanks!

Kelly

i noticed you didnt get any replys...... no ideas huh guys? I am a working mother of a 2 & 3 year old and feel exactly the same way. I wanted to give up the traditional scraping because by the time i got to pull out all the paper & fun stuff, i had to put it away. So i thought that digi scraping would be different. Between trying to learn what to do with my new program and download & getting hints off this site - i havent done anything!!!!! Kinda frustrating.

I've never paper scrapped, but even with digiscrapping, you still have to pull your "stuff" out into your program, not to mention decide what photos to you use and everything that goes with doing a LO.

As of right now, I'm a SAHM, but that's about to change as soon as I get a job. I honestly don't know when I'll get to scrap then, between working, the kids (I have 2) and all the regular housework that goes on.

Right now, I do most of my scrapping in the late evenings when the kiddos are in bed. Yeah, it means I'm usually up late, but then again, I can sleep until 8 or so too.

Who knows? When I start working, I may find I have NO time to scrap, and that makes me sad.

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Welcome Kelly!! I have two little ones. A 10 month old & 2 yr old. I usually do my house work when they go to bed then try to scrap. But I too stay up late just to get some me time. I also have my pc right by the play room so I get to check in frequently.

Hope something works for you.

Lori

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You'll still find the time Amy! I teach full time and have 3 boys ages 9, 6 and 4. I did a lot of layouts over the summer when I was out of school, and I did find that my scrapping time was much less at the start of the school year, but I make time here and there and manage to get my fix! I do most of it in the evenings or on weekends when the boys are doing something on their own.
When you're just starting out, it is hard to find time to learn the program AND create layouts. If you don't have time to finish a layout in one session, do a bit at a time when you can. Try to spend 15 - 30 minutes a day at first. One day, pick photos. Another day, look for backgrounds, and so on. It WILL get easier and take you less time once you get used to your program. If you're able to, going to a chat session can really help; I tried a lot of new things by doing that. Good luck, and keep asking questions!

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Lori

Good suggestions, Lori. I too work at it a little at a time. First I decide on the pictures. Do any color correction or add any special effects and save the photos with a new name. Then pull them all onto my page. Sometimes I re-size or crop them at this point but not always. I may save it here and not get back to the project for another day or two (or longer). Next I'll decide on colors or a kit (if I choose to use one). Then I pull my chosen elements onto the page. I may do some preliminary arranging at this point. But often I just leave it at that, saving the file. Then just work on it as I have time. Arranging, adding journaling and titles, fiddling with drop shadows, etc. until I'm done. And that's important--deciding when it's done. Don't try to make every layout perfect. But do try to learn something with every layout. Maybe you'll want to start with simple color blocks or plain backgrounds plus titles and journaling. Another couple of hints: Scraplift and sketches.

Don't be overwhelmed. Just do what you can.

Carole

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well, im a SAHM to a very very active 21m DD (daughter)...so, really the only time i can do this is when she is down for her nap or bedtime....i have spent many nights up late working on things...since her nap time i try and do housework...plus i run a private message board too...

but it is hard finding time....i have also started creating my own kits, so that has cut back time on doing layouts....

so, i feel the same way as you!

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Hi Kelly! You are NOT alone! LOL I know what you mean about the screaming, and the craziness of having two litle ones - I spent all of 2004 with my children alone, while my DH was deployed - talk about CRAZY! lol I managed to get some layouts done, but, it was difficult. I am trying out a new plan for the New Year:
I am following the FlyLady routine and it is really keeping me focused on what needs done, and freeing up a lot of my time to do some scrapping! And, when I fire up PS and begin working on a layout, I leave it up throughout the day and come back and forth to it as I get a chance. I keep a folder named UNDONE in my 2006 folder, so I can go back to it if I need to the next day. So far, I have completed an average of 1 layout every other day. So, that is better than I expected!! Plus, I am a DTM for a digi-Yahoo Group, so I work on kits for that, as well.
I do get frustrated when I am really in a creative mood to scrap, and everyone needs me!! LOL

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