Note: This is a living document and may be updated. Latest update: 10/2/24
We are fast approaching our October LOAD month here in our ScrapHappy membership group. In February and May the LOAD challenge is open to anyone as a stand-alone experience. October’s LOAD is just for members. If you have done a one-off LOAD in the past and loved it, now may be the time to join the membership group for ongoing LOAD excitement.
By the way, If you are new here and want to know more about what our Layout A Day challenge is, there is a pint-sized freebie that you can work at your own pace. Or join Alice for one of her free public scrappy sessions called Scrapbook Live and learn a bit about our fearless leader.
So how do we here at ScrapHappy approach a challenge to make a layout every day for an entire month? Some may think this is impossible, but with our creative teams tips, you can make it happen!
Laurie
- Organize your workspace
- Choose sketches or layout designs in advance. Having a visual guide helps me scrap faster.
- Make layouts simple.
Alison
Stock up on adhesive and print a pile of photos.
Misty
Since post dinnertime is the most common time to get projects done, stock up on EASY meals. I hit Costco and fill up the freezer! That way I don’t have to cook. Also make sure you have spare cutting blades for your trimmer. That way you have one less obstacle to throw you off track.
Lindsy
- Schedule it into your day (at a consistent time if possible). I know if I make a point of going down right after supper I make it happen and stay on track. If I veer off course and head for the couch, I fall off the bandwagon. Haha
- Use collections. Creating a quick layout is easier if papers, ephemera & embellishments already go together.
- Stick to a few finishing touches that are neutral and/or consistent across the month (ie. use only 1 or 2 jars of gems that stay on your desk – like iridescent or gold. These colours will match anything and it doesn’t matter if 30 layouts all have gems…they will all look great)
Alex
- Print Photos
- Prepare some Page kits
- I often think it is easier to work on one specific project during load, like a travel album or something like that. So your head, and your supplies, don’t need to Change for every Page
- Grab your unfinished Layouts to Finish during load.
Claire W.
- I prepare small kits from leftover collections, generally patterned paper and some cardstock.
- I have a notebook filled with sketches and base page ideas in case I get stuck.
I have embellishments organized by colour.
Alice
- Have page kits handy.
- Pull out unfinished projects, like old classes that I never finished to have handy for the days I am short on time.
- Work on a specific project during LOAD, like a travel album for example. This way you don’t need to change for every page
- Let my family know that they will be making supper this month – even a couple of times a week helps
Claire C.
- Batch cook meals like stews, curries, casseroles – easy to throw on a baked potato or pasta/rice – Me (because my family does not cook 😑)
- Have a box/tray of generic embellishments – tabs, labels, words, etc that fit most subjects – helps to use them up.
- This LOAD I am thinking about the topic [Women of Pop music] and having paper collections in mind that might fit with it. Also looking for embellies that will – ie music notes, guitars, stars etc.
- I love messing about with mixed media, so I have plenty of white paper that [already] have paint, sprays, stencils around. I often use these as my bases—they are already dry (so fast) and because there is a lot going on, the page is quicker.
- Cutting pre-done titles from my Silhouette. These are fabulous when you have your photos printed and know what you hope to scrap in the month 😃
There were several similarities between all the answers. Did you spot them? Make your own list of things to do ahead of LOAD. If you are a LOAD pro, chime in with your favorite tips. We can add them to this very list!
Until next time, have a Scrappy Happy day.