Scrapbooking has just gotten easier. Have you ever gone to the scrapbook store and wandered around desperately trying to find the supplies you need? Or should I say, trying to figure it out as you go along? Then, you waste an hour or more and spend every spare penny you have. By the time you get home, you’ve wasted all the time you had just trying to figure out what you need instead of actually scrapbooking. Does this sound familiar? You bet it does, but I found a better way!

Proper planning of your layout or Album will help resolve these issues. Before you sit down to start scrappin’, if you plan out your album in advance, you will be prepared for what you need to purchase, the pictures you will use, and the way your layouts will look.

Here are 5 tips on how to create a Scrapbook layout in minutes:

1. Draw out your layout on paper. Know exactly how many pictures you will use, what pictures you will use, how the layout will be designed, where the title will be, what it will say, what embellishments you want to use and where they will be placed on the page, where the journaling block will be and what it will say, etc. **Note: if you are working on an entire album, plan the whole album in advance. This may be easier if you purchase a spiral sketch book to draw the whole album out.
2. When you go to your local scrapbook store to purchase the items you will need, bring your plan with you as well as your photos. This way you can match up any colors necessary and know exactly what you are there to buy. ** Note: If you are working on a whole album, it would be my recommendation to purchase all the supplies at once so that you can not only color coordinate but use matching embellishments as well.
3. Don’t spend more than 15 minutes in one store. If you haven’t had any luck finding what you came for within 15 minutes, you are wasting your time. Move on to the next store. Repeat this process until you find what you are looking for. If you still have no luck, start looking at online scrapbook stores.
4. Look for already prepackaged kits. These kits should already include paper, stickers, embellishments, etc. This will not only save you time, but money also.
5. If you’re not feeling inspired, save it for another day. I know if I’m not in the right mood, or if I’m not feeling creative, it takes longer to create the layout and I am often unhappy with what I’ve created. Don’t worry, later in the day or another day, you’ll find your creative self again and be scrappin’ in no time.

The next time you find yourself struggling to put a scrapbook layout or album together, try these tips. I know you’ll find yourself more organized and able to create your layouts quickly.

Author Bio:

Amy Rodgers is the President of Sweet N Sassy Scrappin'. She is also the founder of this site, www.AmysArticles.com. You can view more of her scrapbook information, scrapbook forum, and blog at www.sweetnsassyscrappin.com.