Easy project time! Ready?

I started this album two years ago and have been working on it ever since. In fact, I just pulled it out last week and realized I NEVER finished this post.

These days I'm more of a project scrapbooker than anything else. I want to get in easy and get out quick and it's all about  FINISHING in time for Christmas. My big kids will all be home this year and this project will help me take advantage of us being together and help us relive and relish photos and memories from the past. 

I don't necessarily do a Christmas album or project every year, but I love that I have a handful that I can pull out and display as part of my decorating and I'll add this one to my collection.  At first I was going to call this my Christmas Do-Over album, but I've settled on Now and Then instead. I'm essentially taking photos this year (now) that are re-dos of photos from past years (then) and placing them side by side. I LOVE this kind of pairing in an album because it documents traditions and rituals and relationships that stand the test of time.

Here's what you need to create an album like this ...

• An album with pockets that allows you to see 2 photos at once. I love the Project Life Mini Albums, because of the quality, the colors, the ease of use and the price. 

• A selection of 10-20 photos (to start with) from Christmas past that you’d like to retake. I pulled these images together in one folder and then printed them black and white. I also created this PDF to stick to my fridge, so I would remember to re-stage and re-shoot. Specifically, I’m looking for photos that …

  • Photos that depict symbols of this season that I especially love. 

  • Photos that show relationships between siblings and family members.

  • Photos that capture holiday gifts, rituals and traditions that we often repeat. 

• Slip your ‘Then’ photos into your album and add whatever pattern paper and embellishments you’d like. I used a Project Life mini kit called Merry & Bright, but I also love these Holly Jolly PML cards—either way the goal is SIMPLE, so I can move my project along.

Above is my opening/title page and one of the ‘Then’ pages I’ve prepped. And below is a finished spread.

This concept could easily be adapted to almost any size or format, from a super small Story Starter book, to a fun 6x8 pocket album to a video—honestly, the how doesn’t matter. The important thing is that you pause to really SEE what is happening (again) in front of you. That’s the goal. The passage of time makes moments more sweet and the ability to savor them is a gift!

In 2020 I want to help you craft simple, meaningful projects designed by you, for you. GIVE yourself the gift of being more present next year as you focus on photos and stories that matter.