Scrapbook Mythbusters Pre-LOAD214 Blog Hop

Welcome to the Layout a Day Scrapbook Mythbusters Blog Hop. If this is you first stop along the way, you may want to head over to Kelli's blog so you don't miss any of the pre-LOAD tips.You should have arrived here from Kim's blog.

It's that time of year again! February is fast approaching, which means many of us are getting ready for LOAD 214. What is LOAD 214, you ask. Load stands for Layout a Day. These events occur a few times each year. February being one of those months. Hence the 2. The fourteen simply represents the year. Each time, a different theme is chosen and we strive to create a layout each and every day. This layout needs to be submitted by the stroke of midnight.

Some of you are now a bit intimidated by the thought of creating a layout each and every day. At one point in time, I myself was. I am now a veteran of the process and can proudly say I have completed 2 full LOAD challenges. I have written before about what Layout a Day really has meant for my process. I have a few kits prepped and will be, in a large part, working to use up my current and past JBS Mercantile kits. I'm ready to choose products on a dime and finish pages in under 30 minutes. Yes, that's right...30 minutes.

Most days I allot about an hour to a LOAD layout. Some days I have extra time, however, many days I also need to work on pages for creative team assignments. I have to homeschool my son, keep house, and I still want to spend time with my family. This means I have learned just how much time I have to dedicate to LOAD. What does this mean?

1. I have to understand that not every layout I make during LOAD will be super awesome. That's not to say it isn't a good layout. It just means that I need to give myself a little leeway in regards to perfection and must accept the layout as is when the timer goes off. I can always tweak it a bit later.

2. I accept what products I have at the ready and use them on the layout. No shuffling through items. No thinking about whether or not this paper or that embellishment might be better than what I am holding.

3. Nix the fancy techniques. I don't plan on doing things like handstitching or using art supplies that have a long drying time.

4. I like to have some photos ready, but should the photos I  have on hand not fit the days prompt, I am more than willing to explore my computer files. I just make sure to set a time limit on the search. The first photo to catch my eye and make me feel like it can work with the prompt is the right photo for that moment.

Sometimes, all the planning in the world doesn't work out the way you expect it. There are nights when I find myself creating the layout while watching the clock tick towards midnight. Luckily, I have found a few spots in my scrap space where I can take late night photos. The lighting is adequate. I let go of the fact that they will be less than perfect pictures of the layout. You can take a better picture in the morning for you blog. Meanwhile, make sure your camera has fresh batteries.

Most importantly of all, Layout a Day is about having fun. If you would like to join in, there is still time.
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Now it's time to hop on! Your next stop is Lisa. 
Just for reference, here is a list of all the Pre-Load Blog Hop Participants:
Kelli www.useitscrapbooking.com/
Dani scrapperonthestreet.com
Valerie myrainbowcoalition.blogspot.com/
Karen www.photoskeptalive.com/
Danielle ecoscrapbook.blogspot.com/
Connie clickychickcreates.com/
Sherrie littlebitofeverythingme.blogspot.com
Cara www.vincens.typepad.com/
Heather noexcusescrapbooking.com/
Kim sweetscrappinggma.blogspot.de
You are here-> Christy myscrapbookevolution.blogspot.com/
Lisa E lisae-design.blogspot.com/
Lisa H lisahausmann.blogspot.com

Additional Resources

my past LOAD Experiences
Sketches for quick layout ideas

This is a free tool which enables you to quickly outline a story for your photos. It can be used on-line or printed for reference.