|
|
Post by nana2callie on Oct 7, 2021 13:25:31 GMT
I know you find the times for the things you love, but really wanting to find some time and space in a too busy schedule for some crafting - please tell me your best tips for finding that time.
Also, how to best use that time in small increments 15-30 minutes... sometimes that is all I have.
|
|
|
|
Post by Linda on Oct 7, 2021 13:35:01 GMT
have your space organised so you're not wasting time hunting for supplies/tools
have a spot where you can leave a project in progress out to work on as possible - I like to pull the photos for the next layout as soon as I finish one so I'm ready to dive back in
sketches help me scrap faster - but I know they slow others down.
accept good enough - you don't have to find the perfect paper or embellishment- use the one you've found that'll work.
As for finding time - that's really going to depend a bit on what else is occupying your time. I don't watch TV so I scrap at times others might be watching. When my kids were small - I would scrap during naptime or I set them up with scraps and stickers and a gluestick next to me. When I homeschooled - I often scrapped in between teaching (ie - I taught the lesson and scrapped while they did the assignment - I would be right there if they needed me). I have plenty of time now as a homemaker with mostly grown kids and my youngest is in high school but I'll still set aside an evening or a day or weekend for scrapping now and then and let housework etc.. slide for that time.
|
|
|
|
Post by tealpaperowl on Oct 7, 2021 14:44:55 GMT
I find time after work and weekends. My children are older - 17 and 19 so that helps. I leave my projects in my scrapbooking room so I can easily do something in 15 minutes like stamp some images or color an image or add glitter glue to something as I'm walking through  |
|
|
|
Post by kmage on Oct 7, 2021 15:02:32 GMT
I too am really struggling with this right now. I moved into a much smaller space and that has had its ups and downs. It's cozy and MUCH warmer than my downstairs room, but I lost a lot of storage. Also now my desk functions as both a work from home desk and a scrapbooking space, so I am struggling with how to manage that. The time thing is also a killer. As I am in the same space for work/scrappy stuff, I am having a hard transition between "leaving work" and starting to craft. I have work stuff all over my scrapbook desk. I'll be watching this thread for tips or tricks on time management and perhaps making a dual purpose room work. |
|
|
|
Post by Linda on Oct 7, 2021 15:47:07 GMT
I too am really struggling with this right now. I moved into a much smaller space and that has had its ups and downs. It's cozy and MUCH warmer than my downstairs room, but I lost a lot of storage. Also now my desk functions as both a work from home desk and a scrapbooking space, so I am struggling with how to manage that. The time thing is also a killer. As I am in the same space for work/scrappy stuff, I am having a hard transition between "leaving work" and starting to craft. I have work stuff all over my scrapbook desk. I'll be watching this thread for tips or tricks on time management and perhaps making a dual purpose room work.  I'm not sure if your space is big enough to fit two desks or tables? I find it easiest (when I've had space) to have a dedicated spot for crafting and another for computer stuff. If not, can you put in a rollaway cart or drawers that you can use to put away work at the end of the day? Visually switching gears so to speak. Or can you temporarily scrap at another table (kitchen? dining room? coffee table?) and maybe make page kits or shop your scraproom? |
|
|
|
Post by hmp on Oct 7, 2021 16:18:58 GMT
I find organizing by project saves me a considerable amount of set-up time. I store things by component parts of a project. Using this system allows me to get set up in under one minute. This also lets me craft in small increments of time. I just pull out the containers I need (usually 2) & get going. This is my system:
1.Do you have a cart or bag you can use to store only project supplies? I use a bag & pack it by types of supplies. These are the contents of my current Christmas card bag. Cutting mat, score-pal, paper trimmer, 12x12 paper, page protector for addresses, all stored in 2 exterior bag pockets. All the rest is put in the main body of the bag. Container of card bases, small pads of paper & paper cut down to project size for layering or punching or die cutting. Container of project-only tools (2 dies, stamp set, punch). Container for coloring agents (5 ink pads & re-inkers, 3 pens, ink cleaner & shammy). Container for embellishments (Washi, wood veneer, stickers, stickles, enamel dots, glitter). Container for envelopes, stamps, washi. Use clear containers so you can see inside & grab only what you need. I use a combo of clear photo boxes in varying sizes, zip lock baggies, and gladware containers.
2. Use some sort of tool tote for your basic crafting tools (scissors, exacto knife, tape runner, spare rolls of tape, glue dots, glue pens, liquid glue, undu, ruler, tweezers, embossing tool, piercing tool, crop-a-dile, pen, pencil, eraser, color wheel). This needs to be small enough that you can just grab & go.
3. I think using the same desk for work & crafting would be difficult. I know I couldn’t do it! Do you have wall space for a drop down desk or room to set up a card table? Can you go to a table in the kitchen or dining room to work on your project? Even a larger TV tray table could work.
|
|
|
|
Post by kmage on Oct 7, 2021 16:23:05 GMT
2. Use some sort of tool tote for your basic crafting tools (scissors, exacto knife, tape runner, spare rolls of tape, glue dots, glue pens, liquid glue, undu, ruler, tweezers, embossing tool, piercing tool, crop-a-dile, pen, pencil, eraser, color wheel). This needs to be small enough that you can just grab & go. I think this is a really good idea for time management and grab and go type needs! I have a tool tote that I put away as I wasn't going to crops and now my tools are on my desk but I think I will get the tote back out and think in terms of "traveling" in my house. |
|
|
|
Post by scrapcat on Oct 7, 2021 16:35:15 GMT
I try to schedule craft time as part of my regular life, but I don't have a busy schedule otherwise, because I prefer to not be too busy. Being part of a group online that has zoom crops helps bcz it's a designated time. I tell my SO that I am going to scrap on such and such day/weekend, I say no to other plans. I go thru phases where sometimes I prefer to get started early morning, other time it's later in the evening, I try to just go with what presents itself. - I keep lists of stories/photos I want to scrap and add detail like if I know I have a certain paper I want to use.
- Using idle times in lines, waiting, watching nonsense tv, etc to journal, make notes, edit photos, collage photos to print
- I primarily use my phone apps for all journaling, photo editing, photo printing (whether at home or sending it somewhere). And having all the apps be cloud based, so when I am on my laptop I can pull things up on there.
- Assemble page kits and have them stacked and ready to go (i figured this out when I was going to crops more)
- Have a clear workspace -I try to clean up after I am done, or that becomes a 20 minute evening task one night putting things away.
- I don't agonize too much over decisions, I pick what I want to use and go with it and use all the things. I use the stuff I love the most instead of saving it.
When I go to my studio, I know what I want to work on or have an option of 1-3 things so I can get started and use the time to actually craft and not have to prep or gather things. I can spend 3 hours on a layout if I do a bunch of steps. The other night I did an 8.5x11 layout in about 15 minutes with a photo that was already printed, simple design, handwritten journaling, and coordinating products. I've been scrapping 18 years and it took me a while to figure out how to be more prolific with it in working out my process and what I need to do to get in that zone. Think about what the circumstances are when you get the most done or at least the most enjoyment out of the hobby then work to recreate those circumstances in small ways. |
|
|
|
Post by papersilly on Oct 7, 2021 21:14:54 GMT
treat your craft time as a part time job. schedule yourself for that 15-30 minute job and stick to the schedule. no one bothers you while you are at "work" and when time is up, go "home". if you keep crafting your absolute priority, you will never find the time.
|
|
|
|
Post by grammadee on Oct 7, 2021 22:49:08 GMT
Lots of good ideas here. Sorry if I missed these above (in case you do NOT have a designated craft room).
Split the job up into small increments. Choose your photos & papers, Add in some embellishments you would like to use.
Put those supplies on a tray that can be slid onto the top of a cupboard or somewhere else where it won't be disturbed while you are busy doing other things.
Collect the tools and inks and glue you will need. If you are doing your own diecutting, do it now. Add these to your tray.
Spread out your base cs or pp. Arrange the other elements on top of it roughly the way you want to have it look. If you ink edges, do it now. Rearrange it until you like it. Take a photo of the page(s) before you slip it away again.
Using your photo as a guide, assemble your LO. Don't put glue right out to the edges: you might want to slip something in under a layer. If you have time, write the journaling.
Look at it one more time. Add any extras you think it needs.
Put your stuff away, and start planning the next LO.
|
|
joyfulnana
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,055 
|
Post by joyfulnana on Oct 8, 2021 13:49:07 GMT
I am loving the suggestions in this thread. I struggle with using small increments of time and I'm also struggling with no dedicated space. kmage my office and craft room were a shared space as well. But after working in the office all week, I really didn't want to spend the weekend with "work". I've had hard time settling on where to scrap. There are some good ideas here for "traveling" at home. I guess the real struggle is not having a good place to leave things out, since my cat wants to be a slightly noisy middle of night "helper" if I don't put things away lol. |
|
|
|
Post by hop2 on Oct 8, 2021 22:36:25 GMT
I might skip doing dishes to craft if the mood hits me.
They’ll be there after - no one came & did them - and I think doing more of them together takes up less time.
|
|
|
|
Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Oct 9, 2021 3:32:00 GMT
I scrapbook more, if I can leave my "work in progress" out and sitting there. Taking everything out and putting it all away every time. is time consuming and cuts in on the time spent actually scrapbooking. My room-mate was making "leaving everything out" impossible, because she thinks she is entitled to jump up on my table and scrapbook cart and get her paws into my stuff. Nosy cat! The solution I came up with is a thicker clear vinyl tablecloth, now I can leave "work in progress" and cover everything up. I scrapbook more, because all I have to do is lift the tablecloth off. I am single and live in a small studio, so I have several hours of free time daily. I have to monitor to my "pinterest" time, because I think I will browse for an hour...and 3-4 hours later, still browsing. Pinterest is a time sucker. I need to devote my extra time to scrapbooking instead of the never ending pinterest.  |
|
|
|
Post by Night Owl on Oct 9, 2021 4:13:53 GMT
she thinks she is entitled to jump up on my table and scrapbook cart and get her paws into my stuff. Nosy cat! The solution I came up with is a thicker clear vinyl tablecloth, now I can leave "work in progress" and cover everything up. I scrapbook more, because all I have to do is lift the tablecloth off. I have a similar room-mate who gets his paws into everything, this is a great idea.  |
|
|
|
Post by Linda on Oct 9, 2021 4:32:08 GMT
she thinks she is entitled to jump up on my table and scrapbook cart and get her paws into my stuff. Nosy cat! The solution I came up with is a thicker clear vinyl tablecloth, now I can leave "work in progress" and cover everything up. I scrapbook more, because all I have to do is lift the tablecloth off. I have a similar room-mate who gets his paws into everything, this is a great idea. I've just accepted that some of my cardstock might end up nibbled on (Dusty loves paper and cardstock) or there might be a little fur here and there. My craft room doesn't have a door and if I'm in here, at least one of the cats is too (we have 4 seniors, 2 kittens) if you look closely at the lower right corner, you can see how Dusty has "helped" embellish it.  |
|
kelly8875
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,442
Location: Lost in my supplies...
|
Post by kelly8875 on Oct 9, 2021 22:47:38 GMT
Sometimes all I have time for is Pinterest (or whatever your inspiration comes from). I may pin a bunch of layouts with circles or birthdays, or whatever is in my head.
Some days all I might do is dig through my supplies for inspiration. Some days I’ll sort some paper. Some days I may actually put paper and embellishments together.
It is all part of the process of scrapbooking. Ordering pictures is a part. Sorting pictures is a part. Pulling paper, or making a sketch. All parts. Somedays there is only time for the parts, and not the whole of it.
Let yourself break down the hobby (whatever the hobby is) into parts and be okay with that. Eventually the parts come together and you’ll have a page or project done.
|
|
|
|
Post by refugeepea on Oct 9, 2021 23:26:06 GMT
Also, how to best use that time in small increments 15-30 minutes... sometimes that is all I have. That's how I have to do a lot of my scrapping time. For me, putting together one page kit at a time helps. Get the photos, pick the papers, embellishments, stamps, ink pads, metal dies, and whatever else you think will work and put it in an Iris Case. If you don't finish up, close up the case and come back later. I prefer to keep it to one project at a time in an Iris Case because then I forget about the stamps or dies in the case I want to use for something else.
One thing that has helped immensely is having a craft caddy. It holds an acrylic block, washi for holding metal dies, rulers, paper trimmer, adhesive, and scissors. I used to lose track of my scissors all the time. I've had mine for years, but an electrician's tool caddy is similar in design.
|
|
|
|
Post by refugeepea on Oct 9, 2021 23:34:02 GMT
have a spot where you can leave a project in progress out to work on as possible - I like to pull the photos for the next layout as soon as I finish one so I'm ready to dive back in That's a great idea. I have too many ideas I want to do, but stall thinking what to choose next.
My room-mate was making "leaving everything out" impossible, because she thinks she is entitled to jump up on my table and scrapbook cart and get her paws into my stuff. Nosy cat! The solution I came up with is a thicker clear vinyl tablecloth, now I can leave "work in progress" and cover everything up. I scrapbook more, because all I have to do is lift the tablecloth off. That's brilliant.
Wanted to add, I don't have a dedicated scrap space and a child who loves to destroy washi tape. That's why I do the Iris Case thing.
|
|
|
|
Post by nana2callie on Oct 13, 2021 13:25:33 GMT
Thank you for all the wonderful ideas... it seems that organization and readily available supplies makes those few minutes account. I do have a space that I could leave a project in process. I seem to get stuck on the "where to begin" and so I don't begin. But if I had a few things ready to go... then I could just sit down for 10 minutes or more.
|
|
|
|
Post by infochick on Oct 13, 2021 21:34:29 GMT
I once heard Stacy Julian speak, and one of her tips for finding time was to leave your project out and take advantage of those little bits of time so that you can just sit down and pick up where you left off. I've applied this to other hobbies/projects and have found that it really does help to make me more productive...slow and steady wins the race, or at least eventually finishes a project I don't have a dedicated space right now, so I am definitely going to try some of the tips in this thread about putting together what I need for a project, including tools, so I can just grab it quickly and get working. |
|
|
|
Post by kmage on Oct 13, 2021 23:32:02 GMT
I seem to get stuck on the "where to begin" and so I don't begin. This is me as well. I feel like I have so many things to do...layouts! Cards! Tiny albums! 10,000 photos! that I get stuck on where to start with it all. Someone told me once that starting at the beginning of your photos is not a great idea, it makes you feel overwhelmed. So when I feel like that I do try and pick something I love and something recent...that way it feels less forced. That and a fun sketch! |
|
|
|
Post by ecvnj58 on Oct 13, 2021 23:57:36 GMT
Thank you for all the wonderful ideas... it seems that organization and readily available supplies makes those few minutes account. I do have a space that I could leave a project in process. I seem to get stuck on the "where to begin" and so I don't begin. But if I had a few things ready to go... then I could just sit down for 10 minutes or more. I think people have various starts and if I were you I would try to explore them all and see what moves you. For me I have 2 real big sparks to get started with. I don’t start with a story. It’s not me. I start often with products. I get something cool on my desk and try to figure out how to use it. It usually will spark and idea and then I think usually between work meetings or in the car on what my page will look like. When I make the page it then flows. Another spark for me is seeing other people pages or a sketch. Currently I’m following shadnees 31 days of scraps and she usually inspiration each day either with a picture or sketch. It’s been so inspiring and helped me start. |
|
|
|
Post by 950nancy on Oct 14, 2021 0:35:38 GMT
When I was working full time, I normally said no to things that weren't absolutely expected. If I had made plans with someone and my husband's family was coming for a visit, he knew he'd have to host them. If a school parent wanted me to come to their kid's event, I had a ready made excuse if I was not inclined to go. Do parents really expect that you're going to show up at their kid's sleepovers? Yes, yes they do. My neighbor wants me to go to a dog show 80 miles away? No, we've got plans that day. I think being prepared for people asking me to do things was the best way to get out of them. If people asked me to do something for them and they didn't reciprocate if I asked, I didn't help twice. I was really protective of my time. I was raising two sons and was already busy, so any time I had to myself, I took.
Mark a craft day on your calendar once a month. Don't give that up. Make time for you. If you are babysitting a lot, make sure you build craft time into your time with the kiddo if it feels like you can.
Have a space open in a room that has all of your supplies out and ready. If you watch tv, take something with you to fussy cut or look through if you don't love what you are watching.
|
|
|
|
Post by refugeepea on Oct 15, 2021 1:45:37 GMT
If a school parent wanted me to come to their kid's event, I had a ready made excuse if I was not inclined to go. Do parents really expect that you're going to show up at their kid's sleepovers? Yes, yes they do.  |
|
pamelakay
Full Member
Posts: 102
Oct 14, 2021 22:33:22 GMT
|
Post by pamelakay on Oct 19, 2021 22:57:31 GMT
I think being organized helps. I work full-time and have 13 year old. She is pretty independent so that helps. But I normally working on more than one thing at a time so depending on the size I keep the supplies a clear 12 x 12 envelope storage or clear plastic 12 x 12 stackable containers and then can pack and unpack it pretty qucikly. I mostly craft evening and weekend. I can if you have a big family and/or very small kids how it would be hard.
|
|
|
|
Post by don on Oct 20, 2021 1:47:51 GMT
They say everybody has the same amount of time, 24 hours every day. Maybe so, but everybody does not have the same life. The only thing you can do is somehow organize and structure the time left after you do what needs to be done. When it comes to your crafting times I have a few thoughts.
1. Chores - get help, it's why you have children. If I can do laundry, any 10 year old can do laundry. They can push a vacuum cleaner, dust, clean the bathroom, feed the pets, and do the dishes. Look how much time that saves ... OK I take your point, but they'll get better at it, and you can wear ear buds so you don't have to listen to the whine.
2. Organize your project and focus on it. Don't be like me and spread yourself between 5 or 6 things and allow distractions to pop up from nowhere.
3. Don't let outsiders badger you into using up your hard earned time. Inform them of your hourly rate.
4. Don't waste away hours of your free time on the computer, as I am right now.
DISCLAIMER: I am not at all like you. I am 81 years old, I'm retired so every day is a Saturday, and so I have really nothing to do, and all day to do it. However I do love and respect each of you, which is why I gladly use all of this time and effort to help you out. 💖😁
|
|
|
|
Post by Citygirl on Oct 20, 2021 2:14:32 GMT
Agreed it definitely depends on you and your stage in life.
Personally I’ve tried but have never been able to do the small bits of time here or there on a project. I couldn’t get into a groove and too much time would lapse in between sessions. Nothing would ever get completed.
Virtual crops and dedicated time worked for a awhile. Now that I have 2 small kids plus work the only way I can get anything done is to go to weekend retreats. This also provides me a much needed mental break.
I know that doesn’t work for everyone and can be costly.
I hope you find something that works for you.
|
|
|
|
Post by jeremysgirl on Oct 20, 2021 11:31:34 GMT
I learned through Covid that I really need a substantial amount of downtime to refresh myself. Gone are the days of running all over place, doing all manner of unnecessary things on my weekends and evenings. (I work full time during the weekdays).
I have decided to let a lot of things go too. I hired a cleaning lady. I was tired of spending my weekend days cleaning house and let's face it, she does a much better job of it than I ever did anyway. So that's out. Second, I decided to let my non vaccinated friends go. I will meet with them outdoors but anything hosted inside is a big fat nope from me. So I'm a lot freer on the friend front too. And I either order my groceries or have my husband go. I still plan the entire list and plan and cook all the meals (which I don't mind) but now I'm not fighting my anxiety and spending time in the grocery store anymore either. Just taking the grocery tasks and housecleaning tasks off my plate has really blown open my weekends.
Which is good because now that I'm working from home in my craft room (I had a craft room for about 2 months before covid hit) I can't just spend 15 minutes here and there anymore. I have to set aside chunks of real time to scrapbook. If I only have a half hour here and there, I pull out my crochet projects instead.
I also switched over to project life. I am now scrapbooking the everyday, which really appealed to me. But I just pull out a kit and go! No more searching for products. I also handwrite my journaling and I don't edit my photos in a photo editor. If I want anything edited, I simply do it on my phone at the time I take my picture. Such a time saver. And I bought myself a Canon Selphy too so I can print the sizes I want without having to photoshop and I can do it on my time. I don't have to wait for pictures to come in the mail anymore.
|
|
