Sometimes we just need a quick way to get a project done and as I dust off a traditional project that I have set aside while I caught up my current projects, I am reminded that my ticket to getting these projects done quickly is to use one of my go to speed systems – Power Layouts.  It doesn’t have to be fancy although there is a tool from Creative Memories designed just for this approach but even if you don’t have the Power Layout Box and guides, you can tackle your project this way without it.  You can order your own Power Layout Box by going to my CM website and looking under the Shop Menu for Storage and Totes.

Whether it is my annual album or project with a theme or event focus, I first will gather my photos and sort then into the order I want them in my project.  Most of the time for me it is chronological but sometimes it might be based on people or other events.  Then I will lay out 2 page spreads across my table using my refill pages or cardstock background paper.  TIP: Remember that if you are using refill pages, the left side of your pages will be on the pack of the previous one.  You will want a placeholder or cardstock to help with this side.  Sometimes I will use the extra cardboard insert from our paper packs as the place holders.  This is where the Power Layout guides are really helpful if you have them but either will work just fine.  I like to use the whole dining room table or one of my big 6 foot tables when I do this but if I have a smaller space I just lay out fewer pages each time.

I will then pick 4-6 photos from my pile for each side and plop them down on the side I believe they might go.  I don’t arrange them, just put the whole stack on that page (or place holder guide).  After I have plopped my photos down on all the pages that are on my table, I take a few minutes to think about the papers or other tools I might use and gather them so I can add or use them when it is time.  Before I put any papers or embellishments with the pages, I go through and simply arrange my photos that I had picked to be sure they fit the 2 page spread well.  TIP: I might do a simple cropping step here or pick one to accent with an oval or circle photo.  To keep this moving fast pick only 1-2 photos per 2-page spread to crop.   I don’t spend a lot of time in this cropping step but generally will eliminate a few photos and further refine my layouts possibly shifting photos to other pages or consolidating where needed.  Now I add the paper or embellishments that I expect to use.  I lay them with the photos (again not sticking anything down yet).

Once I have the paper and embellishments with the pages, I stack the pages up as if they were in the album first page on top and each page after placed under it.  I sit these aside and move on to the same steps for the next batch.  I work this way until the stack of photos is complete.  TIP: One thing to remember is that the first page will not be a 2 page spread so you might want to think as you work through your photos if you want to do a title page with a favorite from the whole project or if you want to jump right in and have the first page be the beginning of your photos.  Now that I have a stack of pages, I can work on them in a smaller space, 2 pages at a time.  I like to keep my unfinished pages to my left and then as I finish them stack them to the right.  I typically will journal as I finish each 2 page spread but if you prefer to journal the whole album at once, you can go back and do that at the end.

If I have to stop along the way and pack up, I place all completed pages in my album so I can start enjoying them right away and put the unfinished stack in a Power Sort Box or other container that can keep the items together and not shift until I can work on this project again.

I find that when I spend the time to plan out my projects like this, I work much faster and get a more cohesive book in the end because I am looking at 8-12 pages at once during the initial steps.

This approach works well with traditional printed photos but you can also do a similar process with digital projects.  The Pixels2Pages team recently shared a video about this on one of their virtual crops.  If you are interested in seeing it you can go to their website: Digi Power Layout .  This may be only available to members now but it is a great video that shows how I do many of my digital projects too.

Join us at our next Photo Fun Day and you can have a full table to try this out or let me know you want to see the Digi Power Layout system in person and I will be happy to share my current project.

What project would you like to complete with this approach?  Can you imagine completing 10-15 pages in one day?  I encourage you to give it a try if you haven’t before and watch those projects get completed!

Now for the Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years:

On the first day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, I went back to where it all started with a Creative Memories product that I LOVE – one person can get the CM bookcloth album of your choosing for 50% off.  Available until claimed!

On the second day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, I am reopening the 2020 Photo Fun Club until the end of the month for the 2 remaining spots in the 2020 Photo Fun Club PLUS for the first person who replies I am offering 1/2 off one of our upcoming 2020 Photo Fun Day – FULL day registrations.

On the third day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, I am offering to the first 2 people who respond, 10GB of Forever Storage for 1/2 off.

On the 4th day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, You will need to stock up on the staples when you do your project with this Speed System so today I am offering Buy One Get One 50% off on those supplies you never want to run out of – Refill Pages with Protectors, Tape Runners, and Tape Runner Refills.  There is no limit on how many people can take advantage of this offer however all orders must be placed no later than Feb 29th and pick up at my home in Apex or at my next Photo Fun Day or Retreat.    Please use the form below for your order!