Melissa asked me a question about storing my printed photos before I scrapbook them. My pictures are digital, so I organize them on my computer and back them up on my hard drive. Once I print the pictures I know I’m going to scrapbook, these prints go in the actual scrapbook album that the completed pages go in.

For example, in our chronological albums, I load the album with page protectors and reserve each layout’s “spot” with pictures, memorabilia, sketches, journaling notes, even paper I want to use. This all goes into the page protector and it stays there until I put it all together. The completed layout goes right back in those same page protectors.

So what you’re seeing there are some Christmas pictures from friends that are waiting to be scrapbooked. Every year I scrapbook several layouts worth of all the pictures we get from loved ones at Christmas time, and this is one of those from last year. I’m reminded that I’d like to finish that layout soon … like before the next Christmas. Yeah – that’s a good goal.

Okay, so the reason I love this system is because I can keep everything organized and together and in order (I love order!), even if all the layouts aren’t done. And I can still enjoy the pictures even if they’re not yet scrapbooked. The albums that I use for our chronological albums (they’re like our on-going family journals and I love chronology for this), are these black albums that I’ve purchased for years from Pebbles in My Pocket. I love the labels on the spine.

PS – I follow this same system for my theme/NON-chronological albums. These albums are all different colors, fabrics, sizes, and shapes.