[anke]

Originally Posted by LauraBean

I don't scrap to get it done; I scrap because I enjoy the process. Completed pages in an album are a nice bonus. So, while I usually start with a photo or two that I love, I also sometimes start with an idea--a title, a theme, even a technique I want to try--and choose a photo or photos at some later point in the process. Yesterday I did a Top Ten layout of my current favorite things--that started with the idea, then a list, then I actually took some photos to use (I had some already but wanted a few more). That's not typical but it's not the first time I've taken pictures specifically for a layout, either.

I also sometimes start with a kit or something I just want to use, so I'm thinking: I love these frames, how can I use them? But that's not typical either.

I do scraplift, but not really that often. What I do a lot of is lifting an idea or two from layouts I love. I went through scrapbooking magazines over the weekend and took notes: Try filling a shape with buttons. Try reducing a 12 x 12 edge overlay on a page. Try putting photos into a shape. So if I do one of these things, I'm not really lifting the whole design but just one or two elements. I'm not very original in my designs, and I absorb a lot of great ideas by browsing the gallery or other sources.

Keep it fun!

That is me almost to a T. I have the exact same approach throughout! I enjoy the process of creating, it is such an outlet for me. I don't like doing pages to get them done. Creating the books was really an effort for me, too much of the same thing , although it was fun to have something done that actually goes together!