11 days...where did they go?

I had 11 days off from work for the holidays. It sounds like SO much, yet it went so very quickly!

We spent a lot of time with family and friends which was wonderful...always enjoy the family time.

I also did quite a bit of scrapping. I think I completed about 12-13 layouts total. I am now only about 4 1/2 months behind versus the 6 1/2 I was before the break...still have a ways to go, but the creative juices have been flowing lately, so I hope that continues.

This is the furthest behind I've ever been in my scrapping. This past year, I had a couple periods where I scrapped NOTHING for 2-3 months at a time and that's what really did the damage.

I think is was a combination of waining mojo, being extremely busy, not making enough effort to make time for my hobby (other than reading mags and idea books) and then feeling daunted by that BIG stack of photos!

So, my New Year's resolution this year (and this is big for me because I don't usually even bother making them) is to create AT LEAST one layout every week.

I may not be in the mood...I may not LOVE the end result, but I think it's important to find time for creativity in life - and this is the outlet that allows me to be creative.

There is always that sense of accomplishment for me, too, when I look at a completed layout. It's a good feeling...a memory preserved, thoughts recorded, pictures given a place to shine.

To help me reach this goal, I am going to print out a calendar each month to hang on my inspiration book in my scrapbooking area and every time I complete (not just start) a layout, a tick mark will go on that date.

I'm good for this week...I did four layouts on Tuesday (my last day of vacation) and two of those were two-page spreads!!

Here's one of the layouts I completed during the break:

Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill
Rub ons: Making Memories
Font: Susie’s Hand
Pen: Sakura
Corner Rounder: Marvy
Ink: Colorbox

Journaling:
Kaitlin spent a lot of time at the kiddie pool this summer...a great place to beat the heat! On this day, her preschool buddie, Jonah, was also there and they had a great time ‘catching’ up.

Comments & Techniques:
I am generally NOT a doodler…this is like the second layout I’ve ever done it on. I am always too scared of messing it up, but this layout just really seemed to be ‘missing’ something before I added the white doodling around the scalloped circle and also the corner accents. This layout may just be the beginning of much doodling…I LOVE the effect that it has.

So, did you have any scrapbooking or photography related New Year's resolutions this year? I'd love to hear them...I might have to add a few to my list!