With December just days away, many of us are poised to begin adding pages to our Very Merry December albums. Before the month offiically begins, howeever, why not prep a few pages?
You can start simply, with a title page, as I did:
The "December 2013" card from the Very Merry December kit made for the perfect title page accent, under and over which I layered papers and accents, including a few misted die-cut trees.
Because I tend to select page colors based on my photos, I did not prep any pages beyond the title page, but I did plan a series of journaling prompts that I will use each day in December. The first twenty-four days feature prompts designed around Advent, which runs from December 1 through 24. I will focus on a single word each day, using it as a springboard for each page.
Holiday album prepwork can also go beyond a title page. Mandy, for instance, is already at work on her base pages:
Here's some insight into Mandy's album planning process, in her own words:
"As you can see from the photos of my December Album, I'm not too far yet. I'm making a list of the things we usually do during December and trying to guesstimate what I might use as far as page protectors because I'd really like to have the album done so I can just slip photos and journaling at night when the day is over instead of trying to make the whole page. I'm usually one of those gals that's a winger, but this year I don't want to be, I just want it to be simple and fast! As you can see, I've started adding my sticky notes here and there with ideas for those days like December 24th. I am pretty sure that my title page is complete but it could change."
Mou went all in with her album prep work. Her base pages are a colorful collection of papers and accents:
According to Mou, "I have kept my base pages flexible so I can move them around as I need. I cut the papers up and put them in the pockets based on the things we usually do in December. In some of the pockets, I put some embellishments like chipboard, doily, Tin Pins, etc. But nothing is glued down or stitched yet. I'll keep moving things around as I add photos, journaling, and memorabilia throughout December."
Clearly there are many different approaches to preparing the Very Merry December album. No matter what route you take, enjoy the process!