Scrapbook Your Way

When I came across Laura O'Donnell on Instagram (@scrappingagain), I knew I had to hear the "again" part of her story. We talk about the seasons of life that precipitated her pause and her restart, as well as what she wishes she would have done in between. Our conversation also includes important reminders about finding that sweet spot in scrapbooking where joy and practicality meet. Links Mentioned @scrappingagainProject LifeBlurbFlow magazineCreative MemoriesHero ArtsCopic MarkersJessica SpragueLibbyLori Santos: The Science of WellbeingHobonichi WeeksApril start planners arriving soonPhotoshop ElementsPhotoshopSweet Doll DesignsClever Monkey GraphicsSweet Shoppe*Affiliate links help to support the work we do, at no additional cost to you. 💬 Visit simplescrapper.com/syw324 to comment on this episode. ✨ Get free access to the SPARKED workshop and start scrapbooking consistently at simplescrapper.com/sparked. 🧐 Get the Focus Finder tool at simplescrapper.com/focus

In this episode I’m chatting with Nelya Lutsyuk, our featured artist for January 2026. Nelya is a busy mom of four who creates colorful, whimsical layouts in multiple formats to document her family's everyday life. Our conversation goes behind the scenes of her scrapbooking story and process, including how this hobby has helped Nelya feel more creative. Links Mentioned @nelliepickles_craftsAbeka homeschool curriculumKaren Kingsbury booksFrancine Rivers booksVicki BoutinPaige Evans*Affiliate links help to support the work we do, at no additional cost to you. 💬 Visit simplescrapper.com/syw323 to comment on this episode. ✨ Get free access to the SPARKED workshop and start scrapbooking consistently at simplescrapper.com/sparked. 🧐 Get the Focus Finder tool at simplescrapper.com/focus

How do you scrapbook, really? I've identified six distinct phases of the scrapbooking process that collectively influence your joy and ease with the hobby. In this episode I'm sharing how we're focusing on process at Simple Scrapper in 2026 and how each phase can highlight opportunities for more aligned decision-making. Links Mentioned Learn more about the Simple Scrapper community💬 Visit simplescrapper.com/syw322 to comment on this episode. ✨ Get free access to the SPARKED workshop and start scrapbooking consistently at simplescrapper.com/sparked. 🧐 Get the Focus Finder tool at simplescrapper.com/focus

I've had the opportunity to review hundreds of scrapbooking plans created by members through our annual Planning Party events. In this episode I'm distilling my observations and advice into ten points for you to consider. I'm covering common pitfalls as well as suggestions for gentle, realistic planning for your hobby. Links Mentioned How to join the Simple Scrapper community💬 Visit simplescrapper.com/syw321 to comment on this episode. 🧐 Get the Focus Finder tool at simplescrapper.com/focus

In my recent episode with Alissa Williams I shared a little bit about my thinking for 2026. In this 20-minute solo episode I go a bit deeper into why I'm thinking about giving up scrapbooking projects and what I'm planning to do instead. I can't wait to hear your reaction to my semi-organized thoughts, which was recorded in my car in the parking lot of a Starbucks while Emily was at volleyball practice. Links Mentioned Stacy Julian Library of MemoriesAli Edwards December DailyBlog Post: Finishing 12 Years of December DailyAli Edwards Week In The LifeHeidi Swapp's Stop The BlurShannan Manton on Instagram💬 Visit simplescrapper.com/syw320 to comment on this episode. 🧐 Get the Focus Finder tool at simplescrapper.com/focus

How do we take that "I should scrapbook this!" moment and save it for later? That's what this episode is all about. I asked a group of Simple Scrapper staff and team members to join me for a conversation all about journaling. Our discussion includes stories about personal journals, how we decide what to share in our scrapbooks, and systems for keeping track of the facts, feelings, and memories we don't want to forget. Links Mentioned KeynoteShutterflyAli Edwards Quarterly KitApple Journal AppDay One AppMomento App I Am AppProject LifeSusannah Conway Journal Your LifeStacy Julian Library of MemoriesCreative MemoriesAffinity PhotoTrelloClickupAli Edwards Storyteller ClassShimelle Journal Your ChristmasBlurbEvernoteThe Playbooks from Kendra AdachiCanon QX 20Canon Ivy*Affiliate links help to support the work we do, at no additional cost to you. 💬 Visit simplescrapper.com/syw319 to comment on this episode. 🧐 Get the Focus Finder tool at simplescrapper.com/focus

When you're feeling the itch to make a change, try thinking small and subtle like Tracie Radtke. Tracie is a digital memory keeper who focuses on clean and simple pages that she prefers to have printed in books. She keeps her process interesting for each project by switching up style choices like shadows and grids. In this episode you'll hear how Tracie's process has evolved over time and why she's settled on her current scrapbooking strategies. Links Mentioned @whattracieismakingTracie’s PatreonProject MouseCanon R Mirrorless cameraShutterflyProject LifeAli Edwards December DailyBlurbPhotoshopAffinityInDesignCanva*Affiliate links help to support the work we do, at no additional cost to you. 💬 Visit simplescrapper.com/syw318 to comment on this episode. 🧐 Get the Focus Finder tool at simplescrapper.com/focus

In this episode I’m catching up with Alissa Williams from the parking lot of the volleyball club where both of our daughters play. We reflect on our faves and fails from 2025 and share our tentative plans for scrapbooking and planning in 2026. Our conversation also touches on embracing what fills us up, letting go of projects that no longer serve us, and finding joy in both our creative routines and the unexpected changes life brings. The list of links mentioned during this episode exceeds the character capacity of the episode description. Visit the show notes for this episode to find links to everything we discussed. 🧐 Get the Focus Finder tool at simplescrapper.com/focus

Kaylen Faye is a 20-something second generation scrapbooker, content creator, and bride-to-be. In this episode Kaylen shares how she uses social media to inspire others and document her crafty adventures. Her story is a timely reminder of how sharing our creativity can build community and encourage others to start their own memory keeping journeys. Links Mentioned @kaylenfaye_Creative Memories Scrap JournalsDreamboxCanvaLiene PixCut S1*Affiliate links help to support the work we do, at no additional cost to you. 💬 Visit simplescrapper.com/syw316 to comment on this episode. 🧐 Get the Focus Finder tool at simplescrapper.com/focus

In this episode I'm chatting with Lynnette Penacho, our November featured artist and our current template designer. We explored how Lynnette’s passion for telling her own story led to the creation of The Faves Project, a monthly tradition that celebrates her favorite moments and memories. Our conversation included how she turned her colorful, pattern-loving style into a creative routine that’s both meaningful and sustainable. Links Mentioned The Faves Project@thefavesprojectProject LifeAli Edwards December DailySweet Shoppe DesignsStudio Flergs kits💬 Visit simplescrapper.com/syw315 to comment on this episode. 🧐 Get the Focus Finder tool at simplescrapper.com/focus

✨ Register for the 2026 Planning Party at simplescrapper.com/plan26 In this final episode of our series prior to the 2026 Planning Party, I’m again joined by Simple Scrapper staff and team members to reflect on the shifts and changes that have shaped our scrapbooking journeys. We share honest conversations about embracing what works for us, letting go of perfection, and giving ourselves permission to plan for a fresh start in the new year. Our discussion offers encouragement to find joy in your own creative process and approach the year ahead with confidence. Links Mentioned AppleGoogleShutterflyCitrus Twist Life Crafted AlbumsDecember DailyApple KeynoteTinci DesignKatie PertietSYW149Day One AppScrivener AppTrelloDana K. WhiteRock Your ScrollLibrary of Memories

✨ Register for the 2026 Planning Party at simplescrapper.com/plan26 In this episode, featuring Simple Scrapper staff and team members, we reflect on the importance of learning from experiences that don’t go as planned. The conversation includes how we navigate false starts and unexpected challenges, along with the lessons we'll take into another year of scrapbooking. This is the second part of our series leading up to the 2026 Planning Party. Links Mentioned One Little WordDecember DailyWeek in the LifeProject Life — Becky HigginsAdobe Photoshop Elements 2026Storyline Chapters at Scrapbook.comQuick. Trip. Travel. with Stacy JulianKALLAX Shelf unitThickers at Scrapbook.comPeachy CheapShimelle's Use What You Buy class

✨ Register for the 2026 Planning Party at simplescrapper.com/plan26 In this episode, I'm chatting with four of our Simple Scrapper staff and team members to reflect on what’s truly working well in our scrapbooking lives. We shared the systems, creative ideas, and little victories that keep us inspired, from embracing hybrid approaches to finding joy in our stash of supplies. Our conversation highlighted the importance of celebrating progress, staying organized in our own unique ways, and giving ourselves permission to take time to create. Most of all, we reminded each other that it’s about having fun and carrying forward what brings us joy into the new year. Links Mentioned AppleGoogle ShutterflyPhotoshop ElementsAli EdwardsJust JamieConnie PrinceElle’s Studiohttps://shopellesstudio.com/?selling_plan=9235628287Keynotehttps://www.apple.com/in/keynote/Canvahttps://www.canva.com/Trellohttps://trello.com/Watch Cheryl Scrap on YouTubeNicole Mackin on YouTubeSteak Goddess on YouTubeIKEA RaskogAli Edwards One Little Word💬 Visit simplescrapper.com/syw312 to comment on this episode.

In this episode I'm joined by our October 2025 featured artist, April Peebles. April is also a long time Simple Scrapper member, so it was exciting to hear how our community has influenced her process and priorities, particularly in this season of life with adult children. Our conversation includes why she doesn't do digital scrapbooking, the projects that keep her connected to the hobby and, of course, how she makes it all her own. Links Mentioned @april290@sunshine_scrapsStudio Calico Pocket PlannerErin CondrenSizzix on Scrapbook.comStacy JulianJournal your ChristmasAli Edwards December DailyAli Edwards Week in the LifeSYW307 with Caroline Gatenby*Affiliate links help to support the work we do, at no additional cost to you. 💬 Visit simplescrapper.com/syw311 to comment on this episode. 🧐 Get the Focus Finder tool at simplescrapper.com/focus

Katrina Katz is a curious, thrifty crafter who loves playing in her notebook. And despite no longer scrapbooking in the traditional sense, she definitely considers herself a memory keeper. In this episode I ask Katrina to share some of her favorite things in the stationery world and take us behind the scenes of her creative practice. Our conversation touches on the importance of openly sharing stories to empower others. This includes Katrina's relatively recent autism diagnosis and how understanding herself better allowed her to truly embrace the ways she loves to create. Links Mentioned @paperpensandcoffeeStudio Ten70 Ko-Fi shopMoments to Enjoy journaling bundleGelli platesSTABILO woodyS gel by SharpieSharpie: GelPaper Mate InkJoy Bright collectionposca paint pens003 Blank NotebookArcher & OliveThe Happy PlannerPaper Treat ShopThe Stationery CaféKuboandlucySamantha Dion Baker booksSusan Branch booksShawna Clingerman*Affiliate links help to support the work we do, at no additional cost to you. 💬 Visit simplescrapper.com/syw310 to comment on this episode. 🧐 Get the Focus Finder tool at simplescrapper.com/focus

In this episode, I’m joined by Caroline Stevens for a thoughtful conversation about her scrapbooking journey. Caroline shares how she’s made memory keeping work in a small space, including favorite projects like a collaborative album created with her daughter. We talk about the role of mindfulness in her creative process, her evolving approach to formats and organization, and the therapeutic benefits of documenting everyday life. Caroline is our Simple Scrapper featured artist for September 2025. A selection of her layouts inspired our latest collection of sketches and templates inside the membership. Links Mentioned @carolinescreativehealingHypnotherapy, NLP & Life Purpose CoachingMindful Memory KeepingPolaroid printersCanon printersAli Edwards December DailyProject LifeCinch at Scrapbook.comAli Edwards One Little WordDash notebookCanvaIKEA KALLAXSimple Stories at Scrapbook.com*Affiliate links help to support the work we do, at no additional cost to you. 💬 Visit simplescrapper.com/syw309 to comment on this episode. 🧐 Get the Focus Finder tool at simplescrapper.com/focus

Is your scrapbooking budget feeling tighter than before? As is the case with most hobbies, scrapbooking typically requires ongoing and not-insignificant investment in tools and materials. Yet the reality is that scrapbook supplies, like everything else, are rapidly increasing in price. So you might have been wondering how to be more frugal with your craft purchases and find ways to save. In this episode I'm detailing a selection of money-saving options to consider, but it's just the start. I've love for you to share your own budget-friendly scrapbooking tips in the comments! Links Mentioned Simple Scrapper membership💬 Visit simplescrapper.com/syw308 to comment on this episode. 🧐 Get the Focus Finder tool at simplescrapper.com/focus

In this episode empty nester Caroline Gatenby shares how she has embraced this era and made crafting a central part of her daily life. She shares her thoughtful approach to a streamlined hobby, focusing on formats like pocket pages and notebooks. Our conversation discusses prioritizing creativity, adapting to new life seasons, and finding joy in documenting everyday moments. Links Mentioned @cannycrafterCannycrafterProject Life Stories By The MonthStudio CalicoDecember DailyWeek in the LifeStop The BlurTim Holtz - Scrapbook.comStamp ReorganizationSilhouette AmericaMinc Machine - Scrapbook.comAdobe Photoshop Elements 2025*Affiliate links help to support the work we do, at no additional cost to you. 💬 Visit simplescrapper.com/syw307 to comment on this episode. 🧐 Get the Focus Finder tool at simplescrapper.com/focus

Get your photo library organized with a "backwards," future-proofed approach. This episode shares five essential tips for simple photo management, helping you create or check that your system supports creativity and memory keeping. The focus is on understanding which aspects are fundamental and really make an impact on your hobby. Links Mentioned Simple Scrapper communityBackblaze*Affiliate links help to support the work we do, at no additional cost to you. 💬 Visit simplescrapper.com/syw306 to comment on this episode. 🧐 Get the Focus Finder tool at simplescrapper.com/focus

In this episode we welcome back Franky Shanahan, a professional copywriter who previously joined us to chat about learning how to scrapbook. This time around Franky shares how scrapbooking led her to embrace new hobbies, like gardening, and how these pursuits have shaped her life. Our conversation includes insights on the joys of creative play, the importance of finishing projects, and the ways she stays inspired to document life's evolving seasons. Links Mentioned @loveaudrey83Larking AboutAli Edwards December DailySYW162 - A New Scrapbooker's ExperienceStudio CalicoLeuchtturmLittle Summer Joys from Amanda WilderEchoes + EvidenceKristin Tweedale@lindalovescreatingAli Edwards Week in the LifeFranky’s post on finishing projects💬 Visit simplescrapper.com/syw305 to comment on this episode. 🧐 Get the Focus Finder tool at simplescrapper.com/focus