I had someone tell me yesterday that she had given up scrapbooking as she just couldn't find the time anymore. I asked if she could find 30 minutes once or twice a week. She said with some planning, she could find 30 minutes a few times per week.

Often we think of scrapbooking as a start to finish project requiring several hours of our time. However if we begin to think of scrapbooking in 30 minute increments, we can complete albums and still have time to be mom, work, cook etc.

Start by choosing a theme and choosing photos. Your first half hour will be nothing more than choosing photos.

Your next half hour slot will be choosing papers. Choose both background papers and cardstock to mount your photo. You may not be able to choose paper for the entire album in this one sitting, but you can begin to choose the papers you'll be using for your scrapbook.

Cropping the photos is your next step. Again, you may not finish all photos in one sitting but you can certainly start the cropping process in one 30 minute segment.

Next comes the mounting of the photos. This can be done in the car while waiting for carpool. This can be done while your older child is taking a bath and you are just waiting. This can be done while waiting in a doctors office.

Journaling and embellishments are the last step in putting together your scrapbook. Journaling again can be done most any time and any place. Choose how you will journal. Then write on the paper of your choice.

Choose your embellishments. These can be added in one 30 minute segment. By creating your scrapbook in steps and in 30 minute fragments, you'll find you do have the time to complete a scrapbook and have a lasting memory.