Pocket Page Tuesday with Mel Blackburn!

Hello SCT readers!  I’m excited to be here today to share my 2015 pocket page approach. This year I’ve decided to simplify my process, in the past I’ve tried a weekly approach with 12x12 pocket pages but this proved to be too much for me to keep up with. Last year I tried a 9x12 monthly approach but I felt that it lacked structure. So this year I’m using a handbook and documenting on a weekly basis. 

 

I will also only focus on a couple of items during the week, as opposed to documenting everything that happened. I will select what stood out in the week and document these moments. Also if I do not have any activity to document for a week, I will dedicate that week to one of my girls and document what is going on in their lives. I like that this approach will give me structure (weekly documenting), all the while not feeling too restricted with the items to document. The smaller size also makes this much more manageable.

This spread is dedicated to the first week of January, I decided to count Jan 1 to 4 as a week on its own and used it as an intro to my album. I’ve also decided this year to use mostly black and white picture, I love the look of B&W, they look crisp and fresh and hide a lot of flaws or distracting objects that may appear in pictures. My documenting is always done using either my vintage or electronic typewriter, I much prefer the look of the typewriter than my own hand writing, again no pressure, I don’t think my girls will look back and say they wished I used my own handwriting, so I’m giving myself permission to let go of what doesn’t work for me. In order to maximize the space, I will often add the journaling directly to the picture, especially a 4x6 picture.

 

I thought I’d share my favorite tips and tricks for documenting pocket pages;

• Keep it simple, focus on one or two elements/activities;
• Document directly on the picture, this maximize the space;
• Use similar elements to embellish your cards and pictures, this creates a cohesive design;
• Use what you have, don’t be afraid of cutting a 4x6 picture in half to make it fit in 3x4 pockets;
• Include yourself in the picture, even if it’s a silly picture.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about my process and perhaps even incorporating some of these elements onto your pocket pages. Happy memory keeping! (Disclaimer: I realize there’s a typo on one of the cards,  I will not worry about it, I’m ok with that, keeping it real!)

~  Mel Blackburn

To see more of Melanie's beautiful work, be sure to visit her blog.

Comments

[Judy W.]

Thanks for sharing your PL process for 2015. I think I will incorporate some of your tips in my approach this year.

[Glenda]

Very nice. Great idea and love the B&W photo idea, it takes the pressure off the paper selection to co ordinate with the colours and you can use whatever colour scheme you want.

[theCook]

Love the B&W pictures...

[barbara macaskill]

Beautiful and I like that you are leaving the typo! TFS!

[Chris Gale]

Makes sense to me!

[Pamela McGillin]

I love how you used the "JAN", the "twenty fifteen" & the hearts. Very lovely!

[Joan]

Awesome work! Hi Melanie!!! :)

[Denise]

Love the concept! Do you actually print out the pix and type directly onto them with your typewriter?

[Sharon K.]

Love the black and white pictures! Giving ourselves permission to cut a 4x6 picture in half is hard enough period let alone to make it fit in the pockets side by side. Love what you've done.

[Dorina D]

Nicely done and that picture cut to fit side by side pockets is amazing as well as how beautiful the pages are even though you reduced the embellishments. Loved the tips for doing pocket pages. Thanks for sharing.

[Mel Blackburn]

Thank you everyone for the beautiful comments!!

Denise, yes I print my pics and use my typewriter to add journaling or quotes.

[Kathy P]

So cute...love it!

[Peg Bagg]

Your girls will cherish whatever you do. I think this is a great project. I really like the photo of you and your daughter cropped into two pockets. Very clever. I'm always encouraging everyone I know to write a little word or two. Even if you just sign Mom or hand print a title or date once in a while. I would love to have more of my mom's handwriting. Keep doing what you love!

[Gailfrey]

Some great ideas!!

[pat]

what are you using as your pocket book question a small photo album
maybe.