Summertime is in full swing here in the northern half of the world which around here means one thing…summertime scrapbooking!

One of the great things about summer is the abundance of summer-specific activities just ripe for awesome scrapbooking pages.

The only problem with summertime scrapbooking?

Finding time to actually scrap in the midst of all the fun!

So whenever summer rolls around, I am always looking for ways I can simplify my digital scrapbooking layouts so I can get more done AND have more fun.

A few months ago I came across this fun summer bucket list image on Pinterest and knew that when summer rolled along, it would make a great starting point for a summer scrapbooking page. Image found here.

Now granted, we’re rocking a child-free lifestyle right now which meant our list was bound to be a little different from the list above. Although the big kid in me is definitely tempted to add “run through the sprinklers” and “blow bubbles” just for summertime nostalgia’s sake, haha.

But a few weekends ago while we were waiting for breakfast at the delish Magnolia Pancake Haus here in San Antonio, Adam and I brainstormed a summer bucket list that’s perfect for us. Granted I have no doubt it’ll evolve as the summer goes along but that wasn’t about to stop me from scrapbooking our list.

So to document our summer 2011 bucket list, I created this fun summer bucket list layout in no time using Penny Springmann’s bright and colorful summer-tastic 12 Months: June kit.

Credits: From Sweet Shoppe Designs: 12 Months: June by Penny Springmann. 12 Months Alphas by Penny Springmann. Tape from Play It Again by Misty Cato and Jenn Barrette. Fonts are DJB Boyfriend Jeans and Jailbird Jenna. Other: Stitched by Anna Borders No 3 by Anna Apnes. Thick Summer Words by Ali Edwards.

My Tips for Easy Summer Layouts

So what are my tips for creating an easy, breezy summer layout?

1) Look Ma, No Photos!

No-photo layouts have become a favorite time-saving trick of mine because they simplify the first half of my scrapbooking process. No hunting for the “right” photo. No editing photos. It’s just you and the open product road, baby.

2) Become a One-Kit Wonder

Mixing and matching from multiple kits can be a lot of fun but pulling from one kit is even easier. Penny’s kit was perfect for this as included a bunch of unique summer elements like the flip-flops, sunglasses and fruit slices.

3) Get Your List Journaling On

List journaling is one of the easiest forms of journaling out there. Lists are quick, easy AND they provide a great foundation for the design of the rest of the page.

4) Get Your Loved Ones Involved

The great thing about my summer bucket list? It was written before I started my layout. Sure I could have written a summer fun list on my own but getting Adam involved not only made my list-making easier but it ensures we’re both included in the summer fun.

5) Look for Outside Inspiration

Sites like Pinterest are a great place to find new, inspiring ideas for scrapbooking pages outside the scrapbooking world. Why reinvent the wheel if you don’t have to? Keep your eyes peeled and I’m sure you’ll be inspired in no time.

Summertime scrapbooking doesn’t have to be time consuming. With a few smart scrapbooking choices, you’ll still have plenty of time for fun in the sun AND scrapbooking your summertime memories.

Do You Love Summer?

I am currently in the process of working on a BRAND NEW template collection which will be perfect for getting your summertime scrapbook on. I know what I LOVE about summer but I want to hear from you.

What do YOU love about summer?

If you could design your ultimate summer scrapbooking template what would it include? Room for lots of photos? Lists? Journaling? Blocking? A big giant flip-flop, haha?

Here’s your chance to get your voice heard so let me know in the comments what you’d love to see. I’d love to hear from you!

Pssst…want more time-saving scrapbooking tips? Be sure to check out this month’s Fast Starts class over at Masterful Scrapbook Design.

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