I received a question the other day that I think is worth sharing. I imagine that several people have felt this same sort of apprehension about how to tackle the whole thing and make it cohesive. Here’s the actual comment:

Late to the game here, but...I bought a huge bunch of PL/pocket page protectors, and am having issues. I "thought" I'd like this form of scrapbooking, but...

HOW on Earth does one plan these pages? I've watched lots of videos about PL/pocket page scrapping, but none explain how to plan the pages. I can do one side, but then the next side... I'm seriously regretting making this purchase. :( Maybe you can explain how you plan both side of these pages!

I have a couple of ideas that I’m hoping will help this reader and others who feel this way as well.

I have 3 different approaches to this issue:

1. Don’t Worry, Be Happy!

2. Coordination Queen

3. Super Simplified

Don’t Worry, Be Happy!

Part of the style of pocket scrapbooking is that you can include a mix on the same page. Each little pocket is it’s own star and they are all gathered together on the same page. Because they are all set in the same type of page protector or similar style of template, they automatically “go together” and are cohesive. I personally love these types of layouts and think they are a great “scrap”book of memories. Here is one of my favorite spreads where I didn’t worry about anything and just added the pieces I loved. I used cards from multiple designers and kits. Nothing was designed to go together. I also added random scans of worksheets my son had done and pictures from throughout the year of 2002. I didn’t stress about matching colors exactly and I didn’t worry about making the pages match each other except for using the same template on both. It would have also been fine to use different templates for each page or even different color backgrounds.

Page created in Photoshop Elements using my Segments template set. Pocket cards from various designers including: In a Creative Bubble, Gina Cabrera, Simple Stories, & Ali Edwards.

Coordination Queen

There are many levels of coordination that work for this style of scrapping. The main focus with this type is that you are making conscious design decisions to ensure that the two pages of the spread match in style or color or theme - or all of the above. This doesn’t mean that the two pages have to be created at the same time. I often put together a layout and then later on when I’m getting ready to print for an album or put it in a photobook realize that I still need an opposing page. Sometimes I do create both pages at once because I have so many photos and details that I want to include to fully tell the story.

One way to keep things coordinated is by using the same kit for both pages.

Digital Project Life - The Great Outdoors

Or just by using photos from the same event or location, you get a nice and cohesive spread. Even without a kit!

You can be the Queen of Coordination if you use the same design for each page as well as the same kit and theme!

Project Life app Squared Away 7 template. Currently Edition cards.

Super Simplified

The easiest way to keep your pages coordinated is to simplify your design choices. You could use all black and white pictures so you don’t have to worry about matching all the different colors. Or you could make the decision to only use photos and not embellishments. Or use a create a formula that works for you and use it over and over. I have a few that I rely on regularly:

Big photo + collage of photos

Same size photos on both pages with the same background

Project Life app template P

Use similar photo treatment on all (or most) photos

Project Life app template U + cards from In a Creative Bubble + framed photos from Collect App

I hope this gives you some ideas and confidence