I decided to buy a few color blocking templates recently. I love them! I used them for a few single layouts and enjoyed them. But, of course, I am also always on the lookout for way to adapt my new tools so that I can get more pages out of them even faster! I love the new color block monochromatic styles. Did you know there are even paper companies selling paper based on this great look? But I wanted to use my scrap paper drawer to make my own!

Here is what I came up with. I use my color blocking template as a guide to cut many pieces at once. Cutting the assembly line style allows you to cut hundreds of pieces in a short amount of time. And you can even use your scraps! I then mix and match them to create color blocked pages in record time! It is called Speed Blocking! Let's get started!

• Scrap papers in varied colors or coordinating papers in a monochromatic color family
• color blocking template
• ruler
• paper trimmer
• pencil
• adhesive
• photos

Start with a messy scrap area like my drawer seen below. The more scraps the better for this particular project! You will be sorting them into piles according to the basic 8 crayon style primary color families. You are sorting your scraps into monochromatic piles. Discard any at this time that you think are ugly or are too small for the smallest block in your template. You can then put the keepers into file folders or gallon zip lock bags or page protectors in a binder for easy access. If you are using a coordinated paper pack, just open it up and make sure you like all the papers in the pack. Discard those you think are ugly. LOL

• red/pink

• orange

• brown/tan

• yellow

• green

• blue

• purple/violet

• black/white/off-white

Once you have all the scraps sorted into piles. Choose a monochromatic pile that will coordinate with the photo or set of photos you want to scrapbook. I chose blue to go with my mother's photo.

I now get out my color blocking template and pencil. I will make a sketch of the color blocking template squares on white paper to use as a pattern when cutting my scraps up in bulk. I sketch the squares first and then I number them so I can see which ones go where on the page. Label the block patterns not only with reference numbers but take the ruler and measure each block and write the measurements on the block pattern too.

These patterns will give you a reference for cutting the blocks later and also for placement of them when you start to speed scrap the color blocked pages.

Use a straight edge scissor or a paper trimmer and start cutting lots of each size block. Use your patterns as a reference for size. I cut about 2 dozen of each size shown on my color blocking template.

Step 6 Continue cutting more Color Block shapes in each color family.

Even though I am going to work on a blue page first, I went ahead and cut up my red stack too because I am making some red color blocked pages next. (See the red Backyard Picnic layouts above) If you have time, use up all your scraps and make a stack of each size block in each color family. Don't be afraid to mix pattern papers and solids. I store the same sized blocks in smaller zip baggy. I label the front of the bag with the template name and the measurement size of the blocks in that baggy.

Now you can assemble your color blocked monochromatic pages one right after the other! All you have to do is lay out the pieces of the template on a background paper, trim your photos 1/4 inch smaller than each block, add a few accents, and you are done! Color blocking has never been so fast and speedy! Use up all your lovely embellishments too! You can always substitute a decorative feature or journal block for one of the blocks. In my "Mother Dear" example, I substituted two SEI blue striped tags for the two smaller blocks on my template. Feel free to create within the basic shape of the color block template however you see fit. Titles can be matted on the colorful blocks too!

Color Blocking doesn't have to mean boring! Oh no! So, don't forget to flip those 8.5x11 templates over or rotate the 12x12 templates a quarter turn for a whole new setup! Your precut template blocks will still work since they are still the same size. You are all set to ZOOM through your color blocked album! If you decide to use several block colors on the same page, you still can! Just pull out what you need from each bag. Since you have stored all the colors in each block size together in their correct bag, you can find them easily. Combine your precut blocks any way you like! Above all, have fun!

Use up those scrap piles and speed block a few color blocked pages this week! And don't forget to hug those who are dear to you in your life!

Happy Scrapping!