NSD Survival Guide Part 2: Your Ultimate Weekend Strategy

Are you ready for the biggest party in the scrapbooking world? National Scrapbook Day (NSD) is here, and we’re going all out at Sweet Shoppe Designs with games, goodies, and a whole coop full of creative inspiration! Whether you’re a digital die-hard or dipping your toes into hybrid crafting, this guide will help you make the most of every minute—with time-saving tips, sneak peeks, and a free printable to keep you on track.

A Quick Peek at NSD: Why We Celebrate

NSD (or as what is also lovingly called International Scrapbook Day to include crafters around the world) started back in 1994 to celebrate the joy of preserving our memories through scrapbooking—and it’s only grown since! What began as a traditional paper craft holiday has evolved into a massive creative weekend full of digital downloads, hybrid how-tos, challenges, and community. It’s a time to get inspired, connect with fellow makers, and treat yourself to the tools that help tell your story.

What’s Happening at Sweet Shoppe Designs

If you’re new around here, NSD weekend at Sweet Shoppe Designs is a whole experience! Here’s what you’ll want to watch for:

• Forum Fun & Games with the Sweet Shoppe Babes
  Jump into the community, play along with fun games, and maybe win sweet prizes! The Babes are hosting everything from scavenger hunts to scrap challenges.
• A Three-Part Free With Purchase from the SSD Design Team
  This year’s FWP collab is seriously amazing—and it’s split into three parts. You’ll want to collect them all while you shop! (Psst… you get all three pieces with a $30 purchase, so plan your wishlist accordingly.)
• Coop Life Takes Flight!
  My brand-new digital scrapbook collection, Coop Life, is launching this weekend and it’s packed with heart, humor, and a bit of homestead chaos. Chickens, family, and the magic of the everyday—it’s one you won’t want to miss.

Time-Block Like a Pro: How to Make the Most of NSD

We all know the weekend can fly by, so here’s how to carve out creative time and still enjoy your life outside the scrapbook:

Step 1: Pick Your Priorities

• ✔ Must-download (like the FWP collab!)
• ✔ Must-play (games or challenges that excite you)
• ✔ Must-create (any layouts or projects you know you want to make)

Step 2: Use Time Blocks

Instead of letting the day slip away, block out creative time in small, focused chunks. Here’s a sample:

Grab Your Free NSD Planning Printable!

To make it even easier, I’ve created a Coop Life-inspired NSD Planning Sheet you can print or use digitally. Jot down your must-haves, to-dos, and mini goals for the weekend—and check them off like the crafting boss you are.
👉 Visit the download page to snag yours!

Final Tips to Craft, Play & Slay

• Check your stash – Have templates, printables, or quick pages ready to go.
• Hydrate and stretch – Scrapbooking marathons are real. 😉
• Don’t stress – Participate in what brings you joy, not what feels like pressure.
• Share your wins – Post in the gallery or tag your layouts on social media. We love to see what you create!

Let’s make this NSD one to remember! Whether you’re flocking to the forum, filling your cart with new goodies, or spending a quiet moment crafting something meaningful, I hope you find joy in the stories you’re telling.

Have questions or want layout help this weekend? Pop into the SSD forum—I’ll be around, cheering you on!

Psst… don’t forget to sign-up for my newsletter to get the adorable chicken sticker “NSD Survivor” as my gift to you! It will only be available in this weekend’s newsletter.