Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Project Life 2013: The Beginning

Project Life 2013 Banner


After a year of sharing my Project Life I wondered whether I would continue to share in 2013. In the end it comes down to this, I'm just going to see how it goes. This I know, after I created my title page I was really excited and shared on Instagram. It is such a good feeling to get that immediate positive feedback. What I love, what made me happy, was not the sweet things that my Instagram friends said but the sense of community that sharing created. I felt connected.

So, I decided that for now I am going to share my Project Life pages on the blog. But my intent is to create connection. Which brings me to a few questions......

Do you enjoy the Project Life posts?
If so what is it that keeps you reading them?
Is there anything you would like to see more of?

While you think about those things here is my 2013 title page. When Tina posted her awesome cut file I was inspired to add an overlay to my title page. I love how this sets a playful tone for the album. There is a closer look and a little more detail at the end of this post.

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This year I'm using the Becky Higgins Seafoam Core Kit, the Studio Calico Project Life Kit and supplementing both with my stash. The calendar cards are from Studio Calico and I love the white space they provide, just a little rest for the eye. I am in love with this title page.

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I added a very old Scenic Route Rub On to this 4x6 card that came in my Block Party Studio Calico Project Life Kit.

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I supplemented this 4x6 pocket with my stash. The pocket and I believe the wood veneer letter are from Studio Calico and the gold circles are an overlay from Life.Love.Paper.  The Hello card came from my Block Party Studio Calico Project Life Kit and the addition of the grid card and washi tape were my creative solution to fixing a typewriter oops. The 5 paperclip is also from Studio Calico. Hmm, I might be a fan.

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While I wait for Becky Higgins Seafoam Core Kit to arrive I'm printing off the Digital version of the Seafoam Core Kit. This is my first time to truly print digital items and I've been really pleased. I added some old Jenni Bowlin star rubons and a Studio Calico rubon to this 4x6 pocket.

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So, to create my overlay I picked the brown and cream paper to tie into the album I'm using this year, an Amy Tan Woodgrain Chevron album. In the Studio Calico gallery I saw Stephanie Bryan had used confetti as a backdrop for the cut file but I wasn't that brave just yet. So, I dug through my stash and found this vellum cloud paper that I believe was from American Crafts.

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I didn't want to use adhesive so instead I stitched it in place using a zig zag stitch. It's a subtle detail that I really enjoy in my album.

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I had so much fun putting this all together. Everything feels bright and cheery without being too busy.  

OK, so did you think about those questions? If you wouldn't mind sharing your thoughts in the comments I would be so appreciative. Who knows, there might even be some happy mail involved. 

Thank you so much for sticking around and reading this blog despite the fact that I haven't been a regular around here lately. I hope you are having a wonderful week. 

Monica

Confused by Project Life? Project Life is a back-to-basics approach to memory-keeping created by Becky Higgins. Read more here


26 comments:

Jen said...

I do enjoy the Project Life posts. For that matter, I think it was Project Life that brought me to your blog in the first place. There are a few PLers to whose blogs I subscribe for inspiration/motivation. Simpler is actually better for me. I've found if I try to use much more than my core kit and some digital word art/text, I get behind.

Nirupama said...

I do PL as well, so I love to see your spreads. I think sharing them gives me a peek into real life and a nice dose of crafty inspiration. Looks like you are having fun with it, this cover page rocks! Sorry I so rarely comment, I really do try it is just hard to always find the time. Hope you find something that works for you, would love to see more!

Vera said...

I think I first came to your blog because of your project life posts. Not that I will stop coming if you stop sharing. Love what you share and I continue to draw inspiration from them :)

ruth said...

I really like your PL posts! I like seeing the different things you do with your photos and journaling.

I like that you are honest about it and that you share that too. :)

I wish I had the PL option when my kids were little as I seemed to only scrap our life highlights and not the everyday stuff.

Hope that is a little helpful.

Jen D said...

I love seeing your PL posts! It's always fun to see different creative ideas. I also love that you, like me, are a working Mom & just keep it real.

Dawn said...

I love seeing your PL posts. They remind me that it's ok to keep things simple. I love how open you are about where you are in your process and how life sometimes gets in the way...and that is ok.

Mostly I love how honest and real you are in all of your posts. It's refreshing and it's why I will continue to follow your blog regardless of whether you're posting PL layouts or not. :)

Anonymous said...

Of course I love ALL of your posts! I am always reading - if not always commenting. I have to do that more. I love the sense of connection, too. Must cultivate more of that in 2013.

Cristina said...

I came to your blog from SC, and what you wrote resonated with me. I too have been wondering if it's worth it to spend the time taking pictures and blogging my PL. I hope you continue though because I love your style! I will be following you. :)

Mendi M said...

I love your PL posts! I'm always looking for new things to add to mine, so blog hopping is a favorite hobby. Keep them coming! I would enjoy seeing more of your process at times or some helpful hints. TFS!

thekreativelife said...

I really enjoy seeing your Project Life pages and how you put them all together. You inspire me! And although I don't comment ask often as I'd like due to crazy schedules and time constraints, I just want to let you know that I'm "stalking" you on the sidelines. I appreciate the effort you put into your blog and into sharing your work, because I know that your schedule is just as crazy as mine. ;) Thanks for sharing your talent with us all, and keeping us inspired! And pretty please, keep posting your projects! <3

StakiMama said...

Because I have been so into instagram I am not on my computer as much as I used to be, but when I am your blog is tabbed along with Ali & EliseJoy.
When you mention your blog on IG I head over & check it out. I enjoy reading the process & the breakdown.

Leanne said...

I enjoy seeing how other women who work full time figure out the crazy wonderful mess we call life. I find inspiration in others stories, and love watching how the same project can be so different. I enjoy hearing about your process, the breakdown and the little moments that fill up your pages. I truly love this project, thanks for sharing.

Tricia said...

I'm a new reader, but already love your PL posts. That cut-out is absolutely gorgeous. Can't wait to see more of your pages!

~Grace & Peace said...

Considering I just found you on Instagram, yes, I can honestly say that I have already enjoyed your PL post. And that was only after reading the newest one! I'm going back to see the others.

It's my first time diving into PL after taking a sabbatical from scrapping (but, I noticed, not from *buying* scrapping supplies).

Keep posting! I've bookmarked your blog to refer to throughout the year.

Basement Stamper said...

I love your Project Life posts, you were one of the firsts I started following and I hope you continue to post occasionally although I love your reading your posts regardless of the PL photos. Do what makes you happy :-)

Nicole said...

I always look forward to reading your posts and am happy that you plan to share again this year. I know for myself, I have mixed feelings about blogging my PL week after week. It's a lot of work and I appreciate the time you take to break down what you've done. I say, do whatever feels right for you. I will be reading regardless. :)

I love your title page and the zig zag stitching on Tina's cut file is perfect!!

IAmMikki said...

I really love seeing your Project Life posts; it is the reason why I started following your blog in the first place.

I am particularly excited to see what you're doing in 2013 because this year I am also using the Seafoam and Studio Calico kits.

Please keep sharing!

deborah said...

I do like seeing your PL post and as someone already said, I think that's what brought me to your blog. Love the way you mix and match stuff and I need all the PL inspiration I can get!

Anonymous said...

I love your Project Life posts,I hope you continue to post. TFS

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Elizabeth V. said...
I am starting PL for the first time, largely due to the inspiration of you and other bloggers I follow. I appreciate your posts, particularly the glimpses into your process. That has been the hardest thing to wrap my brain around...how to do it again and again each week. You've helped me to see that is not only doable but enjoyable. Thank you!!

pnkgeeni said...

I like reading and seeing other peoples project life's. its a good way to get inspiration.

Jeani said...

I love reading your PL posts . . . what keeps me reading them? (Besides the fact that I'm addicted to anything PL) I love getting new ideas for pages, journaling, etc. from other bloggers and particularly love your style. I just completed my 1st year (2012) and am looking forward to PL again for 2013 . . so please keep posting . . you inspire me.

deb duty said...

Really gorgeous title page! Love it!!

Unknown said...

Hey Monica! Love all the comments here. I agree w/Nicole--do what feels right for you and what you have time for. I remember "discovering" you from Library of Memories and feeling connected instantly-working full time mom, wanting to find time to be crafty, etc. Always love your authentic voice that carries through. I really love the connections on Instagram too-it's just awesome. I don't have time to put together blog posts right now..I'm just planning to do 1-2 a month maybe. I just have to be okay with that, or else I would never get any PL done. I was just learning to blog last year (still am) and it would take so long to do a post. With what little free time I have, I'm choosing to actually do the project. Instagram is a way to share and be connected. I love it. I love the blogs too though, so I totally get it. I love the larger photos, the explanations, the links to find all the cool stuff, etc. So, I am very thankful to those that do take the time to post. So thankful for the inspiration out there. So thankful for community and those like you that make it what it is. Just want to say--thank YOU! You are so inspiring. Thanks for being you!

Jaque said...

I will love if you share your pages here. I like your clean style. Thanks!