Project Life 2012, Status Complete

Warning:  Lots of photos ahead

We had a pretty big year last year.  I had a hard time keeping up with my Project Life book.  I am so proud to finally tie up all the loose ends.

Here is a look at the overview of my book.

I have it all put together in Blurb.  A quick upload and my beautiful keepsake is on its way!

Here is a closer look at the cover.

It is really similar to my 2010 and 2011 covers.  I got the original template from Weeds and Wildflowers.  It was a free download that I do not think exists any more on their website.

For my book, I used the Weeds and Wildflowers {Every}Day Life Pages.  They were already put together for me.  All I had to do was add the pictures and add journaling.  I did make some tweaks as I don't do a traditional Project Life.  But, I enjoyed it and wouldn't have finished it without having so much of the "work" out of the way.

Here are a few of my interior pages.

It is amazing times in our family.  I have enjoyed spending time with my children, spending romantic evenings in front of the fire with my husband, and getting my house completely organized and set up. God has been faithful to us in 2012.  He has been faithful to us in 2013 as well.  We are so blessed.

I hope you enjoy a peek into my little Digital world of Project Life.

It's My Life . . .

. . . and I love it.  I really do.  It is just that my life at the moment is . . . well . . . how can I put it . . . a lot.  But, look what I have made today!!

It felt sooooooooo good to get into my craft room and make a card.  It feels like it has been so long now.  It probably has been so long.  

Here is a closer look:

I was so excited at how this turned out.  I would like to give it to my sister for Thanksgiving.  She will LOVE it.

I also made a Veteran's Day card.  I have a family member that is in a nursing home.  He LOVES to get mail.  I thought this would totally make his day.  I cannot wait for him to open it up!

And I also made the inside to this one.

I am getting ready to start packing up my craft room.  Before I do, I WILL do some stamping.  I will do some stamping.  I am not completely sure when I will see them again.  So, I cannot wait to share all my creations before the big move.

Digital Scrapbooking - The Easy Way

I have shared more and more of my digital scrapbooking creations.  In fact, I really do virtually no paper scrapbook pages anymore.  So, I wanted to encourage all my paper crafters out there that you CAN do this.

I have a few loves in the crafting world . . . all things Papertrey Ink . . . all thing Shabby Princess!  These are two things that I buy without fail.  I just buy and buy and buy.  Papertrey Ink is a physical product company that has the MOST adorable things.  The entire team is amazing (yes, I met *stalked* them at CHA a couple of summers ago).  Shabby Princess is equally amazing in the digital world.  Her designs like Papertrey Ink are timeless, beautiful, and always look amazing.  And the SP team is equally amazing.  Although I only know them in a digital/online sense.  **I feel like I live half of the time in the real world and the other half in the matrix!!**

I was looking around a few months ago for something specific that I was needing for a digital book I was going to scrapbook.  I ran across something I found amazing!!  Pre-made elements . . . all the hard work done for you . . . I had been under a rock.  Where had this been all my life?  So, I ran over to the store that was carrying the digital genius products.  That is when I discovered Connie Prince Designs.  She has this amazing blog where she gives out freebies and showcases her amazing stuff.  Seriously, go check it out here:  http://scrapinfusions.blogspot.com.

Let me show you something I made that I was super happy with:

Now let me show you how easy it is to do this for yourself in a simple graphics program like Photoshop Elements.

I bet you didn't realize that all the hard work was done for me.  Amazing right??!!  I have this totally amazing layout that anyone . . . and I mean anyone . . . could totally do.  The best part . . . if you head over to her shop at Gingerscraps, you can get all the pieces for this layout for only $3.  AND you will have enough stuff to do lots more pages.  Paper scrapbooking doesn't hold a candle to the budget friendliness or the ease for the finished product.

Thanks for looking today.  I have a HUGE post that I am working on all about the big move . . . coming sooner than I would want.  And, I have started designing my new studio!!!!!!  I am hopefully going to have the time/energy to share all about that as well.

Blast from the Past

So, I was going through some computer files (man I wish I had a single unified system but I changed each time I changed computers . . . bad idea) to look for some pictures for our Pastor Appreciation day. I ran across some of my older scrapbook pages.  I found this . . .

I was first of all impressed.  :)  But it struck me because this looks just like my 4 month old son . . . today.  This was my precious daughter at 8 months old.  And my son is playing in this as I type.

Thanks for joining me on my blast from the past.  I wish I could tell you where the digital elements from this layout came from.  Sadly, I cannot.  If I figure it out, I will update this post.

Project Life 2011

Once again, I was able to complete my Project Life for last year or 2011.  Although I don't do a full on Project 365, I get pretty close (well, for the most part).  My goal is to just take pictures of our life and family.

After a year's worth of hard work . . . my book arrived today!!!

I ordered again from Blurb.  I was in love with my 2010 Project Life book.  So, it was a no brainer where I would get mine from this year.  I am super pleased with the quality and the turn around time.

Here is a little peek inside.

If you are interested, here is some random information about what I do and how it gets from photo to awesome book in 365 days.

I take LOTS of photos.  I always have.  I don't stress about taking a photo a day, but I really try to, on purpose, capture as many things behind the lens as possible.

I have used Weeds and Wildflowers stuff for my last 2 books.  Let me just say that it is FABULOUS!!!  Gina, who I think owns Weeds, is the best!  The girls at the Weedpatch (the Weeds and Wildflowers forum) are amazing.  They are so helpful, so nice, and so willing to help and share.  This year I used the Every{day} Life line of products.  I really love how big the photos turn out.  Last year I used the Sweet and Simple Line of products and although I was super pleased, the Every{day} Life blew it out of the water.  The focus is really on the photos, then the journaling, and then the decoration.  The best part is that you can get as decorated or sophisticated as you choose.  If you are like me and like the CAS style, it is super easy.  If you prefer more embellishment, it is pretty easy to add decorative papers, elements, word art, and title.  What I love the most is when you open my book, you will SEE the photos.  They take center stage.

I format my book as follows: a monthly title page, a 2 page spread for the 1st to the 7th, a 2 page spread for the 8th to the 14th, a 2 page spread for the 15th to the 21st, a 2 page spread for the 22nd to the 28th, a single page for the 29th to the 31st (or 30th).  I do add a couple of title pages at the front and an ending page at the very end.  But that is just my preference.  If I only have 2 photos for a particular week, I roll with it.  If I have 10 photos I want to include for a particular week, I go with that too.  I don't stress about it at all.  I do like to add as much journaling as possible.  I have learned through the years of scrapbooking that the journaling completes the story.

There are times when I do make a single book about a single thing.  For instance, when we take a big vacation, I include some of those photos in my yearly book.  But, I then go back and make a book about that particular vacation with extra details and lots and lots of photos.  I also make smaller books for my children that cover a year in their life.  Again, some of the same photos end up in both books.  In my kids' books, I do a lot more detail and journaling about them specifically.  So, there is a page in their book about their school information: teacher, grade, friends, favorite subjects, etc.  I also include a 2 page spread about football season: coach, team photo, highlights, memories, and lots of action shots.

I work very hard at doing it as the year progresses.  The secret to my success is to do it.  :)  Easy, right?  I work hard to catch back up if I begin to lag behind.  This has been a HUGE help.  I assemble my Project Life book in the Blurb software all along the way.  It keeps me from having to format 120 pages all at once.  I can do it little by little as I go.  Also, my kids' books start and end in August of each year.  It is opposite of my P365.  It allows me some time to finish up and tweak anything without the burden of 4 books due all at once.  I do the vacation books along the way as well.

Thanks for looking.  If you have any questions, I would love to help you be successful at your very own book.  My family and I have greatly enjoyed the books that I have made.  You can do it if you really want to.  I spend about 1 to 2 hours per month on my Project Life book.  That is totally doable, and I would love to help you have a book of memories of your own.

Where in the World

I seem to have gone missing in blog land.  I cannot tell you that things will pick up anytime soon, but I do promise to blog more than 1 time per 6 months.  :)  Where to begin and how to keep it short and sweet.

My dad got sick and wasn't getting any better.  Long story short, he had a stroke during a simple eye surgery.  I spent a lot of time at my parents house over the summer and just after school started.  Praise the Lord.  My dad is recovering.  Slowly, but recovering non the less.

I have not shared tons about my private life.  Again long story short, my husband and I have been trying to have #3 for about 3 1/2 years.  We had 2 back to back summers of heart break when I miscarried.  Again, to God be the glory, I am pregnant.  The baby and I are doing well.  Well, mom is experiencing some serious pregnancy sickness, but it is nothing earth shattering or that won't go away after the birth of our 3rd.  I am due mid-May with a little boy.  We are working on a name, but so far he is nameless.

Oh, and we bought 10 acres at the beginning of 2011.  We are starting construction on our house in February of 2012.  We are putting the final touches on the floor plans the next 2 weeks.

So, not only have I not been blogging.  I haven't been doing ANY crafting.  Blasphemy!!!  :)  In fact, I haven't bought anything since June until I put in an order during PTI's December release.

I have been keeping up with my Project 365.  So, I thought I would share my November title page from my 2011 book.  Yes, it is all complete except the 21st to the 28th and the 29th to the 31st.

I am sorry for the unexpected absence.  But let's hope the new year will bring me some much needed crafting therapy.  I miss making cards more than words can express.  It is like a salve to my soul.

Smile at Bath Time

I haven't shared much digital work lately. I have been doing so many large digi projects. I wanted to share a beautiful smile with you to brighten your weekend.



Credits: Pink Parfait Page Kit by Andrea Gold
Get the kit at GDS

Digi Scrapping Highlight

I have really enjoyed being on the Creative Teams for several designers. This is a really fun and creative outlet for me. I am not certain low long I will continue or if I will ever go back to designing. But, I am going to enjoy this for now. Here is a layout I made using Doreen Stolz's Smells Like Autumn digital kit.



Thanks for looking!

To Redo or Not to Redo . . .

. . . that is the question! I have really had a hard time with this. I have several scrapbook pages that make me cringe when I look at them. The scrapbooker in me says that I cannot let go of these awful pages. However, the artist in me says that they have to go. In the end, we need to do what will make us feel good about our books. For me that will be to take it page by page. I do not plan or intend to ever completely redo all past pages. However, when the inspiration hits me, I will redo a single page or double page spread here and there.


Here is a double page spread from photos a little over 2 years ago. I never really captured the memory of what we did properly. This 2 pager really gives me insight into the memory I want to carry forward.

Notes: This is my first ever digital 2 page spread (or at least that I can recall). The elements and paper are from Theresa Borntreger's Zoo Bound kit found at GDS. If you need to do some zoo pages, I highly recommend this kit. It is so fun!

Summer Fun

Okay, I just did a very fun digital layout. I have been bouncing so much between the two that it was nice to do something totally digi for a change. :) And, I did it start to finish! Yeah! So, without further ado, here is my layout, Summer Fun.



Credits: Digital Kit - Theresa Borntreger (godigitalscrapbooking.com); Grass Brush - mine; Font - MaryDale; Photo - I think my sister might have actually taken this photo :)

Yes, I still DigiScrap

I am still scrapping digitally. I never really stopped; I just took a slow down sabbatical. I am actually designing again, just not full time nor at any store. I am making things for myself. ;) I will share from time to time. I am also on Andrea Gold's CT. That has been fun. I enjoy the creating process again. I am also at DigiScrapShak as a LifeGuard. That has been tons of fun. It is definately a new community for me. Although I don't think I have found a "digiscrap home", I have enjoyed the stay.

Here is one of my more recent layouts:


I love the blended picture in the background layouts that I have seen lately. This is my very first attempt. I have to say I am not 100% there yet, but with practice I'll get it right.

Credits: Paper - E. Fern; Photo Corner and Swirl - Gina Cabrerra; Flower - Michelle Coleman; Buttons - Rhonna Penner, Andrea Gold, and Doreen Stolz; Alpha - Shabby Princess; Bracket Stamps - Amy Teets; Fonts - Honey Script and Roxburry XT2

Next Page Complete

I finished up page 11. This is the second page of a two page spread continued from yesterday. I thought I would get it posted so that they would stay together. See May 14th post for credits.

Extreme Blog Makeover

I haven't been happy with the look of my blog since I began it almost a year ago. I guess it is just one of those things that I could never get quite right. I would spend countless hours tweaking, designing, thinking, moving . . . to no avail. I finally took an approach that I use when I craft. So, I am not 100% happy about it, I am about 90% pleased overall. I realized that I needed to use colors that make me happy and a style that appeals to me instead of trying to "be" a certain type of blog. I think this convey's who I am about more so than any other style I have used thus far.

I can't help but feel that I need to post a picture each time I post. So, here is the first page in my daughter's year one book. Each year of my children's lives, I create a book showcasing that year featuring only them (well mostly). I have it professionally printed and bound into a book. It is a fun project that I try to keep up with. I am WAY behind at the moment. So, expect that I will be working on their books.

Credits: All the papers are mine. The swirl overlay is from Shabby Princess. The font is Albermarle.

Yes, here she is only a few hours old. I think this is the most precious picture I have of her.