Forever Daisies

Project Life, Jan 23-29

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:19:00 +0000

When I started my 365 project in 2009-2010, I really focused on the one photo a day part. When I printed, I would narrow down what seemed like a gazillion photos to a single one for each day. Now with Project Life, I can do whatever I want. I do not feel so confined (though I am well aware I was confining myself before). This thing called Project Life is liberating.

Project Life CAN really be whatever you need it to be. Taking it one more step... Project Life can be whatever you need it to be, this week, today.

Since starting Project Life a few weeks ago, I am journaling more. WAY more. However weeks like this one, I didn't add anything except a lot of photos! Sometimes, I stamp a few words, other times I use a sticker, or SMASH item to fill a space and decorate. I can have one 'spread', or a spread jammed with additional, multi-sized pages between. I can easily incorporate large photos, small photos, weird size square Instagram photos.

I LOVE IT. I'm not stressed about scrapbooking my photos. Instead, I'm actually preserving memories. I get all the photos printed and in a beautiful album within a week of taking them. Each week, as I place the new ones in, I just have to go back and look at previous weeks. It is inspiring me to continue memory keeping, regardless of it's form. Instead of being disappointed in myself having tens of thousands of photos on my hard drives, I can be proud to have them printed to allow us to page through and remember moments.

Here is this week!

I used a 12x6 page protector, trimmed it to 6x6 to fit a couple Instagram photos! :)

I had tons more Instagram photos I wanted to include this week, and trying to take the easy road (instead of importing to Photoshop), I selected all photos I wanted in iPhoto, clicked "print", and then choose the option to print multiple on a page. This left me with a strange size... I then cut and sewed a 11x8.5 page protector to about 11x6 3/4. It allowed me to fit all these fun square photos easily into this week!

I am simply thrilled with doing Project Life. It just makes sense. Now my goal is to work forward and backwards! I want to continue going with 2012 Project Life, however would love to do previous years. Let's hope my One Little Word this year {do} helps inspire me to do just that! :)

How are you making Project Life work for you?

Scrappin' Sunday - You make me smile

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 06:03:00 +0000

Supplies:

InLinkz.com
Not listed above is a couple pieces of scrap ribbon! :)

Project Life 2012, Jan 16-22

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:32:00 +0000

A little closer look, though a bit out of focus :(

InLinkz.com

Project Life 2012 Jan 2-8

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:20:00 +0000

I gave in and purchased the Cobalt edition as well, and I couldn't be happier! It goes with the Turquoise edition very well and gives me a few more options for design and color.

Supplies:

InLinkz.com
Not Listed: We R Memory Keepers 8.5x11 page protector, "Forever Friends" stamp by Stamp Craft and blue ink

A closer look:

I used an insert page to include my post about my Compassion child.

I also picked up a couple SMASH items to include... they fit the 3x4 pockets perfectly!

Personalized Ribbon!? Sweet deal!

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Pick Your Plum is one of my favorite online stores! They only sell ONE THING per day, however it is always at a steal of a price!

Today's special... Personalized Ribbon! I can think of so many ideas to use with this! Day of the Week for Project Life, Gift tags, scrapbook pages... endless possibilities! There is, however, a limited quantity of these available! Be sure to order your soon!

Weekend Flair 21 - The Exploding Birthday Box

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 03:51:00 +0000

Looks like a cute, simple, plain 'ol gift box, right?

Yep, Pretty much...

Until you Open It and then...

BAM!

WHOA!

Supplies:

InLinkz.com

Also: DCWV Brights and Celebration stacks, "S" charm, and me & my Big Ideas Birthday sticker value pack

This was SO much fun to make... it was inspiring.. thus I have a little surprise up my sleeve. I'll let you know soon :)

What projects are you working on?

my heart is full

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 01:57:00 +0000

My challenging day at work melted away today as I opened my cream colored envelope. I have gotten a few before, both from Vanesa and Samuel, however this one was larger.

I carefully opened it to see the longest most detailed letter even received from Vanesa. Before I could even get through the letter, I saw something stapled on the back... oh yes it was... a PHOTO! I tried containing my excitement by reading the entire beautiful letter before looking at the picture.

When I started sponsoring Vanesa last January, I received this photo:

Today in the mail, I received this:

She wrote in her letter that with the $25 birthday money I sent her (over the summer), she purchased (as shown in the photo!) a cake, blankets, sheets, a dress, and sweets.

She asked how we are doing, and promised that she is working hard in school. She asked us to pray for her health and that she does well in school so she can become a nurse.

A volunteer helps her write, however Vanesa also drew photos of a girl, ball, box and book :)

My heart is full and I cannot take my eyes off that beautiful smile.

I wish I could pick her up and squeeze her and tell her how wonderful she is!

I write to her (and Samuel, my corespondent child) once a month handwritten, and once a month online. It is wonderful to share bits of our lives and hear back from them about theirs. I have sent photos, cards, paper puzzles, kids band aides, laminated flowers, and much more along with letters. You can see some of my letters and stuff sent here.

I first decided to sponsor because of a long time bucket list item. I plan to continue sponsoring Vanesa instead of birthday gifts or a large celebration. I'll put any birthday money / donations toward supporting Vanesa in 2012, as well as another $25 birthday gift this coming summer!

Now, I'm off to send Valentine's cards! I've been working on making several, one for each of my Compassion kids and I'll be sending extra a long for them to share with their friends!

Are you interested in Sponsorship? Take a peek at all these beautiful faces!

Support Vanesa's Sponsorship 2012

"hello" card and pinterest!

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:20:00 +0000

I wanted to put together a quick card to add to my stash and actually {do} something with what I'm pinning on Pinterest!

I try to send cards specifically made for the occasion and person, however I like to keep a few on hand in case there is something that comes up and I don't have a chance to sit long enough to make anything cute! :)

Supplies:
Light brown cardstock from a DCWV pack, pink craft thread, 2 tiny glue dots, "blue ice" ink for "hello" and around the edges, Hero Arts "A Warm Hello" stamp (though I only used the "hello" part), and scrap pattern paper to make the paper flower.

The paper flower is something I pinned! :) Woot! Score one for my One Little Word, {do}!

This one didn't take more than a few minutes to make, but it turned out super cute!

Look what I ordered today...

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:44:00 +0000

The Signature Binders are in at amazon! Woot Woot! Excited to get my pages in a binder!

Project Life 2012 January 2-8

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 03:41:00 +0000

Supplies:

InLinkz.com

Not Listed Above: DCWV cardstock, Becky Higgins 12x6 page protector (which I trimmed to 6x11) and circle paperclip! :)

Dakota was pretty excited about / interested in the page that featured him. We had noticed a bump on his leg/foot and after a few days it began to bleed. A vet appointment and lab tests later, it is not a tumor. Thank goodness!

Of course, on the back I had to feature Jaffery :) I'm all about being fair!

How is your project life going so far this year?

See my previous weeks of Project Life!

Don't forget to link up to the Scrappin' Sunday Linky! It is for any crafty project you would like to share!

Scrappin' Sunday - Love you: everyday

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 07:28:00 +0000

Thinking ahead for Valentine's Day, and wanting to pull together some of my favorite photos of Alan and I together, I put together this little number. It has photos from as early as 2004 (our wedding!).

It is a pretty basic page, and would also look great in a frame.

Supplies:

InLinkz.com

Not Listed above: Fiskars Square Punch (Lg and XL) Thickers (regards), and Chip Chatter (tall) Dark Red

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I would love to see what scrapbook pages or paper crafting project you have completely recently! Please link up below!

Adorable personalized stamps

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:59:00 +0000

Pick Your Plum is one of my favorite online stores! They only sell ONE THING per day, however it is always at a steal of a price!
Today's special... Personalized stamps! I've already ordered mine. They will be perfect for using with Project Life!

Hop over soon, as when they are gone, they are gone! Happy shopping!

One Little Word - 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 03:18:00 +0000

I'm still finishing documenting the last couple prompts from my 2011 One Little Word, simple. However it was an amazing experience. I hope to have a word pick me each year going forward.

I loved the word completely and thought of it often. It did guide me in so many ways. I could have done more, however I'm happy with where it landed me. Actually, it got me ready for my 2012 word....

Do.

Yeah. Really.

I'm not sure about it yet, however it is the one that kept coming back to me. I know why it continued to come back to my heart, however my head isn't ready for it. :)

The One Little word class by Ali Edward at Big Picture Classes was also wonderful. I loved the prompts, the community, the encouragement from others, and of course Ali is amazing! :) I'll be working with the prompts again this year, and am excited to see how things move forward.

If you would like to sign up for the One Little Word class, or any other classes at Big Picture, sign up here for a free account and then search the endless opportunities for creative learning!

Have you chosen a word? How do you use it throughout the year?

Project Life 2011/2012 Dec 26-Jan 1

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 01:36:00 +0000

This week also included a bit of our family Holiday celebration. There was a little overlap in photos from my December Daily project, however it seemed to feel okay to do it this way.

I also included a cute note from my sister. {Thanks Carrie-your note means more than you know}.

The "29" stickers on the picture of the Pho on the right side is because that was our "29th" celebration. Alan and I was married on May 29, and each month on the 29th, we do something to celebration. Anything from a meal out to frozen pizza and a Netflix movie.

And a closer look at the pages:

Supplies:

InLinkz.com

I hope to post Project Life Monday or Tuesday of each week. Be sure to leave a comment and a link to your Project life, or other post!

How will you be documenting your 2012?

Project Life 2011! December 19-25

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:14:00 +0000

I have FINALLY started my project life album! While I am very proud to say I did finish 2 years of a 365 project, I'm super excited to be starting Project Life. It really is as easy as they say.

I had planned to start Project Life the Monday after finishing December Daily, however I had so many fun pictures from the week before, I decided to start a week early.

So far, I have carried a few of the journaling cards (from the Turquoise Core Kit) around with my in my purse. I have written on them in the car, while at my in-laws, sitting at the kitchen table, and then while I'm putting together my page. I have only added a few random stickers here and there, and I am printing all my pictures at home on my Canon MX870.

I'm still working on my intro page and hope to post it soon!

Supplies:

InLinkz.com

2011 December Daily - Days 21-25

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 22:23:00 +0000

... and the last page, ending as we began...

Supplies:

InLinkz.com

Items Not listed above: Stripped pattern paper found in my scrap pile, generic red card stock for base pages, Recollections Glitter Adhesive Dots, Ali Edwards Monthly Photo Overlays

Wow! What a month! I'm very happy I completed this December Daily Project! It was fun to see the various activities we did throughout the month. For me I struggle with if I should do it again next year (yes, I think way too far ahead). My reason for the struggle is I felt I was documenting things that would just go into my Project Life Album (that I'm starting for 2012). With us not having kids, it seems there is only so much to talk about. We don't have school events, Elf of the Shelf, Santa... I guess I'll see how the year goes and where we are at in a year!

My top 5 tips for anyone thinking about this project:

1. Plan ahead as much as possible. - I decided to do this project only a couple days before December. I didn't have as much ready as I would have liked. Having pages, dates, supplies, everything ready to go is key.

2. Along with #1, having the same layout each day makes things easier.

3. Have a couple things ready to add in in case you don't have anything specific to include on a specific day. For example, if you are doing Elf on the Shelf, that could be a story any day. Take a few pictures and jot down a couple notes along the way, and then this story is ready for a slow day. One could also have a list of favorite holiday songs, movies, or other favorites to go along with a slow day!

4. Keep up daily if possible (to not add stress later), however don't allow yourself to become stressed if you get a little behind.

5. Keep all your December Daily in one area that you do not have to pick up each day. No point in using up time to pick up and get back out each day. If keeping your supplies out isn't possible, have them well organized and easily accessible.

Happy Holidays to everyone! Wishing you all the best in 2012!

You can find all my December Daily 2011 posts here!

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 06:19:00 +0000

Hello! Wow! I'm actually writing a post!? Weird :) I was getting a little too used to scrapbooking or crafting up something, taking a not-that-great-photo in the icky basement lighting, posting it up, and done!

If you have been following my December Daily, do not fret! I'll get 21-25 posted next week, after the craziness of the holiday season :)

I'm excited for the holiday, but not the crazy. We will be visiting family, and will be taking Dakota and Jaffery with us. While we LOVE our puppies, and they actually travel well, they can be a handful in new environments, especially those with cats. YIKES!

huh... what else am I excited for?

- everyone coming together, laughing, loving, enjoying time spent together
- the amazing food
- seeing my grandma
- seeing my nephews opening their gifts - the joy in their eyes
- time with Alan. While the car ride length stinks, we get to actually talk and spend time together during the long drive
- the quiet time away from the city - where I found my One Little Word last year!
- the quiet time just at home with a few days away from work!
- starting my 365 project again after a year break! This year, I'll be using Project Life!
- time to catch up, reflect and plan for the new year!

What are you looking forward to?
Anyone else participating in the OLW project this year? Have you decided on a word?

2011 December Daily - Day 19 and 20

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 04:15:00 +0000

Supplies:

InLinkz.com

Not Listed Above: Red, gray and White card stock and Ali Edwards Monthly Photo Overlays

You can find all my December Daily 2011 posts here!

Be sure to leave a comment below with a link to your December projects!

2011 December Daily - Day 16, 17 and 18

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Unfortunately, our lives are a bit boring :) Alan walks the puppies in the morning. We go to work. Come home. Make supper and eat. Check emails, blogs, news and watch Netflix... I had minimal photos and fell behind and didn't feel I had time to journal. However, I wanted to document something of each day. My 2 page layouts became 1 page on a few day. Yet, I am please with keeping up this far and am excited to finish the last few days!

Wrapping gifts!

What stumbles, roadblocks or unexpected changes have you come across while doing your December Daily project?

Supplies:

InLinkz.com

Not Listed Above: Red and White card stock and Ali Edwards Monthly Photo Overlays

You can find all my December Daily 2011 posts here!

Be sure to leave a comment below with a link to your December projects!

Basic Gray Pattern Paper 59% off!

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:32:00 +0000

Pick Your Plum is one of my favorite online stores! They only sell ONE THING per day, however it is always at a steal of a price!

Today's special... Basic Gray Pattern Paper! "72 Sheets of goodness. That's $2.475 a pack or $0.0687 a sheet. Sweet. These paper packs are 6x6 inches and include 36 different designs. This is the good paper. Not the thin stuff."

Hop over soon, as when they are gone, they are gone! Only 284 remaining as of Tuesday at 10:30 am central time. Happy shopping!

2011 December Daily - Day 14 and 15

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:42:00 +0000

*note:Updated photos. The terrible photos were bothering me - these are a little better :)

* Sorry about the super icky photos! Taking pics for the blog in the basement obviously isn't working for me! :)

Supplies:

InLinkz.com

Not Listed Above: Stampendous Embossing powder: green tinsel and red tinsel, versa Craft White ink, Paper Salon stocking stamp, Red and White card stock and Ali Edwards Monthly Photo Overlays

You can find all my December Daily 2011 posts here!

Be sure to leave a comment below with a link to your December projects!

2011 December Daily - Day 12 and 13

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 02:36:00 +0000

Supplies:

InLinkz.com

Not Listed Above: Colorbok: Sticky Alpha Stax, Background paper from my scrap pile, corner punch, Martha Stewart 1 inch Pointed Circle Punch, Recollections Glitter Adhesive Dots, square clip, Technique Tuesday "This One" by Ali Edwards, Ali Edwards Monthly Photo Overlays

You can find all my December Daily 2011 posts here!

Be sure to leave a comment below with a link to your December projects!

2011 December Daily - Day 10 and 11

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:38:00 +0000

Supplies:

InLinkz.com

Not Listed Above: Jillibean Soup "Calendar" Stamp set, Brother sewing machine, Red and White card stock and Ali Edwards Monthly Photo Overlays

You can find all my December Daily 2011 posts here!

Be sure to leave a comment below with a link to your December projects!

2011 December Daily - Day 8 and 9

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 02:31:00 +0000

InLinkz.com

Not Listed Above: Red and White cardstock and Ali Edwards Monthly Photo Overlays

You can find all my December Daily 2011 posts here!

Be sure to leave a comment below with a link to your December projects!

2011 December Daily - Day 6 and 7

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 04:19:00 +0000

I feel like our lives are a bit boring :) I mean, we don't have our holiday decor up (minus a couple small things) and I only turned on the Christmas music today. Our December is pretty much like every other month.

InLinkz.com

Not Listed Above: Bazzill Basics Ribbon: Blue Dashed, Red and White cardstock and Ali Edwards Monthly Photo Overlays

You can find all my December Daily 2011 posts here!

Be sure to leave a comment below with a link to your December projects!