Welcome to Katie’s Project Life 2013 | Week 15 .

When I realized I had six weeks of catch up to do on this project I felt slightly overwhelmed. Okay, a lot overwhelmed.
My pictures were printed and cut and slipped into the pockets, but it took me quite awhile to actually start putting the pages together.

I looked around our worktable and got inspired by all of the pink I saw, and then boom. I finished within an hour. This project is so, so fun. I just have to remind myself of that that sometimes when I’m feeling like I have too much to do.

I added Ali’s Messy Life Lines to the photo of my tulips that were blooming in my front yard. They are double tulips, that resemble a peony (my favorite) and they just make me so happy.

That awesome pink and white card on the left is from Notes 12×12 Composition & Color by Allison Kreft for Webster’s Pages.

I added some little pink star stickers and sequins (here are some similar) from a previous Studio Calico Project Life kit to the photo of a Paris guidebook.

I am so excited to go back to Paris with Peter. It will be crazy timing because it’s a month before the wedding. But I’m all for the adventure. It makes it just that more special that we are going with Ali and Aaron. Good friends, good sights, good food, good wine.

The “Yep. This Is Love.” is from Ali’s new product available at Designer Digitals this weekend called “Because I Love You Labels.”

The wood veneer hearts are from Freckled fawn. I stamped some Brilliance Pigment Ink in Gold Galaxy on them to give them a little shine.

The card with the little heart banner is actually a sticker from Basic Grey’s Mint Julip Elements Sticker Sheet. I stuck it onto a blank 3×4 card and then rounded the corners.

I once again added a banner from Ali’s Banner Me Vol 01 because I love them. The “Party Time” is from Life is Good Labels Vol 02.

Hope you all have a lovely holiday weekend!

CONNECT WITH KATIE | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | ETSY | PINTEREST

SUPPLIES | 2013 | WEEK 15

Click on the images to link to the products.

Today: I always want to remember the joy on your face when you realized we had dandelions in the backyard ready for wishing.

Yesterday: I heard so much love and patience in Grandma’s voice as she taught you how to blow dandelion wishes when we went on our adventure to the park.

The day before: I listened to you run down the hall to the guest room saying, “It’s time to get up Grandma Fina! It’s morning time!”

I am a bit obsessed with prompts. I like how they give us a place to begin when we face the blank page or canvas. Somehow it takes the mystery out of creating for me in a way that supports me to get right to it instead of getting caught up in thinking “I don’t know what I’m doing.” Sometimes a prompt takes me to unexpected places and pushes me to see things from angles I hadn’t noticed before.

I often turn to prompts when I want to tell a piece of a story in a blog post or in my Project Life layouts or when I’m writing a poem. Sometimes I want to share details of a day or an experience without telling the whole story. Maybe I’m keeping pieces of the story close to me or maybe I want to drill down and look closely at one moment.

One prompt I really love is:

Today

Yesterday

The day before

Sometimes I will tell the story with one photo like I did above. Sometimes I have photos to pair with each written snapshots. For example:

Today: It’s a vintage quilts spread out in the backyard while eating a picnic and listening to her tell stories kind of Sunday afternoon.

Yesterday: Walking along Puget Sound looking for sea glass, I am in awe of the beauty of this place I now call home.

The day before: Something about the way the birds are singing and the way Spring feels almost overwhelmingly beautiful has me deeply missing my grandparents today.

Sometimes I just have the words, so I really try to paint a picture by bringing in the senses like this example from a year ago:

Now: Neighborhood children giggle and yell and run under the peeking through grey sunshine as I sit cross-legged in the middle of my bed wrapping wire around beads and stringing them together to soon be sent across the sea to become a talisman of words another wants to hold close to her heart.

Yesterday: A cafe full of chattering, eating, meeting people, I weave between the tables trying to find a place to call my own where I can sip this mug of chai and write and remind myself that I do know what step to take next even though the uncertainty sometimes slips around me like a cloak I don’t remember buying in a dusty flea market another lifetime ago.

The day before: When Ellie Jane refused to get in the car, we walk along the sidewalk passing storefronts and cars with “you have to hold my hand” said aloud on repeat, and then we turn and do it again because a one year old has no need to understand the stacked up inside my head to-do list that includes “picking up the taxes” on the line right after the doctor’s appointment we just completed.

This is also a great way to tell the stories when you don’t have photos of moments you want to remember. It becomes a written illustration of the photos you didn’t take. This is really useful to me when I’m sifting through my feelings around something. Writing short snapshots like these grounds me in the present and helps me focus on the beauty even in challenging moments. “The day before” example above describes a moment when I didn’t have my camera, but I really wanted to remember the way I just leaned into the experience with my daughter and let go of “all that must get done.” Honestly, I could probably write one of these a day, which could become a beautiful practice of an entire journal filled of written snapshots of “the photo I didn’t take today…”

Other prompts I’ve been using lately:

• This is me
• Today, I…
• I want to remember
• Observations on [insert date, time]
• In this moment…

What prompts do you like to use when sharing the snapshots of a story? Share your favorites in the comments today.

In June, Liz is teaching Water Your Toddler Mama Soul, a 10-day ecourse just for moms of toddlers that focuses on ways to tell our stories during these years where we have little time to ourselves. There will be daily photography prompts and self-care ideas that will help you reconnect with yourself in the midst of all that a day with a toddler (or two or three) brings, plus we’ll be gathering in a private Facebook community that will continue after the course. Learn more and register here.

Here’s your reminder that I’ll be continuing with my monthly 2013 Day In The Life project next week on Friday, May 31st.

I’m including this monthly documentation in with Project Life but it would also work great in a traditional album as well.

HELPFUL LINKS + ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Read about how this project got started here.
• Download free Daily Sheets for documenting your day.
• Purchase my Day In The Life layered template set and 6×12 Day In The Life Photo Collage set and check out my free video tutorial on how to work with those templates in Photoshop Elements.
• Check out my days so far in 2013: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
• You can also check out how I incorporated them into my completed Project Life spreads: January (Week 5) | February (Week 9) | March (Week 13) | April (Week 18) | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
• 6×12 format not for you? Check out my 8.5×11 Day In The Life layered template that’s great for incorporating a bunch of photos. See how I used that in 2012 here (simply combined the 8.5×11 photo collage template + the Daily Sheets with my hand-written documentation together in Project Life 2012 | Week Six).

Hope you’ll consider participating!

Today as part of the Behind The Brand series I would like to introduce you to Debbie from Get It Scrapped.

How did you get started with your business? How long have you been in business?

At the time I discovered scrapbooking and scrapbooking magazines I was writing and submitting short fiction. Submitting the scrapbook pages I was making to magazines seemed a natural step. When I was asked to join the first (and unfortunately only) creative team for Scrapbook Answers magazine I also had the opportunity to pitch and write articles. Over the years, I wrote for Memory Makers magazine, and I authored the book Get It Scrapped for F + W Publications. I wanted to write so much more than the magazines wanted to publish, and so I started online teaching at Get It Scrapped as a way to “self-publish.” The Get It Scrapped classroom opened 5 years ago, in April 2008.

What is your favorite thing about being an entrepreneur?

I love that with an internet business, I can come up with an idea and make it happen–quite quickly. The time from conception to first sale at my membership site, Masterful Scrapbook Design, was about 2 weeks. We’ve now published 30 issues over 32 months, and with each new year we modify the ways in which we deliver our online magazine as technology changes.

Where are you located? What’s your favorite thing about the city you live in?

I live in Seacoast New Hampshire, in a university town 30 minutes from the ocean. I’ve been here since I got my MBA in 1992 and have experienced the town as a student, a parent, the wife of a town politician and professor, and yet this town continues to mystify — or maybe elude–me. What I do love about this place are the few dear friends I have, the flow of students through our lives, and the river behind our house.

What inspires you?

Scrapbookers and experimenting with composition inspires me. Masterful Scrapbook Design is built around exploring the work of experienced designers, and I love that, every month, I get to talk to them about how they’re scrapbooking right now.

What goodies are on your wish list?

I keep meaning to explore Photojojo.com and try out some new gadget for my iphone camera–I’m not sure exactly what . . . but something that helps me get new, and hopefully fun, results.

Tell us something new that is happening with your business:

I’ve recently launched a new series of low-cost, high-action classes. In Scrapbook Coach you work one page shape multiple times, with variations in product and patterned paper choices, number of photos, and title and embellishment treatments. Check out a free lesson at GetItScrapped.com/ScrapbookCoach.

CONNECT WITH DEBBIE | Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube

Just one week ago there were completely different things in bloom in my yard.

Blink and you miss.

Every year right around this time I have grand plans for my yard or my raised beds. If you would have asked me two weeks ago I would have recited the list of things I want to plant (veggies, corn, and more cutting flowers). But as the reality of the next couple months becomes apparent (work commitments + travel) I think that I’ll skip adding new stuff this year and just enjoy and take care of what I have in the time I have available.

I love being in my yard. I enjoy pruning and even weeding and watering (yes Mom you read that right) – it’s relaxing and it might be as close to a hobby as I can get right now for someone who works in an industry that is other people’s hobby.

Same tree from the photo above, different view:

And up close it looks like this:

And it smells divine and I can hear the busy bees humming along every time I step outside the door.

Bleeding hearts and hostas and a couple other little shade plants tucked inside.

Just last week this crazy amazing wisteria was in full bloom with hundreds of purple flowers cascading down.

In front of that little fence are three blueberry bushes. I thought the middle one was dead but it seems to be greening up now. The other two already have berries in formation.

Last year I planted a couple new white hydrangea’s and they are looking good.

These peonies are what I check on just about every day. They are getting close to bursting wide open.

Something new I did plant this spring were some additional dahlias. I have a raised bed area that holds an amazing collection of burgundy dahlias. These should be light pinks. I’m currently fighting a battle and killing off the snails. So many snails around here.

So many good lessons out in the yard. Patience. Acceptance. Taking it slow. Savoring. Not filling in everything too tight all at once.

Hope you have a wonderful week.

One (1) person will win a $100.00 gift card to Freckled Fawn.

• #300 • Amy Jackson said…Wow…amazing giveaways! Thanks for the chance to win…

One person will win a spot in Tool School Mini Workshop with Jennifer Gallacher at Two Peas in a Bucket.

• #136 • Samantha L said…Thank you for the chance to win!

Congrats Amy and Samantha! Please email us with your contact information.

Three new products from me this weekend at Designer Digitals.

Here’s an example from anke of the Designer Digitals Creative Team using my new Edge Sentiments.

I love how she used it as a “frame” above the main content of her layout.

Next up: Today Rocks

A couple of these were included in a limited time freebie for National Scrapbook Day. I created a few more to complete this package.

And third, No Day Like Today.

Here’s an example from kikimama of the Designer Digitals Creative Team:

Have a great weekend!

GIVEAWAY | One (1) person will win a $100.00 gift card to Freckled Fawn.

SUPER COOL SPECIAL OFFER | Freckled Fawn has packed some $5.00 washi tape grab bags just for Ali Edwards’ readers. You can purchase them here. Quantities are limited.

Freckled Fawn is an online shop filled with hundreds of delightful embellishments like washi tape, wood chips, resin shapes, paper clips–all perfect for your crafting needs.

CONNECT | Shop | Blog | Facebook | Instagram

GIVEAWAY | One person will win a spot in Tool School Mini Workshop with Jennifer Gallacher at Two Peas in a Bucket. If you have already purchased this class, your money will be refunded or you can give it away to a friend. (Please leave your Two Peas username in your comment)

ABOUT | We all have them: punches, die cut machines, die cut shapes, and even our most basic tools. And while some of these tools get more use than others, some get completely neglected. Garden Girl Jen Gallacher comes to the rescue with this workshop designed to help you use your tools in creative new ways.

The “Tool School” workshop includes over 100 creative ideas for using your tools. Some basic knowledge of how to use a digital die cut machine, a manual die cut machine, and paper punching are required.

In the following chapters, Jen focuses on teaching new ways to use each type of tool system. Full step-by-step instructions are included for all of the 102 techniques found on the 30 layouts for this workshop.

Chapters are divided accordingly:

Chapter 1: Punches
Chapter 2: Die Cutting
Chapter 3: Other Tools

In addition to the 37 page PDF, Jen has incorporated many of the techniques in each chapter video (120 minutes of video!). Learn how to die cut a shape from Washi Tape. Punch and layer two of the same photo. Hand stitch an embossed pattern. Or staple ribbon to your page. There are so many techniques to choose from! Each video also includes a full start-to-finish layout so you can see how Jen approaches designing with tools into her design process.

Samples include 12×12″ and 8 1/2″ x 11″ layouts and feature seasonal celebrations, family outings, and special memories.

Whether you’re looking to purchase and use new tools, or whether you’re looking to stretch your tool supplies even further, this fun and exciting workshop will give you plenty of ideas to choose from. Lessons can be completed at your own pace. A private message board forum is also available to ask questions of both Jen and to connect with other participants.

Join in on the fun!

The content of this workshop will be available immediately upon purchase. The lessons are available for you to work at your own pace and upon purchase can be accessed in the “Workshops” section under “Classes & Events.” Enjoy!

Cost: $12

Welcome to Project Life 2013 | Week Fifteen (April 8 – April 14).

A bit of a simpler week. A few less words. A few less embellishments. It’s all good.

Here’s a few close-ups:

A little something fun I played around with a few weeks back was writing with Stickles. It works! Definitely let it dry before slipping it into a pocket page. Yellow washi tape along the top and bottom is from Freckled Fawn.

I started this little card to document 5 things that Anna told me she thinks about when she goes to sleep (her happy thoughts to scare away the monsters). I only got three recorded and when I asked her again she didn’t remember. This are the sorts of things I really want included in this album.

One of my favorite things right now is just adding text right onto my photos by hand. Quick and easy and adds context.

This was a little experimental play – combining two photos that show progress – from buds to blooms. I taped the two photos together creating a 4×6 image. I added a “1″ and a “2″ from American Crafts and then drew a border and a little “yes please” sentiment.

I stood and looked at this page for awhile. I thought about adding more – I can always add more. I ended up calling it good enough so I could move on to other things I want to document/work on/need to finish. Bits of our lives are captured here. A ticket. A sticky note. Images. Percentages. Routine visits. Coastal adventures.

The little cork camera is from Studio Calico (Spencers Kit).

“You Make Me Happy” is cut from a card from a Dear Lizzy die cut package (Lucky Charm).

The “weekend goodness” journal card is from my new set called Hello Weekend.

SUPPLIES | 2013 | WEEK FIFTEEN

Click on the images to link to the products.

Welcome to Project Life 2013 | Week Fourteen (April 1 – April 7).

Am I still doing Project Life? Absolutely.

Am I behind? A little. I’ve got a bunch of weeks in progress and will be sharing them over the next week. This week and week fifteen have been “almost done” for weeks and photos are printed for the other weeks.

A couple things I need to do:

1. Order another black 12×12 album for the next four months (I’ve been doing three albums per year, four months in each album). Right now they are all still in the first one for 2013 and it’s getting tight.
2. Find a new routine that will gel with the work I’m doing for Hello Story (my new class at Big Picture that starts in July). I think it’s totally possible to do both Project Life and traditional pages, I’m just working on finding my own groove between the two.
3. SIMPLIFY. At least for the next couple of months I think I need to keep this project simple while I’m in the middle of content development for this workshop. I think getting the album back down on my kitchen counter with a stack of cards will help me with this.

How are things going for you? Are you new to Project Life? Are you a veteran? Still loving it?

Here’s Week Fourteen:

Here’s a closer look:

The “listen, believe, trust” card is from my Everyday Love Journal Cards that was printed on photo paper.

“Yo April” are Cream Thickers from American Crafts that I ran through my sewing machine with red thread.

“Heart this boy” word art on the photo of Simon making cookies is from Love You Boy.

I’d love to do a week where I fill out one of those Best/Worst cards everyday. The one above was printed on some leftover paper that I had used as an over-spray catch under whatever it was that I was actually misting with paint.

Here’s a look at the right side:

The star card is from Kelly Purkey’s kit for Simon Says Stamp.

Little pink word stickers are from My Mind’s Eye.

Still loving cutting up journal cards and adding them to my pictures. I like not re-inventing the wheel each week and adding a bit more context to my photos.

The journal card here was included in Studio Calico’s Project Life add-on kit (May 2013).

SUPPLIES | 2013 | WEEK FOURTEEN

Click on the images to link to the products.