Project Life (title page, weeks 1 & 2)

It's pretty sad when you wake up and realize you were dreaming about Project Life, but that's exactly what happened to me again this morning. In my sleep, I envision myself filling all of those little pockets with photographs, ticket stubs, school work, etc....and it just simply makes me happy. Guess I'm just easy to please ;-)

I have been doing a version of Project Life or Project 365 for the past 4 years, and some years have been more consistent than others. But this year just feels different. This year, I am excited about taking on this project. Excited about documenting our story. Excited about doing it MY way with no guilt, and no need to compare my creativity to anyone else's.

In an effort to stay on top of things this year, I did a little rearranging in the craft room and set things up to focus almost exclusively on Project Life.

This is the desk in our craft room where I work on my album. Nothing here but the essentials: tools (Sharpies, tiny attacher, adhesive, scissors, etc..), Clementine edition core kit, paper trimmer and album.

When it's time to work on my album, I pull out this little tray from the shelf behind my desk. It has small embellishments, blank/lined journaling cards, journal spots, tags, labels and other random journaling cards that I think will work nicely in my album. There is also a little vintage silver cup where I keep small letter and number embellishments.

 I also have a cute little turquoise basket (Target) where I keep word stickers, flat embellishments and other items from my stash that I think might come in handy.

Nothing makes me happier than a caddy full of colorful Sharpie markers and fresh Uniball pens.

Here's a shot of my Title Page with a fun little 6x12 page protector and free download from Cathy Zielske.

And here's the Title Page without the insert.

My Week One spread includes an 8.5x11 insert that contains a cute little questionnaire I found online that the kiddos filled out on New Year's Eve all about their highlights from 2011 and what they are looking forward to in 2012. Love that Grant colored all over Sienna's before I was able to get into our album ;-)

Week One (left side)

Week One (right side)

Week Two (left side) includes digital brushes and overlays from Designer Digitals (love Ali and Cathy!!)

Week Two (right side)

Thoughts on Project Life thus far:
* There was a time in my life where I bought scrapbook supplies like it was my job. That was before having 2 kids and before going back to work......but now, let's just say I have a bit of a stash that needs to be put to good use. Enter Project Life. I know there will be some weeks that will include just the basics: photos and journaling cards. But on those weeks when I have a little extra time, I plan on busting out those stickers, journaling spots, labels and cute embellishments, and adding them to my heart's content!

* I absolutely LOVE using instagram photos to showcase more of our "daily life"

* I love including silly conversations I have with the kids, little pieces of their artwork and handwriting, movie tickets, etc... and it helps to have a dedicated basket next to my desk to collect all the little bits that might come in handy when putting my week together

* It takes a little extra time, but using the digital brushes and overlays is SO worth the effort!

SO there you have it.....my first Project Life post for the year. But it definitely won't be my last!!