Project Life 2014: February
This is my story.
I love documenting my everyday life; here's how I'm doing it in 2014.
This is my 'right-now' scrapbook. For the past few years I've been documenting my everyday life using a modified version of Becky Higgins' Project Life memory-keeping system. My goal for this project is to document the important (to me) stories and photos in one place. My format is open-ended, I have no plans for a specific amount of pages, in chronological order. To house my Project Life for 2014, I'll be using a 6x8 album with various page protectors.
February Pages
Overview thoughts: I didn't love this month, February kind of sucked -- a lot of stuff in our lives was in limbo, and between the never-ending snow and cold it was just a not-fun time. I think that made documenting a lot harder -- especially in this new monthly format that I'm doing. There weren't any real exciting events, and we didn't get out much, so I did my best with what I had...and I'm definitely satisfied with my efforts. I love this project, and I love that it helps me to document even the more boring/lackluster times in my life.
Click on each of the pictures for a clearer view.
February <3
Moment: Title page + Overview of the month
Favorite Part: The title page. I love the navy blue thickers on the striped white/yellow paper. It really gives the whole spread a much needed pop.
Tip: Use full pages to make a statement. One of my favorite things about this size (8x6) album, is that creating full pages isn't overwhelming and I can keep them minimalist without looking awkward.
Supplies: Studio Calico Office Hours Project Life Kit, Nautical Blue Memento Ink, 3 Pocket Page Protector, Full Sheet Page Protector (comes in Album)
Love
Moment: This was a random spread, with a couple of pictures that encompassed what daily life was like this month. I like that this format leaves me a little bit more free to try out new
Favorite Part: The sequin shaker pocket in the lower right hand corner. It's a little bit hard to see in the picture, but it was super easy to do. Fill the pocket with sequins and then close it up (I used a stapler, but you probably should use a sewing machine).
Tip: Keep it simple. Not every spread has to be a work of art -- if there's something that you want to document (like your breakfast routine, or the candy you're obsessed with) just do it. You'll look back on it and really appreciate your effort.
Supplies: Studio Calico Office Hours Project Life Kit, Basic Grey Capture 6x6 Pad, Stamp from Notebook Kit, 3 Pocket Page Protector, 4 Pocket Protectors, Versafine Onyx Black ink
Valentine's Weekend
Moment: Our stay-at-home Valentine's Day/Snowed-In weekend.
Favorite Part: The Valentine's Day Card from Allie (made as an insert with Basic Grey Attach Me Stickers)
Tip: Print out photos/logos/promo images that help you tell your story (like the House of Cards image above).
Cousins' Lunch
Moment: My three cousins, my sister and I all went out to lunch at this yummy Mexican restaurant in Englewood.
Favorite Part: The picture with our waiter who was a stand-in for our missing cousins.
Tip: Grab a business card or take out menu & incorporate it into your spread.
Supplies: Studio Calico Office Hours Project Life Kit, Basic Grey Capture 6x6 Pad, Basic Grey Capture Mini Snippets, Arrow stamp from Notebook Kit, 3 Pocket Page Protector, 4 Pocket Protectors, Whole Foods paper bag
Nerding Out
Moment: My favorite nerd moments from the past month -- video games, books, & board games.
Favorite Part: The theme. I love that this format gives me the space to document about something that's going on in the background of my everyday life. I like being able to say -- hey, this stuff was important to me this month, even if I don't have a specific single moment to tie them to.
Tip: Foam thickers look so good on the outside of the page protectors!
Thursday3
Moment: Random me pictures, mostly from my Thursday Three project.
Favorite Part: This is my favorite spread from this month. I can see the range of emotions in each of these photos, and I remember some of the days being pretty tough, but at the same time, I'm really happy that I took the effort to document it all.
Tip: Play along with Thursday Three and you'll have pictures of yourself for Project Life.
The Inside/Outside World
Moment: My inside/normal work day vs. going out for my mom's birthday.
Favorite Part: I really like the juxtaposition between the two pages: inside/outside, 4 pocket/3 pocket, diagonal photos/side-by-side photos, lt. blue thickers/dark blue thickers (same font)
Tip: Spend time documenting a routine. Whether it's a full daily routine or just a short ritual.
Supplies: Studio Calico Office Hours Project Life Kit, Basic Grey Capture 6x6 Pad, Basic Grey Capture Mini Snippets, Arrow stamp from Notebook Kit, 3 Pocket Page Protector, 4 Pocket Protectors
FAQs
Each month I'll be answering and sharing questions about my approach to everyday scrapbooking and the modified Project LifeTM system that I'm using. Most of these questions come from instagram, facebook, and a few emails. If you have a question, please leave it in the comments below and I'll add it to next month's list. The complete list of Project Life FAQs can be seen here.
Do you use color charts/wheels to co-ordinate colors or do you just go with what feels right?
Both. Kind of. I usually start with one card, embellishment, or photo and then pick colors based off that. I'm a huge fan of the science of art -- color wheels, the rule of thirds, and all things that science has found to be pleasing to the eye. But then I really like just throwing all of that out of the window and doing whatever I want. My best advice is to learn the basics, understand why red and green are across from each other on the color wheel, be able to visualize a rule of third grid -- and then throw it all out and do what feels right.
What apps/reminders do you set for yourself to remember to take pictures or grab paraphernalia to use later.
Umm. I'm actually terrible at this. It's one of the biggest reasons I came up with the idea for Thursday Three. I have an app (Momento) that sends me a push notification one time each day with a reminder to take a daily photo, but I ignore it 99% of the time. As for memorabilia, I just grab what I like, and I've trained myself to always grab a business card when I leave.
What do you use to create inserts?
Anything that's smaller than an 8x6 sheet of paper. With the Basic Grey Attach Me Stickers, you can turn anything you want into an insert. I also like to use smaller or cut page protectors, envelopes, or chipboard acrylic pages
Where can I purchase the products that you use?
I keep an online shop where readers can purchase my favorite and most loved supplies. Here are direct links to my album, my 3 Pocket Page Protector, my 4 Pocket Protectors, Staz-on, and versafine. In addition to the supplies in my shop, I also use the OhDeerMe and Studio Calico kits.