Loving PROJECT LIFE

I know I am not the only one has been scrapbooking slump.  Over the past few years, I have heard over and over again "I used to scrap all the time, but I just stopped."  I was the same.  However, I have been reinspired.  And funny enough, many of those folks who felt the same way I did, are reinspired as well.

Have you seen PROJECT LIFE?


You slide your pictures into these cool page protectors (all different types), and you also can slide little cards of patterned paper in as well.  You can add stickers (or not!),  add journaling (or not!), and be done with a lot of scrapbooking in a short amount of time, while still using some creativity.  For the 3x4 prints, I used Persnickety Prints.

I started using up my paper stash, which was awesome.  I cut up the different patterns into 3x4 and 4x6, which you can use in the PROJECT LIFE protectors.  I, actually, discovered the SNAP! system, which is basically the same thing, but cheaper quality and some small albums.  I tried am working on a SNAP! album as a trial, but I am already hooked, so I will be moving on to a PROJECT LIFE album soon.

http://simplestories.typepad.com/simple_stories/2012/07/hell.html

Now the other cool part of the system, is the philsophy of PROJECT LIFE.  It is about scrapbooking the little stuff that happens in your daily routine.  When you look back, you will see what life was like at this time, not just at celebrations and special times, but in the every day.

Organizing the supplies has almost been as fun as scrapbooking itself.  I love all the little stacks of uniform cardstock in all sorts of patterns.  I have seen organizers online for up to $75.  This one was from TJMaxx, and was $9.99.  I love that it is portable!

I Left this World for a Bit.

Something came over me after I returned from Nashville.

 Crafting with my people.

In the airport.

Maybe was that it was that I finally had a moment to be in my own thoughts, maybe it was the Oprah/Brene Brown ecourse that I started, maybe it was because it was Halloween (my favorite!) and Dia de los Muertos week...

In any case, I turned on this music:

Agnel Obel Aventine

Started reading (& finished) this book: 

Wildwood by Colin Meloy

And felt like I was in another, very creative, very peaceful world.  I retreated in the evening to work on papercrafting, which I haven't done in a really long time.  

The music kept going, and so did the creating.  I was quiet during this week, and I really loved it.  There was something that allowed me to NOT do all the stuff I usually do (you should see my laundry pile!) and take some time to leave the every day.  I want to live here more often, as I was truly at peace.

Project 1: Scrapbooking!

Wait.  It's Wednesday already!  I had big plans to post every Monday, but I am having a hard time getting back into the swing of things with school starting.  The first week was all about going to Target, Library, Dry Cleaner, returning purchases, errands galore.

This weekend started with a Dove Chocolate Party, which was sooo fun (kind of like Pampered Chef, but you buy from the high end division of Dove instead of pots and pans).  And then on Saturday, I threw a bunch of crafty stuff in a bag and went for a mini scrapbook retreat.  Delightful.  The best part of it all, was that I am back in crafty mode, now that I know where all my stuff is, and I can't wait to get back at it.

 So for my Project 1 of Project 52, I present SCRAPBOOKING.  :)

The beautiful studio we created in...

The wonderful cabin we slept in.  The best part was the snuggly kitty that came with the house!

Picnik alternative

I used to love adding text to photos using picnik.  It is no longer in existence, but found out from a friend that picmonkey.com is a good alternative.  Here are a few pictures that I altered this week, and I have to say that I like it just as well.  It makes me excited to scrapbook.  

And in order to scrapbook, I must find my scrapbook stuff.  It all seems like it is slightly organized, but really, behind the drawers and storage units, it is a complete mess.  I found this site http://craftstorageideas.com/  and now I am super motivated!  I noticed that when my scrap stuff was in the main room that we hung out, I created more.  I also blogged more!  I am considering moving it all out of the craft room into our main family room.

And now back to my Alias marathon.  It makes me want to be a secret agent.

Inspired by...

Cute craft displays at the local toy store.

The return of embroidery.

Scrapbook with lots of bits.

The clean look of Russell & Hazel. I bought my planner from here, and the shop has the prettiest displays.  It makes me feel organized just by looking at it!

Random Creating

This is a Nancy Drew book that I saw at the book store. I am inspired to scrapbook like this in the future! I have always loved the style, but didn't know how to start. I may copy this exact layout just to give it a try.

I want this in my living room. Notice the little hammock in the bottom? Paul isn't going for it...

My new iPhone case that I made today. All I need to add is a little snap up on top. This would be a great project for a girl scout troop (since all the kids seem to have cell phones these days!), maybe as easy Christmas present for someone.

From Family Fun Magazine:

I want to make it, not for a pet, but for the kids. They used clear tops of disposable baking containers as sky lights, had windows cut out in the sides, and even a treat shoot on top, made from a cardboard tube. (I think Soleil would go for that if we put goldfish crackers down it!)

Tate's scrapbook page. I helped, but only a little.

And tomorrow, this guy starts school. In a new country. In a new school. Entirely in Spanish.

I am nervous and a little sad. I really miss being at our old school in Bath, UK, and the school run will be very different. (I miss my friends!) Also, after having him home from early June until now, I have gotten used to the routine of both kiddos. I am not ready to let that go.

SMASH!

I saw these at the Archiver's store and sooo cool. Since we were moving during my birthday, I think I may treat myself to some of the fun bits as my belated bday present. (Wait--I said that about getting a electronic die cutting machine...)

I am waiting for the big Archiver's event at the Mall of America for both purchases. I love all the hype at these sorts of things!! I traded my husband a weekend football game out of town for a full kid-free day to shop.

Happiness Project Inspiration

I am reading this, recommended by my friend, Sophie.

It is pretty good. It is about a woman who makes a list of small things that she can do each month to make a positive change in her life. She is a bit intense about how she goes about it, but the general point is a great idea.

My 2 things for the month are:

1. Go to bed earlier/get more sleep.

2. Write more letters to friends. (One letter for

one friend per week.)

I LOVE anything mail/post related. I love sending and receiving letters and even playing mail/post man with Tate.

pretty mail calligraphy

Felt Mailbox Pattern

Found a scrapbook store in France. :) Love the postcard stamp.And totally unrelated, another friend of mine and I went to Trowbridge today. We found this excellent Italian cafe that had amazing antipasti. When I went to the toilet.... It made my day.