Wednesday, May 02, 2012

DHD iNSD Blog Hop: KISS-ing Project Life

Welcome Design House Digital blog hoppers! So glad you've hopped on over to my blog. If you haven't come here from the DHD blog, well, go back to the beginning and start over. Be sure to visit all the blogs, gather all the letters for the coupon code, then stop by DHD and use the code to snag the free Collab kit! Also, don't forget to read the last paragraph here for my letter and a giveaway from me! Here's a sneak of the fab Collab!


Here's a page I created with this fabulous kit!





WAIT!!! There's more! To be entered into the drawing for a digital photo frame, you can complete a layout meeting all 26 of the challenges issue in the course of the blog hop and post it by Tuesday, May 8 at 11:59 MST.There is an iNSD Challenge Gallery over at Design House Digital.

My challenge to you is to USE AT LEAST THREE BUTTONS ON YOUR LAYOUT! 

And now for my post...all about....

This year I reluctantly decided to participate in Project Life. I wasn't sure how I was going to fit it in. After weighing all the options, I decided that Digital was the best way to go for me. I just knew that printing out photos and making a huge paper mess each week was not going to fly around here. I know there are a lot of you out there that maybe completed a week or two and then stopped. Don’t despair, just pick it back up again now. There are no Project Life police – your family will thank you for the memories you are able to record!

WHY I’M DOING IT


I made a few goals for myself this year. One of the big ones was to take more photos and to document more of our family stories for my boys. Some added benefits of Project Life are I’m documenting the little things we do each day. I’m taking a lot more photos, like thousands more each month. I bring my camera with me more and I’ve been using my phone to take more photos. Even my husband will take a photo if I text him and remind him! I am also knocking out a lot of event scrapping – something I typically don’t enjoy. For instance, instead of scrapping four pages about Easter. I added an extra two page spread to my Project Life book and knocked it out quickly. Later, I can either scrap an Easter page or not - the pressure is off! I love that! This also frees up my precious scrapbooking time to document conversations, interviews, or other weighty matters.

K.I.S.S.
I’m here to tell you that you can do this! You just need to keep it simple silly! It doesn’t matter when you stopped or started. It doesn’t matter if you complete every week either. So you missed the month of March, do a two page March spread or skip it and move on. You could even just dedicate the pages in your album to events each month. It’s really a very flexible system. So don’t feel like you can’t just start over right now.

Here are 10 (yes, TEN) ways I’m keeping it simple…
1. JOURNAL - At the beginning of the week, I write down all the days of the week in a journal and pre-fill them with things I know we are going to be that week. At the end of each day, I record bits of things we did, notable photos, and anything else that might help me at the end of the week. You could easily do this with an app on your phone like Evernote!



2. LISTS - Keep a list of products that you want to use in your journal as you write each day. If you think of some great journal card or frame or label that would work with your photo. Jot it down in your journal as well. I keep a little list of digital kits I haven't used as well. That way I remember to dig them out and use them!

3. PHOTO CENTRIC - My spreads as you can see below are very simple. I keep the focus on the photos and I don't use a lot of product. This project for me is getting little things scrapped that usually fall by the wayside. Typically, I don't need a lot of product to tell my story! A few journaling cards, some word art, a label or two and I'm finished!



4. TAKING PHOTOS - just take photos. Don't worry about quality or quantity. Use your camera, use your phone, just capture what you can. The photos do not have to be perfect. You can always add a cool filter or convert to black and white if you want them to be jazzier! I used this photo last week. I can't think of a worse looking photo, but it helped me tell the story!



5. REMOVE CHOICES - I use templates and I use the same font throughout. this saves me loads of time  You can use the same title card each week or even the same design. Make it so you don't have to agonize over every little detail!

6. PLAN AHEAD - I use Marcy Penner’s Planner Pages and map out my pages before I start scrapping them. I sometimes pre-fill spaces ahead of the end of the week with journal cards and/or photos. A bit here and there. Your week will come together quickly this way.


7. NO PHOTOS? - Do not despair! Check out Google images for the perfect photo of the interior of that restaurant you went to on Thursday or free stock photo sites for other images to represent your memories! I especially like to use movie and TV poster images on my pages like the Homeland image below. The ski lodge is also from the web as I scrapped this before my husband returned from the trip!


8. ORGANIZE YOUR PHOTOS - Keep ongoing phone photos or Google image downloads in a folder marked with the week on your desktop. Add photos from your camera as the week progresses. This makes assembly that much easier!

9. BANG FOR THE BUCK - Use products that offer a lot of bang for the buck.You won't have to embellish as much using some of the fun products below and they will add spark to your pages without a lot of layers!

These album cards from Karla Dudley are pre-embellished! Great filler cards for the 3x4 slots and you can add a bit of journaling to them as well.

These Check It Journal Cards from Gennifer Bursett are re-colorable and act as fabulous journaling prompts perhaps helping you add something to your Project Life that you might not have thought of. A fun pop of coordinating color too!

Robyn Meierotto is participating in Project Life. She has a variety of journaling cards and other items in her shop that are just incredible. She keeps adding to her Everyday line. Most recently she released these stripy journaling cards. Such fun bright colors and lots of room for journaling!

Audrey Neal has two sets of Chalkboard Journalers that are so fun. You can find free chalky fonts on Dafont or just change the color of a handwriting font to white for a cool effect!

Kate Teague has these little journalers - loads of little fun details to make your spread pop!

Shannon Hegarty came out with these Secretary Date Stamps that are just perfect to add a date to a card or photo!
Deena Rutter has these colorful cards that have a coordinating paper pack and elements as well!

If you search the word Project Life in the Design House Digital store, you'll find a whole slew of fun items! Check it out!

10. SEPARATE YOUR GOODIES – separate out PL supplies from your stash or tag them so you can easily find them. This will make it easier to find the perfect journaling card or label or word art!

GOODIES FOR YOU 
 


Hopefully, some of those tips will help you get back on the Project Life train! I made a little PL goodie for you! I created six 4x6 cards that you can use in your Project Life. The titles are cut out so you can layer them over digital cardstock or patterned paper. Enjoy! 

Thanks so much for stopping by. My letter for the Collab code is DI also have a $10 gift card to Design House Digital to give away. Leave a comment below and I'll pull a winner next Wednesday! Head on over to the amazing Renee Pearson's blog next! 



214 comments:

1 – 200 of 214   Newer›   Newest»
Tronesia said...

Love your ideas for tackling Project Life! I am wayy behind and def need to catch up :) Thanks for the chance to win!

Chezzie said...

Thanks for the great download, Celeste, and the really useful tips for project life. x

Sue said...

I am just starting PL. Definitely bookmarking this post. Thanks!

Cathy C. said...

I like the bit about being photocentric. Thanks.

ScrappyMama said...

I haven't attempted to tackle PL but it sounds like your K.I.S.S. tips would really help! I am soooooo lovin' this great kit & gotta get busy hoppin' so I can get it & start playin'!!!

Phanti said...

Awesome tips, thanks!
The kit looks really cool.

Mandy said...

I love how you're tackling this project! I am so scared to even start something this big, because I feel as if I'm just setting myself up for failure.

Show Us The World said...

I like the tips. Thank you for the chance to win.

Sarah said...

Lots of great tips on project life here!

momyeung said...

I haven't tried to put together a Project Life album yet, but your tips make sense. Maybe someday...

Unknown said...

Thank you! I"m not doing PL but am still obsessed with all the adorable journal cards! I manage to find all sorts of ways to use them ;)

LeeAnn said...

Thank you for the download and the tips. I do like to keep my layouts photocentric too!

Stacia said...

Really enjoying your Project Life layouts, keep it up! I love the variety in how people can do this. Thanks for sharing!

Happy Now said...

Count me in! Awesome!

Karen Freeman said...

Thanks for the lovely download and the advice about keep gpoing with PL. May need to take that on. kazfree(at)xtra(dot)co(dot)nz

LORi said...

Your page is fantastic! This is my first time hopping with DHD...I'm excited! YAY! Blessings - LORi

joelsgirl said...

Great tips on PL, and I love how you're making it work for you.

Yanina said...

Thank you for the download and the tips.

judyinSD said...

Thanks for the tips and the chance to win

Mimi said...

Fun blog hop! Love your previews. :o)

Lainie said...

Celeste, Thanks so much for some great pointers. I am on my third year of 365s, but have never been that organized. I am going to try some and it should make my life easier.
Joy and blessings,

wahoolady said...

Love the journaling card and especially appreciated the PL tips!

Tammy said...

Thank you for your ideas for Project Life. I haven't done it because it seems SO overwhelming, but I like your KISS strategy! :)

Liz said...

Thank you for the awesome freebie! Kudos to you for doing PL!

rlma said...

Thanks for the tips.m I fear I am really far behind in my PL.

TNSCRAPPER said...

So excited about this kit! Thanks.

ConnieC said...

I enjoy seeing you PL pages. Thanks for the tips.

luba lee said...

well, that IS a generous post of yours! all the KISSing tips are truly useful and i love the idea to keep on the track but without the pressure. we should never forget that this things should feel like playing!

Else49 said...

Love your tips. Nothing is better than being reminded of these tips over and over again. I am sure it will stick with me some day.

Kate said...

I just started a {kind of} Project Life. Thanks for the tips!

Anna said...

I would love to win!!! Thanks for the chance :o

lsquaredstudios said...

I've been thinking about PL but love your tips for memory keeping in general. Thanks for the time you put into such a detailed post.

Joyce L. said...

Thanks for the project life inspiration and the chance to win!

Michele said...

Wonderful tips on Project Life. You may have me talked into doing it next year! Thanks for the freebies!

Beth Barrett said...

I am not a strong journalist, so I am definitely going to try you tips on that!!!

Jessica said...

I love your project life ideas! I can't wait to try some of them out!

Tera said...

Thank you for the Project Life download! This is my 3rd year doing PL and the only scrapbooking I do now.

The Cox Family said...

Thank you for the PL giveaway!

Becs said...

Thank you for the opportunity!

larkd said...

Love Project Life items. Thanks

sbpoet said...

*sigh*

40 comments.

I beseech the goddess of random ...

jovita said...

Thank you for your letter and your freebie! I don't do PL yet but I enjoy looking at yours.

Jennybean said...

Thank you for the free download!

Lois said...

Thank you for the great download!

Rhadonda said...

Thank you so much, I always love these hops!

DixieDoesPSP said...

Thanks you all did a wonderful job on the kit.

Sandy said...

Thanks for the tips for staying organized to complete project life. The cards you gave us are super cute, too! Love these blog hops :)

Mendie said...

Thanks for the freebie!

erin said...

thanks, these are great tips for keeping on in this. I am trying project life for the first time too, and at times it can be overwhelming

Rosalie said...

Thanks for the journal card. Thanks again.

Bunnyfreak said...

Thanks for the chance to win.

Roxanne said...

Thanks for the Freebie.

Laura Stenquist said...

You keep motivating to start a Project Life project...mmm.

Wren said...

What wonderful ideas. Thanks for the journal cards!

Tiny Blessings Photography said...

Great tips! Project life sound like a lot of work, but I am inspired!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the great Project Life tips.

Denise said...

Loved all of your great tips. Thanks for the give away.

myabelle said...

thanks for the pl tips and for the chance to win!

RJMJ said...

Hi There...

Thanks For The Great Tips!...I Agree
That Organization Is The Key!

Thanks For The Chance!
Smiles,RJ

idahorhodes said...

Thanks for the awesome inspiratioin!

Heidi Y said...

Loved all your tips - thanks!

Nicole Michelle Gray said...

I personally love making a wrap up layout of the month and than slipping the layouts from the month behind it.

Amy said...

Great ideas, TSF

Melanie said...

Thanks for the great download!
I need to catch up my project life and just keep it simple:)

Paula said...

Thanks Celeste. The journal cards will be great!

libbywilko said...

Thanks Celeste, loved your tips for PL !! Thank you for the letter, the cute card download :) and the chance to win.

Stacey said...

thank you so much for the great suggestions and the freebie!

Jeune Girl Crafts said...

Thanks for all your hard work!

lebjs said...

How exciting! Thank you for your letter and the very interesting blog post.

Dawn said...

Love your blog post as I'm also doing PL, love your tips too, going to try some out as I'm s few weeks behind!

Danielle said...

Thank you Celeste - great post and awesome resources for the project life procrastinator...me!

VissyMac said...

TY for the freebie and the chance ;-)

Heather said...

I've stalled on PL. Thanks for some new ideas and inspiration!

Callie Callender said...

This is great! thanks for being part!

Donna said...

What a great blog post. I read all the way to the bottom. Thanks for the reminder to K.I.S.S.

Alison said...

Great digital ideas for project life! Thanks for all the tips!

Ari Vega-Macias said...

i have a love/hate relationship with my project life.

stampin_rachel said...

I totally agree with keeping PL simple. I am doing the physical PL and I am loving it! thanks for the chance and the journal card!

Cara said...

Thanks so much for your great article! Made this blog hop a really informative place to be.

Tickled Pink said...

I am loving PL and I totally agree with keeping it simple...I devote all of my Sunday early afternoon to doing my week...it calms me!!

DoggiNo said...

Thanks for sharing your PL tips. It will help with any bigger / longer running project.

Lindzie said...

thanks for the tips about project life. I didn't do that this year, but I might have to next year!

Liz Robertson said...

Thanks for the tips and the chance to win.

Brandy Layton said...

I have struggled with my physical version of PL and I love your digital advice. I love to scrap both ways, but it seems easier for me to PL digitally! Thank you for the chance to win!

Margie said...

Thanks so much for this awesome freebie, and for all of the Project Life inspiration!

Elizabeth Metz said...

All this Project Life talk is totally making me want to do it. All my favorite people are diving in... I think it's only a matter of time before I give in. LOL! Thanks fot the tips and the giveaway!

McBDesigns said...

Thanks for renewing my interest in my neglected Project Life!!! We'll see if I can pull it out of the bag ;)

Deb said...

Thanks for the tip and the freebie. What a neat project.

Tiffani said...

Thanks for the card and the PL tips!

eveline said...

thank you!

Shari said...

Thanks for the chance to win! Love your tips.

grannymike said...

Thanks for all the tips on organizing and planning Project Life. Thanks also for the chance to win the GC.

Shelle @ DreamyNest? {not!}* said...

Great ideas! Love the goodie journaling cards. Thank you for the chance to win.

Keianna said...

Thanks for the freebie. Love the layout you did with the kit.

Karen S. said...

Thanks for the PL goodies!

Amy Cochran said...

I'm in catch up mode too. Thanks for the awesome freebie and the chance to win!

CMOM Productions said...

I love the digi version of Project Life. :) Thanks for the freebie!

Carol said...

You are very kind. Thank you!

RED said...

Great blog entry with very useful ideas! Thanks.

lisajmast said...

I'm inspired by your Project life, and would love to do that sometime. Thanks for the chance to win

Sabrina said...

Thanks, Celeste! Love your page!

Janet said...

Great tips for PL! Thanks for the chance to win

suruha said...

Thank you for all the awesome goodies! This is fun!

Su

Julia said...

Thanks for the PL goodie, and all the hints for keeping it simple. Thanks for the chance to win, also!
Julia
bejuled5@gmail.com

mmikes said...

Thanks for the tips. Retrospect looks great

Sarah said...

I have been considering project life for a few years now. I worry about keeping up - thanks for the tips that it doesn't have to be all or nothing!

Wnderlnd said...

Great post! I love the journaling tracking idea and to KISS it!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the Project Life tips! I always love seeing your pages in the gallery!

Tracey Jamison said...

Thanks for the free download. This is my first blog hop

Marlene said...

Great post, lots of good ideas for getting it done quickly. Just what I need. Thanks so much for the freebie and the chance to win!!

Christina G said...

Thanks so much!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for all the great ideas!

Shelley C said...

I am just getting starting in the digital scrapbooking and all these tips and freebies will help me out alot. Thanks for the chance to win.

Anonymous said...

Great advice! And thanks for the freebie.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the download Celeste and it's true I should start on my ProjectLife. SO much to say and so little time to do. I think I will have to do it digitally like you. So much quicker and easier:-)

Leslie B. said...

I loved all of your ideas for project life. Thanks so much for the inspiration!

Marcella said...

Thanks. Your comments helped make Project Life seem more achievable and less like "one more mountain to climb."

Arielle H Gordon said...

Thank you so much for the tips & download!!! They're awesome!

Anonymous said...

Such a fun bloghop! Thank you.

KittenJen said...

What fun! Thanks!

Live, Laugh, Love said...

I like the idea of going to the internet to find a picture if you don't have one.

thanks

Mary said...

Lots of great info - thanks!

Janka said...

Thanks for the great tips on PL.
I love the DHD collab kits <3

Deanna Czarniecki said...

Love the tips! Thanks for the chance to win!

scrapperellen said...

I like your blog and ideas! Thanks!
ellen

Val said...

Thanks for the freebie, I'll be using it in my PL, I love all your pages you always have such great simple layouts.

Amber said...

Great ideas! Thanks for the chance to win!

GeorgiaRose said...

Thanks! Nice layout!

Krystal Zollinger said...

I am completely new to digital scrapping and love all the ideas you shared. Thanks for the freebie!

Shay said...

Awesome post that I plan on coming back to really examine. I have bought some of the Project Life items and a lot of digi products too, but still haven't done it. One of these days although I am keeping a daily written log as is every member of my family. Thank you do much for the freebie.

Noelle said...

Thanks for the heads up on the cool journaling cards - I already have some of these sets and may just need to get some of the others!

R.Lindgren said...

I have been flirting with the PL concept. Thank you for your insight.

jdzwief said...

Your project life goodies are very cute. MANY THANKS!!!

Ekirchhoff said...

Love your page with the kit!

gleestormont said...

haven't been to your blog in a while (new computer, lost favorites). thanks to the hop, i'm remembering why i loved your site.

Nancy said...

Thanks for all the tips and profiling all the great products that should help make it easier! Appreciate the download!

♥ Audrey ♥ said...

Luv the tips you have given here!

BJoyful333 said...

I'm not doing project life but I do a two page spread per month on each of my nieces (don't have kids of my own) and by the end of the year I have a great gift for my sister and brother-in-law. It also helps that my sister facebooks everything so I know the funny, sad and ho-hum-daily stories to journal with.
Thanks for the chance to win!

Jill said...

ooooo thanks for the chance to win

Bernadette said...

I've been doing P365 but have been considering switching to Project Life - your post might just sway me! Great tips and thanks for the chance to win!

LindaHAZ said...

Thank you for the tips on Proj Life. I have enjoyed viewing your digital PL and am hopeful to do a digital version next year.

LindaHAZ said...

Oops. The "I" from the last comment is me, LindaHAZ

Teara said...

such a neat new idea;))
lots of fun

Teara said...

such a neat new idea;))
lots of fun

Teara said...

such a neat new idea;))
lots of fun

shunshine said...

Love love this post!! Learned loads. Thanks!! Please pick me!!

Wioletta said...

thanks for fun!!!:):)

Theresa said...

Love your PL ideas. Thanks so much.
=)

Lynn said...

Great tips! Thanks!

Babs said...

I'm so excited about trying my own project life. Thanks for the tips!

Linh C. said...

Thanks for the tips and freebie!

Melinda said...

Great layout and tips on project life!

iMom-Lynn said...

I am still afraid to even attempt Project Life. Feeling a bit silly - but maybe eventually I'll get over it. Thanks!

Tiffmc said...

Thanks so much for the chance to win and the useful tips!

Julanne said...

Thank you for the PL tips! I am still relatively new at it - trying to catch up from the beginning of the year!

Kim said...

Thanks for the freebie and the useful tips!

ashleymhc said...

Love your layout. thanks for the PL journal card.

Lani said...

Thanks for the tips. I just started my PL & having a ball doing it so far. :)

Katherine said...

Wonderful tips on PL! Thanks for the chance to win!

Lindsey said...

Thanks for the tips & freebie!!

Katie said...

I'm doing PL traditionally but am seriously contemplating going digitial next time. Love your examples and links to all the goodies to add to my hybrid PL!

KJ said...

Love your ideas and the freebie. Thanks KJ

Dawn B. said...

Thanks for the useful freebie and the coupon code! Happy iNSD!

Demetria said...

thanks for the chance
Demetria

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for your portion! krihar :)

kc71595 said...

Thank you for the chance to win!

Anonymous said...

Honestly, I've been a little afraid of Project Life, even though I love it! Thanks for all of the fabulous suggestions, it seems a little less scary now! Thanks for the chance to win! :)

Carina said...

Love all your ideas for PL! I´m also doing this and I´m behind....

Kimberlee at SD said...

Love you helpful ideas (espcially writting in the week ahead of time). I am doing a weekly set of pages using photos I have taken to date, and then working on keeping the photo taking amount the same the rest of the year as well. Thanks for the journal card and the giveaway! ~Kimberlee
spunkydiva at live dot com

Nicole said...

Thank you so much for this post! I've thought about doing project life for awhile but was intimidated.

Vera said...

Thank you for the PL tips, and the feebie :)

SusanW said...

Sounds like fun. Can't wait for this cute kit. Thanks

Mel said...

Thank you so much! I'm just learning about PL, digital & paper. Your tips are really helpful!

Mary Brack said...

Thanks for the freebie and the NSD fun.

Loca4paper said...

Your post is very helpful! It truly helped me organize Project Life. Thank you for the freebie also:)

Barbara Ann said...

Great ideas - great blog post!

Midnightscrapper said...

Thank you for the journal cards. I like you ideas.

Fotofun said...

I'm feeling inspired to do a project life! Thanks for the great journal cards, too!

Lisa said...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the journal cards!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the tip. I love the google image idea!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the tip. I love the google image idea!

Aj said...

I love the idea of PL, and even have bought a couple of kits to document our lives somewhat chronologically (something that I don't do with my normal scrapbooking - everything fits pretty well into 4 major catagories - All About Us, Things We Do, Places We Go, & People We Love). But I just haven't followed through with it. I really appriciate that you've outlined your process and given permission for it to not be perfect :) Thanks!

Jen said...

Thanks for the tips on doing Project Life! I've been interested in trying it, and you make it sound so much easier!

Aznewmom said...

Love the layout. Thanks for the gift. I am not familiar w/project life. Looks interesting.

Susan said...

I've been *really* overwhelmed w/ too many ideas & no clue where to start, or achieve the 'look' I have in my mind. What you have written is a HUGE help. Thank you so very much!

Simply AJ said...

Thank you so much for your insight and helpful tips. Good Stuff!! AJ@queenofmynest

Anonymous said...

I'm just beginning w digi scrapping so am a little overwhelmed at times. I love your ideas for project life...they help me to feel I could accomplish it. Thanks for sharing your talent!

Carol
bugbitten at hotmail dot com

Tina said...

Thanks for all the great tips!

Ashley said...

Thanks for your post it was good, lots of info and thanks for the freebie!

Jackie said...

Thanks for sharing some very helpful tips!

Suz said...

happy nsd thanks for the freebie it's really great & will be well used. i really like digi project life as i always hated the little pouch sheet protectors for some reason so this way gives a cleaner look

tajicat said...

Thanks so much! :)

Unknown said...

#7 is a great idea! I never thought of using stock photos for the media in our lives. Going to use it this week - thanks for sharing!

Persephone Pomegranate said...

I'm just starting my digital project life and am loving it so far!! Must get those stitched pockets!

Lillie said...

Thanks for the download and for the great tips. Still working on my personal PL will be back on this page again.:)

StakiMama said...

Thanks for the tips they are good ones! I will use the download in my next layout. thanks for highlighting the journal cards, i especially like the secretary stamp

Jules said...

Love your site. Fab ideas. Thank you x

Janneke said...

Thanks for the tips and the card!

Unknown said...

Thanks for all the ideas & the freebie!

Scrumptious said...

Thanks for the tips, they come at a perfect time. I was so dedicated about 2010, which I did in paper, Betsy Higgins form, but I'm still trying to catch up on 2011, which I am doing in digital form! And don't even get me started on this year... Anyhow, this is just what I needed to hear today. Thanks for the freebie, too! Happy iNSD!

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