Project Life 2013 | Week Eleven

Welcome to Project Life 2013 | Week Eleven (March 11-17)

I'm still in a bit of a catch-up mode over here with the office move underway. Katie and I both worked on Project Life today at my kitchen table and in my kitchen - can't wait to get stuff back in the office and out of the kitchen.

Lately I've been thinking a lot about traditional layouts. This summer I'm teaching a 12-week workshop at Big Picture Classes that's going to include about 36 new layouts from me (3 per week during the class) and I'm excited to start working on those really soon. The class is called Hello Story and I'll have more details for you next month. Registration will open in May and the class starts right around the first of July. This workshop will be all new content and will feature 12 different ways to approach/frame your stories (I'm trying to make them all new approaches that I haven't included in previous classes).

It's been awhile (okay really quite awhile) since I put together a big bunch of traditional/non-Project Life layouts. I used to do them all the time, sometimes one a day when I first started. I loved the process. I loved the storytelling. I loved playing with the patterns and supplies and weaving them together with my words and photos. And I couldn't wait to make the next one. I think there's lots of different reasons I've gotten away from creating them - a stressful last couple of years, feeling like I couldn't find my voice or figure out how to tell the stories I was living, feeling like I didn't have the energy, doubting myself, focusing more on Project Life (which I love and will continue to do), spending too much time on other pieces of my business (designing vs. creating), etc, etc, etc.

A season for everything.

All that said, I'm feeling energized and excited to get a bunch of stories told via 12x12 and 8.5x11 pages. I've actually been dreaming about them and sketching out ideas. What's different now? Who knows exactly. But it's time. Time to create pages that tell stories I've missed. Pages that include creative techniques and demonstrate different ways to translate the same journaling ideas for different stories (stories about you, stories about your family, stories about the things that matter). If you're looking for me that's where I'll be - making pages and putting class content together. Ready, set, go.

I hope you'll consider joining me in class. And holy cow I wrote a whole lot more right up there ^ then I was planning.

Here's a look at Week Eleven:

Lots of pieces I used this week were included with the Project Life add-on kit over at Studio Calico. I especially love those Hey Boy Die Cuts & Transparencies from Basic Grey.

Can't go wrong with a real-life shot of me getting my hair done right?

The photo on the top right includes a wood-veneer card from the Studio Calico Project Life Add-On Kit that I cut and used half on one side of the photo and half on the other edge.

A favorite card this week is the "self-portrait" one from the Mayfield Childhood Edition. Anna had a 4-year check up this week (perfect time to use the card) and she drew a picture of herself there and told me, "Mommy, it's me looking at something really still."

Hand-journaling added around the transparent die-cut circle. Love that photo.

I was really excited to be included in Somerset Life this month.

I wrote a short piece about writing/blogging and about some of the impact it has had on my life. I really loved how they showcased the images I sent them within the article.

It's available in stores now or you can order it online.

"Love each other" is from my Family 3x4 Sentiment Boxes and was cut with the Silhouette. The time I cut off the top of the box outline - I like how that turned out. This is added into the page protector without anything behind it (in some of the images you can see a picture behind it - that's part of Week Twelve). Love adding see-through stuff in the pockets from time to time.

Click here for a tutorial that shows you how to trace my digital PNG files with the Silhouette.

The tabbed journal card (that says "documented" on top) is from Elle's Studio: Day To Day Tabs.

Letter stickers + handwritten words directly onto the photo.

Two of my guy friends from college who are part of a treasured group of local friends. I need to remember to do more of this combination of printed text + an embellishment. I like seeing them together like that.

SUPPLIES | 2013 | WEEK ELEVEN

Click on the images to link to the products.



























Project Life is a product and a system and a lifestyle created by Becky Higgins. It can be anything you want it to be. The core pieces used in my album are available here. If you live outside the US check Becky’s site for more information on sources. You can check out all my posts (I started in 2010) about Project Life here.

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36 thoughts

  1. dawn says…
    04/04/2013

    Ali, I'm sooooo excited about your class coming up this summer.When you shared a little peek about this last fall I knew my OLW this year had to be STORY!! I'm scrapping more and writing more stories in my journal and for the kids/family. It's helped me find my way back to scrapping layouts too which I've missed so much. Having different ways to tell the story other then scrapping is also my goal, JUST TO WRITE DAILY!!

    I enjoyed reading all that you wrote about scrapping and how your excited to jump back in and start again. I'm even more excited after reading this. Can't wait to see what you will have for us!!

    Wonderful PL week again, love seeing your pages!

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. dawn says…
    04/04/2013

    Forgot to mention, Congrats on your article in Somerset!!! I will look for it in my bookstore.

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Brooke says…
    04/04/2013

    I thought the 'love each other' pocket was a photo of your hand with the silhouette box outline over the top. Kind of liked the idea of holding love. Fun how everyone sees what you do differently.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. laura g. says…
    04/04/2013

    i have missed your traditional pages too! i always like to look at your Studio AE blog on the 10th of the month because i know i will see one... i have been making traditional pages now and then and just putting them in with my PL...the best of BOTH worlds!

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Anne-Marie says…
    04/04/2013

    I know how you feel though. Lately, I've just been so overwhelmed with work, home and kids activities that I am just not feeling that 12 x 12 process. So, I'm just going with where I am right now. I am excited about trying your class this summer. It might be just what I need to get back into it! Good luck on your office. I can't wait to see your new space. Off to the water park with my daughter!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Carolin says…
    04/04/2013

    Hi Ali, may I ask you which font you used for the printed text in your last photo (the b/w one with your two friends)? I always find it difficult to find a font for my photos that'll look good and is easy to read.
    Thanks!
    Carolin

    P.S. Looking very much forward to your class in July! :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Loydene says…
    04/04/2013

    I'm so glad to hear that you'll be doing more "real" layouts. I like your Project Life -- but there is too much PL in the scrap arena lately and too few layouts, I think!

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. kristineS says…
    04/04/2013

    I am so excited to see you back to 12x12 and 8 1/2x11.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Michelle L says…
    04/04/2013

    I'm so excited to read about your upcoming class! I've always loved your layouts and I've missed them! Can't wait!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Emilie says…
    04/04/2013

    You are still my FAVORITE scrapbooker!! (Maybe i stalked you a little at the last Creative Escape.. Maybe not) i CANNOT wait for your class!! I have missed your pages and creative inspiration!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Christine says…
    04/04/2013

    So excited to see you're jumping back into more layouts. I truly enjoy your project life spreads and can't wait to see what you bring to your class :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Dara Cohen says…
    04/04/2013

    So glad to hear about your new class, glad to hear you feel like getting back into that part of your creative life again.
    Dara

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. JulieE says…
    04/04/2013

    I've missed your "classic" layouts too! I can't wait to join the class.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Allison says…
    04/04/2013

    Woohoo! It is funny, I just had this realization about myself about a month ago. I have since made a couple of traditional layouts and was reminded how much I love that process (PL is now a couple weeks behind though...sigh). Now, reading your post, I recognize that I stopped doing traditional layouts around the same time you did. Bottom line is that you are such an amazing creative inspiration that I'd likely not do much of anything if it wasn't for you. Thank you so much for doing what you do! I can't wait to join you in your Big Picture workshop!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Kathy says…
    04/04/2013

    Love your page spreads and the B&W photos with some text...it's just so classic and strips everything down to just the "moment". Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Dori says…
    04/04/2013

    As a non-working empty-nester with our grown kids scattered across the country, PL for me would end up like the movie "Groundhog Day", lol, the same things over and over. So I use 12 x 12 albums to tell my stories and fill them, mostly, with classic layouts in various sizes because I love that look. I also love love love divided page protectors and use them occasionally for my classic layouts, just so I can fill the individual little pockets - so fun! Your upcoming workshop has my name all over it! I've learned SO much from you and am really excited to learn more in your class. Thanks, Ali!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. StacyK says…
    04/04/2013

    Ali, I'm SOOOO taking your class in July! Yay Can't wait!! As usual....you did good things with PL week 11. LOVE!

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Patti L says…
    04/04/2013

    Thanks for inspiring on a day where I am just not feeling it. Very interested in your class. I have recently gone back to doing a few traditional 12x12 layouts, I usually reserve it for when I have a crop & can have time to work on it.
    Love your PL this week, lots of great details, neat ideas. All things that have been on my radar that I need to put into action!

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. abbeyviolet says…
    04/04/2013

    I am SO excited to see what comes next. I would love to see more of your 12x12 pages and where inspiration and story telling is taking you next. So excited for all of us and for you!

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Jessica @The Mom Creative says…
    04/04/2013

    Yes to a crazy couple years and moving away from traditional layouts and doing more Project Life. My story is similar. I recently reorganized my paper stash to a system where I can see it and have been thinking about traditional pages and maybe doing more again. Excited to see what you come up with in your class. xo

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Mallory says…
    04/04/2013

    Wonderful week Ali! I am now so inspired. Can't wait to sit down and get some PL weeks done (I'm behind too).

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Jil says…
    04/04/2013

    Yay for your new class on scrapbook layouts! I'm looking forward to it already.

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Annette says…
    04/04/2013

    Ali,
    So am in the same place with my "traditional layouts" your class sounds like just what I need to get me going again. I must have taken a hiatius with you... Can't wait for the class!!!!

    A

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Donna says…
    04/04/2013

    Looking forward to the layout class too. I have hardly completed a traditional layout in about 3 years. PL and OLW have helped clear my vision and keen to get some stories told!

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Jenny says…
    04/04/2013

    I'm excited to hear of your class. I've found that at first with PL I didn't do much extra layouts but now I've realized it frees me up to document things beyond the day to day: myself, past times with my husband, my grandparents.
    Glad to hear you've gotten back the layout bug!

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