A few years ago, I started my very first Project Life album. Needless to say, that album remains unfinished, along with other Project Life albums and layouts. At some point during the Project Life process, I would completely tucker out and lose steam. Also, I would overthink the process, try to use too many products, and attempt to use ALL the photos.
I quit before I even got started.
Over the past two years, the number of layouts that I make that document my everyday life (i.e. family, work, random shenanigans), has decreased significantly. These stories are very important to me so I began thinking about the idea of revisiting Project Life. Additionally, this year I am working on implementing a daily creative practice. I figured that part of this daily practice should include working on my Project Life album.
So, I decided to revisit Project Life.
If you are not sure what Project Life is, I recommend watching the following video. This video was filmed 5 years ago but it explains the Project Life process. Also, you can find a full range of Project Life physical products and albums HERE . To learn more about Digital Project Life, click HERE, and for the Project Life App, click HERE.
In short, Project Life is a simplified storytelling system using pocket page protects and 3×4 and 4×6 pocket cards. The focus on this format is to document life’s everyday moments. Listen to Becky Higgins, founder and owner of Project Life, as she explains her popular storytelling system.
Despite the fact that I have not been consistent with Project Life in the past, I still love this storytelling approach and I am willing to give it another try. However, this time I am simplifying my process.
PLANNING AHEAD
I have found that I am most successful when I plan my projects a head of time. For me, this means printing my photos throughout the week that I want to include in my weekly spread, journaling throughout the week as well so I don’t forget the details that I want to document, and making a sketch of my overall project design. These are tasks that I can complete during my morning creative block or when I am relaxing and watching Netflix! Also, planning ahead saves so much time when I sit down to finish a weekly layout. I don’t have to take the time to decide what photos I’m going to use or what I want to say…all of that work will be done before hand.
NOTE: I have elected to create weekly Project Life spreads. However, please know that you can approach this project in many different ways (i.e. monthly, seasonally, every other week). The point is to document your everyday stories in someway on a consistent basis.
CURATE A KIT OF PROJECT LIFE SUPPLIES
In addition to making scrapbooking kits, I also plan to make several Project Life kits. These kits will feature a variety materials from my stash and newly acquired products. Having a kit prepared and ready to go eliminates the stress of picking out materials when the time comes to work on a spread.
BATCH AND BLOCK EACH TASK
I strongly believe in the power of batching and blocking as many tasks as I possibly can! To simplify my Project Life process, I have scheduled one day per week (Sunday) to work on my weekly spreads. Working on this project on Sunday mornings has been super helpful and it gives me something to look forward to when the weekend comes. Also, on Saturday mornings, I print my photos and type the journaling for my spreads. This is a fairly easy process if I’m consistent with printing photos throughout the week. But, I recognize that there will be some weeks when this doesn’t happen, so a Saturday morning printing and journaling block will be really helpful.
KEEP THE DESIGN SIMPLE
I love a clean and simple scrapbook layout design. I also love to layer and to add texture and dimension to my scrapbook projects. However, for Project Life, my focus is on words and photos. I have found that I am most interested in simple designs with minimal embellishing and stamping. However, I am giving myself the freedom to explore a variety of design options as I continue with this project in 2021.
Being flexible is key!
MOST OF ALL…ENJOY THE PROCESS!
This year, I want to enjoy the Project Life process! Becky Higgins did not intend for this project to be overly complicated, in fact, her intentions were quite the opposite. So far I have completed Weeks 1 and 2 from January and have Weeks 3 and 4 prepped and ready to go. I very much enjoy the process of reflecting on the week’s adventures, the ebb and flow of my family life, my random thoughts and musings, and everything in between. But most of all, I enjoy the simplicity of this project…just photos and words.
To see Week 2 of my Project Life album, click on the video below. And tell me in the comments section, do you enjoy creating Project Life spreads? Are you revisiting this project after a long break or reevaluating your process? I would love to know!
Enjoy!