Wow — the enthusiasm. Yay, you guys! We are stoked that you are stoked about what’s coming this Fall. Thank you for your comments on the last post. There were also a few excellent questions so I’m happy to address those.

But first – I think Kristina in Brisbane, Australia wins the award for cutest comment. She wrote, “Thank you Becky. It’s pretty emotional for me about the possibility of capturing amazing memories for my children and future generations without it being daunting, too hard, too fumbly, etc. If I was a bubble, I’d burst.”

……….

{ your questions }

……….

Q: It feels like Project Life just got a whole lot more complicated with all the choices! But I’m anxious to see the new designs.

A: Okay, so that wasn’t a question but it’s a legitimate thought that I’m sure a few of you have had, even though we know most of our customers are pleased with the change. I’m happy to explain what led to the change. We used to offer full kits. Everything-in-a-box. Simple, right? Well … not so much. Most everything was A-OK but manufacturing defects are inevitable, period. So in a huge box with lots of contents, if any one piece was wrong, there was a lot of time/work/stress/money spent on replacing little pieces here + there. Now, if there are any problems at all, it’s a simple return/exchange with Amazon (U.S. customers) or with your international distributor, for those of you outside the U.S.

Another reason for breaking apart the kit: We love making scrapbooking affordable. Even though the price for one kit was incredible (and, quite frankly, far less money than you’d ever spend on that much stuff anywhere else), it’s still money. And money can be tight, especially these days. The way we’re moving forward with our products now, folks are able to get only what they feel like they need to get the job done, and skip the fun extras if it’s not the right time to be spending extra money.

Bottom line: There are several reasons why we decided to do this, and what you need to know is that David and I have put a lot of time, thought, and money into this business. We don’t make decisions lightly. Please trust that we are very thoughtful and very intentional about our choices with what and when and how we do things so that you – our customers – have a good experience, while also maintaining that our family life is our #1 priority.

…..

Q: So are you saying we will have to purchase the page protectors separately? If they are not included in the price of the kit, then will the kit price go down?

A: Yes, that’s what I’m saying. The Core Kit will absolutely cost way less than our full kits have cost in the past. This is one of the advantages of breaking the kit apart. Let’s say you only want the Core Kit and the Big Pack of 60 Photo Pocket Pages, and not necessarily the Scrapbook Dividers, 12×12 Cardstock, or the coordinating binder. No problem! Just get what you want and not what you don’t.

…..

Q: Has the quality improved with the binders since the last ones? 

A: This is a very resounding YES. I will be share more details on this very soon, but trust me on this one. I’m confident that you’re going to be very pleased with our new binders, which includes the reprint of the Turquoise and Amber binders, as well as the new 2012 Project Life styles and our signature “neutral” binders. Information and images on all the binders will come soon, along with the 2012 Project Life product reveals. Remember: All of these items are roughly a month behind the October releases that we’re talking about right now.

…..

Q: Why buy your page protectors when other companies make the same thing? What is different about yours?

A: First of all, we have had production delays for a reason: We are more picky than ever. Quality control. The search for perfection. You name it, we have been working very hard to make these staples as close to perfect as possible, so that you are happier than happy with our products. So if quality is a big deal to you, that would be a reason.

Secondly, the way we’ve set up our business for U.S. customers is that we sell directly to you by way of Amazon. This is how we’re able to keep our prices down. So if affordable is a big deal to you, that would be a reason.

Thirdly, a few of the basic designs are obviously “what’s out there” already. We know that (refer to the first two points in this response). But we added them to the line-up for a simple reason — it’s nice to have the same quality and affordability across the board. So if consistency and convenience are a big deal to you, that would be a reason.

Most of our designs, however, are unique to our brand and are very much inline with our philosophy of taking the guesswork out of scrapbooking for those who want to simplify the process. Our pockets are 4×6 for the standard photos and 3×4 for the Journaling Cards (and “half-size” photos and memorabilia and whatever else you use the 3×4 pockets for). This is key in helping us to be better about journaling little notes, stories, and anecdotes to go along with our pictures.

…..

Q: Are the Core Kits that will be available in October for 2011? Or can they be used for any year? I am assuming that when the 2012 kits become available, I would use the core kit that applies for 2012. I am new to Project Life, but I’m SO excited.

A: Simply put, all of our Core Kits have been, and will continue to be, completely applicable to any year and any approach. The designs are not date-specific. You could pick up any kit and get your whole childhood in an album. Or you could use the kit to document a picture-every-day in a calendar year. Or you could go back and get the 90′s into a couple scrapbooks with our products. The whole idea is that you make the products work for your needs. You don’t have to conform to any format. I’m so excited you’re giving it a try!

…..

Q: Do you ever plan on creating Project Life in 8.5×11? I switched over from 12×12′s years ago because the size is SO much easier for my kids, parents, grandparents etc. to handle.

A: Yes, we have totally considered this. The reason why the 8.5 x 11 format doesn’t work for this system is because, in order to simplify the process for you, that includes leaving all the 4×6 prints just as they are, as opposed to requiring you to crop everything down. It just doesn’t work quite as well. If the 12×12 albums are larger than you’d like (I’m in that camp these days too, so I totally relate) … the Digital Project Life is what you want to look into.

…..

Q:  I know you can’t see into the future, but am wondering if you can comment on if these products will be available over the coming years in similar formats. Should I stock up on school kits for my young children now, or will I be able to purchase these products in 2 and 4 years from now? Again, I know you can’t see into the future, but what’s your best guess?

A: You’re a planner. I get it. I’m a planner too! And while I don’t have that crystal ball we’d all like to have sometimes, this is what I can tell you: Project Life works. Project Life solves problems. We’re setting things up in such an organized and intentional and methodical and user-friendly and solution-based manner, that it’s a no-brainer to keep a good thing going … for as long as you guys think it’s a good thing. We plan on all the BASICS being available year-round and bringing out NEW DESIGNS at least once a year.

…..

Q: I haven’t seen you mention anything about Digital Project Life. Will there be new designs for that? If so, any timeline of when it will be out?

A: Yes, Digital Project Life lives on, and the new 2012 designs will come by the end of this year. We just have a stronger emphasis on the physical product right now because that’s where the interest is for most of our customers, and because purchasing actual, physical product usually involves more planning of sorts. Particularly for our international customers, as they are able to place pre-orders in advance.

…..

Q: It would be awesome to have a punch the size of the 3×4 Journaling Cards. My (project) life would be complete if I had a punch I could use to quickly size things perfectly and pop them into the page!

A: It sounds like you’re not alone in your thinking. And I have to tell you, a lot of what we’re bringing is due to the suggestions and requests you’ve thrown our way. We really, truly listen and I hope that’s obvious to our customers by now. So … about the punch … we’ll look into the possibility. How’s that?  : )

…..

Q: Are you going to be creating a school kit?

A: Okay, so I know most of you know this already, but for those of you who missed the memo, I repeat – School- and childhood-specific products are planned to show up early 2012. It’s simply not possible to do everything at once. Trust me – you wouldn’t want me to try that. I’d go completely mental and broke, all at once.  : )

In the meantime, I would definitely plan on picking up a few staples that are coming out this Fall. For example, this stuff:

You’ll be able to get a great head-start with at least organizing your pictures. When the school/childhood stuff comes out, that will help you pull it all together beautifully. More on this in the coming weeks. We’ll discuss this in depth.

…..

I hope this has cleared some things up for those of you with questions. Most of you know I’m very accessible to my readers/customers. I do my best to answer your questions. Please remember that while Project Life is growing and spreading like wildfire (thanks to you guys, for sharing it with your friends!) … we are still a small business, and not even quite two years into this adventure.

Family is most important. Service and community involvement and friends and even sleep are important too. We also care a lot about making sure Becky Higgins LLC provides the very best for you. Trust me when I say, we are happy to continue working hard to do our best. And, as always, we appreciate your enthusiasm and loyalty so very much.