See what I mean!? Yesterday’s announcement about our partnership with Amercian Crafts was so much fun, so well-received, and we are soooo thankful for your positive feedback and support! Like we said – that was just the beginning.

Any of you who already love Studio Calico are probably freaking out over today’s announcement of another partnership full of awesomeness. If you don’t happen to know about Studio Calico, I’ll gladly introduce you.

What is Studio Calico?

I’m going to let the ever-so-lovely brains behind Studio Calico explain in her own words. Go HERE and click on the little video icon in the bottom right corner. It’s less than 3 minutes long. That’s April Foster. She is awesome. April and I share such a similar passion for how we are running our respective businesses and how we are able to reach different scrapbookers. Which is why this collaboration is even more beautiful. She gets it. I get it. This is a match made in heaven, right?

When will we see the first Project Life kit from Studio Calico?

The first kit will ship the first week of January 2013.

What do the Project Life kits contain?

Each month the kit will include cards in a variety of sizes, a high-quality photopolymer stamp set, and many other embellishments such as decorative clips, washi tape, badges, stickers, die cuts – and much more. What’s fun is that each monthly kit is a compilation of designs and goodies from several different companies. Studio Calico is brilliant about bringing random stuff together perfectly. Everything will work beautifully with the Project Life pocket-based system.

How do I subscribe? What does it cost? How long does it last? Can I get it if I’m outside the U.S.?

There are inevitably so many great questions and I want you to feel well-informed. Studio Calico is going to be best at explaining all the nitty-gritty. More information is outlined HERE (and be sure to check out the Studio Calico blog too). If your questions are not answered there, you can contact Studio Calico HERE or email them at info@studiocalico.com.

How do I get on the waiting list?

Go HERE, my friend.

I love the simplicity of Project Life. Why would I want to add more “stuff”?

I designed Project Life to be a solution … a time-saver … a money-saver. My whole philosophy centers around the idea that you don’t need all the stuff in order to create beautiful scrapbooks. You don’t need to spend so much time on a layout. I still believe that with all my heart, and I continue to preach it to the world.  ; )

But here’s the fun thing that I’ve noticed in my 3 years of doing this: The Project Life system appeals to all sorts of people. Absolutely this simple approach to memory-keeping appeals to those who need to keep it simple (they’re new to scrapbooking – or they’re overwhelmed – or they don’t have time – or they don’t feel creative – or they appreciate ultra-simple – or you name it). But we have noticed that Project Life also appeals to those who love to spend a little extra time on their scrapbooks.

We think that any way that you approach memory-keeping is splendid. Simple or elaborate. Fully designed pages or the slip-your-photos-in-pockets system. Mini albums or 12×12. Whatever floats your boat! Don’t feel pressure to do it one way or another. Do it how you love it and do what works for you in this stage of life. Just do something. If you love to add the extra flavor to your Project Life albums, you will love the Project Life kit by Studio Calico.

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Be sure to follow Studio Calico on facebook and twitter if you’re not already.

And yes – just when you thought this week couldn’t get more fun, the party continues tomorrow. And the next day. And the next day. Yeehaw!

It is with great delight that I announce to you that we have teamed up with American Crafts so that Project Life can now be available in stores nationwide, and all over the world. We have already had a lot of fun working together since entering into an agreement and I have to say - very exciting things are in the works. More Project Life, more possibilities, more visibility, and more availability.

American Crafts has been one of my very favorite scrapbooking companies since my earliest days of being a part of this industry (about 15 years ago), and there is so much awesomeness to come out of combining our strengths with theirs. As with any big announcement, I am sure there are questions. Please understand that with a little time, we will be equipped to share more information and more details. For now, these are the main points you should know:

CONSUMERS: Yes, our products are still currently on Amazon – and we will continue to keep Project Life available direct-to-consumer. Now you’ll also have the option of walking into your local craft or scrapbooking store and finding Project Life right there on the shelf so you can check it out in person. If you want your local store to carry our products, tell them to contact American Crafts.

RETAILERS: So many of you have been asking to sell Project Life the past few years and we were never equipped to handle a wholesale portion of the business in our infancy. This partnership with American Crafts now makes it possible, as they have the team, the resources, and the infrastructure to make it happen (hallelujah). If you are interested in carrying our products in your store, contact an American Crafts sales representative at 800-879-5185, sales@americancrafts.com, or fill out the form here.

Speaking of retailers, everyone outside of the U.S. who has ordered our products knows how much we love Craft House (out of New Zealand) and Scrapbooker’s Inner Circle (out of Canada) and Scraplicious (out of SE Asia), as they have made it possible for Project Life to be available worldwide from the beginning. I’m pleased to tell you that these existing distributors will continue to offer Project Life.

EVERYONE: I haven’t set foot on a trade show floor in years, and I’m pleased to announce that this partnership is putting me back in the CHA scene in January. If you are planning to attend that show in Anaheim, I would be honored if you stopped by the Becky Higgins/Project Life booth #2628. Yes, I am still overseeing the design and development of all Project Life products. In fact – thanks to this partnership, I’ll now be able to develop MORE (so, so, so many ideas that I want to see come into fruition). Project Life will continue on as the simple, solution-based system we all love.

TIMING:  It is anticipated retail-ready product will begin shipping in April 2013. Click HERE to download the official news release PDF.

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Oh, but that’s not all. Oh no. We have another big announcement tomorrow! And the fun won’t stop there either. Check in each day this week. So much good stuff. Please know that while we’re so excited about this week on the blog, we are very aware of what’s looming in the eastern U.S. Hurricane Sandy is undoubtedly going to affect so many of you reading this, and I want you to know I’m praying for your safety.

{ Loving This no. 1: Grid Cards }

A box of 100 Grid Cards is something every Project Lifer should have on hand. I mean, technically it’s not a MUST-have like the 3 key ingredients to complete an album are (Binder + Core Kit + Big Pack of Photo Pocket Pages) … but … they’re pretty darn handy for a million reasons. Besides actually using them for journaling anecdotes, captions, and stories to go in our Project Life albums, they’ve been utilized by my kids for many things. Writing on them while we travel, doodling on them to stay reverent during church, and even flash cards for school!

3×4 Grid Cards shown here. I even keep David’s honey-do list on 4×6 Grid Cards. True story.

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{ Loving This no. 2: 6×12 Page Protectors }

This item is so very handy for any of your taller items that don’t need a full 12 inches of width in the scrapbook. Programs, ribbons, kids’ art, pamphlets, playbills, greeting cards, and in this case … Claire’s latest booklets. There are limitless possibilities with the 6×12 Page Protectors that any scrapbooker would just love. Remember: You can always cut off the top edge if you don’t want the full 12″ height.

Designer Paper is from the upcoming Olive Edition.

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{ your turn }

What about you? Which Project Life items are just GEMS to you right now, outside of those 3 essentials that are necessary to complete an album? Is it the little boxes of Textured Cards? A certain Photo Pocket Page design? Are you loving the Month Dividers or the empty Organizational Tray to keep all your random Project Life cards nice and neat? Are the Envelope Pages helping keep your precious memorabilia safe and organized? I’d love to hear about your favorite.

And of course you know we’re all ears about your Project Life wish list. Always.