Once upon a time there was a mom who had piles of pictures, memorabilia, papers, artwork, report cards, and other bits and pieces of her child’s life. This woman felt so guilty that she hadn’t done anything with the little treasures. She wanted so badly for her child to have an album full of their memories but she just didn’t know where to start. She was overwhelmed, confused, and really didn’t know how she could possibly tackle the project. And yeah, there’s more than one kid in this scenario.
Does this sound like a tale about you!?
I’ll tell you what. This is ME. And this is why the Childhood Editions of Project Life exist – because I am that mom. If you missed the video and all the images from when I introduced the Childhood Mini Kits, be sure to check that out. Best thing since sliced bread.
And now … we are just around the corner from those Childhood Mini Kits finally being here. Being available. Being used in our albums!
…..
timing update
As we receive updates, I share them with you. The latest update tells me that the Childhood Mini Kits, the Mini Albums, the Big Packs of Photo Pocket Pages that recently sold out, the Olive Edition, and the Seafoam Edition of Project Life will all be showing up on Amazon by the end of next week. Sooooo soon. And yes, we ordered loads so you won’t have have to stalk Amazon the second they show up. Just be sure to follow me on either facebook, twitter, or instagram and you’ll always have up-to-date information.
…..
childhood pages
I’m pleased to share with you some sample Childhood pages by a few of our brand-new Creative Team members. You will love the inspiration, and you’ll notice how versatile the cards are. You can write on them, or your child can write on them – or both! Just click below to be directed to their respective blog posts.
Today we launched the DIGITAL version of all these Childhood products on ACDigitials.com! So if you just can’t wait until next week, they’re yours. If you aren’t interested in digital but want a closer look at the products, you can check it all out there. Happy Digital Shopping!
…..
fairy tale endings
Every mom who relates to the picture I painted at the beginning of this post can have HOPE. Project Life is designed to be a solution. But of course I understand that there seems to be a process that needs to happen before you can just throw pictures and journaling cards in the Photo Pocket Pages. Let’s be honest – that’s the easy part. I totally get it.
So here’s the deal: I made a 30-minute video that outlines my master plan for documenting my family’s life and documenting my kids’ life. I walk you step-by-step through what I’ve done to get a grip on it all. So if you missed that, grab yourself a snack, cuddle up with your lap top, and watch the video.
I am so ready to get those Childhood Mini Kits here. I know 2013 RESOLUTIONS are on a lot of our minds. I know I’m in good company with so many who are resolving to be better about documenting life this year. I know I’m in good company with so many who are resolving to catch up on their kids’ albums.
This is it. The final of our 12 Videos of Christmas 2012. And this video submission comes with high sentimental value as it focuses on the everyday. The stuff of life. The big stuff and the little stuff.
Suzanne O’Brien of Northern California wrote: “2011 was my second year doing Project Life – 365 style. I also did it in 2009; I like to skip years as it gives me a break and allows some of the changes in our lives to shine through. I created this slideshow at the end of the year to capture some highlights from the year and remind me of the awesomeness that is taking a picture a day! I wasn’t going to submit because it was inspired by you already (so not really a new idea!). I realize this is nothing fancy but then I figured you are always looking for real life simple things so, here you go!”
Equipment Used: Most images shot with Canon 7D, slideshow created with iMovie.
Video Song: Harmony to My Heartbeat by Sally Seltmann
We loved this submission from Sarah and Burton Richardson. Sarah wrote, “As soon as we decided to try to get pregnant, my husband got this idea for a time lapse video. He’d never seen it done with video footage, only with photo montages. Every week, I stood in the same spot at our martial arts dojo and did my little twirl up to 2 days prior to giving birth. The very last twirl was done when our baby was one week old. We are very pleased with the result and trust this could inspire some of your readers to do the same. My child is now almost 3 and I do cherish this video.”
Chris Wiegand of Dallas, Texas has a way with with video, there’s no question about that. Never has a first haircut looked so fun. But the the real message in here for me wasn’t so much the haircut as it was his way of telling a STORY from this little boy’s childhood – something that always inspires me.
Everyone from our 2012 Creative Team makes an appearance in this short & sweet video to send their warm holiday greetings. SO fun to see them in “real life” when we mostly just see their pictures. ; )
And from me, and David, and our little team … Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone. We sincerely hope that you’re enjoying this time together with those who love you most. And for those of you missing your loved ones right now because they’re not nearby, may you feel comforted in every way.
The maker of this little film? His name is Tom Barger of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania. But he’s not even the one who submitted this to us. Nope. That would be his sister-in-law Bethany Barger who wrote “When I saw your request for the 12 Videos of Christmas I couldn’t resist submitting this one. I am actually not the creator of this video. It was my 22 year old brother-in-law who filmed and created it (what kid does that? I love him). He graduated from college last year and moved a few states away so I have now lost my scrapping buddy ”
First of all, I love that you can tell how much love is in this family. Second of all, with Christmas right around the corner, and so many of you already in transit or in the middle of last-minute plans … this video is a reminder of how wonderful it is to document our celebrations and traditions – and to not forget video! In 2010, while Tom was still in college, he made a little movie he called “A Very Barger Christmas” that was similar to this one. His family all loved it so much that now he is officially designated to put together mini-movies whenever there is a holiday or a trip with the whole family.
Wouldn’t we all love Tom to hang out with our families over Christmas and document the way he does with his family? Better yet – aren’t we all feeling a little more inspired to pull off something like this next week?
Equipment: Tom shot this using only an application on his iPhone called “8mm”. That’s how he got the vintage look. He then edited and put together the mini-movie using iMovie.
We know you’ve been anxious for timing updates, and so have we. This morning we finally got word on some pending arrivals and I wanted to let you know as soon as I found out. Here’s the scoop:
…..
what’s brand-new & in-stock
The Baby Editions! For Him, For Her, and the neutral. In case you missed that announcement, you can see them all here – including links to which albums we recommend. I can see that many of you have not only been receiving your Baby Editions, but you’ve even begun working on those pages and WOW! We are loving it. Keep sharing those pictures via social media and be sure to tag #ProjectLife on twitter and instagram so we can find your pictures. Incredibly cool.
…..
what’s showing up on Amazon this weekend
The Arrow Stickers! They are classic, practical, versatile, and everything a sticker should be. No frill in these stickers. They are designed to point from your journaling cards to your pictures. It’s all about making the connection. They are available in both Tan and Grey, so you’ll definitely want to pick up whichever ones go best with your Project Life edition(s). Here’s your cheat sheet so you can plan, and I’ll let you know via facebook, twitter, and instagram as soon as they’re available. We’re crossing our fingers for this weekend.
Cherry – Grey
Turquoise – Tan
Amber – Grey
Cobalt- Grey
Clementine – Grey
Olive – Grey
Seafoam – Grey + Tan (either will be great)
Baby – Grey + Tan (either will be great)
Baby for Him – Tan
Baby for Her – Grey + Tan (either will be great)
…..
what’s showing up after christmas
Obviously we wanted these products to show up well before Christmas and it’s just as disappointing to us as it is to some of you … but due to several factors, the following products are taking a little longer to make their way to Amazon. We were expecting late December, as indicated for quite some time now on our Products page, but as it turns out they need a couple more weeks (because of the holidays) to actually arrive and get on the shelves and in the system. So now we’re expecting the following early- to mid-January. No, we don’t have an exact day. Yes, we will absolutely keep you posted as we get closer and as we hear more.
Big Packs of Photo Pocket Pages (currently sold out)
Mini Albums (all 5 colors)
…..
what about getting something under the tree by tuesday?
Have no fear. We have plenty of great things available on Amazon right now that you can order and receive in time, if you hurry. As for those items that are not yet in stock? This is my recommendation: Head over to our Gift Certificate link and choose a printable. Fill in what the recipient will receive, and let them know it’s coming soon!
…..
endangered species
Just for your information, the following products are still in stock, but they’re low in numbers and will not be re-stocked once they sell out:
‘Tis the season for snow days across the world. We absolutely love this home video from Erin Madsen of Bountiful, Utah. She’s a fan of recording and remembering everyday moments just like we are, and that’s why she made this movie.
Today’s video winner is someone near and dear to me. Gina Zeidler of Minneapolis is a professional photographer that tagged along with Natalie Norton, who photographed our family last year. She was sneaky enough to get some video while Natalie was shooting and then made the most darling little video that I will treasure forever – and we actually shared the video with friends and family last year in lieu of printed Christmas cards for a change of pace (so liberating to do one less project actually).
Hello, lucky us. Natalie and Gina both documenting our family for a couple hours? Dreamy. And more importantly, these are 2 rare gems in the world. Giant hearts. Insanely talented. Devoted to doing good in the world. I love them.
So back to the video … Gina made this little number of Miss Emily Ley just being with her sweet baby. And what’s even more fun is that I’ve become familiar with Emily through social media and totally dig what she does and how she has built her brand (I love her little video on the home page). So I apologize in advance … but if you didn’t already know these gals, you now have 2 photographers that you’ll want to photograph your family and you’ll have a whole collection of planners, stationery, and accessories that you’ll want to buy. ; )
This is called Sleep Baby. A minute and a half of pure preciousness. I know this comes during a time when so many of us have heavy hearts about the sweet children whose lives ended tragically last weekend in Newtown, CT. May this be motivation to get more video footage of our children … with our children.
Before I announce the new Creative Team … just a word about what happened in Newtown, Connecticut on Friday. I’m not sure any of us know what to say. I still can’t believe it. None of us can believe what happened really happened. There are many feelings of anger, deep sorrow, a sadness like we’ve never felt before. What transpired is so wrong. It should have never happened. It has left most of us with emotions that come without description. I can’t write this with dry eyes.
If I can, for just a moment – share something that I can’t get out of my mind every time tragedy strikes, particularly this past weekend. For those families that lost someone they loved with all their heart … suddenly every picture means more than it ever did before. Suddenly every drawing, every scribble, every video clip, every everything kept and preserved from their young life, is treasured beyond measure.
Scrapbooking can be fun for creative reasons, sometimes even social reasons. But many of us have discovered that the act of memory-keeping is therapeutic. And I hope that ALL of us have discovered that taking pictures, writing captions and stories, putting it all together in a book … there’s just nothing like it to help us remember just how blessed we are, how full of joy we should feel. I encourage you to read this post by Tracy Larsen who, yes, is a member of our new Creative Team.
…..
It is with sheer delight that we announce our all-new 2013 Creative Team. They represent 5 countries. They represent physical scrapbooking + digital scrapbooking. They represent married life + single life. They represent kids + no kids. Each unique in her life situation, each unique in her style, but there is something they all have in common: They are story-tellers and life-documenters and they use Project Life to bring it all together.
Row 1:
Amanda Caves – Alabama
Amy Tan – California
Ashley Bennett – Canada
Catherine Davis – Virginia
Donna Gibson – Tennessee
Row 2:
Dunia Acauan – Brazil
Elise Joy Blaha Cripe – California
Haley Ney – Indiana
Heather Johnson – Minnesota
Jennifer Hignite – Michigan
Row 3:
Joy Pribish – Alabama
Kristina Proffitt – Tennessee
Leena Loh – Singapore
Lorimay Barba – California
Row 4:
Maggie Holmes – Arizona
Nisa Fiin – Minnesota
Petra Corcoran – Australia
Rebecca Cooper – Canada
Rhonda Mason – Australia
Row 5:
Shelly Jaquet – Ohio
Shirley Polk – North Carolina
Stephanie Baxter – England
Teresa Victor – Oklahoma
Tracy Larsen – Florida
…..
I invite you to get to know them! Head over to our Creative Team page and as you click on each pretty face you’ll have an opportunity to read a little about her as well as find her social media links in case you want to find her blog or follow her on facebook, twitter, or instagram.
What can you expect from Creative Team? We will continue with what we have been doing – which is that there will be a (big) monthly blog post that has a sampling from each Creative Team member. Each Wednesday we’ll have our photo inspiration series on the blog. Throughout the year you’ll see sample pages, sample albums, fantastic everyday photos, and other sharing from our Creative Team that will inspire you to cultivate a good life and record it.
The whole idea behind Project Life is that you slip your photos into pockets + you slip the pre-designed cards into pockets and that’s all! No further explanation required. No “creative inspiration” required. So why do we even have a Creative Team if I promote simplicity? The Project Life system and products certainly appeals to those who don’t want to fancy up their pages … those who just want to “get it done”. But Project Life also appeals to those who do love adding little touches – or even those who completely transform their pages into full-blown art. Just as with any type of scrapbooking, Project Life is an expression of you. It’s your pictures and your stories and how it all comes together looks entirely different than anyone else’s Project Life album.
Beautiful.
Here’s the thing: The way these gals use the product is lovely. And you’ll enjoy gaining some inspiration there. But more importantly … it’s about HOW they document life through the lens. And I don’t mean it’s always through some big, fancy lens. Sometimes (oftentimes) they take everyday pictures with their cell phone just like the rest of us. And they have a knack for capturing moments. This is the part that is inspiring to me. And ultimately – I want us all to be better story-tellers through the pictures we’re taking, the words we’re writing, and the everyday life we’re documenting.
We are tickled pink about the Creative Team that has come together for 2013 and can’t wait to share more of them with you!
The following are notes from individuals and families who have generously donated to my brother's family. There are many others who donated beyond the notes you see below and the ads you see on my blog. We can not thank you enough for your kindness and generosity during this very difficult time. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Jonathan -- May god give you strength and courage in the coming months. Enjoy your family. Love you wife and hug your kids. Lean on Him. He can handle it. God Bless.
- Tricia Shelton
May you be surrounded by love, friendship and family in this difficult time.
- The Gourlay Family
Dear Jonathan, Tina and family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Although we have never met, we felt compelled to reach out to you. We hope that through these well wishes you feel loved and cared for. Life is about our families, communities and sharing love with each other. Through Becky's blog, I know that you have a wonderful family. We hope you know that through Becky's web community, you now have many new friends thinking of you. May you find strength in God and from all the prayers said on your behalf.
- anonymous
I wish you all love, peace, courage, and strength for the days ahead. I'll be praying. Be blessed!
- Sandra
You and your family are in our prayers. God Bless!
- Angie Murray
Thank you, Jonathan, for being there to support Becky while she shared her gifts and talents with me through the years, albeit remotely. This small gift is the least I can do to say thank you. God bless you and your family.
- With loving thoughts, Terri C
Although I've never met Jonathan, I have been following Becky's articles, books, and blog for years—even met her once at CKU Orlando. Like so many that Becky has touched, I've always admired the love, unity, and values of your large and beautiful family. I wish you all love, peace, courage, and strength for the days ahead. I'll be praying. Be blessed!
- anonymous
All I can say is that I believe God has heard your call because He certainly placed it on my heart to respond. It was loud and clear. And when He's involved, great things far beyond what you and I can comprehend will occur and I pray that gives you peace today and the days to come.
- Peggy Krantz
May you continue to find peace and comfort knowing you are surrounded by loving family and friends.
- anonymous
My heart is filled with love and pain and gratitude for eternal families as I have read about the challenge your family faces. Please accept my donation as a small token to help ease the significant, and often devastating, monetary burdens that come with this challenge. Thank you for a fine example of strength during the darkest times we face in life - an example that gives courage to others struggling with trials in their lives.
- anonymous
To Jonathan and family - I am keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
- God bless all of you, Leslie Schmitt
"Praying for you and your family." 1 Peter 5:7
- Kristina Proffitt
I'm praying for you throughout each day and asking God to give each of you the strength, comfort, and peace to get through this enormous trial. May God bless all of you in ways you never could've imagined and may His mighty and healing hand be especially upon you Jonathan.
- Much love, Lisa in Florida
May you continue to find peace and comfort knowing you are surrounded by loving family and friends.
- anonymous
Dear Jonathan and family, Our heartfelt prayers are with you and your family. May you know in your hearts that there will always be someone, whether here or above, who will always be with each one of you.
- Maria
Jonathan, his family, friends, and coworkers are all in my prayers during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us- it's very inspiring to see Jonathan's strength through this battle.
- Kristen
"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is that small voice at the end of the day that says 'I will try again tomorrow' " - Mary Anne Radmacher - The last year has been really difficult for me, but this quote always seems to help. I hope it helps you and your family, as well. Don't forget, miracles really do happen. Hang in there and keep your chin up.
- Love and prayers from NM, Stephanie Taylor
To Jonathan, Tina and your entire family: I wish there were more that I could do to help you. Becky's books have been my favorites since I first read them. Because she shared family photos and stories, I feel like you are all old friends. Good luck and I am sending happy thoughts and sparkly wishes your way!
- Jacki Samolsky
Big hugs and lots of prayers of healing and peace to your whole family.
”
