It’s here. Project Life is available on Shutterfly in photo book format!
When you create one of our Project Life photo books at Shutterfly, you will have the option to choose either our Clementine Edition or Turquoise Edition. After you make that decision, the process is simple – just upload your photos, drag and drop them into our pre-designed pages, and add your journaling. You can easily change layout designs, rearrange pages, and move elements around to make a photo book that is uniquely yours … if you want (you don’t have to). Once your book is complete, you can order as many copies as you need! Our basic book starts with 20 pages, but more can be added (for an additional cost).
When you click on the link to get started with a photo book, the default size is 12×12 but you can change that if you’d like something smaller. Shutterfly photo books are available in the following 5 sizes:
Featuring a wide range of layouts with 7 photos per spread (plus other layout designs), Project Life is designed to help you capture and celebrate daily memories, week by week, throughout the year. Document your life or your family or any theme you want – on a daily, weekly, monthly or seasonal basis.
It’s Friday. As in Feedback Friday. Except that my Friday … and my Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday have been a little crazy. So this week I will be sharing lots of feedback + answering your questions – tomorrow. I don’t usually post on weekends but hey. Rolling with the punches here.
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So today you get the next video in my 12 Videos of Christmas series! Say hello to adorable Ada in Spreckels, California who teaches us her bow-making tips.
Ada says, I learned how to make these bows years ago … and they are SO easy! Whenever I wrap something up I am asked how to do it. It’s not easy to explain, but very easy to show. That’s why I made the video. I wish I had more time because I love blogging & all the things I get from other peoples lives. I don’t do it nearly enough. I’ve been following Becky’s for years … like before Claire!
First of all – real quick. Notice the new navigation bar at the top? If not, refresh. Ahh, there we go. Much better now. : )
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Paint? Yes – we’re having a paint giveaway. I don’t know about you, but I have a few pieces of furniture that are ready for a little update. I’m actually planning to embark on a little painting project sometime during the Christmas break … I hope. That darn “spare time” keeps running away from me but the ideas are so in my head. : )
The product I’m planning to use is the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. It looks amazing. And that’s what we’re giving away! A randomly selected winner will receive a huge Holiday Gift Basket of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint! This includes 2 quarts of paint (your choice of colors), Clear Wax, Dark Wax, Creating the French Look (book by Annie Sloan), 2” Chip Brush, 3” Chip Brush, 20 count roll of cheesecloth, and a Sample Deck of all the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint colors.
Retail value = $198
Um, yeah. Pretty sweet. You know what’s even sweeter? Annie Sloan’s North America tour has just been announced. Annie will be coming to America in March, and the lucky winner will be entered into a grand prize drawing for a $350 gift certificate! This gift certificate can be used to purchase more Chalk Paint or for registration for Annie’s workshop. So, the total retail value of this giveaway is now up to $548! That grand prize winner will be announced on Annie’s Blog on January 10, 2012.
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Giveaway: Leave a comment with your first name, city, state (U.S. only for this giveaway) … and tell us if you have a specific project in mind, just for fun. Also, be sure to visit ShadesofAmber.net to scope out the colors. Be sure to mention which 2 colors you think you’ll want if you win. If you are entering for a chance to win, please be sure to check back here tomorrow so you don’t miss the announcement.
About Annie Sloan Chalk Paint: Painters, DIYers, crafters, and bloggers are buzzing about this new furniture paint because it goes over just about anything and there is absolutely no prep work involved. No sanding, no stripping, no priming, no kidding! With Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, you can transform your worn or outdated furniture into high end pieces with a gorgeous patina and luscious soft finish.
About Shades of Amber: They are an independent retailer of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. Check out their website + blog. Please visit anniesloanunfolded.com for a full list of retailers.
Tis the season that yumminess is in abundance. I was really hoping someone would submit a video of them whipping up a little something in the kitchen and that’s just what sweet Jenalee did!
She wrote, “I love the way Becky shares more than just an amazing scrapbook product but how she shares her life and many ways to make our lives happy, inspiring, beautiful and creative. I love to make yummy treats during the holiday season. I thought, maybe I could take Becky’s challenge to create a video that would share one of my all time favorite simple recipes – White Chocolate Holiday Popcorn.”
Thank you for sharing this Jenalee. You did a great job breaking it down in easy-to-follow steps and I guarantee there are a lot of people who will be making White Chocolate Holiday Popcorn in the next few weeks.
Jenalee used a Full HD Panasonic HM-TA1 camera, and Premiere Elements 8 editing software to make her video.
2. Of course we continue offering our physical product (all the stuff you see here). In fact, we’re re-ordering more soon!
3. We are still super stoked about our recently-announced partnership with JessicaSprague.com to bring you Project Life designs in the form of digital components. Everyone’s working hard to make that available by the end of this month.
4. That’s THREE ways of making Project Life work to fit your personal style. You’re welcome. : )
5. We express an immense amount of gratitude to Ziblio, who has been the platform for digital Project Life the past couple of years. They are seriously the nicest people and truly a terrific company. With our new Shutterfly partnership we hope to make the user experience (your experience) even better.
6. If you currently have a personal project in the works at Ziblio (I have a few myself!), please know that your project is safe + sound and you can complete it at your leisure. You’re just not able to start any NEW Project Life books there now.
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Announcement #2:
In the form of a video …
NOTE: IF you are sending us a video submission, be sure to email your YouTube link to submissions@beckyhiggins.com. Don’t forget to tell us your name(s) and where you live! This is going to be sooo fun, you guys! Don’t be shy.
The 12 Videos of Christmas from 2010 are in the Videos section.
Yesterday’s post was plenty wordy. I’ll keep it very, very visual today. My friend Megan has been working on a photo gallery wall in their master bedroom and the results are just completely beautiful. Here’s a little inspiration for your day.
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Megan’s wall inspires me personally in 3 ways:
1. The family pictures are a combination of formal portraits and candid shots … taken with her iPhone. Yes, pictures from your phone can absolutely be framed on your wall. I so love that she included those.
2. The neutral colors of all the frames allow the photographs to really pop. (Indeed, spray-painting was involved.)
3. It’s DONE! An actual, real, completed project. The reason that inspires me is because I have many unfinished projects. For example — this lovely little stash of frames has been collecting in our upstairs hallway for a few weeks now. Okay, let’s get real. It’s been months. Many months. In fact, I’m not even sure how many months.
This is what’s currently on the wall. I love the pictures. They’re family classics. The pictures are couples of our heritage – both sets of parents and 4 sets of grandparents. Also adorning the wall (for months) is this magazine tear-out that inspires me. It’s what I’ve been thinking about doing on this wall for quite some time.
I tore it out from a Pottery Barn catalog.
I like my little collection of family pictures. But the wall is quite large and my current collage is small. Too small-scale for the hallway – for sure. See what I mean?
But the pile of frames will sit a while longer. I have far too much going on right now. I have more cool products to develop for you! My priorities are straight. ; )
Okay, seriously – if anyone has a killer idea for this wall, PLEASE share a link. I’m in no hurry to complete the project and I’m completely open to other ideas, especially because a certain someone in this house isn’t convinced that photo collages are his thing. So … a grid? Perhaps 3 giant vertical posters? I don’t know.
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And just like that, I got wordy with a post that was supposed to be purely visual.
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Thank you Megan for sharing your inspiring wall with us! I have a feeling a few more photo gallery walls are going to be popping up. If you want to share your photo gallery wall with me, email submissions@beckyhiggins.com. I would love to see!
I found a wooden LIFE sign months ago. I got it because I could totally picture it in our home office with little letters that spell PROJECT right above it. And then … I found those little letters at Hobby Lobby! And of course I would be painting them white.
Naturally, with the gloves on and the spray paint out, I wanted to spray something else as well. Something I’ve really been wanting to make white for a while.
Everything was painted and ready to finalize. And the letters sat around for weeks, waiting for me to prioritize hanging them.
Until today. The letters are hung (with my favorite hanging velcro ever; I talked about it in detail here) and the project is no longer on my to-do list. It’s done.
“Project Life” is not only the heart of our company and what we DO, but it’s so much about what I BELIEVE … which is … that we should cultivate a good life and record it. Those 3 pictures of each time we had a new addition in our family, represent why I do what I do on a personal level.
Chances are, you went on a trip this Summer. Or had a family reunion. Or played close to home with a staycation. Today I’m sharing an idea with you. An idea on how you can quickly and easily create a photo book with your favorite Summer pictures. Don’t mind the horribly un-flattering freeze frame here. Nice.
The marvelous thing about basic supplies, such as the Photo Pocket Pages and Journaling Cards, is that you can leave them in their most basic, simple form and have absolutely classic, timeless results. Or you can get creative, work your magic, and transform them into whatever you want, for whatever you need! Below are some ideas that will surely get the wheels in your head turning. These ideas are the result of our “Just the Basics” contest that we held this Summer.
NOTE: We have sold out of the Journaling Cards, but more are coming and due to be in stock by October. We currently have some Design A and Design B of our Photo Pocket Pages in stock on Amazon.com.
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ARTIST: Elaine in California
CONCEPT: Create custom title cards and journaling cards to enhance your photos/theme. Elaine cut out little custom shapes, used designs from cardstock she had, and even did some hand-stitching for this particular scrapbook layout.
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ARTIST: Janet in Pennsylvania
CONCEPT: Home Management Binder. Janet uses the Photo Pocket Pages and 3×4 Journaling Cards to organize things such as her pantry/freezer inventory and her birthday/holiday list. She says, “I love being organized and these ‘BH Basics’ work like a charm. The Photo Pocket Pages are great for keeping all my info in one place as well as any notes (love that they are double-sided) and my shopping lists. And of course, no project is complete without some photos of loved ones. I love how these basic products made my Home Binder even more functional and certainly pretty.”
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ARTIST: Tami in Washington
CONCEPT: Spinner Display. Tami created a high school graduation party guest book for her daughter, but with a twist. More on her idea, in her own words: “My daughter wanted a guestbook, but to be honest, I wasn’t thrilled with the idea because it seems they get stowed away never to be looked at again, but them I came up with this idea which I think is a great way to display these memories in her dorm room this Fall.
“I used the Journaling Cards and punched them using a rolodex punch and a template from one of the original spinner cards. I placed them on a table next to the spinner and invited guests to leave their wishes for Hailey. I decorated the spinner using KI Memories patterned papers and a few assorted embellishments. I printed several of her senior photos in wallet size and added them to the spinner, this was a great way for the guests to see all those great photos! I set a camera on the table next to the spinner and asked guests to take their own photos and I’ll be adding those (as well as some additional party and commencement photos) to the spinner as well.”
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ARTIST: Sandy in Florida
CONCEPT: Dig into your stash of cardstock and cut it into 3×4 blocks to place in the 3×4 pockets. Mix these pages into other scrapbooks. This is such a simple form of scrapbooking. And even simpler because you’re not using adhesive!
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ARTIST: Maria in British Columbia
CONCEPT: Favorite Photos Flash Cards. Maria used a tea tin (there are lots of tins and containers around this size), decorated it with patterned paper, and created a home for favorite family shots. She says, “Google’s Picasa now makes it easy to get little photos printed at my local grocery store. After a little click, click, click with my corner rounder, the pictures look great on the 3×4 Journaling Cards.” Maria even used a Journaling Card to label her cute little tin, and utilized the back of each 3×4 card to document the who, what, when, where, why of each photo.
I can hardly believe it, but it’s already back-to-school season. Again. I am seriously loving all the school supply abundance in the retail setting. Always inspiring to me.
I know many of you are familiar with the in-the-classroom project I’ve been doing for my kids’ classes over the past few years. You know … the Personal Yearbooks.
I’m not going to repeat and reiterate everything in this blog post. I just wanted to bring this up – as a reminder to those of you who have considered doing this. And also, I want to be sure that all my new readers, particularly parents & teachers of school-age kiddos, know about this. Because it’s a way cool way to help young students create their own month-by-month documentation of a year in school.
I invite you to check out my Free Stuff page and learn all about it. (It’s a free downloadable PDF.) Why we do it, how we do it, supplies needed, plenty of tips, and all the ideas you need to get started. Share this with your fellow parents, teachers, friends with school-age children … anyone you think might be interested.
If you’re not able to take on the project yourself (perhaps you work full-time outside the home), just bring it up with your child’s teacher and you guys could always try to find a parent volunteer in the classroom. Most parents would be happy to do what they can to make this happen. It really is a treasured keepsake for the kids, and a very simple format.
Any of you who have done this, feel free to leave a comment with your own tips + ideas.
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I am getting a lot of questions about our pending school and child related scrapbooking products. This is a completely separate thing from this in-the-classroom Personal Yearbook project that the kids do. Yes, we are working on very cool, very solution-based products that will help you tackle all that childhood and school STUFF that accumulates with your kids … and even the stuff that you have from your own past.
We anticipate an early 2012 release date for these items. Because many of you are anxious to figure out what to do with all the pictures and papers and memorabilia that pile up – especially with a new school year starting – I will be addressing this topic in the coming weeks. We’ll talk organization and preparation. Can’t wait!
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.
