Project Life

I was so excited when Stampin' Up! brought back a memory keeping solution this year, and even MORE excited when it was a partnership with Project Life.  I had heard about it and seen the solution before and thought it was really innovative.  My start in Stampin' Up! actually came from traditional scrap-booking as I was looking for a way to add oomph to some of my pages.  The rest, as they say, is history.

I stopped scrap-booking traditionally a while ago, mainly because I had several pages to do, knew how much time each page normally took me, and didn't know where to start.  I kept journals and a This n' That journal as a substitute.

When it came time to think about what to do for my mom's 60th this year, I thought about making my first Project Life by Stampin' Up! album.  I wanted something that captured her life thus far, was fun and engaging, and had memories and love notes from people who care about her in it.

My mom has a colorful personality, so I chose the Everyday Adventure set for her.  The colors are awesome, cards are adorable, and it all matches.  I don't have to think about anything- Stampin' Up! did all the work in coordinating for me!  I also plan on using some of the pieces in the kit that are left overs to make an easy card on the go when I need one.  I love multi-tasking!

I can't tell you how easy this was to make this album- It literally took 2 nights after work to put together!  I had previously pulled some pictures and made copies for the book and contacted some of her friends and family to write a little something about why they loved her or a favorite memory.  The first night was spent just adding the pictures and cards into the page slots.  Literally that easy.  I didn't over analyze anything- just went with my gut and enjoyed the process.  The second night I worked on adding in the text and embellishments (my favorite part!).  Having been someone who has made traditional scrapbooks, I kept thinking- it CAN'T be this easy, can it?  I've missed something!  The result is a super cute album that I know my mom will cherish.  I'm now hooked officially on Project Life!

Enough talk- let's get to the pictures!

I added a little embellishment to the front cover with a doily, kit accessories, and a chalk marker.  Here is the inside cover of the album.  

My mom is a kindergarten teacher of 35 years, and naturally has a little kid at heart in her as well.  I wanted to show her goofy side in some of these with the pictures and the stories.

The pre-ruled cards made it easy to journal and share stories.  I also added some stickers from the accessory kit too- they are just too fun not to share!

Mom's best friend Lewis past away a few years ago from cancer, so it was important to me to capture their moments together so he could be with us in spirit.

Me and my mom!  We always have fun together!

The pictures and the great cards really do the work.  All I had to do was crop the pictures a little and add in some journaling.

Love the stickers in this set!  It was easy to add wherever I felt like they were needed. This picture of my mom and my little brother (who isn't so little anymore!) is one of my all-time favorite pictures.

The back page (front and back) is super easy with the accessory pack and a piece of Confetti Celebration DSP paper.

We celebrated her birthday weekend in our friends (Rita and Doris) mountain condo.  On the morning of her birthday, I presented her with the album.  I think she liked it! :)