CHA

Ahhh! Where has time gone?! Lots has happened since I last posted. I was able to attend CHA this summer. It was so fun to see all the awesome new products coming out in the craft/scrapbooking industry. And even more awesome to meet so many successful people in the industry. I feel like attending this conference helped me to evaluate where I want to go in my career.

I met Becky Higgins for the first time in real life. I worked really closely with her on the editions I designs, so it was fun to finally meet her and her fabulous team.

I was also able to see the Missionary Editions and theme card packs. Let's just say... it was surreal. Nine months ago, I would have never imagined myself here. Crazy stuff!

Project Life- Missionary Editions

Well, many of you probably read Becky Higgin's blog post yesterday, announcing the new core kits. It is such an honor to be named among fabulous designers! It was a lot of fun to work on a full edition for Project Life.

I was able to work on the LDS Mission Editions, for Elders and Sisters. Becky has a great explanation on her blog post, if you aren't familiar with LDS missions.

Here's the story of how I got asked to design these editions:
I started selling some missionary themed journal cards in my Etsy Shop. I designed a few cards so I could get my husbands mission photos organized, and I figured others might be needing mission themed cards as well. I listed them in my shop and I had been selling them for a few weeks... until I got a call from Becky Higgins. I was in big trouble! Okay, not really. But 'Project Life' is a registered trademark and I used it in my title and description. I was so oblivious to the legal stuff! She filled me in on all the details. She was planning on designing a missionary kit and did an internet search. That's when she came across my designs. She liked how simple and clean the cards were. So she asked me to design a FULL kit. So I simply took the cards off my site and went to work. Well, after I ran around my house like a crazy lady. I was really excited!

Below are some images of the journal and filler cards. The kits are very similar. The cards with journaling prompts and quotes can be found in both kits. Different patterns and colors.

Can't wait to get my hands on the printed kit and get my husband started on Project Life!

I got the Wedding Mini Kit!

Project Life has been is stores for about a month. I have been so busy with work and moving back to Las Vegas. I went to Hobby Lobby, but the kit was sold out. Good thing my dear friend, Kaycee found it and even delivered it to my house. She is a gem! She and I will be having some project life parties this summer, for sure!

I totally forgot that our picture was going to be on the inside of the box! How crazy is that? My husband is totally embarrassed... hopefully no one looks too closely!

And it gets better! My signature is on the box. It is unreal to me. It really is. I usually just print my name... and call it a signature. I fancied it up a bit, and I'm glad I did!

Hopefully one day it will hit me. Today, it doesn't seem real.

Digital Wedding Mini Kit - Now Available!

I'm sure most of you are aware, but just in case... AC Digitals released the Wedding Mini Kit yesterday! It is on sale this entire week... be sure to take advantage of it being 20% off!

This is exciting for many reasons. But I'm especially excited since this means it's getting closer to the time when the printed kit will be released!

Pattern Contest & Free Download

I happened to come across this fabric design contest and I really want to win a new sewing machine. So I entered a few designs. Crossing my fingers- really hope I get lucky! They are using Pinterest to vote. So if you like a pattern, please re-pin it from the official contest Pinterest Board. It's important that you re-pin if from their board. You can see the patterns I've entered below- or on my Pinterest Board. Repinning ends April 22, 2013.

Speaking of patterns... I figured these would make cute cards for Project Life. They are random, but Hey... you might find a way to put them to good use. 5 patterns- these are exactly 4x6 (So you might need to trim down so they fit). I've included the .jpg files. And a .pdf with 2 on a page, to make it easier to print. Click below :)

DOWNLOAD HERE

My Project Life Pages

I started my Project Life Album and I wanted to share!

Since designing the Wedding Mini Kit for Project Life, I've become a huge fan of this system for documenting life. I scrapbooked back in High School but it's expensive, time consuming and messy. Also, I've kept journals since I was about 10 years old. I like reading old entries, but there is something about having photos too. I love it. Now I  have something I can share with others more openly. I think it will be awesome to show our future kids the places we lived and the crazy things we did before they were born.

I started back when my husband and I were seniors in High School. That's the year we became good friends. All the photos before the wedding are in black and white (except for the engagement photos). I did print out a few things that I cut out and included, besides that- it's all handwritten and from the core kit. And my journals have come in handy since I'm forgetful of the details. It's easy stuff.

I tell everyone they need to start. You are no exception. Start. I'm telling ya... you won't regret it. :)

So much love....

I am completely overwhelmed with all the nice comments I received in response to the wedding mini kit. Thank you! I didn't think it was possible for me to get even more excited to start Project Life, but you all are awesome people and I'm completely stoked to join the cool crowd!

I'll be totally honest... It is really scary to put my work out there. When the big secret was finally out... I was nervous all day! I started to doubt everything I designed. The goal of the kit was to make it versatile and appeal to everyone. Did I accomplish that? It was comforting to hear such nice things... you calmed my nerves!

I'm a super informal girl and fancy doesn't come natural! But I think this kit has a good mix. I can't wait until May, when the product is released... to see all your beautiful weddings documented.

As a gift to say 'Thank you'... I put together some free Project Life cards. They have some quotes I like... that relate to work (since that's been on the brain).

I believe that if you work your butt off, amazing things will happen! It's been a crazy year... made lots of mistakes trying to run a business... I said a lot of prayers... and I worked like crazy. I feel so blessed.

(These are slightly smaller than 3x4)
8 .png files

DOWNLOAD HERE

Project Life- Wedding Mini Kit

I AM SO EXCITED TO SHARE THIS WITH YOU! It has been top secret... but not anymore!

I designed the Wedding Mini Kit for Project Life!
I love all 100 cards, but here are just a few of my favorites...

So how did this happen? Let me tell you the story. The really awesome story.

Early November I got a text from my sister, telling me about this holiday card contest. I usually don't enter contests, but this one stood out to me. So I entered not just one, but two designs. (I really wanted to win!)

Well, on November 8, 2012... I was hoping to hear that my designs made it into the top 25. I started working for the day and the first email I got was from Becky Higgins herself. Yes, THE Becky Higgins! I read the email. I read it again. I called my husband to read it to him. And my mom, then my sisters... I was shocked! I had to wait an hour to respond because I was shaking... with excitement!

So what did she say? Really nice things. So nice. "You have a gift and I'm a fan of your style. And I'd like you to tell me your thoughts on potentially designing for me."

Of course I said YES! And 3 weeks later... the Project Life Wedding Mini Kit was completed. It was a crazy 3 weeks, but oh so fun!

Becky made the announcement on her blog today and I can finally open my big mouth and share it with everyone! See what other new products she introduced today too. They are all so pretty! And be sure to check out my bio too (Did I mention... I hate writing about myself?).

For those of you who don't know what Project Life is... learn more here. It is scrapbooking... simplified. I will be starting this year (waiting for the olive edition). It is a great way to document life without the hassle. I'm all for easy... and this is do-able!