Once again I find myself considering doing Project Life. I had a ‘phase’ like that by the beginning of the new year, but at that point then decided I would not do it. I was struggling to finish my December Daily. And as much as I liked the process of this pocket scrapbooking thing, I thought it would be difficult to carve out time on a regular basis to work on a Project Life album. And now, a few months later, possibly with the end of the school year and summer just around the corner, I started to think about it again. I wouldn’t mind starting Project Life mid year, but I haven’t made up my mind yet. To Project Life or not to Project Life? That’s the question.
The pros. One of the reasons I would choose to give Project Life a go, is because I just feel like it. I feel tempted to a new design challenge. I love scrapbooking and cardmaking, but somehow the proces of doing a December Daily album and a Summer 2013 album (which I still have to finish) in pocket style was so refreshing and challenging. New to me and exciting.
I’m hoping Project Life would also help me to document the everyday life even more. If you’ve been around for a while, you know I scrap the everyday stuff as well as the bigger life events, perhaps even more of the ordinary life moments. And yet there are things in life that don’t get documented, even though they deserve to be. Plus, I’m guessing there’s a range of products in my stash that I would use a lot more than I do now. Some stamp sets, die-cuts, journaling cards, etc are just more pocket scrapping oriented, and don’t get used as often as should.
The cons. My biggest concern is time management. Can I fit Project Life in my already busy schedule? This is exactly what made me decline at the start of the year. The photo editing, printing, planning, … it all seems a bit overwhelming. I’m guessing the first weeks this might take up quite a bit of time. Until I build up some kind of routine and know exactly what size my pictures need to be, what the divided page protector design is, and get an idea of what I like and don’t like in this new adventure.
One other reason I’m not diving in head first, is because I doubt if I will have enough to document over the weeks and months of this project. Our two little monsters keep our lives interesting and busy, yet that doesn’t mean I feel the need to document every little aspect of it. I don’t need a reminder of every snotty nose sort of speak.
Ugh … decision making! … What are your thoughts? Are you in? And what’s your approach to the project? Or are you rather reluctant, like I have been up until now? What are your reasons not to dabble into Project Life?
I’ll definitely keep you all updated when I make up my mind on this;)
Els.
Lizzy Hill
I PL by the month. As I’m taking photos, if I think it’s something I want to doc that way, it goes into my PL folder [each month has a diff folder]…then I choose from them – they don’t all make the cut – & create a double page for the month [or back & front]…but that’s flexible. If we go away – then I do extra …I’m not ‘bound’ by rules….& this works brill for me……so, basically, if I get behind, I still have the photos in the folders ready to go. It takes me about 4 hours to scrap mine monthly. I do it in one sitting [no kids in my house!!]…I LOOOOVE it & am soooo glad I decided to do it & I think this would suit you, too:):)
bestamped
Thanks for your respons, Lizzy!! Great tip to store pictures in folders until you’re ready to go, will have to keep that in mind. I love the ‘not bound by rules’ idea. If I dabble into this PL thing, I’m definitely not planning on beating myself up over schedules and weekly spreads. Flexible is what I need I think 😉
Thanks for sharing!! And for your many lovely comments!!
Hugs,
Els.
pineandplum
I PL casually. I started at the beginning of the year and have done about 6 spreads. 3 of those are event spreads, two are seasonal spreads and 1 is a throwback spread for my older son’s 1st year. I too find it hard to commit to a schedule with PL but everytime I complete a spread I love it so much. And even though the spreads aren’t multiplying quickly, I love looking into the album and seeing all that I’ve documented. I say do it but don’t beat yourself up about it, when you’re inspired, go for it!
bestamped
Thanks for your input, Carson! It’s great to hear about your love for the project, that is inspiring. I think you have a great approach, and a flexible way of doing PL is definitely what I have in mind. You make is sound like something very rewarding.
Thanks for sharing!
Els.
mary blackmer walmer
I too have been reluctant to begin, my reason is because I feel like there just are not enough things in my life to document-I am an empty nester. I may go back and just casually scrapbook past photos in the PL style. It is the format that intrigues me the most.
bestamped
Thanks for sharing, Mary! It is a fun format indeed, and I absolutely love all the different PL spreads and approaches I see when looking around the web. Making spreads with past photos sounds lovely. What an awesome way of memory keeping.
Thanks for your comment!
Els.