2014 Project Life | Title Page + Process

This is my fourth year doing Project Life!  I’ve actually never completed an entire year of Project Life, which I’ve learned to come to terms with.  The “completist” in me was bothered by it.  But the realist in me is happy that I get any pages done.  So I just do the best I can and enjoy it! 

I started Project Life in mid-2011, so I didn’t make a title page that year.  You can see my 2012 title page here and my 2013 title page here.  For 2014 I decided to keep it very simple.  I also decided to not use an entire 12x12 page protector for the title page.  Instead, I cut a Design A page protector in half so that there’s only 2 4x6 slots and 2 3x4 slots to fill.  It sort of makes the title page stand out more.  I like it!

I decided to make my photos B&W for the title page.  I used Rad Lab inside Lightroom to processed my photos to B&W.  I also wanted to keep the colors very simple, so I decided on white and gold.  The 3x4 “adventure” overlay is from the Studio Calico Valley High Project Life kit last year.  I added some AC Roller Rink gold thickers for the “2014”, on top of white vellum paper.  To tie it all together, I added some asterisks from the same Thickers pack to my photos. 

Along with the title page, I want to share with you my thoughts on my Project Life process for 2014.  There are many different ways to do Project Life.  Some processes may be easier for some but harder for others.  My own process has changed over the years.  It is whatever you make it to be, whatever you want it to be.  I think it’s really important to MAKE IT WORK for you, rather than struggling to do it the way that others are doing it.  You will give up if it’s too hard and takes too much time.  Experiment and do it your own way.  I share my process here to document it for myself, and also for you if you want to take away a thing or two.  :-) 

My 2014 Project Life Process:

• Keep it fairly simple & flat.  I’m really hoping to fit everything into one album this year.
• Using a 12x12 WRMK faux leather album.  I’ve used these for three years now and love them.  Very sturdy and well-made, with great choice of colors.  I thought about using a smaller album, but the 12x12 is more versatile for my needs.  One of the main reasons I started Project Life in 2011 was to keep my memorabilia in one place.  I feel like the 12x12 album is best for that.  Plus, I have a ton of different 12x12 page protectors that I need to use up.
• Work on it at least on a monthly basis.  Sometimes I may work on it every week.  But I will not have weekly spreads with week numbers.  Because frankly, I don’t care what week # of the year it is.  It is superficial and does not add meaning to my album.
• Upload, process, and tag photos on a weekly basis.  Even if I don’t scrapbook on a weekly basis, I need photos for my blog anyways, so this makes sense for me.
• Use Lightroom to journal in the metadata of my photos.  That way the journaling is saved with the photo no matter what application I might use in the future.  I will be doing a separate blog post about this.
• Use Photoshop to date & journal on top of my photos before printing out. 
• Print photos at home, most of the time.
• Use supplies that I already have.  Especially the Becky Higgins Project Life kits that I’ve accumulated. 
• Integrate some 8.5x11 digital/hybrid Project Life pages into my album.  I chose this size because I can print it at home.  I plan to use these digital templates & pockets.
• No need to be comprehensive with my photos & album.  That’s too much pressure.  One photo from an event is enough to trigger the memories.  I usually have a lot more photos & stories on my blog.
• Just relax & enjoy the process.

Hope you’ve enjoy a look at my title page and process.  How are you doing Project Life this year?