I’ve got a new class, y’all. And I’m just going to say it: it’s the shizz.
Today I’m excited to announce that registration is open for Me: The Abridged Version for Project Life®.
It’s a new twist on an old idea: tell the story of you, from A to Z, in an encyclopedic format, and do it using the Project Life system.
We’re talking cards, pockets, stories and photos. And we’re talking about my favorite subject: you.
That’s right ladies (and, if I may be so bold, gentleman who scrapbook too), it’s all about telling your story. I know, I know… you might be thinking, “Okay, Cathy… I did a page about me once. I’m good.” Or maybe, “I LOVE this idea. Already did it once before. So, yeah… pass.” But I’m here to tell you, after having just completed this album (my 5th volume since 2005), I feel like this is one of the most important albums I make. I am never going to not preach the value and importance of the memory keeper who documents her own story.
No one knows you like you. Period. Okay, maybe your therapist does. But I’m guessing she or he ain’t gonna make a scrapbook about you. You feel me? So that’s where you come in.
In this four-week class, we’re going to brainstorm, we’re going to write and we’re going to take or gather photos. And when we’re done, we, or rather you, are going to have a truly authentic slice of your life. And even if you’ve done this before, I can tell you this: a lot can change in a few years. True, there were many constants, things that will always have a place in any CZ A to Z album, but things in my life are changing. Time brings things that are new. Some are joy filled. Some more bittersweet. But when I finished this album in preparation for creating this workshop, I just sighed and felt so grateful for the chance to share this story. My story.
Of course, no CZ Design class would be complete without some technical learning, right? In class, I’ll show you how to create your own journaling cards using the class templates if that’s your thing. Otherwise, every card is designed as a PDF printable so you can handwrite your entries. Easy peasy. And, you don’t have to write an epic volume for each entry. The key here is that it is an abridged version. Snippets tell the story.
BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE! Even though I’m really pushing for you to do an album all about you, I’m also offering all designs to create a You: The Abridged Version album (about someone you love) or an Us: The Abridged Version (about whoever comprises your ‘us’).
AND STILL THERE’S MORE! I am partnering with Studio Calico for this class and if you don’t want to print all of the class cards at home, you can purchase pre-printed card packs which feature the Title Cards, Closing Cards and Alphabet Cards for the album. The journaling cards will all be printed from class files. More information will be coming from Studio Calico soon! Learn more about the class supplies and card options here.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: To save 15% off the workshop price, enter the code AtoZielske15 at checkout. Code expires on 9. Note: if you registered earlier this week, there was a discrepancy in the discount that I offered to the tune of .85 cents. I would recommend emailing Big Picture Classes and asking for the adjustment.
You can get all of the class details here, but if you have time, this short video gives you an overview:
Me: The Abridged Version for Project Life® from Cathy Zielske on Vimeo.
I would love to have you join me in October for Me: The Abridged Version for Project Life. If you have any questions or comments, let me know. I’m happy to answer. Email me or leave comment. A pre-class is available immediately upon sign-up including a video message from me plus access to a private Facebook group, so we can start talking about the workshop before the actual start date.
See you in October!
Paula says
Cathy- could someone doing digital project life do your course?
Cathy Zielske says
Paula, absolutely! You can use my templates or the regular Project Life templates from Becky. All of the cards are provided in JPEG format. You just drop them in, add some text boxes (you can pull them from the layered journaling card templates) and you’ll be golden. : )
Alissa W says
OH CATHY! You have made my day! I was contemplating doing another volume of METAV in 2015 but wasn’t feeling the love as I didn’t want to do it all digital or even hybrid. And then today you announce this and I can’t sign up fast enough. THANK YOU THANK YOU. Also, I think I can convince my mom to sign up too since she can get the printables and she’s coming to visit in October so we could actually work on it TOGETHER! Thanks for making my day!
Cathy Zielske says
Awesome! I’m super excited for this class. 🙂
Holly Corbett says
Just signed up! Looking forward to it! And big thanks for the discount!
Carolyn says
Exciting! I’m in!
Audrey V says
If anyone is sitting on the fence, or wondering if they should do this class, JUST DO IT! It’s awesome. My previous Me The Abridged Volume is fabulous, and is one of my most treasured possessions! I want to do it again with Project Life.
Audrey V says
Meant to say Version.
Whitney says
Yeah! I am so excited! This is exactly what I was hoping for! My only question is, do I need to have PS or PSE to create the journaling cards? Without it could I print them and write them out?
Gail T says
Oh no! I’d love to do this but I’ll be away for most of the month.
Cathy Zielske says
Gail, once you sign up you have permanent access to the class materials, just so you know! Plus, you always know where to find me!
Gail T says
Thanks for the reminder Cathy. I had thought about it and signed up, already working on my title page. There was no way I was missing one of your classes. 🙂 Looking at the calendar I’ll just miss the first 2 1/2 weeks.
Cheryl says
You can access the class forever so you can start anytime.
Gail T says
Thanks for reminding me Cheryl.
Sonia Savoulian says
Love, love, love this format!! I’m in and can’t wait to get started.
Heather Johnson says
Just signed up, so excited! I have always wanted to do this project and have never found the time. Can you update with what the Facebook group name is? I can’t seem to find it anywhere. Thanks Cathy!
Laurie says
I signed up already! Can’t wait.
Ruth says
I’m in for this! I have my own completed album from a few years ago and two years ago I did the foundation pages for my son. Then it went onto the shelf and it is still there. A PL form will be perfect ~ we’ve just told our boy that he has Autism (he is nearly 8) and there is so much I want to record about this time for him.
Perfect timing, thanks!
Ann says
I am in too. Since I have done this before and thought why again until I saw your cover page. Why not do one for the year of 2014. Life as we know it A-Z, the abridged version. I have not made one page for 2014 but have a bunch of random stories I want to tell. This will satisfy my desire to do Project Life but then yet get those little bitty stories of the random photos I took throughout the year that really do not make sense but yet have a purpose. Thanks for the inspiration.
Cathy Zielske says
You could totally do your year. Just use the Us cards!
Diane says
gasp!!! brilliant idea!
Christine says
Signed up and can’t wait! I haven’t done any scrapbooking this year so this is the kick start in need, something to record what our lives look like right now without the pressure of summarizing our year.
Angie says
I signed up for this last time but did not complete it. How will this class be different? Or should I just try to finish up from last time?
Cathy Zielske says
Angie, this class is only different in terms of format. The idea is still the same: document life from a to z! 🙂 But we’re building the album in a Project Life page protector format. Cards. Photos. Words.
Leora says
Cathy,
So excited to do this again. I have one METAV that I did for myself (hybrid), and one that I did for my oldest son (digital). I had already started the writing part for an album for my younger son, so I think I will adapt it for the class. So, I am generally an 8.5 x11 scrapper, but I think I am going to take the plunge this time. Your classes are SO FUN!
Susan says
Do the PL cards for the class come with the class price or will those be extra? Would love to take the class either way but my mother-in-law will be coming to live with us in October (health reasons) and not sure if I should commit the time…
Cathy Zielske says
Hi Susan,
All of the cards come with the class as printable PDFs. You print them onto white card stock and trim. 🙂 However, if you don’t feel like printing all of those cards, you can purchase card kits for $14.00 from Studio Calico. However, the journaling cards ALL have to be printed at home either way because there are so many of them (3 for each letter of the alphabet.) Clear as mud? 🙂
linda says
sorry if I missed this, but do the printables comes in png format (like the Move Move Eat Well class) so we can change the colors? Love the peeks of your album and can’t wait to get started 🙂
linda says
I did miss it….just saw the ‘learn more’ section at BPC with the class details (still figuring out their new website) and YES, png files included 🙂
Jennifer says
If you’re creating it, I’m all over that shit.
1. Because I can say shit. (I’m a fourth grade math teacher- my love language is curse words).
2. Orange and blue (or turquoise and tangerine) are my favorite colors, so you had me there.
3. I’m a single girl, and while I do PL, my albums are about my life and the people/dogs in them- not just about me. I want to do something about me. Love it.
You’re the shit.
(Please use the excessive use of curse words. School is now in session.)
Cathy Zielske says
For shizzle. 😉
Theresa Grdina says
Just signed up and ordered my kit from Studio Calico! Can’t wait to finally do something about ME!!!! Thanks for the discount! 😉
Cathy Zielske says
YES!
Linda says
This intrigues me. I did this in 2009— all but Z. I used to know where the stuff was for Z but not sure I could find it now. I always “almost” finish projects, it is how I tool. I just quickly read through my old one, and you are right things have changed! Although doing one about my hubby would be great too……. Decisions! Decisions!
Diane says
So sorry if this is a dumb question:
What program did you use to type on the cards?
The reason I ask is I need spell check lol and can’t have it in PSE and just don’t enjoy the journalling process in PSE 🙁
And was hoping there was another way!
Thanks CZ
Cathy Zielske says
Hey Diane, it IS in PSE, unfortunately, but I have a trick: you type your entry in PSE. Then you copy it, and paste it into a Word doc and run the spell check. Voila! You find your typos. Now, it doesn’t help with grammar always, but it’s a great workaround.
Leslie B says
First, I wake up to see that Pentatonix did a mashup of two Sam Smith songs and then I saw your post about the class. I was in previous MeTAV classes and I’m in for this one. Very excited for the new twist. Such a good day!
Cheryl :) says
I’m in!
Stephanie Klauck says
Woohoo!!
I’ve been wanting to create one of these albums for a long time and have even started a few times but never finished!
Love the new format, the design, the colours… well everything!! 😉
Can’t wait to get started!
Dar says
You have done it again – brought us a great class to look forward to!! I did your METAV class back in 2009, and it is one of my favorite albums of all time. That isn’t egotistical, because I just feel that album had more of my real voice in it, and I did end up including others in some of my entries because … my friends and family are a part of who I am. This class is going to be FUN!! Thank you so much, Cathy!
heidig says
Will this be in 12×12 format or can we use a smaller PL album instead?
Cathy Zielske says
Heidi, it is designed for the 12 x 12. I don’t think the content would fit in a smaller PL album. But I haven’t tried it, if that makes sense. I supposed you could adapt the concept but I’m not 100 percent sure! I know, big help, huh?
Laura says
I had the same thought about doing a smaller album like 6×8…the thought of having enough content for 2 12×12 pages for each letter is a little intimidating. I’ve used PL stuff in SN@P! albums before just fine. There just aren’t as many page designs to choose from. With this project, I’d think you’d want consistency in the page design anyway.
Cathy Zielske says
Laura, I suppose you could adapt this, you know? If I picture those 6 x 8 albums, don’t they have two 6 x 4 slots and two 3 x 4s? You could do the alpha card at the top, two journal entries, and one photo at the bottom, or… you could use one of my photo templates included in the class that lets you put two images on one 6 x 4.
Wait, no… they don’t. They have one 6 x 4 and two 3 x 4s. Just looked at one sitting on my office floor. LOL.
Still, you could adapt and that could be a cute little album. Plus, you could just pick the title page cards you like and discard the others.
Hmmm. Now you got me thinking!
Carol M says
Just signed up – looking forward to your inspiration!
Keri says
How much time would you expect the class to take? How long are the lessons each week? I have a lot going on in October, but would love to participate.
Cathy Zielske says
Keri, the video lessons maybe total a bit under an hour each week, at least in week 1.
Making the content, however, could take you longer if you’re busy in October, but you will have permanent access to the classroom and heck, you know how to get ahold of me for questions. So, if you want to do this album project, go ahead and sign up knowing you’ll have the class access.
I would imagine there will be a number of students who do not finish in the four weeks. It took me a full four weeks to complete. Of course, I was working on the class content at the same time, but I know that i enjoyed it more because I took my time. 🙂
kate titcombe says
Greetings from Down Under!
I absolutely loved this class in 2009 and last night after I read you were releasing it again in combination with PL I pulled out my last album and looked through it. WOW! What a great snapshot of life then. I loved the book too that inspired the project and I still have it.
I have a question Cathy, I think I’d like to do the class again and do it in a photobook format using Blurb. I’ve clicked on your link to DD in the archives but it doesn’t take me to the actual METAV templates I don’t think….Are you able to direct to them? There are A LOT to sort through to find the actual ones.
Thank you Cathy. This will be about the 5th class I’ve done with you over the years. I love the new website too.
Cathy Zielske says
Kate, check this link:
http://www.designerdigitals.com/digital-scrapbooking/supplies/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=Me%3A+The+Abridged&x=-153&y=-168
Is that what you are looking for?
kate titcombe says
Perfect – thank you Cathy.
Leslie Solomon says
Cathy, I have PSE but am just learning it. Will you be telling us how to incorporate text on the cards? I really want the text to look the same on all the journaling cards. Looking forward to this class.
Cathy Zielske says
Leslie, yes! I have step by step instructions for using PSE to create custom journaling cards. That’s pretty much the main digital instruction for this class. It’s not hard, I promise. Just typing and doing many Save As… commands to resave what you create so you don’t have to re-do the type every time. 🙂 I’m there to help, too!
Quinna says
You may have already answered this….I just purchased Seafoam from Amazon for $13… I’m thinking the colors will match the cards I purchased from Studio Calico. We are in the middle of a remodel there is a possibility that I may not have access to a printer. What do you think? Could this work?
Cathy Zielske says
Hey Quinna,
If there are plenty of blank journal cards for the journal entries and the honorable mentions, I would say it could work. But I don’t think there would be 78 blank-ish cards (that’s what’s needed for the journaling) and 26 cards to do what I am calling the honorable mentions.
Even if you don’t have access to a printer, if you can create the cards along with us in class on your computer (i have video tutorials for this!) you can just print them out when your remodel is done! No worries if you can’t print them during the four weeks, as long as you can work on the cards on your computer. : )
Sara says
I was on the fence on this….I haven’t done any PL and I never manage to finish the classes at BPC – the phone photography one this summer being my latest. But I just pulled out my 2010 MeTAV album (the only album I finished and had printed!) and it’s amazing, such a great snapshot. As I read it, I was full of ideas for new entries. So I’m in!
Cathy Zielske says
Awesome, Sara! I’ll see you in class.
Tiffany Hayden says
I was always on the fence when you offered this class in the past and never took the leap and registered. Well, I’m tired of sitting on the fence so I just registered! I can’t wait!
Cathy Zielske says
Glad to have you!
Myra says
Happy to see this class offered. The last A-Z I did was at CKU Orlando in 2007! The class was taught by someone else, but based on your original concept. It was in traditional scrapbook format and the journaling was all handwritten! It is still my most treasured album. Thank you for offering it in this new format! Looking forward to the class.
Cammy says
I have wanted to take this class before, but the timing was never right. Now, I have the time and I am so glad you are offering it again. Excited!