See what I did with the title of this blog post? I know. SO clever. Thank you.
But seriously folks… (what am I, a stand-up comedian from the 70s?) I spent the past week thinking about how I wanted to tackle my general memory keeping a la Project Life for 2015. Okay, I didn’t literally spend a week on this. That should concern most rational people if it were true. But I emerged with a clear vision: I will document my life on a monthly basis. Here is my title page. Cue choir of angels now.
I know. It’s the same color palette from last year. And why is that? Because I love it. End of story. (Yes, I decided to include one very funny outtake from our family Christmas card shoot last Fall. I think my son will appreciate it some day. Possibly.)
I will take the basic Project Life format (I use my Minimal Basics template series), and I will do the following:
1. Set up Smart Folders in iPhoto by month. This is a really easy thing to do. Create a new Album (File > New Album) and name it 2015. Then create another new album that is a Smart Album (File > New Smart Album). When creating the Smart Album, define the conditions to be: Date, In The Range Of, and then the dates of the month.
Once you’ve created that folder, just drag it into the 2015 master folder. Then simply duplicate that Smart Album and change the name and the dates. And repeat.
2. Document daily life via the Day One App. I have been using the Day One app for iOS for the past three years. It’s set up on my iMac and my iPhone. Every four hours, I get a prompt asking me what’s going on. I try to jot something down at least once a day. When I go back to recap my month, I can open the app and see just what happened for easy journaling reference. (Note: I’ve heard good things about both the Diaro app and the Day Journal app for your Android phone users.)
Once a month has passed, I’ll sit down to build some pages. That’s it. I figure it’s not so different than me playing multiple weeks of Project Life catch up, right? Right.
Now, speaking of wrapping up each month, I am working on a small supplemental set for my Minimal Basics collection. The goal is to have a page to either summarize the whole month, or include other, smaller stories. Here is the template I’m working on to be my summary page each month.
This should give me a lot of journaling space to do a comprehensive monthly wrap-up provided I keep up with my daily notes in Day One. I’m also creating a few other journal heavy styles that will be part of this set, available this coming Friday at Designer Digitals.
The text styles will all be editable, so if you have a different font you love, you can simply change it.
I also created some simple 6 x 4 monthly cards to work into the first page of each month. You can find them here.
The other thing that is happening is that I’ll be working in some elements from my upcoming Project Life Value Kit. WHAT? Yep, that’s right, people, I made a Project Life kit. You can read more about it on Becky’s blog. (Click on the image to see a larger version!)
I’m not exactly sure how soon they will be shipping, but I will let you know as soon as I do! And yes, the files will be available digitally as well. Yes, they will be part of the Project Life App, I have just been informed! Again, I’ll let you know.
The set is simple, for sure. But I had to make cards that I would actually use. It also includes some wood veneer elements and some silver foil cards. I have nothing against all the gold foil out there. I just am more of a silver girl at heart.
So that’s my story for Make a Plan Monday.
Yes, I’m sticking with color that make me happy. No, I’m not inventing anything new. If anything, I’m paring down how I approach this type of scrapbooking. And at the end of the year, I’ll have a book that I love.
SPEAKING OF BOOKS THAT I LOVE: I am just about to order my 2014 Project Life book from AdoramaPix. As soon as I get it, I’ll post a full review.
heidig says
I like the monthly idea for PL. I was wondering if you’re planning on designing anything for PL in a smaller format. I don’t have room for 12 x 12 books and I’m not big on printing books. Will there be a 6 x 8 format in the future, possibly???
Ari C. says
Heidi, I also wanted to do PL in a 6×8 this year… Landed on using these templates from Cathy: http://www.designerdigitals.com/digital-scrapbooking/supplies/product_info.php/products_id/18891
It’s only been 2 weeks, but they’re working out beautifully so far! Requires a bit of creative cropping if you want to use the 3×4 cards, but I haven’t found it to be a problem.
Cathy Zielske says
Heide, as Ari linked below, I do have some 6 x 8 template sets that would work for doing PL, more or less!
But I will take a look at them and see if I can do anything new. I think the ones I have cover most of the basics. 🙂
Diane says
Hands up here also for 6×8 Cathy 🙂 I am doing a 12×12 family PL album and 6×8 album for each of my kids. The kids are going to help with some journaling and list type cards. They are really keen to get involved…my 11 yo will be getting PSE template lessons too 🙂
heidig says
I have your 6×8 templates and used them throughout my DD album. They get the most use of any template I have. I could use them along with the new PL kit you designed for Becky. That would work, right?!
Cathy Zielske says
Yep! They sure would!
emerson says
cathy,
i know i’ve posted before about my sense of being overwhelmed by all my boxes of photos, and digital photos scattered all over hard drives, etc.
i moved all of my ‘stuff’ into our living room (inspired by your dining room table workspace) because it has amazing light, and I can be on the main level with my family rather than in the lower level that has no windows – beautiful space but no windows=BAD). this tutorial couldn’t come at a better time.
THANK YOU for sharing your creativity and work flow. i follow such similar principles to your method of photography, journaling, and layouts, so these tutorials are so great.
have a great monday – and thanks again!
— emerson in wheaton
Cathy Zielske says
You’re welcome!
Cricket says
Love this! After Todd passed in October, I was wondering how or even if I wanted to do project life? Didn’t think I’d have much to document weekly if at all (know that’s really not the case) and I think the idea of monthly documenting is perfect! I’m also switching to digital this year! Need to go shopping at Designer Digitals!!
Cathy Zielske says
Cricket, that is so wonderful to hear. You know I can’t imagine what you’ve gone through and continue to go through, but you still have a story to tell. Hugs to you!
Holly Corbett says
Yay! Love your plan! I will be mimicking it! I’m going monthly this year too, and looking forward to it! I love how you will have some templates to go with the minimal set! Very much looking forward to buying those on Friday! And absolutely CAN NOT wait to get your digital value kit! That’s gonna be my whole Project Life album next year! Woohoo!!! Thank you Cathy!!
Kimberly says
Thank you for silver!
Yolanda says
Really excited by the idea of Minimal Basics templates with lots of journaling room. Can’t wait to grab these on Friday!
Heather Melzer says
Thanks for the Smart Album tip! Much easier than keywords 🙂
janel says
Cathy, What good news. I document using your minimal templates in almost the same method….and the idea of your new “sum it up” page is just perfect. I will be looking forward to Friday. Thank you…I also use Day One and love it. Have you tried to print out your 2014 entries? I was wanting to start with a “clean slate” for 2015, but didn’t really see how to do that. If you have suggestions, I would love it. Again, thanks for your inspiration and direction.
summer82 says
Do so love that color combo and was staying with it anyways. Now I have “professional guidance” for using my favorite colors and increasing my journaling. Thanks!
Jenny B. says
Congrats on your Project Life kit! I was excited to see you pop on their blog the other day! 🙂 I really like your journal-heavy template page. I prefer to get all my journaling done on one card in a spread when I can. Adding little bits of journaling all over the place works too, but if feels messy and confusing to me sometimes. 🙂
Carolyn says
Are the Minimal Basics 1 set for 12 x12 pages?
Cathy Zielske says
There is one for 12 x 12 and one for 8.5 x 11 🙂
Shawna Zervos says
I was so excited to see your PL Kit! Can’t wait to use it! Many thanks for sharing how to document the year in different ways. I’m going to set up my iPhone today!
bdaiss says
Oh thank the stars for someone else who is not a gold person. I, personally, do not do gold. Ever. And while I love so many of the foil cards for PL, they (so far) have ALL been gold. Arg!
I kept to my goal and week 1 was laid out and photos edited last night. I also started pulling photos for week 2. I still need to write up my week summary, but I’ll tackle that tonight. I tried Day One. I loved it for awhile, especially while we were traveling and I could note locations/add photos from my phone. But since I’m stuck in PC land and there’s no interface for that side it quickly lost it’s luster for me. I’m back to hand journaling in my planner. (Yes, I still have a paper based planner…seems I can’t let go of some things.)
Pam says
Congrats on your Project Life Kit! Lucky us! I love your style and can’t wait to get your kit! Love your color combo! Happy 2015!
Amanda B says
In love with you PL kit. Can’t wait to see it in the app!
Also, love your plan!
Joanna says
I didn’t realize you had your minimal basics templates in Letter size – that’s awesome! I’m switching up my PL after 2 years of 6×8. I’m not used to working in 8.5×11 size.
Actually I’m not sure that I’m really even doing PL any more (thanks for the link this morning to your friend who is ditching it – I think I am with her). But your templates will be just the thing to help me tell some stories easily without having to start from scratch building a cohesive layout. Between your templates, some paislee press ones I already have, and all the digital story kit stuff, I should be set.
I think I’m going to do monthly (or occasional) highlights, a WITL or two, a themed layout or two like lilyandtwig is doing, 30 days of thankful, and December Daily, along with whatever layouts I do from the Story kits. That should all fit in one album and cover what I need to say in 2015. I also do a small photo-book year in review to share with family. Thanks for helping me think this through and offering such useful (simple) products!
Traci says
THANKS so much for the silver. I kept hoping there would be some silver or copper soon. I’m not really into the gold myself.
Lee says
Excellent advice and beautiful layouts – as always!
Have I mentioned before how much Cole is looking like John Gallagher Jr., the actor from HBO’s THe Newsroom?
Both are handsome young fellows.
– Lee
Cathy Zielske says
wow, didn’t think of that. I LOVE John Gallagher Jr. Just watched a truly amazing movie he was in called Short Term 12. Highly recommend.
Audrey V says
I’m really excited for your PL kit. I will be breaking my ban on spending for scrapbook supplies when your PL kit becomes available!
Laurie says
I have been doing monthly PL for the past several years. Love it! To me, it is like doing photograph albums from the pre-scrap booking years-I just fill up as many page protectors as I want and call it good. If there is something I,want to include,in more depth, I just,add,a,different page protector. I am fine,different sizes, didn’t think I would be but turns out that,I don’t mind. Easy, matches my style (clean and simple!), and matches the time I have available.
And thank you for creating the new kit in blue and orange, my favorite color combination!
Michelle t says
A PL kit designed by you?! I just might start Project Life for that alone. Awesome! Michelle t
Tamera says
I love your new kit! And so glad that it will be available in digital. Yeah!!
Okay, I also love Aiden’s new do! How chic & collegiate!
You and Ali are both moving to monthlies on PL, it made me sad 🙁 – I did 2014 with your minimal basics – so loved it! Hubby asked for “BIGGER” pic’s (eye’s are getting older). So I just expanded the pic’s for 2015. I like the monthly page above, think I’ll add a page per month with the highlights and top stories. Thank you for designing BEAUTIFUL shit! crap! (You know what I mean.) Thanks
Tracy says
Silver foil for the win! It’s about time – very excited!
Denise says
YAHOO!!! YIPPY WOOP WOOP!!!!! For no Gold foil!!!! Gold is nice, and trendy, but I’m just not a fan. I was pretty sure I had enough PL kits to last a lifetime, but I’m gonna be buying this one!!!
I would also just like to share, in case someone at your blog becomes concerned, I’ve been doing a bit of creeper stalking on here. I’ve been aware, for a long time, that you existed, in the industry, but I’ve never followed your blog. Not sure how I happened over here, but I’m glad I did. Since finding the blog, I’ve been going back and reading a few pages of old posts/per day, that’s where it gets kinda creepy! I promise I am harmless, but wanted to say, I think you are just wonderful, I’m really enjoying the reading.
Cathy Zielske says
I embrace the creepy. (Wait, did that sound creepy?) Enjoy! I got a lot of blog posts, woman.
RitaQ says
Hoping this new set will include a 8.5×11 version…. pls???
I’ve used your older monthly review pkg and really liked the variety. My only frustration was where to put the ‘review’ page. It always seemed awkward to have the story/review of the
month at the end of all the photo-pages
Cathy Zielske says
Rita, thanks for the reminder. Will add the 8.5 x 11 set too!
Hopefully by this weekend.
Cathy Zielske says
Rita, just a head’s up: the 8.5 x 11 set will also be available! On Friday. Love my 8.5 x 11 peeps! 🙂
RitaQ says
Just checked back in… will definitely be spending some $$$ this wkend. 🙂
MMDesigns says
I am SO excited you are trying Adoramapix! I had mentioned them to you in detail when you were searching around. I hope you love their quality as much as I do. I am hoping to complete my 2014 book before their 30% off sale expires 1/20!
Jen S says
Cathy – I’m so proud of you! I’ve loved you & your style for years & to hear about your PL kit just filled me up! Atta girl!!
Pam says
Cathy is it going to be digital and paper? I saw Becky’s announcement the other day and was so excited!
Cathy Zielske says
Yes! And I’ve been told it will be part of the PL app, too!
kre8tivekate says
I started at your Home page today (which I almost never do-I go straight to the blog) and was struck by how much Cole has grown up since this time last year! He sure is mini Dan, for all Aidan is mini you! Blessings for 2015!
Katie Jones says
Cathy, I am soooo pleased about your PL kit! (Would love a full-on core kit, too!) And even better that it is SILVER!!! Yay! I am like you, definitely a silver girl – gold simply doesn’t suit my colouring or my temperament! 😉
I love that the kit will be available in the app – I will get that one when it’s available, and wait until I can get the physical product shipped to the UK for that bit. Thank you so much for sharing your style with us, I for one adore it (and you!).
Loads of love from across the pond! {{hugs}} Katie xxx
Karen Peterson says
Good morning 😉 question about the organizing in iPhoto; when you drag the month album into the year album, does is create a new folder or get placed into the “2015” album?
Cathy Zielske says
Good question. Hmmm. It gets placed into the 2015 folder. And the month itself is a Smart Album. Does that help?
If you play with it a bit, you’ll see how it works. 🙂
Karen Peterson says
I made a 2015 album and then made the Jan 15 smart album and went I drug the smart album into the 2015 album, it made a new untitled folder with both the 2015 album and the Jan 15 smart album as “subfolders” per se in the untitled folder. Maybe I will just name the folder 2015 with all the smart albums (months) within the folder…argh 😉
Cathy Zielske says
Hey Karen, I’ve got a video where I show you how I did it:
Not sure if that would help. Starts after the 4 minute mark.
Kimberly says
Cathy – Am I correct in assuming those awesome 2015 title page cards are not for sale?
Cathy Zielske says
Oh, most of them are! Just the striped one is not for sale yet. The rest of the cards files can be found in this set: http://www.designerdigitals.com/digital-scrapbooking/supplies/product_info.php/products_id/18997
Cathy Zielske says
And these: http://www.designerdigitals.com/digital-scrapbooking/supplies/product_info.php/products_id/19022