Project Life: Keeping it Simple

Ever since I wrote this post and "realized" my Project Life catch-up process, I have been on a roll.  Looking back through my book, it's apparent that I use this process when putting my spreads together.  I'm not really sure why it took me so long to recognize it, but it's been a game-changer.

(Here's a look at the typical placement of my photos/cards.)

These two pages are just random pages in my album.  One is an insert from my daughter's graduation and one is the first part of my June PL.  I put these two spreads together in about 15 minutes.  Seriously.  15 minutes.  (Not including the time it took to print my photos since I tend to print a whole bunch at one time.)

This spread covers some random photos from June....camping, the park and the pool.  Hello Summertime!

I kept my "process" in mind, but changed up the "memorabilia" card for the June calendar and added in an extra journaling card instead of a photo.  I begin this page by sliding in my four photos and then adding the "high five" card and the June calendar card.  I try to be flexible and work with what I have instead of making myself stick to a certain "process".  Flexible is the key to getting these Project Life spreads finished!

The filler and journaling cards pictured here are from the Studio Calico Hello Hello Project Life kit.  The colors this month were beautiful and they worked so well with my photos. 

I kept my embellishments simple and tried not to overthink what should go where.  I tried to use space in my photos where it was available (the grass from our camping photo and the blue water from the pool photo).  Adding journaling directly onto my photos is still one of my favorite ways to add words and thoughts. 

For special occasions and events, I usually try to add an additional insert or page in my album.  Sometimes I will have enough photos to fill up an entire spread and sometimes I will trim down a page protector to accommodate the photos I have.

This spread is from my daughter's preschool graduation.  I didn't end up with as many photos as I would have liked (it was super hot outside and my husband had to leave shortly after the graduation for work), but I try to remind myself that these photos are priceless even if they aren't perfect!

Like the spread above, I kept this insert very simple by using a doily with a title/date, photos and a tag.  The tag was part of some pretty packaging from the lovely Amanda Rydell and I couldn't pass up including it in my album!  I'm a sucker for peach and gold!  I typed my journaling onto vellum and then stapled it to the back side of the tag.  As you can see, this spread really only required some added journaling and it was done!  Easy spreads are my favorite.

I know that I frequently "overthink" spreads and the placement of embellishments/journaling cards/photos.  I'm trying to think less and enjoy more.  Admitting it is the first step, right?  

xoxo