Project Life Supplies Are Not Just For Project Life

Project Life title card by Becky Higgins. Fonts: Seaside Resort NF, Arial.

While I think the Project Life system created by Becky Higgins is a wonderful way to approach scrapbooking, the format isn’t one that I’m using on a regular basis. I love the divided page protectors and the many creative ways to use them, but I’m also very happy with my current albums of 8×8 digital pages. I enjoyed using PL products for my December Daily album, but I have no plans to continue that method of scrapping in the other months of the year. It’s not what “makes my heart sing” (one of Steph’s favorite sayings) and I’m fine with that. I do LOVE all the great journaling cards and Project Life inspired pieces that are all over digi land now and I still want to be able to use them for my style of digi scrapping. Just like with any scrapbooking embellishment, it just takes a little creativity to realize that there are no “rules” and that it’s perfectly OK to use these pieces in any way that you want to!

Before I share some fun ideas, I thought it would be helpful to define what some of the specific Project Life supplies are based on the way Becky created them:

• Journaling cards are used to fill in the documenting details of a Project Life album. Here’s an example. Physical cards or printed digital cards can be handwritten on. Digital cards are great for journaling on right in Photoshop. I love the digital cards because I can spell check, design my text, and generally fit a lot more journaling on them than I could with my own handwriting.
• Filler cards are for those spaces on a page where you don’t have a picture or piece of memorabilia. They are also a great design element to add interest to the page. Here’s an example of some of Becky’s filler cards.
• Title cards are somewhat similar to filler cards, but with space to add a title or a small amount of text. They are nice to use when you don’t have a full block of journaling or when you want to add some color or design to liven things up. Here’s an example of some title cards.
• First and last page cards are designed to help you introduce and close your album or specific set of pages. Many scrappers like to include the year on one of these cards. Here’s an example.
• Page protectors are physical page protectors available from amazon – see Becky’s site. If you plan to print out pictures and cards to use in a Project Life album, or even just for a few pages, you will want the divided physical page protectors. Many digital designers have created digital page protectors and/or layered templates that replicate this look – these are fun to use for a Project Life layout or for any grid-style page. See end of post for some digital examples.

In the last several months, there has been an explosion of these types of Project Life products in the digital scrapbooking community. Digital scrapbookers know good designs when they see them and it’s been exciting to see the many ways that these fun little pieces can be used. Many of them are like miniature artwork pieces all on their own! I’ve been so inspired to see all the amazing ways that digi scrappers have embraced and used these fun supplies.

Create a grid style layout using journal card size pieces and photos. This type of page works with any scrapping style and there are so many creative possibilities!

Layout by Akizo. Link to credits.

A small journaling card is the perfect page embellishment and a great way to call attention to some special journaling details.

Page by Carolee. Link to credits.

Use digital divided page protectors if you want to get that Project Life look without using the physical supplies. There’s no reason why you can slip a page like this in to any type of album – it doesn’t have to be a Project Life theme album!

Layout by heathergw. Link to credits.

You can use Project Life inspired cards just like you would use a tag or scrap of paper on your layout. It’s such an easy way to add a fun design or piece of word art!

Layout by aly321. Link to credits.

If you’re familiar with ATCs (Artist Trading Cards) you will recognize that Project Life filler cards are very similar. Use the shape of a filler card as a mask and use any type of digi paper to fill it. You can then journal, layer, and embellish in any way you like. Many filler cards would make great backgrounds for this type of project as well.

Layout by Nettio. Link to credits.

A collage of cards is a great way to add color and patterns to your scrapbook layout. Just think of it as a new way to add layers!

Layout by melanier. Link to credits.

Cards and divided page protectors are not limited to Project Life layouts only. There are so many ways to incorporate them into any type of digital layout! Here are a few more of my favorites:

Layout by Natascha. Link to credits.

Layout by snaggletooth. Link to credits.

Layout by mom2da3ks. Link to credits.

Be sure to check your digital kits because a lot of designers are including journaling and filler cards as embellishments now. If you need any help in the shopping department, I can help you there! Here are some of my favorite PL inspired products: (all images are linked)

If you missed the episode of the Digi Show podcast we did with Becky Higgins, I know you’ll love listening to it. It was fascinating to find out more about how Project Life came into existence and we even talk about how it’s OK not to do it. Here’s the link to the podcast episode.