[DOCUMENT] Layout + Design

So I am really obsessing over enjoying Project Life. I love that it encompasses my love of photography, documenting and design. I thought I would share with you some of the design elements and styles that I like to use for my weekly spreads.

Colour. I try grouping or manipulating my images so the colours of the photos meld well together. If I have a page that uses monochramatic imagery, then I would be sure to not mix with overly saturated images. I can accomplish this by either manipulating the images so they are all similar value, apply a filter throughout, or mix colour and black and white. It's not as tedious as it sounds!

The same rule of thumb applies to more muddy, warm images. I love using Instagram on my iPhone photos to achieve many different moods and help my images work together rather than compete. I can't help it...it's the graphic designer in me.

Documenting: I am using three simple fonts throughout to help achieve a clean and co-hesive design. I hate clutter...especially when it comes to my layouts. With this being said, however, I don't want my pages to become boring. I have put together some pretty designs to use with both a photo and some text. I use these journaling cards as a way to transition from one day to the next. I try to choose a design that works with the colours of the photos. In addition, I have created a simple border shape that I use throughout on both the photos and my journaling cards.

Another fun element, is to use a series of images to tell a story. I LOVE capturing these animated events. Here's one of Chloe trying to put on her own shoe:

Last but not least, documenting directly on the image. I like the journalistic feel this gives an image. It brings a mundane photo to life. Here's two of my favourites from last week:

Next up, some more ideas on how to scrapbook using materials you already have. Fun!

[DOCUMENT] Project Life

I came across this amazing scrapbooking project last summer and have been waiting and waiting for the new year to begin, so I could participate in Project Life. The idea behind Becky Higgins Project Life, is to document an entire year through photos and journaling. She has created a system using journaling cards and an assortment of pocket templates to house your photos. You can choose all one style or mix and match depending on your needs. I chose a simple template that houses two 4"x6" landscape pockets on the top, four 3"x4" portrait pockets through the middle and two more 4"x6" on the bottom. Two of these pages side by side (back side of the previous page and front of the next) is your weekly spread. How you decide to organize is up to you. I wanted to keep mine simple:

Rather than purchasing the pre-designed journaling cards, I created my own. I wanted them to be subtle and simple, in order for the photos to play centre stage. I am loving the way it's coming together so far.

Letter sized sleeves hold Logan's school and art work from the week - it's a great way to take note of his progress.

The last pocket of the week is a brief re-cap of our days. I try to scribble little notes in my daytimer at the end of each day or in the mornings before my babies wake up. Some people may think this is tedious, but I find great pleasure in capturing these moments and making the time to take note. I only wish I had discovered this process when Logan was born.

**UPDATE**

I completely forgot to include my Canadian supplier. I ordered everything through this company. My entire order arrived within the week and was in perfect condition. I purchased a binder, a years worth of photo pages, a deck of graph paper journaling cards and a pack of large 12"x12" folders with a pocket in the front to display the contents.

I used the graph paper for journaling, as well as, 4" x 6" index cards from the dollar store (lined and plain). You could also cut down to size (letter size or index card) ledger paper, construction paper, brown kraft paper from the role, air mail envelopes, etc. All these items are available at most dollar stores, along with page protectors and baseball card holders which are fun to use in conjunction with the 12" x 12" pages if you want to add additional photos from the week. Here's a link to my pinterest board for further inspiration. Enjoy!

[FAMILY] Bliss

I would trade a weeks worth of sunny, summer days, for just one day of honey coloured, warm, crisp, winter magic. Today was one of those days. February is one of my favourite months here on the west coast. It is probably the most diverse month of the year weather wise. It's when Vancouver becomes truly amazing...you can beachcomb in a t-shirt while the mountains are filled with fresh powdery snow. And the air...oh it smells amazing over on our little island. The salty ocean breeze mixed with the smoke from the wood fireplaces still being used for warmth is, in my mind, the scent of Bowen. It envelops you the moment you step foot on our rock. It's magic.

We spent the afternoon at a lovely beach. I have very fond memories of spending summer days with my parents and brother on these shores, jumping the huge waves from the ferries wake that travel by, searching the deep tide pools that hide in the many caverns, building forts from the endless supply of driftwood left from the log booms that tuck in here during bad weather. This beach has a difficult access, which is probably why we haven't explored it much since having children. But today, with all the fresh sunshine and energy coursing through our bodies, Logan, Chloe and I decided to venture down the steep (very steep) path and our efforts were hugely rewarded.