365: My Way
I was not one of the lucky people that got a Becky Higgins 365 kit. I was sick in bed when they went on sale and by the time I got online, they were sold out. (What’s funny is my Aunt Gail, who isn’t even a scrapbooker, got a kit! I’m so excited she is doing this project.) And, from the sounds of it on the CK blog, it is going to be months before they get more. I don’t want to wait. It will stress me out trying to put together that many weeks, even if I am diligent with taking photos and journaling. So I have come up with my own system.
Here’s the plan.
I downloaded Ali Edwards’ digital days of the week brushes for $4. I am going to “stamp” the day on my pictures in photoshop before I get them printed. (The Becky kit had days stickers to put on your photos). I LOVE how these brushes look on my photos. I also think Ali’s handwriting and my own is similar, so it kind of looks like I wrote on the pictures. Designer digitals also has these cool days borders where you can insert the date, but I like the flexibility of placing the day of the week wherever I want.
I am going to buy 12x12page protectors that are divided for 4×6 photos for a D-ring album. A few different options exist, but I think I am going to get these really cool page protectors from I Remember When. They come in a variety of formats to allow you to use horizontal and vertical pictures. I really like the versatility. What is particularly nice about these pages is that they open in the middle to allow you to insert your photos in from the back. Then they close securely and look just like a normal page when they are in your album, but protected from dust and falling out. I also like that you have the option to do a 12×12 layout and then put in six 4×6 photos – you could do your favorite photo of the week on the 12×12 and then the 4x6s could be the other days.
This weekend I am going to design 4×6 cards (2 up on 8.5×11 sheets in a variety of neautral colors) that say week of _____________ on them and print a large batch, as well as create journaling cards to drop in across the bottom of the pages.
Another option would be to buy assorted 4×6 journaling cards, though this may be kind of expensive. Here are a few I found online.
UPDATE #2: I just found out that I Remember When is launching their new estore on Monday January 12, but you can still view the Everyday Stories line of page protectors and other products that are going to be available. If you are interested in getting the page protectors for your 365 project, email info@irememberwhen.com with your email address and they will notify you when the products are available – and give you a 10% coupon for your order! (I know some of the products are not going to be in until 2/15, but I don’t know which ones.)
UPDATE #3: I wanted to quickly address a few questions I have received. I use Photoshop CS4 to put the days on my photos using the Ali brushes. The download comes with an .abr file for photoshop and .png files which I think you could use in any photo program, though I am not positive. Yes, I plan to do Daily December in 2009. This is a tradition I want to do every year. I am sure there will be some overlap in photos, but my DD album included multiple photos on each day, so I think the albums will be different enough.
UPDATE #4: Becky Higgins is offering a FREE download on her blog of all the journaling cards. So, if you didn’t get a kit and download the sweet PDF she is offering. Then, go buy your divided page protectors and you will be good to go. 🙂
Thanks for sharing! You are so creative. I was lucky enough to get a 365 kit that should be arriving soon, but it’s great to see ideas on how to implement it in following years. I was looking at your photos and wondering about the days graphic, so you answered my question before I asked it. I wish my handwriting looked like hers! I prefer using fonts and such to my own handwriting. I’d love to see how your 365 project unfolds.
I have been taking pictures…with no rhyme or reason on organization. But, I figure I have plenty of time to plan how to do mine later. Most important thing is that I am keeping up by taking pictures everyday.
I’m not a scrapbooker by any means…but I Love taking pictures. Can’t wait to see how everyone’s turn out.
BTW, just voted for Elias. CLEARLY, the winner 😉
I came over from Becky’s blog. I lovae your idea! And the best thing is that it will be yours – not just like everyone elses. Your photos are great! Good luck with the year!
Wow – aren’t you clever?! I really love that idea! So with 12 slots back to front, you only need 26 of those page protectors, 52 “week of…” cards, and your pics! Easy! I think I might have to borrow that idea one day when I’m game enough to try Project 365!
Thank you so much! I love the simplicity of it, and am so glad to have something tangible in my head!
Your new version sounds just as fun! I actually thought that was your handwriting! xxx.
I think Elias is all the cuteness it needs. Plus, you can always add your own special stuff. It will be your own rather than a pre designed thing.
I love those page protectors. A couple other companies sell them also and I’ve been wanting to get some!
I just got a new scrapbook catalog from Oriental Trading and noticed that they had a couple of different styles of journaling cards like the ones in the Becky Higgins kit. They look cute.
Love your pic of the new year baby!!
I just can’t get over how cute your kid is!! I just want to pick him and and make him laugh 🙂
Hi Jessica-
Which style of page protectors were you looking at at the I Remember When site? Was it style B?
Thanks,
Amanda
I am getting Style E for my album. I think the quality looks amazing. I also am going to get one pack of Style D for my front and back cover pages.
I just wanted to thank you. I have been pondering about whether to start Project 365 for a while. After reading your blog I have decided to start!!! Thanks!
I have one question for you – those digital brushes that you used for the days of the week – can those be used in programs other than photoshop? I don’t have photoshop and I am trying to figure out how I could use them without PS.
Thanks for sharing your ideas! I am really enjoying your blog, your photography, and your ideas.
I’m trying to do my 365 album with what I already have – since my family and I are missionaries in Indonesia and anything I order from the US takes months to get here!
http://www.xanga.com/junglewife
Thanks for sharing your great ideas. I especially like your plan to use the 8th journaling card to write what you are grateful for that week. I may need to borrow that idea. I noticed that you did Daily December this year. Are you planning on doing it again in 2009, along with the 365 Days?
Jill
PS ~ Elias is adorable:)
i just thought i would share how i am going to do my 365…
i bought baseball card protective sleeves (you can find them at walmart/meijer) and they are even acid free! although they are 3 pockets by 3 pockets (2.5inx3.5in pockets), they are still a great inexpensive option and fit in regular 8.5×11 binders. i think i got 35 sleeves for $6 something? i also found recycled plain craft paper/cardboard binders at meijer that are great to personalize/embellish as they can be covered with paper, painted, etc. i am sure you can find other version of this as the recycled/green products are so hot right now. i hope this all makes sense!
just thought i would share as it seems so many people are doing project 365 this year!
good luck and thanks for sharing your ideas:)
The Pebbles creative cards and journaling cards are very cute! I was just at the pebbles website and their creative card packs (30 sheets 4×6 coordinating cardstock and 4 sticker sheets) are on clearance for $1.25 (only the creative cards–not journaling). Here’s the link http://www.pebblesinmypocket.com/main.cfm?categoryoid=302. Also, they have divided page protectors that are on sale for 30% off until 1-11. Free shipping with $100 purchase. You seem to have a great system worked out–thanks for the info on the brushes by Ali! I love them!
Nikki
Hi Jessica. I think that Elias is such a cutie! I was wondering how you use Ali’s brushes that you download. I am not a digital scrapbooker and don’t have photoshop elements or anything like that.
My sister told me to look at your site since we’re both doing the same thing. I love that you’re doing your own 365 and that it is hybrid like I’m doing! I’ll have to check back on here to see how yours comes along 🙂
Stephanie
scrappinseminole.typepad.com
Oh my goodness he is just too adorable!!
That is a cool feature. I posted about this project a while ago but not with that kit – that looks pretty neat. But, I like the feature with the day right on the picture. I want to get into some digital scrapping since I’ve fallen behind with my paper scrapping.