NEWSLETTER
INSPIRATION
DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKINGWrapping up project SCRAP 2011 ::: Covers
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Alrighty girls (and any guys that might have joined in)…we are ‘officially’ wrapping up project SCRAP 2011 - woohoo :o) Yep…that’s right…Shabby Princess here today and I’m so excited to share our final templates (ALBUM COVERS) for project SCRAP 2011…and photos of my finished album (along with a few tips and ideas…and lessons learned along the way, lol)!
So to start…how about the ALBUM COVER TEMPLATES?! Kylie and I designed these sets for you guys and I love how they came out! The first set…I selfishly designed, as I knew I did not want a photo on my cover, lol! I know that might sound odd…as it is a scrapbooking album…and what is it all about, if not photos? I know, I know – trust me – I get it! HOWEVER, I personally find it VERY difficult and well, stressful (lol) to try and narrow the entire year down to one (or a few) photos! I take SO many throughout the year, and to try and choose just seems overwhelming! So, I prefer to opt for a photo-free cover for my albums (unless it is a themed album – like a birthday – then I am fine putting a special pic or two on the front)! Anyhoo – so this first set is what I went with for my personal album, and I love how it turned out – YAY! But, no worries – IF you do prefer to have one awesome photo on the front…we have you covered there, too! At the same time – if you like LOTS of little pics…we have that for you as well :o) Of course, on option 3…you could also just use bunches of little paper squares and NO photos (or a mix of photos and papers, like Kylie did) - totally your choice! And, if none of our cover options are what you are looking for…just create your own custom version – and that way you end up with exactly what you want or need (you could even re-purpose one of the monthly templates for your cover…or use one of our free temlate challenge templates)! Just remember that scrapping an album cover is really no different than scrapping a layout…only the dimensions are different! Alrighty…so here are our three options…all free and ready for you to download:
You have FOUR different DOWNLOAD options (clickable links below)! You may download the ALL-IN-ONE, which includes all six templates (it’s about 135 megs). OR, you may download each ‘set’ individually (three in total). If you are on dial-up, or have an unreliable connection – I’d recommend downloading the individual sets :o) No matter which download option you choose…we include each template in both a .psd and .tif (layered).
CLICK HERE to download the ALL-IN-ONE
CLICK HERE to download OPTION ONE
CLICK HERE to download OPTION TWO
CLICK HERE to download OPTION THREE
Project SCRAP ~ bundle ONE is now available for purchase at the Shabby Shoppe…CLICKING HERE will take you straight there!
PLEASE NOTE: if you participated in project SCRAP 2011 right here at the Shabby Shoppe’s BLOG…you do not need to purchase this product. Be sure to check your hard drive before purchasing :o)
So, there you have the FINAL downloads for project SCRAP 2011 – we truly hope you enjoy the cover options we designed for you! Again, remember that you can always modify, customize and tweak…to meet your specific needs – that is the beauty of LAYERED TEMPLATES :o)
So…a few words about FORMATTING your album covers…and, PRINTING your albums/books/layouts!
As far as FORMATTING your covers…it really all depends on the SIZE of your final book/album, and, WHERE you plan to have it printed. Each printing lab will have different specifications for printing – when it comes to both size and bleed areas (cropping and safe zones). So, you’ll want to find out WHERE you plan to print…and then decide on the final size. For me…I had my album printed with WHCC and went with 10×10 book (the size I generally prefer for my albums). WHCC offers great sizing templates (go to resources and then click on product templates…from there, select free sizing templates)…so formatting was pretty simple for me. Basically, when you download their sizing templates – they are simple files with only GUIDES (if you do not see the guides, you will need to turn them on (in PS, view>show> guides) to show the bleeds/safe areas. These are very helpful…and you can see what my final digital file looked like (of course I removed the GUIDES before submitting for printing). Everything within the blue guidelines is SAFE…anything outside COULD be printed…but probably won’t :o)
I love looking at the digital version of my cover, and then the ‘real’, printed version, lol! I think it is a great illustration of how everything comes together! I truly love my final album…and much of that comes from all of the time and energy spent on formatting :o) It can be a tedious process, but well worth it in the end!
So, when it comes to printing…again – I generally go with WHCC (White House Custom Colour). It might partly be from habit, lol…I’ve been a customer for quite some time – but I also truly love their quality and service. They are not the most inexpensive when it comes to printing…but at the same time, they are very competitive when it comes to pricing among the ‘pro photographer’ labs :o) There are definitely less expensive options out there…and I welcome you to research all of them! In the end, you will have to find what works for YOU and your budget! In the past few years…sooooooo many printing companies have joined the market for printing scrapbooks…and a quick Google search will definitely turn up lots of options. I do not want to recommend (or not recommend, lol) any specifically because I have not tried them. I generally stick to pro (NOT that I’m a pro, lol…but I like the QUALITY and level of SERVICE that I receive with these labs/companies) printing labs like WHCC and MPIX. One thing to keep in mind about these companies is that you generally have to ‘apply’ in order to become a customer. Some of the pro labs are stricter than others when it comes to requirements (some require that you have a photography business). This is completely understandable as they must be fair to their professional photographer customers, and keep their pricing confidential. Anyway, that is probably way more information than you needed, lol – but I wanted to explain labs like WHCC a little more in the event you wish to print with one of them!
Again, there are many options…many times, including local companies. Many local printing companies, photo labs and office supply stores now offer album/book options – so be sure to check them out! More than likely though…most of us will have our albums printed via online labs. Do your research, look for reviews and compare pricing :o) Printing albums is an investment…you have to find the best quality that will fit in your budget and remember that the hope is that our albums are forever :o) This is one reason that quality is so key to me…I want my albums to last, and hopefully be passed down throughout the years! I’m definitely not saying that you have to pay crazy prices for that to be…just do your homework before you make the investment :o)
There is always the option of just having your layouts printed individually – and placing them in a traditional scrapbook album (found online or at local scrapbook/craft stores)! You do not HAVE to have a bound book/album printed…it’s just your preference in the end! I have lots of scrapbook pages in regular albums and love them all! And, there are so many cute and fun album options, in lots of sizes…something for everyone and every budget! Personally, I do prefer the bound books – but that is mostly just because of the ‘neato’ factor, lolol! There is something so polished and professional about the books – BUT, you have a lot more flexibility when just printing pages and adding to an album! You do not have to be so careful with page ordering…as there is no ‘finality’ to it! Printing bound books and albums can be a little stressful – just because you do feel the pressure of getting everything ‘just perfect’ :o) With individual page printing…you can change the order of the pages in your scrapbook album – and best of all…if you find a mistake or typo – you can just reprint that ONE page! Generally, if I find a typo in my bound books (it happens – even though I proof several times…and even copy/paste my journaling into word for spell check lol) - I just leave it, as it is too expensive to reprint :o) I just tell our little man…MORE proof that I am not perfect, ROFL (as if he didn’t already know, ha!)!
There are also options that you might wish to look for when it comes to printing :o) For me…a lay-flat or hinged album is a must! This just means that when you open your book/album – all of the pages lay perfectly flat, instead of having that ‘bump’ at the binding. It doesn’t seem like such a big deal, lol…but I’ve had both and if possible – I always go with hinged! I’m not sure which labs offer this option, and which do not – but it’s something to consider!
This is something you will want to know before formatting your pages for print. I know that with WHCC…the formatting is a bit different if you choose a hinged album or book (on both the pages and the cover). Another ‘must’ for me, is the ability to design my own custom album cover. While most companies offer this (for an additional fee)…some only allow you to choose from their premade options. Again, each and every company will have different specifications for their cover formatting…so you will have to decide on the company, and then work on formatting! Here are a few more pics of my printed album (sorry for the icky pictures, lol):
Something else to consider when formatting your pages for printing – DROP SHADOWS and DETAILS! As silly and insignificant as they sound, drop shadows really do make all the difference in the end! Realistic drop shadows can make your pages come to life…and literally have people touching the layouts to see if the elements and papers are ‘real’, lol! It happens all the time! When formatting…I go back through all of my pages and tweak drop shadows until I find what I like! Unfortunately…drop shadows are quite subjective. There is no ‘magic’ setting that will work for everything, lol! For example…papers should have a smaller drop shadow than a flower (naturally, a flower is thicker and heavier than a paper…and will produce a larger shadow)…and stitching will have it’s own look, too! Trust your eyes – you know your own preference for shadows…so just go with it – but try to be consistent throughout your album! Another way to add realism is with stitching…I love to work with stitching and it always add such depth and dimension to my pages! Here are some details so you can see the results:
Now, if you are NOT going for a ‘scrappy’ look…then shadows are not really an issue…but since most of us have ‘scrapbooked’ our pages for this album – I wanted to mention it!
Another thing I wanted to show…one of my ‘extra’ pages! You guys often ‘hear’ me saying that I have too many photos in one month – so I need to scrap extra pages! Well, I try to keep those pages simple (since I’ve already journaled on my regular monthly pages)…and all about the pics! Here’s an example of one of my (many, lol) extra pages:
Another thing to keep in mind…most albums need a ‘first page’! Meaning that when you open your book/album – there will be a single page (actually the back of your ‘left side’ January page) on the right – and most printing labs allow you to customize that page. In my books – that is generally a letter to our little man…or just a summary of the year (or if it is a birthday album – a bunch of info about the birthday, etc.) – but it can be whatever you want it to be – extra photos, one large photo, kid stats (age, weight, height, school info, etc.)! That’s the beauty of it…you can make it whatever you like! Here is mine:
And finally…just a few more pics of my final album – I believe these are the spreads for November, January and September :o)
Alright, I can’t think of much else when it comes to formatting and printing your albums! Again – there are just too many variables for us to be able to give specific information – it ALL depends on the lab you choose for printing – and their specifications for the final album size that you choose! If you have questions – just contact your lab’s customer service and they should be able to help and answer any questions. I hope that you all LOOOOOOVE your final albums – and I truly hope you will share photos of them with us in the GALLERY! You will be an inspiration to all of us :o) The more participation…the more motivated we ALL become! We’re int his together! And, I know that printing this first album will be a learning experience for many…especially those who have never had an album printed before! So, remember to enjoy the process and try not to get overwhelmed! When you see your final, printed book – I can assure you – it will all be worth it :o)
With project SCRAP 2011 being our first year…we were bound to learn some valuable lessons along the way :o) And, when I say ‘we’…I really mean ‘me’ lol! I can really only share the things which *I* learned while completing my own album…but hopefully, these tips will help you guys as well :o)
-
If, like ME, you plan to have extra pages some months (i.e. there was an event or vacation or birthday or Christmas and you need MORE pages to fit all of your photos and/or journaling) – DO NOT put it off, lol! Do the EXTRA pages at the same time that you do your monthly template pages! I KNEW that I had lots of extra pages to scrap…and while I did scrap some along the way – I saved way too many until the end and found myself in a rush and trying to catch up! And well, that is the whole IDEA behind project SCRAP…to scrap as we go so we never get behind! Granted…I was still better off than any other year…but I wish I had kept up with my ‘extras’!
-
If you know what size and where you are going to have your album printed…FORMAT your pages for printing EACH MONTH! I really should have done this! It’s pretty easy for me as I almost always have my albums printed at WHCC…and I almost always go with a 10×10 size! But…still, I just scrapped my pages at 12×12 each month (which I always do anyway, in the event I ever want to go back and have them printed at full size…or if my mom wants a 12×12 album, etc.) and left it at that! And, well, that WOULD have been fine! However, in my rush to complete my album (so I could share pics of it with you guys today, lol)…it was a PAIN trying to prepare SO many pages for printing at once! Ya see…with WHCC – when I format my pages for a 10×10 album…the final pages/sides are not true squares…so each page takes a little tweaking…especially if the design is square (like a square border, etc.). I found that this took me a LONG time and I really, really wished I had done this each month (and I WILL this year, NO questions, lol)! Now, the only way I would advise against this…is if you do not know what size you plan to print…or where! Each printer/lab will have different specifications…so I would not put the time and effort into doing this in advance…unless you are certain as to these two decisions!
-
If…like ME, you change information, substitute photos, or leave out personal journaling for the page you upload to the gallery – make sure to finish the REAL/FINAL version at the same time, lol! As many of you know (and like many of you do as well), I keep many personal details private…so most of my pages do not have names, locations, etc. on them – or if they do, they are ‘faux’ :o) I also do not post photos of our little man’s friends…or certain members of my family (at their request). So, often – I will substitute other photos in my layouts for the blog and gallery! No problem at all, right? Well…no problem except for that I am often in a huge hurry trying to get a post finished…and I think I will just go back in a few days and finalize my ‘real’ layouts! But, i’m sure you know what happens…YEP – I just get busy again and forget! Yeah…so when finalizing my album for printing…it was a bit of a pain, lol! I had to go through all of my layouts and put the ‘real’ info back in…find the photos I really wanted to have printed, etc. I could have saved myself SO much time and stress by doing this monthly (are you seeing a ‘theme’ here…MONTHLY – just finish each month, monthly, lol)! Not only the time…but everything was ‘fresh’ on my mind then. But, when going back to LAST February…I really had to try to remember details, etc. This year – I will be sure to save out my final version each and every month! And, while I know this tip will not apply to many of you who do not change out personal info/photos/etc…I also know MANY of you do…so maybe this will help :o)
-
In a nutshell…the point of project SCRAP is to stay up-do-date on our photos and scrapbooking…without ever having that overwhelmed feeling of being behind! Well, in the end – I still felt that (my own fault, of course, lol) – but, I must say, to a MUCH lesser extent, without question! These are just a few things I can (and will) do differently this year :o) The object is to stay current – at least monthly…and put NOTHING off. This means that by the 1st or 2nd week of each month…you have the PREVIOUS month COMPLETELY finished (pages complete…including extras and ready for final printing)! Lesson learned, lol :o)
-
If you learned any lessons…or have any helpful tips to share – we’d LOVE to see them in the COMMENTS section – thanks :o)
Before I leave you – I had to share Kylie’s album cover pages – aren’t they so SWEET? Just a little inspiration if you are planning to work with Album Cover Option 3 :o)
Well, I think that does it! And, as sad as I am to say GOODBYE to project SCRAP 2011…I am equally as happy to begin project SCRAP 2012 with you guys :o) So…get ready, as we will be launching the 2012 project NEXT THURSDAY – WOOHOO!
Be sure to stop back by the blog tomorrow as Rosy shares a super fun hybrid project with us! THANKS AGAIN – have a wonderful weekend…XOXO – SP :o)
Free (not desktops), project Scrap 2011, Uncategorized 75 Comments
May 05, 2012 @ 13:00:27
Wonderful templates!! Could you tell us what kit the background is from (the beige swirly one)? Just love it! Best regards from Germany
May 05, 2012 @ 23:08:01
Hello Carolin!! :o)
Unfortunately the background is only a design overlay that SP has used to decorate the template layer, and therefore not an actual paper from any of the Shoppe kits. Sorry about that!!
If you are looking for lovely damask papers – most Shabby Princess kits contain at least one in each – but may I suggest the Darling Papers Collection if you are looking for a wonderful set of damask papers…here is the link:
http://www.theshabbyshoppe.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=355
Thanks so much for stopping by the blog! We really appreciate it! :o)
Apr 25, 2012 @ 22:15:30
Okay, so I’m WAY behind with the 2011 Project Scrap, but downloaded them each month and am now ready to print my pages as a book. Except that I didn’t get to download the cover(s). Is there a way to still download only the free covers, or do I need to purchase the entire years worth to get them? I guess I could try to be creative and design my own, but then it’ll be 2013 by the time it’s finished :) Just checking! Thanks! I LOVE project scrap and vow to finish this year on time!!
Apr 25, 2012 @ 22:19:00
Oops! Just saw the comment before mine and realized you already answered my question. Glad I’m not the only one who slacked off in January… Thanks anyway!! :)
Apr 03, 2012 @ 13:15:53
Will you be selling them as individual pieces? I downloaded everything each month, but the covers! Can you believe I missed just one? Geesh!
Apr 04, 2012 @ 23:27:38
Hi mhsands! :o)
Thanks for stopping by the blog! – we truly appreciate it. And, we’re thrilled that you have been enjoying project SCRAP…it’s lots of fun and super practical, too!
Now for the bad news – no we will not be selling individual pieces…so sorry! ALL of the links have been removed from the server since we bundled them for the Shabby Shoppe :o( Very sorry and wish I could be of more help. The files are quite large and not email-able. We really did try to keep them up well into 2012 to give everyone a chance to download…but I realize that doesn’t help you now :o(
Again – my sincere apologies for not being able to help. We hope you understand…and will continue to enjoy project SCRAP 2012 (free templates each month).
I realise it’s not quite the same but to complete your 2011 album feel free to edit the ones you have to fashion a cover, or slot in a couple of the 2012 templates, or even the free easy-as-pie challenge templates – using different papers and flipping/rotating/tweaking the templates…no one would ever realise they were duplicated, I’m sure.
THANKS SO MUCH for taking the time to ask! Have a lovely day…and happy scrapping! :o)
Feb 25, 2012 @ 16:45:27
Would you mind sharing what font you used for the “twenty eleven” on your cover? THANKS!
Feb 27, 2012 @ 20:16:19
Hi Jan!! :o)
The font that SP used for the “twenty eleven” on her album cover is called BARBER. You can find it HERE!
Thanks and have a lovely day!! :o)
Feb 02, 2012 @ 05:55:11
From the bottom of my heart, Thank you so much! You guys rock! because of this project scrap 2011, I become interested in taking photos if not everyday. And I love the way your album was printed and bind. Here in my place, we don’t have companies that binds like that. The only option I have is to send it on international companies and have it bind. And now you are going to help us again for 2012? You have a generous heart!! Thank you again and bless you :)
Jan 28, 2012 @ 09:05:37
Just now getting to these ‘cover pages’… and wow, thank you for so many awesome options! :o) As I’ve taken a more ‘hybrid’ approach to my album, I have already printed out the monthly pages (and love them so)… so I plan to use the 2nd option as my ‘intro’ letter for the year & option 3 as the ‘recap’ page(s). Thanks again so much for helping me preserve our 2011 memories. XOXO
Jan 27, 2012 @ 23:47:31
Hello!
What was the font used in the images above (used for descriptions, etc)? So pretty!
Thanks!
Tin
Jan 28, 2012 @ 07:44:26
hi tin :o) i BELIEVE the font you are asking about is LD TILTED. hope it helps :o) xoxo -SP!
Jan 25, 2012 @ 01:13:02
Hi!
I’m a 20 year old student from faraway India, and it’s a delight to go through yur blog every thursday! I’d been chasing the idea of starting a scrapbook for quite some time, but supplies and paper are soooooo expensive and hard to find out here. You guys with your downloadable easy kits are lifesavers! I just started with a layout and the project scrap 2011 category has helped me tremendously. Your tips are awesome, and inspirations terrific and inspiring! (of course ;) ) Keep up the good work! Fingers crossed and waiting for the Project scrap 2012!
P.S. Maybe you could have a downloadable pdf version of project scrap 2011, will be a huge help while offline!
Much love!
Jan 28, 2012 @ 07:39:53
thanks so much, sia – super happy to have you join us :o) XOXO – SP!
Jan 24, 2012 @ 22:01:48
THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH for all your work on Project Scrap 2011 – it has been such a blessing in my life and I LOVE my finished scrapbook! I had mine printed at Shutterfly and I was pleased with the quality.
Can’t wait for 2012′s project!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Jan 28, 2012 @ 07:42:16
you’re super welcome, erin :o) thank you for joining us – so happy you finished your 2011 album…now let’s have fun with 2012! thanks again – xoxo, SP!
Jan 24, 2012 @ 21:12:54
Thanks for the covers. I was wondering if you were going to give us some. :) I appreciate ALL the work that you guys put into giving us those templates for free.
I stayed caught up…until September. Then I fell of the bandwagon. :/ I’m looking forward to ProjectScrap2012.
Jan 28, 2012 @ 07:40:50
you’re so welcome, DeAnna :o) thanks for the kind words…and there is still time to catch up on 2011 (you’re not that far behind)…AND, join in on 2012! we’ll scrap together! thanks again :o) xoxo – sp!
Jan 22, 2012 @ 20:20:06
I love the final book super cute! I specially like know you use WHCC I used them for my pictures and love their print, but I never thought about printing my book with them. The prices are a little higher for a 100 pages book that I usually get every year but I am so excited for the hinged books I really want to try them!! Thank you so much!
Jan 23, 2012 @ 07:27:04
thanks a bunch, Analia (gorgeous name!) :o) and, yeah…the price is definitely a bit more than some of the options…but since you’ve printed with WHCC before…you have an idea of the quality, color and service…so that might help with the decision :o) but, i truly feel like…in the end – it’s about the photos and journaling…so regardless of where or how you print – you will LOOOOOVE it, i have no doubt :o) i will also say though…with 100 pages (wow – that’s awesome!) – the hinged book would be WONDERFUL…as i’m sure with so many pages, you get the big ‘bump’ in the middle binding with a regular album?! definitely something to consider! i know, decisions, desicions, lol :o) in the end, go with your budget and know you will be thrilled no matter what! GOOD LUCK and thanks so much for joining us! xoxo – SP!
Jan 26, 2012 @ 10:45:56
Thank you…everyone think my name is so beautiful, I guess I am used to the name so I totally think it is a normal name… (argentine name! :) Anyway, Thank you so much for your reply… I am really thinking about doing the hinged book, like you said, with all the pages i get the “bump” in the middle all the time!!! I can’t wait to print it!! Thank you
Jan 22, 2012 @ 14:46:58
Thanks so much for all the pictures of your finished album! I have only barely heard of WHCC, and seeing your album in print is really helpful! I have been researching printers (and books vs. individual layouts), and I’ve found that it is typically less expensive to have a book printed than it would be to do individual layouts. You have to conisider the cost of the album and the page protectors. Plus, the cost per page in a photo book is usually less than the cost per printed layout. I was really nervous before I printed my first book (I used Shutterfly), but now that I’ve done a couple, I don’t think I’ll ever go back to albums. :) P.S. LOVE the cover designs! Thank you!!
Jan 23, 2012 @ 07:39:44
hey jenny – thank you so much for your kind words…and for all of the insight – we appreciate it bunches :o) and i agree…depending on options - it can be more cost effective to go with a bound book in the end (really depends on where and how you print your album as the prices vary greatly from lab to lab)! something everyone has to look at and compare before deciding – taking into account ALL of the factors :o) either way…it’s just a great feeling to have them complete and in-hand, lol! as i’ve said – even though i prefer the bound books – i don’t think you can go wrong either way, kwim?! THANKS AGAIN, jenny – so appreciate it! have fun :o) xoxo – SP!
Jan 22, 2012 @ 10:10:27
Thank you for all the templates, I’m not ready with my project, but as I saw your printed (wonderful) book, I have to make it as soon as possible! Thank you again for the whole year long challenge and can’t wait the new one.
Jan 23, 2012 @ 07:34:04
thanks bunches, henriett :o) and you’re so welcome – i’m thrilled that you are ‘with us’ on project SCRAP…and hope you get your 2011 wrapped up soon! you have to make time for 2012, he he :o) we look forward to scrapping with you…and again – THANK YOU for the sweetness! xoxo – SP!
Jan 21, 2012 @ 06:09:38
It turned out fantastic!!! I can’t wait to finish mine and print it up! I like the hinged binding too. I might try that this time.
Jan 23, 2012 @ 07:32:37
thanks so much, amy :o) have to say (again, lol…sorry if i sound like a broken record) that i LOOOOOVE the hinged binding…it really makes a huge difference when looking through the book/album! and EVERYONE comments on it and how ‘sleek’ it is…and how nice not to have to smush down the center so they can see what is on the far left or right, lol! but, it is an added expense…and not really a MUST if it isn’t in the budget, kwim? either way – you’ll LOVE your book :o) good luck and thanks again…xoxo – SP!
Jan 21, 2012 @ 01:04:37
Thanks so much SP for this challenge and the wonderful templates! I seriously enjoyed doing the layouts each month and using your wonderful products. Thanks also for showing your album and for sharing all the tips. I was going to use the company I’ve used before, which I do like, but your “lay flat album” is just sooo nice. I too have learned my lesson about scraping those 3rd & 4th pages each month. Have several left to finish as well as Nov & Dec main spreads. Looking forward to the 2012 challenge and even more scrapping! Happy New Year!
Jan 23, 2012 @ 07:30:19
you’re so sweet, and so welcome, carolyn :o) it really has been a lot of fun for me – and i’m super happy to share my experience with everyone…especially since i always learn something and figure someone else might benefit from my mess-ups, lolol! sounds like we both learned out lesson with the extra pages, lol! i just have to tell myself that while i really do not have the time to scrap them during that month….it is still WAY better to MAKE the time THEN…than to have so many pile up at the end of the year (when life is REALLY busy, lol)! good luck wrapping up 2011…and can’t wait to start 2012 with ya :o) THANK YOU…xoxo – sp!
Jan 21, 2012 @ 00:58:12
SP – AMAZING. seriously. your book is so gorgeous! And Kylie – (I know you’re here somewhere!) – you both did such an incredible job designing the templates each month and keeping everyone motivated and moving along. You guys provide so much inspiration, thank you!! <3
Jan 23, 2012 @ 07:22:47
hey beckie – thanks so much :o) lovin’ my book, lol! xoxo!
Jan 20, 2012 @ 14:58:28
WOW!! What a beautiful book! I love it!! I successfully completed p365 for the first time in 2011, but now I am waaaaay behind on scrapping! I am glad i tried it, but this year the goal is to keep up on my scrapping and not worry if I don’t take photos every day. I hope to join you for project scrap 2012, because I know I will be so much more happy with a completed book at the end of the year, than I am with a hard drive full of photos with less than half of them scrapbooked! I just went back and downloaded the templates from 2011, so hopefully I can get caught up. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing your talent and inspiration :)!!
Jan 23, 2012 @ 07:22:07
hey jess :o) YAY – so happy you’ll be with us for 2012! i’m the same way – i LOVE taking all the pics…but in the end, if i don’t scrap them – i just feel even MORE behind, lol! that’s what i love about project SCRAP…i think we really figured out a great balance between the photos and the scrapping! at least it works for ME, he he! i do not feel all the ‘daily’ stress/pressure…but it’s just enough to keep me grabbing my camera…and scrapping! i truly hope it works for you as well! thanks again, jess :o) see ya in the gallery! xoxo – sp!
Jan 20, 2012 @ 13:22:32
Thank You Thank You for all the templates and this wonderful explanation at the end! I check your blog first thing Mon – Friday to see what you have posted. Thank you for all the Inspiration!
Jan 23, 2012 @ 07:20:02
you’re so sweet, JaneAnn – THANK YOU!!!!!!! we LOVE that you visit the blog every day…and appreciate it so much :o) as much as we enjoy posting…it wouldn’t be nearly as much fun if we had no audience, lol! so, thank YOU! and…have fun with the templates! we are looking forward to 2012 with ya :o) xoxo – SP!
Jan 20, 2012 @ 11:44:52
You know you are making my life really hard! I had already printed individual pages because that is what kind of albums I already have but seeing your finished book makes me change my mind! I love your book. Thank you so much for the templates every month is really is the biggest difference!
Jan 23, 2012 @ 07:17:17
LOL carli – i’m so sorry (in a good way, lol)…i totally understand :o) i’ve been in the same spot before and wasn’t sure if i wanted to commit to ‘books’ or not! i have to tell you that i haven’t regretted having the hard-bound books printed, ever! but at the same time…there are a LOT of advantages to individual pages, too! the good news – you really can’t go wrong either way, lol! so try not to stress or think about it too much! getting the pages done is the most important part :o) so, ENJOY those pages, carli! thanks for the kind words…xoxo – sp :o)
Jan 20, 2012 @ 10:25:09
SP, your album is stunning! It almost made me cry thinking of what an AMAZING keepsake it is:) Wonderful job. Thanks for all of your time, talent, & inspiration in allowing ME to make such a treasure for my family as well. Now to finish up all the ‘random’ extra pages so I can get it printed, LOL!!! THaNKs TONS!!!
Jan 23, 2012 @ 07:14:50
oh THANK YOU THANK YOU for the super sweet comments, janica – you made my day :o) i truly do consider these books as keepsakes…hoping that my little man will too, one day, lol! right now – he just loves feeling ‘famous’ and ‘special’…seeing himself all over these hard bound books (to him, they are just like library books…which make it all the more special in his eyes, lol)! and he’s old enough now, that he helps me with the journaling and adds in his own commentary, he he! i love that :o) anyway – thank you bunches for the sweetness…and good luck with all of the ‘extra pages’ :o) xoxo – sp!
Jan 20, 2012 @ 01:33:01
AWESOME and informative post. Thanks for taking the time to provide such detail!!
HAPPY FRIDAY!!
Jan 23, 2012 @ 07:12:43
oh you’re so welcome – my pleasure :o) really enjoyed it…and especially knowing that you guys enjoy the posts, too! thanks a bunch :o) xoxo – sp!
Jan 19, 2012 @ 21:26:19
Since you’re working with layered files, instead of doing a hunt-and-search for the photos you really want to include on your layouts, way back in the original photo files, put *both* photos-the online AND the personal ones-layered in the photo spots you want them in. That way, when you go to print, you can turn those public pictures off. :)
Jan 23, 2012 @ 07:11:34
sadly – i DO do this, lol…i just do not take the time to ‘finish’ and ‘format’ at the same time, lol! which really doesn’t seem like such a huge deal…until you have like 30 pages to do at once, kwim? and then…when i go back to LAST january…i can’t even remember if i needed to change any photo layers, etc, lol! ahhhhh, the aging process, lol :o) thanks so much for your comment and helping! XOXO – SP!
Jan 19, 2012 @ 21:16:39
You are AMAZING!!! I LOVE Project Scrap! Your album looks beautiful! Thank you so much for all of the hard work you and the team put into everything! All of you are so inpiring! I need to finish up mine, but I can’t wait to start on the one for 2012!
Jan 23, 2012 @ 07:09:22
thanks so much, jamie :o) i truly truly enjoyed putting mine together – and hope you do, too! and yep…so excited about 2012 :o) thanks again – XOXO, SP!
Jan 19, 2012 @ 19:16:53
You guys are awesome and your book is beautiful! Seeing a book in print is totally different than looking at your layouts on the computer — it’s just so inspiring to keep going. Thanks for sharing all your talent with us.
Jan 19, 2012 @ 19:22:42
isn’t that the truth, julie? :o) absolutely agree – to see the final, printed album – really makes the year of scrapping worth it! such a feeling of accomplishment…and success – knowing you are not another year behind, lol! thanks for the kind words…hope to see you for project SCRAP 2012! xoxo – sp :o)
Jan 19, 2012 @ 17:54:27
Just awesome!!! LOVE your generosity and inspiration during 2011. Can’t wait to do it all again in 2012!
Jan 19, 2012 @ 19:21:13
you’re always so sweet and supportive, lori – THANK YOU :o) thanks bunches for joining in the scrapping fun…totally looking forward to 2012! thanks again – xoxo – SP :o)
Jan 19, 2012 @ 17:26:09
Thanks so much for offering Project Scrap 2011… it’s a great tool. The Shabby Shoppe is great, thank you for having such quality products.
Jan 19, 2012 @ 19:20:05
many thanks for your sweetness, julie – really appreciate it :o) hope to see you for project SCRAP 2012 :o) XOXO – SP!
Jan 19, 2012 @ 17:02:10
Absolutely stunning SP!!! Love, love, love.. Lesson learned from me – don’t fall behind!! I only made it to April last year, so am definitely on track for 2012… You guys will keep me going I am sure! Bring on next Thursday!!!!
Jan 19, 2012 @ 19:19:28
THANK YOU, jenelle :o) and lol…yes, we will keep you going this year, promise! you’ll have a blast and feel so GREAT when you have a complete album NEXT january :o) thanks again! xoxo!
Jan 19, 2012 @ 15:19:40
WOW!!!!! Your album looks gorgeous – takes my breath away!!! So VERY professional, LOVE it! And I can’t wait for Project Scrap 2012 to start!
Jan 19, 2012 @ 19:18:48
oh thank you thank you, sweet Sylvia :o) YAY for project SCRAP 2012…i’m looking forward to it, too – especially now that i learned my ‘lessons’ in 2011 – LOL! as always – thanks you bunches :o) xoxo – SP
Jan 19, 2012 @ 12:47:29
It was pretty easy to follow along and I especially LOVED the “check ups” posted on the blog. Just those little reminders that are so needed.
Thank you for all the gorgeous templates through the year! And I do mean gorgeous! These covers are so unexpected and stunning! Three cheers!
Jan 19, 2012 @ 19:17:32
oh you’re so sweet, raylene – thank you :o) and i’m with you…i’m ‘in charge’ of those little check-in posts…and let me just say that they keep ME up-to-date, lol! i’m not so sure i would keep up as well if i didn’t have to do those, lol! so, they are a VERY GOOD tool for me, he he! i never was a cheerleader…but i really do try to keep you guys motivated – as i always say…we’re in this together, lol! thanks again…look forward to 2012 :o) XOXO, sp!
Jan 19, 2012 @ 12:20:31
Loved, Loved, LOVED this project! Thanks sooo much for inspiring and sharing with us! One last request- what font did you use for your album cover title? SOO pretty, and I couldn’t find it in the gallery.
Thanks again for everything!
Erica
Jan 19, 2012 @ 19:15:34
thanks so much, erica :o) and that font is BARBER (barber 1 to be exact, lol) and i believe i purchased it at myfonts.com :o) GREAT and unique font…but a bit pricey! love it though! thanks again, erica…hope to see you for project SCRAP 2012 :o) xoxo – SP
Jan 19, 2012 @ 11:43:47
I am super excited about project 2012….i came in late to 2011 started in March…but really enjoyed the templates and all the awesome inspirational layouts! I have already started Project 365 and am scrapping a week at a time in a two page spread… i really hope i can continue and can’t wait to see all my pages printed and in a book.
Jan 19, 2012 @ 19:14:07
hey jennifer – THANKS! thanks for joining in for part of 2011…and excited to have you back for 2012 :o) i know you can keep up – and i promise that seeing your final book is worth it :o) thanks and xoxo! SP
Jan 19, 2012 @ 10:52:49
Wonderful post! Thanks for all the hints. I didn’t do this project last year (I did a P365) – but I am thinking about it for this coming year because I really need to simplify! Thanks for the beautiful templates!
Jan 19, 2012 @ 19:12:43
wonderful, Ruth :o) hope to see you join in this year! i’ve tried p365 before and just can’t keep up with it, lol! that’s why i really love what we are doing…it is a little more realistic for ME (i do envy those of you who can and do keep up with 365 though, lol) – but i still feel like i ‘captured’ the year, kwim? and SIMPLIFYing is a great thing, lol – we could all use a little bit more SIMPLE in our lives, eh? :o) thanks a bunch – SP!
Jan 19, 2012 @ 10:27:59
hey you guys (esp. sp)! thank you so much for the beautiful templates of 2011! i started scrapbooking in august this year, so i didn’t come up with a book but i am so sure to do it this year, so i am happy that the project ends and begins again :-)
Jan 19, 2012 @ 19:10:28
YAY, alina :o) so happy you will be joining us for project SCRAP 2012 – looking forward to it and hope to see your pages in the gallery this year :o) lol about the project ‘ending and beginning’ – so true and a great point! certainly gives you a great place to jump in, he he! thanks so much for the sweetness! xoxo – SP
Jan 19, 2012 @ 10:12:08
Beautiful covers, SP and Kylie! Love all the tips you’ve given here and I’m going to check out whcc now. I’ve always done 10X10 (love that size!) photobooks with viovio. Their prices are great, but no full wrap cover or lay flat pages.
Jan 19, 2012 @ 19:09:15
thanks, rosy :o) same here…LOVE 10×10 and i’m so happy it is more common! at first, you could only find 12×12 – and for some reason, they just seem toooo big for me! but, several family members prefer the 12×12 – so i’m happy that we are all taken care of, lol! have fun! xoxo – sp
Jan 19, 2012 @ 09:38:16
Just wanted to say thank you so much for all the beautiful templates this year. I do Project 365 and have a template set for that, but I am using this to go back to 2008 and get that year’s pictures documented and printed into a book (because I am hopelessly behind on actual scrapping layouts). Thanks again!
Jan 19, 2012 @ 19:07:41
awesome, Melissa – have fun scrapping 2008 :o) thanks a bunch…SP!
Jan 19, 2012 @ 09:30:05
There’s something I really learned during this project while I was scrapbooking my year. Sometimes I felt that the time had passed and I had not done anything fun or important. Register my life in a scrapbook showed me the importance of small moment of every day in a beautiful way. Thank you for all.
Jan 19, 2012 @ 18:59:30
oh i absolutely LOVE everything you ‘said’, cristiane :o) sooooo true and i have realized the same thing! i have actually found that i enjoy and appreciate the ‘little moments’ much more than most of the big events! and, i do find myself photographing the ‘every day’ more than i ever have before – and i love it! i think that sometimes we get so used to photographing the vacations, holidays, birthdays, etc…we often forget about the daily stuff :o) thanks for such a beautiful comment! xoxo!
Jan 19, 2012 @ 09:05:10
LOVE it!! You’ve done amazing and to honest I’ve stayed on mine better than ever as well and it’s all because of Project Scrap so THANK you!! I too have tried to remember to finish each page through the month as well as do all the extras in there too! I am behind though as I am only at September with the project scrap pages. LOL It seems I didn’t take ANY pictures that WHOLE month…I think I’ll use those two pages as fillers for the previous months..bad I know! I’ve also been formatting my pages for Winkflash books as those are a cheaper option, but NO means as good as a professional lab printer, but I do like the look and I know I can get them printed again if needed, but as with the other labs they have weird sizing so I have to go in and resize each page. I have made an action for it which saves a little time! THANKS again for EVERYTHING…I’ve LOVED doing this and I too think I’m more prepared for this year!!
Jan 19, 2012 @ 18:57:32
thanks, Casharina! and hey – i’ve been there…i can’t remember which month it was in 2011…but i had to use iphone pics because i took no ‘real’ camera pics, lol! that was tricky…but it worked out! i love your idea of using those pages as fillers :o) and thanks for the info on printing :o) sounds like you and i are in the same boat with formatting, lol! it’s a pain – but worth it :o) thanks again!
Jan 19, 2012 @ 08:59:38
Oh wow, I love this! I can’t wait to read it all and finish mine up! Beautiful! I ♥ the Shabby Shoppe! :)
Jan 19, 2012 @ 18:55:53
thanks bunches, stacy…have fun finishing your album – hope to see it :o) xoxo – SP!