enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

Plelise!

I am honored and thrilled to share with you today that I designed the 2013 Seafoam kit for Project Life!

Seafoampostcard

This is my big secret project that I have been keeping since early February. I have so much to say about this kit, including how we got from step #1: a phone call from Becky Higgins to step #751: writing this blog post.

And there will be time for that before the kit, album and paper (!!) release in November.

Seafoampromo2

But today, I would love to share just three things :

One / I am so passionate about this kit and the whole concept of Project Life. Truly, I was hooked from that first day when I built my title page and felt the thrill of playing around with pockets. It has been overwhelmingly fun and very humbling to design something that I (and hopefully many, many others!) will be excited to play with every week of next year. 2013 is going to be a great time to start or continue Project Life, I can already tell.

Seafoampromoa

Two / I have to thank Meredith Tilton, my friend and right-hand woman throughout this adventure. When we started, I had no Illustrator design experience. Meredith, on the other hand, went to four years of school for design and could pull the pieces together. She was an absolute gem to work with and able to turn my pencil sketches (which I can't wait to share!) and Photoshop Elements mock-ups into something beautiful and awesome. Can't say enough good stuff about her as a person and graphic designer.

Seafoampromo3

Three / When Becky called and asked me if I was interested in this opportunity, Paul was still deployed. It was a Thursday morning and I remember walking in circles in our undecorated bedroom pinching myself to be sure it was real. When we hung up the phone, I called my parents (separately, as they were both at work) and relayed the story. My end of both conversations went something like this,

"Hey! So, you know Project Life?"

"Yes, that thing I have been sharing on the blog on Sundays?"

"Yes, the one with the pockets."

"Yes, there are photos."

"Well I just got off the phone with Becky Higgins… she's the lady who created Project Life."

"Yes, it's a thing that many people do."

"Yes, it's sold on amazon."

"You buy a journalling card kit and album and those pocket pages."

"I know cool, right? Anyway, SHE WANTS ME TO DESIGN THE KIT!!"

"No, I don't think you understand…this is huge."

"Yes."

"THANK YOU!! I KNOW! I am so excited!!"

Seriously, I had that conversation twice. Then again with Paul when he woke up to start his day in Afghanistan. And then about 40 more times over the past six months.

But the best part, of the whole adventure, really, was about a hour after my dad and I hung up the phone that first day and I got a text from him,

"Leesee. I googled this "Becky Higgins" and it seems like she's legit."

True story.

Pltrue2

What an absolute pleasure. And seriously, the fun is just beginning. Next, we all get to use the kit. The photos throughout this post show samples of the Seafoam kit (I hope you like the name!) in action. We will be sharing the full kit in the next few months (you can see more samples on Becky's blog now) and I'll have more photos of last week's spread up soon, but wow – it was surreal (and awesome!) to finally put them to use.

(!!!!!!!!!)

UPDATE : The Seafoam core kit is now available on Amazon!

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368 responses to “the secret’s out!”

  1. Gen Avatar
    Gen

    So, SO excited for you! It looks amazing 🙂 I’m always so inspired by your spreads each week and it prompted me to start my own album (celebrating and documenting 26). Love the text from your Dad!

    Like

  2. Raimi Avatar

    I can’t wait to get my hands on this! You and Mer did a fantastic job! Way to go!!!!

    Like

  3. Lisa S. Avatar
    Lisa S.

    Congratulations on a STUNNING creation for PL! I’m in love with it and can’t wait til November….and your dad’s text totally made me giggle!

    Like

  4. ReginaCollier17@gmail.com Avatar
    ReginaCollier17@gmail.com

    I’m am SOOOO excited about your designs! I have been following both your blogs (yours and Becky’s) for several years. I literally said “OMG!” out loud at work. I will be in front of the line to purchase on Amazon!!

    Like

  5. heather Avatar
    heather

    Congratulations, Elise! What an awesome opportunity, and so deserved. I can’t wait to see more!

    Like

  6. Camile Avatar

    Congratulations!!!! I love your work and blog and i am sooo happy for you!!! it’s really cool!
    xoxo

    Like

  7. Elizabeth Avatar

    CONGRATUALATIONS!!!!!! SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!! I have been wanting some new core kits and to find out you designed one was so perfect!!! I love your style!!! Now, if Liz from Paislee Press is the other designer, I might just pass out and die. Just sayin’…
    Warmly,
    Elizabeth

    Like

  8. jen kinkade Avatar

    you have just turned Project Life on it’s head for me!!!
    i totally want to try it again in 2013!!
    congrats!!! 🙂

    Like

  9. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    Gotta get this kit! Love everything about it from the colors and the style. You hit this one out of the ballpark when you created the Seafoam edition of Project Life!!! Congratulations, and I have a feeling you are going to make many, many, many people happy with their albums in the coming year! 🙂

    Like

  10. bonitarose Avatar

    so happy for you!
    love it.. especially since hubby and I are moving to a home on the sea in FL in about 8 weeks… I can’t wait to get this kit to use next year.. you rock my friend! xo

    Like

  11. Julie Avatar
    Julie

    I’m normally not a poster in the comments, but MAN I was excited Becky was going to announce more kits, and my screen at work is small, but I could tell from the very top! I squeeled!! I am so happy for YOU and for Becky, and now FOR ME!!!! 🙂 I love your style, and I LOVE your PL kit!! I found your blog via a google search for Project Life months ago, just looking for inspiration. and you have been SUCH an inspiration to my PL book, and I look forward to your posts. I just wanted to say Congrats! SO HAPPY FOR YOU! I love it.

    Like

  12. andi r Avatar
    andi r

    Congrats! I bought the Cobalt edition, might have to gift that and get your edition. LOVE. the. colors. LOVE!!! Awesome job!

    Like

  13. Jennifer D Avatar
    Jennifer D

    OMG!!! Seriously, I don’t know what else to say. I think this is pretty amazing (or rad, as you would say). Also, you are super good at keeping a blog secret.
    I am thrilled to see your designs coming to project life. I think I’ve commented before to ask if you had any plans to bring your designs to a format that people like me, who don’t really do mini-books, could still use in their scrapbooking. So I can’t wait to be able to use these. 🙂

    Like

  14. jessica o'brien | jessohbee Avatar

    congrats! that is HUGE news and such an amazing accomplishment for you. i love that the kit looks so much like YOU. the colors, the designs – it’s very elise and i know many people will love to use it. i’m going to do project life next year and cannot wait! xo

    Like

  15. Sarah Starr Avatar

    Congratulations! I absolutely love your designs & Project Life – perfect combination! Also, the story about your Dad is adorable 🙂

    Like

  16. Jodi R Avatar
    Jodi R

    How exciting!!! Congratulations!!! Love your dad’s text…it made me LOL! :0)

    Like

  17. Alice Armstrong Avatar
    Alice Armstrong

    BIG CONGRATS on your big announcement! An exciting milestone among many, many more in your big, bright future. Love the blog — keep doing what you do!

    Like

  18. Sammy G. Avatar

    congrats!! this is so awesome and i love love love the colors. you are an inspiration to so many of us! 🙂

    Like

  19. Karen Avatar
    Karen

    Congratulations! I can’t even remember how I stumbled onto your blog, but I’ve been so inspired by you and now I am seriously giddy for you!
    Maybe next year will be the year I start Project Life… ooh, the kit and a photo printer could be my Christmas list!

    Like

  20. Marcia (123 blog) Avatar

    A big congratulations – it looks great.
    And my favourite part of this is your dad’s response 🙂

    Like

  21. elita Avatar

    this. is. amazeballs. i’ve loved this project. i’m not given to scrapbooking, but always thought…i could get into this. and now, i will!
    let us know when we can pre-order our kits on amazon.

    Like

  22. Krys72599 Avatar

    CONGRATULATIONS!
    I will be buying your kit, no matter what else is available!!!
    LOVE the colors!!!

    Like

  23. Elise Avatar

    She is awesome indeed. Thank you!

    Like

  24. eek! Avatar

    First off – congrats! I am a long-time lurker and fan and am so happy for you!
    Two – I literally CANNOT wait for your kit to come out! Looks so fabulous!

    Like

  25. Michelle e Avatar

    So exciting!!! You are perfect for this project!!! I sooo want to get on board with this after debating about it for so long!

    Like

  26. Penny Avatar

    I was SO excited to your name on Becky’s blog!!! I cannot wait to get my hands on Seafoam. Congrats and the peeks look amazing.

    Like

  27. Avital Avatar

    This is so cool! How exciting! Now (when the kit is available for purchase) is the perfect time to finally embark on Project Life.

    Like

  28. Tere Avatar
    Tere

    LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. Seafoam it is! Can’t wait.
    And you know what I else I LOVE…the adventure if EJBC! I’ve been “reading” you since your wedding, and to watch you transform, grow, share, experience LIFE and new adventures, well, it’s just awesome.

    Like

  29. Ruth Avatar

    this rocks! I always LOVE seeing these posts and so glad for you that you’ve had this opportunity! 🙂

    Like

  30. Lexy Avatar
    Lexy

    Congratulations!! Now, I definitely have to do project life next year. Your album is so inspiring!!

    Like

  31. Patti M Avatar
    Patti M

    Congrats!!! I found your blog a few months ago and love your stories and style. I love the colors and graphics on your kit. Can’t wait for it to come out. Fits my beachy teen perfectly. Looking forward to more of your designs!

    Like

  32. Stephanie Baxter Avatar

    WOW! That’s such an amazing opportunity…so pleased for you! And I can already tell from the sneak peeks that this is going to be the best PL kit to date!! I love love love the colours 🙂

    Like

  33. JillT Avatar
    JillT

    I am not the least bit surprised that Becky came calling. You are an amazing artist in many ways and your specific project life is one of the most inspiring of those I follow or those I glance at now and then. You have even inspired me–an old, single–to pick it up and modify it for me. Especially today with the glimpses at this beautiful Seafoam. I just feel that every now and then I need to thank you and today is a perfect day. Thank you for all the love and inspiration to give everyday on your blog, and thank you today for Seafoam. #rockstarartist

    Like

  34. Dawn Ritchie Avatar
    Dawn Ritchie

    Awe-freaking-some!

    Like

  35. helena Avatar

    wow what an opportunity wow you kept it secret all those months wow the cards are fabulous wow looking forward to 2013

    Like

  36. Kiele Gregoire Avatar

    yay! congrats elise! i checked out the designs over on becky’s blog, and they’re awesome. wonderful job! you’re on a roll 🙂

    Like

  37. Susanne Avatar

    i cannot say how excited i am that you are one of the new designers! when i clicked on becky’s blog today and saw your name, i KNEW i would love the new kit. i found your blog somehow a while back and have loved seeing your personal project life as well as your pretty photographs and thinking, “i wish that was how my project life looked!” i guess now i will get that wish.
    congratulations!

    Like

  38. borcherding Avatar
    borcherding

    AWESOME! i am LOVIN’ everything I see!! OMG…that is a funny story about your dad!! too cute!!

    Like

  39. lindsayP. Avatar
    lindsayP.

    OMG. Becky Higgins changed the way people scrapbook, but YOU changed the way people can do project life. I was looking ay my project life last night (that has been neglected this summer bc of your summer mini book) and i was frustrated because I bought a kit that i rarely use. I love making it my own but it takes a lot of time, and that isn’t what project life is supposed to be about. You just made something that is totally accessible to the 20/30’s no kids crowd. You are amazing and inspiring. This is huge. Congratulations!

    Like

  40. stevie Avatar

    Awesome! I have been a long time reader and you are an inspiration! Congrats!!

    Like

  41. Melissa Avatar

    This is FABULOUS!!
    I love Project Life, but I found myself debating if I was going to buy a new Core Kit for next year or just do my own thing with misc papers…. Um, TOTALLY buying YOUR kit! Seafoam looks amazing.
    Go Elise, go!!! SO happy for you!
    p.s. best text ever from your dad! I literally laughed out loud.

    Like

  42. christen Avatar
    christen

    LOVE the kit and SO excited for you…and to use it myself. this is exciting news. this is just what i want and need. such good news!!!

    Like

  43. Polina Khoronko Avatar

    Congrats, Elise! It`s amazing!

    Like

  44. Samm Avatar

    Oh bless, love the text from your dad! So something my mum would do! So happy for you and can’t wait until we can get our hands on the whole lot – just hope they make it to UK! You may have created the tipping point for me doing PL!
    Samm x

    Like

  45. Itsjustluc Avatar

    Congratulations! I’ve been eager to find out what the big secret project is and this is definitely no disappointment. I’ve just started dabbling in Project Life and this is even more encouragement to stick with it. Also, your dad is hilarious.

    Like

  46. Marcie L Avatar
    Marcie L

    It’s so you, I love the style and am SO glad I put off buying a kit for next year cause I want this one!!

    Like

  47. Kimberly.Blanco@wholefoods.com Avatar
    Kimberly.Blanco@wholefoods.com

    Elise!!! I DIE!!!
    so awesome.

    Like

  48. nihal Avatar

    congrats! i am a beginner digital project lifer now thanks to you! luv.

    Like

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