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. Natanya Avatar

    Congrats Elise!! This is so so so exciting and I’m thrilled for you. You’ve been working so hard and so diligently over this year to document and your layouts are totally inspiring. I bought everything to get started on my own project life album but none of the core kits spoke to my style (and of course, were all unavailable forever!). This one is AWESOME and I can’t wait to get it in November though I hate that I’ll have to wait until then to get it – I wish we could purchase it now! 🙂

    Like

  2. Brandy Avatar
    Brandy

    So cool! I enjoy seeing your spreads every week. Maybe this will inspire me to give it a go again in 2013!

    Like

  3. sarah Avatar

    this kit is awesome. cannot wait to use it next year! HUGE congratulations elise! p.s. your dad’s text? made me laugh out loud, LOUDLY, in my very quiet office. hilarious! 🙂

    Like

  4. Melanie Avatar

    Wow, that is exciting! Can’t wait to see the full kit.

    Like

  5. Whitney P Avatar
    Whitney P

    Yay! I’ve only been following your blog for a few months, but I’ve been so inspired by all of your lovely work. I enjoy seeing your weekly PL shares, and now we have the opportunity to buy a kit designed by you! Seriously, you had me at the chevron, but I love that it is not pink (which is my favorite color, but doesn’t work so well with my house of boys)! I also love that the color is a little more subdued…I want my pictures to stand out, and this kit will make them shine! Love Love Love!!!

    Like

  6. Heidi Sullivan Avatar

    😀 I just came across your blog recently and have found all your projects and words very inspring. This is awesome news, to be part of something that you are so passionate about! I am definitely thinking about doing project life for 2013! Bravo!

    Like

  7. elise blaha Avatar

    thank you! a digital version is absolutely in the plan… though I have not heard much about it recently. I will, of course, keep you updated! 🙂

    Like

  8. Ashlee Avatar

    What an amazing opportunity! I canny wait to hear more about the process/journey you went on! So far everything looks amazing!

    Like

  9. Erin Avatar
    Erin

    SQEEEEEEEEAAAAAALLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!! The colors, the design, the text… I LOVE IT!!!!

    Like

  10. elise blaha Avatar

    hey Clare! Thank you so much!! No quote cards – BUT free downloads of all 52 (at the end of the year) are totally in the works!! 🙂

    Like

  11. Bri Avatar
    Bri

    huge new indeed! everything looks lovely. nicely done.

    Like

  12. elise blaha Avatar

    I will let you know as soon as I know. 🙂 thank you, thank you!

    Like

  13. Wendy H Avatar
    Wendy H

    I absolutely love that your dad googled Becky, and I love his feedback even more! Too cute! Congrats on your PL designs. They look amazing.

    Like

  14. Carla Hundley Avatar
    Carla Hundley

    So congrats! What is showing at this time is really nice and will be a big sucess for you!
    Carla from Utah

    Like

  15. Martha Avatar
    Martha

    Can’t wait to buy this version. I love how it is none girly but cute at the same time.

    Like

  16. Marie Avatar
    Marie

    So happy for you and the kit looks yummy 🙂 This is so awesome.

    Like

  17. Leah Buckley Avatar

    congratulations!! the kit looks fantastic.

    Like

  18. mel Avatar

    Wow! Smiling all over my face for you. How exciting. Well done and GO you.

    Like

  19. theresa Avatar
    theresa

    LOVE the new edition!! You did a great job! LOVE IT

    Like

  20. Alexa Avatar

    This looks truly amazing Elise! I can’t wait to get my hands on it. Huge congrats.

    Like

  21. Samantha Andrews Avatar

    OH MY GOSH!!!! This is literally the best news ever!!!! I first learned about project life through you and your blog & I absolutely love your style!!!! I never would have imagined that yall would pair up!!!! And it makes me a very happy camper!!! Literally, man I haven’t been able to stop talking about it all day!!!!!!!

    Like

  22. Sarah W Avatar
    Sarah W

    Adore this so much. Definitely the.edition I am using next year! Congrats

    Like

  23. Sena Avatar

    Your designs are awesome!! I love the colors and the patterns you used, they looks amazing both individually and as a whole:) Can’t wait until it’s released!

    Like

  24. Jenn Serrano Avatar
    Jenn Serrano

    Oh WOW WOW WOW, I am so excited for you, congratulations! I love this kit!!! Great Job!

    Like

  25. Nora Avatar

    Love every single detail of this kit and can’t wait to get my hands on it…congratulations!

    Like

  26. MIchelle L Avatar
    MIchelle L

    Congrats!
    I was in line at Subway when I saw this on Instagram! And I said ‘WHAT! This is awesome!” and everyone turned and looked at me like I was nuts!
    Your dad is hilarious btw! Good lookin out dad! =)

    Like

  27. Skye Avatar

    OMG! This is even more exciting news than I expected. Congratulations! I am so happy for you… and this just might convince me to start PL next year 🙂

    Like

  28. Jessica B Avatar

    I’m so excited for you! What an honor. I was thinking of not buying a core kit next year but I think I just changed my mind.

    Like

  29. Vic Avatar

    I’m planning on starting PL next year and I absolutely can’t wait. Even more now I’ve seen these pictures!

    Like

  30. Kate Avatar
    Kate

    Elise – Fab news and well done for keeping quiet. New kit is beautiful and Becky picked well! Congratulations

    Like

  31. missorelia Avatar

    Ouah, so great..

    Like

  32. Beth M. Avatar
    Beth M.

    Very cool story! And I love how Seafoam turned out.

    Like

  33. Amy B Avatar
    Amy B

    Elise!!! I saw it first on Becky’s blog and was so excited!! As someone who’s followed you for awhile now, I’m absolutely THRILLED for you!! Congrats and well done!!

    Like

  34. Brooke Avatar
    Brooke

    Congrats! This is EXACTLY what I’ve been waiting for!!! The designs are perfect. Can’t wait for PL 2013!

    Like

  35. Sara Grafton Avatar

    Congratulations! This kit is fabulous!!! I love the colors and the designs. I can use it for me, my husband and my little boy. 🙂

    Like

  36. Jenn Avatar

    Congrats! This is so fantastic, I am so happy for you 🙂 And btw you too, are legit (and I didn’t even have to google ya).

    Like

  37. Fiona Avatar

    Congratulations, that’s so amazing! I saw it over on Becky’s blog and squealed with excitement! I love the look of the kit you’ve designed, it’s everything I love about your style. Maybe I’ll consider going the paper route next year (I’ve been doing PL digitally this year) just so I can buy your awesome kit. I’ve been a big fan of yours for years. How wonderful for you, Elise!

    Like

  38. Deb Duty Avatar

    How exciting! I’m happy for you and I absolutely love the kit!! Can’t wait to use it for 2013! And I know exactly what you mean. When I told my family and friends how excited I was that she asked me to be on her creative team, I don’t think any of them understood. 🙂

    Like

  39. Lucrecia Avatar
    Lucrecia

    I’m so in love with these colors, and can’t wait until November to order!
    I laughed out loud about your dad, mine would have done the same thing. He once asked me “do you know what comes up when you google your name??”

    Like

  40. Johanna Avatar

    I KNEW it! Anytime you mentioned your secret project I kept thinking it would just make so much sense if this was it. Woohoo! This is awesome news, and I am beyond thrilled for you. And of course everyone who can use your design! Now back to reading your post 🙂 Oh congrats, Elise!

    Like

  41. Kaytie Avatar

    This is AMAZING – congratulations! 🙂

    Like

  42. Karen Avatar

    Congrats! Love what you designed. Love the how graphic it is. Love that it makes me want to use PL! :>

    Like

  43. Kelli W Avatar

    LOVE your collection! I was so excited to see it on Becky’s blog and had to come comment on yours on how great it looks 🙂

    Like

  44. emily s Avatar
    emily s

    Amazing! What an honor! And I love your design….it’s so you 😉 looooove.

    Like

  45. Rebecca Kelsey Avatar

    Elise,
    THIS IS AMAZING! I absolutely love all the Project Life posts you’ve been posting (I’m bad at commenting, I’m sorry!) and can’t wait to see the new kit in action.
    Kindness is the best accessory,
    Rebecca

    Like

  46. melissa Avatar
    melissa

    I just started my Christmas list… This will be the only thing I ask for!!! LOVE THIS!!! I too have been DIYing PL and I’m so ready to have a corekit with your style all over it!

    Like

  47. Sandra Avatar
    Sandra

    I’m so excited for you (and for us to be able to use your great designs!!). I love your blog and I love your project life album. You are such an inspiration. Keep up the awesomeness! 😉

    Like

  48. Tracy Avatar

    Holy, HUGE congratulations!! BH is more than legit.

    Like

  49. evalyn Avatar

    Congrats! Love the new kit you designed. Can’t wait to buy it!

    Like

  50. laura k Avatar

    That is amazing! I’m overjoyed for you, and I think the kit looks beautiful!

    Like

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