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. Kristi Avatar

    Fantastic for you, and for us all! I too was DIY ing PL for this, my first year, because I didn’t love anhy of the others. But as much as I love your style and CASE so many of your layouts, HELLO….it only makes sense that you design the kit I will buy next year, and save me the headache e of the DIYing! Way to go Elise. you’re a rock star among scrappers.

    Like

  2. Caity Avatar

    Wow! Congratulations Elise! And your conversation with the parents and your dad’s text – priceless. Legit. 😀

    Like

  3. Laura (Betula`Loo) Avatar

    That’s amazing news Elise! I love the product you showed in this post and can’t wait to see more! Having you design a kit may be the push that gets me into PL for 2013. Love seafoam, love your designs. Good stuff all around. How exciting to share with people who “get it”! 🙂

    Like

  4. Sarah Avatar

    Wow! That’s RAD! Love the colours and the design. I, most definitely, will be buying the seafoam kit!

    Like

  5. shannon b Avatar

    Congratulations, Elise! Your designs rock! I CANNOT wait to use them!!! Woo-hoo!

    Like

  6. Jessica Rodarte Avatar

    YAY! Congratulations!! I’m so excited, Elise! I can’t wait to have this kit in my hands. 😀

    Like

  7. amy cornwell Avatar

    I love what you designed! How exciting!

    Like

  8. Karen Snyder Avatar
    Karen Snyder

    Congrats Elise! So happy for you! Your designs are wonderful…just perfect…and love the colors!

    Like

  9. Deirdre Avatar

    Hilarious story. I’m gearing up to start 2013 PL (did it in 2010 and not since then)—and ORANGE is my favorite color and the reason I remember first loving your blog, way back when. This is good news!

    Like

  10. Anne Avatar
    Anne

    So fun, Elise! 🙂 And the secret is finally revealed…

    Like

  11. AniKohar Avatar

    That’s so awesome Elise! What a secret to keep. I’ve been eyeing your project life stuff, trying to convince myself that it’s a task that I CAN complete. I think I’m going to get started after my wedding in October and “project life” our first year as a married couple. I can’t wait to use your Seafoam kit – it’s so cool!

    Like

  12. Janee Cantu Avatar
    Janee Cantu

    Congrats!

    Like

  13. Annette Avatar
    Annette

    The style seems so you and is so awesome! Congrats! You did a fantastic job, can’t wait to get my hands on those cards! : )

    Like

  14. Nita K. Avatar
    Nita K.

    This is it! I have been on the fence about getting a kit, because I wasn’t totally loving any of them. I liked them well enough, but not enough to tip me to buy one. But this, I love. I will definitely be getting it as soon aas I can.

    Like

  15. Ann-Marie Avatar

    You nailed it and I am THRILLED for you! xoxo

    Like

  16. CarlyMaria Avatar

    Literally yelled with joy reading this!! SO happy for you, and I can not wait to buy every piece you designed! Congrats!

    Like

  17. Nicol Avatar
    Nicol

    Love this so much! Now I have to finish 2012 (only about 31 weeks behind, LOL) so that I can justify buying a new kit!

    Like

  18. Felicia Avatar
    Felicia

    Congrats! Fabulous design. Love the colors.

    Like

  19. Linda Avatar
    Linda

    I don’t even know you…just your work and following your blog for the last year..AND I’m laughing and ‘woo-woo’ing and tearing up at the news! Fantastic! Amazing! congratulations!
    I now know what kit my 2013 will be 🙂

    Like

  20. Kary in Colorado Avatar
    Kary in Colorado

    Beautiful! So exciting to see your Seafoam kit–I’ve been doing this for four years and it just gets better every time!

    Like

  21. Sherri P eh Avatar

    Wow Elise, this is SUCH a BIG DEAL!! Congratulations! And I love what you’ve come up with — can’t wait to get my hands on it!! WTG!

    Like

  22. Megan Renfree Avatar

    three words….I’m buying it!!!
    That is just awesome!!! I have been totally loving what your have been doing, and been kind of jealous at how yours has been so cool too! And now you are going to make mine cool too!! Thanks Elise!! I literally said ooooh out loud here at work when I sneaked a look at the new collections here at work! I’m totally excited!

    Like

  23. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    Holy $&;?:!$!!!! I’m so excited for you. You’re right – that is huge! Congrats and so totally excited for you!

    Like

  24. Cassidy Hogue Avatar

    Well I guess Christmas will come early for me!! So cool!

    Like

  25. Em Avatar
    Em

    Congratulations! I can’t wait to discover more about this new kit you’ve designed.
    And your Dad is too cute. g

    Like

  26. Tara Avatar

    So SO happy for you! You’re the reason I started doing PL (April of this year), so I can’t wait to use your kit!

    Like

  27. marcela Avatar
    marcela

    YAY! Congrats, Elise! The kit looks awesome! It’s perfect, will be purchasing this for sure!

    Like

  28. Annette Avatar

    yowzer!! best news all day!! 🙂 so very excited for you and to get this kit in my hands!! 🙂 And I absolutely love the name! Congrats Elise!!

    Like

  29. elsiecake Avatar

    wohoo! i can’t wait to buy a set. i really really really want to make one of these books, you inspire me every week!

    Like

  30. Ashlee Avatar

    This is SO FREAKING EXCITING! I have been wanting to make an “Everett’s first year” binder, but I think I will wait until your kit comes out to order the supplies. Yay!!

    Like

  31. Mrs. V Avatar

    Congratulations – such a beautiful kit, and I am so excited for it. I was excited to see that you were the designer too.

    Like

  32. Mrs. V Avatar

    I forgot to say – I loved your side of the conversation with your parents that you shared. Thanks for including such a fun detail.

    Like

  33. Little Raven Ink Avatar

    this will definitely be a kit that I buy for next years PL congrats my dear, I’ve so enjoyed your posts lately they are a breath of fresh air

    Like

  34. Lisa Avatar

    How cute is your father? Becky Higgins is “legit”. HA HA HA!
    This design looks awesome. I was thinking that I wouldn’t buy another kit for next year, since I have so much of this year’s left. I like to supplement with other things. Now, I’m going to have to buy your kit. 🙂

    Like

  35. Lisa D Avatar
    Lisa D

    Just wanted to say congratulations — the Seafoam kit is awesome. I can’t wait to get my hands on it!!! Well done Elise!

    Like

  36. Michelle Avatar

    How exciting!!! You created a beautiful product. I hope to see your paper and/or stamps in Michaels someday 🙂

    Like

  37. FormerlyLisaS Avatar

    I am a Project Life dropout, but I am so ecstatic to see what your kit looks like! I love all of the things you have done with your Project Life and while it so wasn’t for me, it’s still exciting to see what others are doing with it! Congrats again!

    Like

  38. Mel Avatar
    Mel

    Congratulations what a great kit, cannot wait to see how you use it, well done 🙂 how funny is your Dad!

    Like

  39. Melissa Sutton-Estrada Avatar
    Melissa Sutton-Estrada

    Ohhhh I just left a horribly corny and long post on BH’s blog about my TOTAL EXCITEMENT for this edition (and your partnership with BH)! I’m so sorry: I said that I wasn’t thrilled w/the yellows & oranges and I don’t mean to hurt anyone’s feelings – BUT THE REST OF IT I LOVE and I can totally work with it!! (Again, my apologies; “Think and THEN write” <–note to self.)
    ANYHOOO…. your anecdote about your dad cracked me up. HUGE CONGRATULATIONS and I cannot wait to purchase this kit. I’ve been enjoying your blog for so long now and am hugely excited for you and all of your don’t-know-it-but-they’re-about-to-be-fans-of-yours-too peeps. :))

    Like

  40. Krystal Avatar

    OMG! I JUST ORDERED PL and decided to start it mid-year, but I ordered the Clementine. I wish I would have waited!!!! How excting for you. I can’t wait to get my hands. Did you design an album too? will the seafoam go with the Clementine? CONGRATS ELISE! SO HAPPY FOR YOU.

    Like

  41. Becky Avatar

    Amazing! I could feel your excitement like crazy in this post. I think I would have crapped my pants after that phone call. Congrats 🙂

    Like

  42. Jenny Avatar
    Jenny

    You ROCK!! Love everything about this. Excited and happy for you and can’t wait to get my hands on the new kit. Congratulations!

    Like

  43. Alli Avatar
    Alli

    Wow!! I just discovered your blog yesterday and absolutely fell in LOVE with your style, and then this was announced!! So excited!!!

    Like

  44. Elizabeth Rosemond Avatar

    HOLY CRAP!! I’m not sure if I’m more excited for you (because it’s an amazing opportunity) or for me (because I totally plan on snatching it up). SO EXCITING!!
    Congrats! Well deserved 🙂

    Like

  45. NatalieSpring Avatar

    This is so funny (about Becky Higgins being legit–that was hilarious). But because I was just wondering last week why you weren’t one of her Creative Team members. But this is way cooler!!!! The secret is out and I am so glad I don’t have to wonder if Becky noticed your talent. Way to go,girl! Can’t wait to buy Seafoam. And yes, I love that name and that color.

    Like

  46. Kerry with www.stampgoodness.com Avatar

    Congratulations — this is very cool! I’ve only been following your blog for a short time and had not yet caught on to the whole Project Life concept. It looks so doable! Excited to see more of your kit and I love the name…seafoam has long been a favorite color of mine. Again, congats!

    Like

  47. Theresa Avatar
    Theresa

    I swear I squealed when I saw this!
    Its so exciting for you, congratulations
    It all looks fabulous!

    Like

  48. Wendy Avatar
    Wendy

    How awesome!! This kit is AMAZING!!!! You ROCK! I love the name too:)

    Like

  49. Naomi Avatar

    That is way exciting! I’ve been reading you and you are a perfect fit for a designer of one of the kits!
    I struggled with an attempt at Project Life at the beginning of 2012 and made it 14 weeks, when we up and relocated the family. It still pulls at me though and everytime I touch a piece of paper, receipt or download photos, I can imagine a layout.
    Maybe in 2013…

    Like

  50. sherried Avatar
    sherried

    Congratulations! So proud of you.

    Like

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