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. Molly Avatar
    Molly

    SO excited about this. I can’t wait to see what the binder looks like!

    Like

  2. Lindsey Avatar

    Honestly, I have been doing my own version of project life for some time, but this kit looks so completely amazing that I am pretty sure I will have to buy the official kit for 2013!!! The cards look amazing and it is totally my style! Congrats! Can’t wait to get started in 2013!

    Like

  3. Lindsey Avatar

    Wow. I’m stoked. I thought it was big, but not PL designer BIG! Congrats! And totally putting in a request for a ‘this is legit’ stamp!

    Like

  4. Tashia D Avatar

    Congrats Elise! I love your designs! It’s my favorite edition so far!
    P.S. Because of your blog post about Glen Oaks Motel in Big Sur, my husband and I are taking our 5 year anniversary trip there on Wednesday! We couldn’t resist! It looks awesome! I can’t wait!

    Like

  5. elise blaha Avatar

    Omgosh!!! How fun! We loved it! Bring smores stuff!!

    Like

  6. elise blaha Avatar

    Yes, I think they will work well together!! 🙂

    Like

  7. Robyn :) Avatar

    Very cool, Elise!! I love the name, too. Currently I do not do project life, but maybe next year and this would be a kit I would get.

    Like

  8. elise blaha Avatar

    Haha! You are sweet. I know orange is not for everyone! Hopefully there is enough other good colors in there for you if you choose to buy the kit!! 🙂

    Like

  9. Kathleen Avatar

    I’m so happy for you–I would have screamed and squealed for you had you called me! I am in love with this color—I just KNOW I’ll love the whole thing. I’ve been doing PL for two years and I LOVE IT!! I can’t wait to see it all! Congratulations! How exciting!

    Like

  10. Jen K Avatar
    Jen K

    Just came to your blog from Becky’s blog and I just wanted to tell you how much I love your design. I love the name, I love it all! Congrats and can’t wait to see more!

    Like

  11. AnitaP Avatar
    AnitaP

    Congratulations! So excited or you! Love the seafoam edition so much!

    Like

  12. Sandy Avatar

    I’m so happy and excited for you! I can’t wait to get the kit. I wanted to start PL this year but just never did. I really plan to start next year for sure. Thanks so much for adding your touch to it.

    Like

  13. Jenn V Avatar

    I LOVE your designs. I wasn’t going to buy a new kit for next year because I have plenty left from Clementine. But now I DEFINITELY will be buying your kit. Its just so very perfect. Thanks for all your hard work! I am a huge fan. 🙂

    Like

  14. Megan Anderson Avatar

    So. Freaking. Excited. Awesome!

    Like

  15. Tammy t Avatar
    Tammy t

    Congrats! You are so deserving! And your designs are amazing!
    Tammy

    Like

  16. Brandie Avatar

    I am beyond happy for you! This is so awesome and this sneak preview of the seafoam kit is seriously my favorite project life core kit I have seen! xo

    Like

  17. Dawn Avatar

    Congratulations Elise, what a dream come true! You’re making it happen 🙂

    Like

  18. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    Congratulations. I love the design.

    Like

  19. Iris Avatar
    Iris

    What awesome news, Elise! I laughed so hard at your dad’s comment about Becky Higgins “seeming to be legit”, I was in tears. Congratulations!

    Like

  20. jennie Avatar

    so so so so so excited for this. plus, love what you did with 4 x 6 photos in the instagram plastics. will be copying that one soon.

    Like

  21. Trina Avatar

    Congrats Elise!! This kit looks AWESOME & I’m looking forward to using it next year for Project Life. Love the designs and the colors are perfect! Great job!!

    Like

  22. Sara B Avatar
    Sara B

    Wow Elise. 🙂 I love reading your blog, love your style, love your PL inspiration, and now to find you have designed such a cool looking edition in that gorgeous bluey green colour – awesome! 🙂 You rock! I will definitely be getting a core kit in this edition as soon as it is available . 🙂

    Like

  23. Jewel Avatar
    Jewel

    Love the colors and designs of your new PL Kit! I can’t wait until I can purchase it and use it for reals.

    Like

  24. Lesa Avatar

    I’ve stumbled upon your blog somehow before and immediately clicked on Becky’s link to see the designer behind my new favorite Christmas Wishlist item! It looks like THIS is the edition that I have been waiting for to REALLY get me motivated to start using these great kits I’ve been stalking for years 🙂 I love your work and just wanted to let you know….but then I read your story about telling your parents and cracked up! So familiar! 😉 “She’s legit.” That is hilarious! Congratulations on such a fabulous honor for your talents!

    Like

  25. WPKB Avatar
    WPKB

    Bahhhhhh! This is so exciting and wonderful – for me! (and for you!) I just ordered my PL binders for 2013 and was stressing over how to “theme” everything (can we say type-A personality?!). Enter you with an incredible solution!
    Have been a huge fan of your layouts and your simple yet graphic yet bold style – thank you for sharing this! And congrats on this amazing business endeavor…big yay!

    Like

  26. Jenn H Avatar

    I am over the moon happy for you!!! I know hands down that this is the kit I will be buying for next year…and I will start and finish the whole thing this time. It’s time to get on board and get our memories down.:):)

    Like

  27. Katie Avatar

    Huge Congrats! Love the sneak peeks and really hoping the kit gets to New Zealand so I can use it in 2013!

    Like

  28. nichole Avatar
    nichole

    Elise, I am SO happy that you did this!! Can’t wait get this edition. You were the perfect person for this job, seriously. Yay!! So excited for you. 🙂

    Like

  29. Tashya Avatar

    Please say there is a binder too

    Like

  30. Lindsey Avatar
    Lindsey

    So very awesome Elise!!!! I have loved reading your blog the past two years and I have really enjoyed following your project life posts as I create my own this year!! Can’t wait to get your kit!!!!!

    Like

  31. elise blaha Avatar

    there is a binder too. 🙂

    Like

  32. Laura A in OR Avatar
    Laura A in OR

    Elise! My face lit up when I read the announcement on Becky’s blog. So very happy for you (and LOVE your PL design!) Congrats!

    Like

  33. Chrystina Avatar

    Congratulations!! I’m so excited for you!! And I’m shocked you’ve managed to keep it a secret this long… I’m impressed. I’ve been thinking you should team up with them for a while now based on your love of the project. So happy for you!!!

    Like

  34. Melissa Avatar
    Melissa

    Absolutely love it! I’m so getting this one for next year!

    Like

  35. Kathy Avatar

    Yes well I can see by all the comments (282 at the time of writing this) that we are just as excited as you are and I can imagine why you would be so thrilled. Think I might have to order this kit myself for 2013…..congratulations, you go girl. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia PS Isn’t that Becky Higgins wonderful too….I’m so glad she did this on her own so that her family can reap all the rewards even though I’m sure they work so many long hours at least it is for their future….You Rock Becky!!!

    Like

  36. Judith Avatar
    Judith

    So pleased for you in achieving this honour! I have watched from afar your blog and love your work. The comment from your Dad is fantastic! It is exactly what my Dad would do too – check it out and make sure its all good for his daughter. Thanks for sharing and good luck!

    Like

  37. liz Avatar

    you + becky higgins = perfection!!!!!!! I absolutely adore seafoam!! Congrats on this gig, so well deserved!!!

    Like

  38. kelly lanley Avatar

    SO, SO happy for you Elise! You designed an awesome kit and I CAN’T WAIT to start Project Life 2013 in SEAFOAM – with 3 kids in high school – should be VERY interesting 🙂

    Like

  39. Cady Behles Avatar
    Cady Behles

    I love project life and have done it for the past two years. Your Seafoam kit is awesome it will keep me going for year 3. Admire your blog and your approach to life and art, hope to get the chance to take a class/workshop with you at some point. Thank you!

    Like

  40. Trish Avatar

    wow! this is big news! in behalf of our “silent eliseblaha followers”, congratulations!!!! i just wish we had project life kits here where we live. shipping them can be expensive. but yes! the sea foam kit looks great and i’m happy for your new achievement 🙂

    Like

  41. Ashley S. Avatar

    I really love this edition. Fabulous work. I’m so excited to purchase it.

    Like

  42. Brianne Avatar
    Brianne

    can. not. wait.
    you are an inspiration for my project life adventure and I LOVE what you have come up with!!! amazing.
    congrats!

    Like

  43. rossana Avatar

    I’m so very happy for you! and I can say that this kit has MY style!! fresh, simple, modern!
    it’s a great result, you have seriously talent.

    Like

  44. Cris Avatar
    Cris

    Oh, wow!
    I want this kit 🙂 Really happy for you!

    Like

  45. Nathalie Hardy Avatar

    It took a minute for the tears to fall so I could see again after reading that your dad Googled this Becky Higgins on your behalf – love that!
    You were the first person I put in my blog lovin’ feed … so excited for you!!! and for us … I absolutely love everything about what you’ve created here. It’s funny, just the other day I came up with the title for my book about being a small town reporter: “For the record.” So, it’s sign, right?!
    Congratulations, you totally deserve this success!

    Like

  46. Ilona Avatar

    CONGRATULATIONS Elise!!!
    Great designs!! Love those colors!
    Awesome!!!

    Like

  47. Susie Reynolds Avatar

    Congratulations Elise! I’m so excited for you, and us! I can’t wait to get my hands on them!

    Like

  48. Amelia Avatar

    It looks amazing! I love what you did and can’t wait to use it!

    Like

  49. Maruša Avatar

    this truly is the most amazing news, congratulations!!! I am so happy for you and also… for me 😉 as I am determined to start PL next year (your excitement and your layouts are more than convincing and so very inspiring). the kit is gorgeous, I LOVE the colours and the name!

    Like

  50. marina Avatar

    enhorabuena!!yo queria hacer el Project life en 2012 pero no lo conseguí a tiempo asique me toca esperar a 2013. sin duda comprarñe tu kit, si esque consigo que me lo manden a España. buen trabajo!

    Like

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