Today for some reason the list of things that I have already committed to doing (not in a bad way you understand, just things I've spent money on to participate in, with the hopes of learning, creating, and enjoying) just on the hobby side is starting to make me wonder....just what was I thinking? Here is the list (which I solemnly promise, will not grow any further)(links provided):

Ella Publishing Take Twelve - January completed (Twelve month commitment)
Lain Ehmann's February LOAD (one month, daily commitment)
May Flaum's class at Big Picture: The Curious Scrapbooker's Field Guide (12 weeks)
Stephanie Ackerman (of Homegrown Hospitality): Scrapbook Life Journal (12 month commitment)

How'd I get so committed so fast? After all, it's still only January!
Well, I started with Take Twelve for a few reasons. One, it is only one layout a month. I've never done a Project Life or Project 365 and feel that is too big a commitment for me and my life. Although I would like to document more of life, during the week, our lives are on fast-forward and no one in my house (including me) is going to appreciate me carrying a camera or using my iPhone to snap pictures all the time. Plus, I did get both the inspiration guide, the PSE templates, and several List It products all from Ella that all made me feel it was a doable project. I knew the likelihood of my actually snapping 12 photos all on the 12th of the month was small, so, I had already decided on a more doable goal of trying to snap 1 photo a day from the first of the month through the 12th. Plus, with the PSE templates, I figured I could finally dip my toes into the world of digital scrapping, something I've really been wanting to try out.

Next on the commitments came LOAD. I've been a fan of Lain's work for awhile after learning about her through Noell Hyman and Paperclipping. I participated in Spawn of True Scrap and enjoyed it very much. So, when I heard the explanation of LOAD, and had the reassurance that it would be ok if I didn't actually complete a layout a day, I bit the bullet and became a Scrap Happy member, automatically granting me entrance into the hallowed halls of LOAD. At the same time, I knew for sure that I would have a higher chance of actually completing more layouts if I did so digitally, so I signed up for the Digi Game, got some templates from Melissa Shanhun, and downloaded lots of freebies from Persnickety Press. I know that I would like to finish up my Holiday Journal for JYC during this as well, but since that is a paper project, we will see what happens....

Then came May's class. I listen to the Paperclipping Round Table and heard about this class there. Once I heard about all the challenges and the discount available, I just couldn't resist. What can I say???

Finally, I stumbled upon Stephanie Ackerman's webpage. It was serendipitous - looking at one page, click here, end up there event. But, once there, I REALLY liked what a saw, and before you could say, 'Over committed much?' I found myself clicking the purchase of the class she is calling Scrapbook Life Journal, and if you aren't familiar with either Stephanie, or her work, I will do my part and be an enabler by providing you with a handy link here. As I read through her description, I couldn't help but feel that this class was meant for me where I am right now in my life and in my paper crafting journey.

If I am realistic, I know that especially during February, I will not be able to do it all. Unless I give up the necessities like sleeping and going to work. But if I do that, then many people will be negatively affected (including me - I don't know about you, but I like my sleep!) So, since I can't quit my job and lock myself into my creative space, I am going to need to be open minded and realize that, like life, crafting is not an all or nothing proposition. After all, if I don't finish a layout every day in February, I might be disappointed, but no one will have gone hungry or without clean clothes.

Stay tuned as I embark on a journey of growing as an artist (gasp! I called myself an artist! Am I allowed to do that?). And I will do my best to reveal the good, the bad, and the ugly......

This is my first attempt to participate in a Layout of a Day challenge with Lain Ehmann and I am really excited! Here are some things that I have done to help prepare:
What is my strategy? Well, I did purchase the Take 12 inspiration kit and templates to help me with Take 12. These templates and ideas can also be used for LOAD. I've also taken advantage of Melissa Shanahan's digital templates, downloaded digital freebies from Persnickety Press and signed up for The Digi Game which gives me free digital goodies each month. That should take care of the digital side! And trust me, I have plenty of real paper etc - enough to last years! I've been a kit club member of Cocoa Daisy for more than 6 months, and have plenty of other kits and supplies. 
But what it comes down to is that I will likely log on in the morning to read the prompt and see the inspiration for the day and will think about it until after dinner which is when I am more free. If it's an especially busy day, or I am too tired, I will likely do a simple digital layout. I am actually looking forward to experimenting with both simplicity while at the same time, satisfying my urge to use layers, inks, and lots of other techniques and taking a long time to put a page together.
I'm not sure that I will actually complete a layout a day, but I am looking forward to the challenge and learning a lot about how to scrap digitally which is relatively new to me, but likely the only way I will even have a chance of completing the challenges as I work full-time. Stay tuned to see how I fare throughout the month.
Here are two freebies for those of you with digital cutters. First, a lattice frame that could be used on a layout or card.
Here is the SVG file: Lattice Frame
Next, is a lattice doily.
Here is the SVG file. Lattice Doily
Enjoy!

Next on the hop is Danielle. Go to her page by clicking here:  http://acoffeeaddict.com
If you get lost on your way, here is the list of all the blog hop
participants:

Margie                          http://xnomads.typepad.com
Kelli                                    www.scrapbookgirl71.blogspot.com
Jennifer                         http://atthebluebarn.blogspot.com/
Lisa                                    http://lisahausmann.blogspot.com/
Monica                        http://scrapinspired.com
Kimberly                        www.kimberlykalil.com
Eileen                                    http://thinkinkpaperscissors.weebly.com/
Danielle                         http://acoffeeaddict.com
Pam                                    http://dailypamage.blogspot.com/
Katrina                        http://k84mansramblings.blogspot.com
Cate                                     www.lifebehindthepurpledoor.com
Gayle                                    http://www.lifeonlilypadlane.blogspot.com
Heather                        heathersdragonsden.blogspot.com
Gina                                    http://randomthoughtsmindlessmusings.blogspot.com  
Kristie                                    http://kristiesloan.com
Janet                                    http://khashabfamilymusings.blogspot.com
Lydia                                    http://lydiaink.wordpress.com <http://lydiaink.wordpress.com/>