A few weeks ago, I was lamenting the fact that I had lost my copy of Ali Edwards Life Artist. When I got my copy it sat around, unopened, for a long time. I had bought it because Ali Edwards was one of the top three or four scrapbook teachers at Creating Keepsakes (at the time) and I had to own everything made by Stacy Julian, Cathy Zielske, Becky Higgins and, by default, Ali Edwards.
I was not a fan. I didn’t like her style;
shabby-chic-flea-market-vintage has never appealed to me and because of it, I
never went further to read the content
of the book. I lent out my book knowing it wouldn’t matter if I didn’t have it
for a while.
I was wrong.
Over the past couple of years, certainly since
completing my first Week In The Life project, I have become a fan of Ali Edwards’
work, certainly her process, if not her style.
The thing I like most is that she is true to
herself and her approach is positive, encouraging and empowering. It really
doesn’t matter to her if I like her style, as long as I appreciate her content.
And I do.
Right before I left for holiday with the kids, I
received a big padded envelope from Georgia. My cyber-friend, Susan had very
generously sent me her copy of Life Artist. I have to admit, I got more than a
little teary when I opened the envelope and found the book inside. I did send
Sue a proper thank you, but I want to give her a public shout-out here on the
blog to let you all know that she ROCKS! (Plus, I'm thinking AOL does not like my e-mail - so Susan, check your junk folder!)
The timing of it’s arrival was perfect, it gave me
something to read on holiday and since I was on holiday it gave me a chance to
really read and appreciate the whole book. More than once.
It took me reading through it the first time to
highlight things I found interesting: the album, the theme, the photo, the
quote … something worth “lifting”. You know, take a kernel of brilliance and
put my own personal stamp on it. It took me a while to “get it” and I’m so
disappointed in myself for not appreciating Ali’s work when I first got the
book, but now that I’ve re-read it, and have enjoyed more than a few years of
embracing my personal imperfection, I can really appreciate her projects and
within them, her message.
The book is now flagged with oodles of blue post it notes. A few examples of ideas, either brand new or re-kindled:
- Make a sketchbook - not a Word document or a blackberry memo - VISUAL INSPIRATION. Embrace analogue ;)
- Manifesto? Hmm. I've thought of it before ...
- Buy plastic project boxes. One project per box. (Must limit self to six boxes - six projects. Any more would be insanity!)
- Take a nice slow look through old office supplies on hand (of which I have PLENTY) and open mind to new uses for old supplies. For more inspiration, take a "field trip" to Staples.
- Enlargements on page 92 is PERFECT! I have hundreds of enlargements, my favourite design element, and I need a way to put them in some form of visual package. This works as a viable option.
It wasn’t until my third time through the book that I realized throughout there are challenges. I love challenges! And, at the very back of the book are six projects. I’ve participated in A Week In The Life, but I have not done any of the five others. The challenges I find myself most drawn to include:
- Pick a random photo and write the underlying story; a story that goes deeper than what you see in the picture.
- Add "create something" to the to-do list. It is self-indulgent, but you (and your family) will benefit from the results.
- Use imperfect photos.
- Scrapbook your personal evolution in three parts: childhood, early adulthood, now
- Check out the oodles of resources at the very back of the book! They may be "out of date" but that has no effect on the validity or value of the ideas presented. Spend a morning and check them out.
I’m fortunate in that though this book was initially published in 2007, I am not so caught up in the idea “newest is best”. The concepts are still applicable even if the materials are no longer available. I’m pretty set in my style and material preferences so old or new it doesn’t really matter to me. (I still don’t buy into the whole manufacturer-driven idea that new is best. Who says so? I like some of my old stuff. After all, isn’t that why I hoarded all those acrylic Heidi Swapp clocks?)
What about you? Do you re-visit old inspiration? Do you find new ways to use old things?
