Since my initial entry (a month ago!) I am well on my way to organizing my Ali Edwards-inspired December Daily album project. All of the materials have been selected and many ideas have been considered. I have plenty of lists and ideas on the go!
I have to say that the prospect of so many options available in and out of my studio was intimidating and I did avoid the project for a while and let it sit on the work table. Then I made the decision to purchase Ali Edwards' brilliant December Daily 6x8 Overlays and then the December Daily 6x8 Layered Templates when they became available. Then the only question was: kraft or white orange peel - easily answered by my level of supplies! White OP it is.
The key for me was to address the portability factor. I spend a lot of time away from my studio - and two weekends of this month at hockey tournaments. Since I had already chosen my paper and the colour theme ran to red, green and brown, I shopped my stash to find as much as I could to coordinate.
My first step was to: select all of the transparencies I've been hoarding forever - for no reason in particular and print off whatever else I needed. I was amazed at what I found! Pretty much all of them are used twice to use up the 12x12 sheets. Perfect! And USED, no longer hoarded because they were pretty.
The next step had me stumped. I got stuck on how to do the numbers then I realized with all of the "busy" in the project, I wanted one element to remain completely consistent. I downloaded a number .pdf (I cannot find the link!) and it rescued me!
After that I went through and collected everything else I could find that would be appropriate for the project. The box was getting pretty full.
The project was starting to take shape:
The transparencies have been trimmed to 6" x 8" and all of the coordinating cardstock has been cut and adhered to their spot. Everything has been put in order and that could have been enough, but since this is my first attempt at this project, I figured I'd do it, 100% before I start cutting things out!
It was at this point I had to deal with the portability factor. In order to do that I had to get super organized.
I found 31 envelopes, cut them to 6.5" long, numbered them (American Crafts MOMA Black Stickers), stuck holes in the open end, added some binder rings, made a pretty cover and voila! The only things not included are lumpy-bumpy brads and bling. At least with the envelopes done, if I ever decide to do this again, part of my process is done. Who knows? I might even get really organized and add things through the year! I have to say, working with the transparencies is going to be a challenge :)
Now that the bones of the project are underway, I could turn my attention to some of the things that make this time of year something to celebrate. Who knows what shape these elements might take in my book, but I'd rather have it available as a resource and done ahead of time.
CHRISTMAS PHRASES:
(There are a ton of phrases. This is just a collection of those that appeal to me. There are so many applications for each - to use in your December Daily album, cards, or whatever you have planned. Please notice, I have not included either "bah" or "humbug")
- Fa la la la la
- Ho! Ho! Ho!
- Merry & Bright
- Let it Snow
- All is Calm; all is Bright
- Visions of Sugar Plums
- Peace On Earth
- Good Will Toward Men (hey, I'm a traditionalist!)
- Silver and Gold, Silver and Gold
- Stockings were hung by the chimney with care
- Walking in a Winter Wonderland
- Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
- Blades of Steel (for those skaters and hockey players)
- Believe
- Deck the Halls
- 'Tis the Season
- Jingle all the Way
- Joy to the World
- Have yourself a merry little Christmas
- Making Spirits Bright
WORDS:
(Not quite phrases, but they all evolk some holiday thought or memory.)
- Peace
- Snow
- Jolly
- Sledding
- Snowflakes
- Mittens
- Hibernate
- Icicle
- Gingerbread
- Candy Cane
- Frozen Tundra
- Candles
- Sparkling lights
- Shovel
- Angels
- Christmas Tree
- Nutcrackers
- Gathering
- Windchill Factor
- Snowdrifts
- Zero Visibility
- Black Ice
- Magic
- Jingle Bells
- Greetings
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:
(Remember, I live in the Great White North. All photo ideas are based on the hope that we have a nice snowy holiday - which, if kind, will promptly melt and not return until next December!) These are my photo ops, aka, the list of not to forget shots! Confession: I am a terrible photo taker during the holidays. I am so busy doing I forget to take the time to reflect. Take the time to slow down!
- Advent calendar
- Tree decorations
- Christmas lights
- Hockey Game
- Mitts & Hats
- Gingerbread House
- Sugar Cookie
- Christmas Concert
- NORAD watching
- Nutcrackers
- Decorating the Tree
- Family Christmas Party
- Grandparents
- Aunts, Uncles, Cousins
- Stockings
- Hot Chocolate
- Shopping at the Mall
- PARKING at the mall
- Snow Angels
- Tobogganing/Sledding
- Wrapping Paper & Supplies
- Cold cheeks
- Gift Cards
- Sheet Music
- Piano Keys
- CDs/Albums/iPods
- Holiday movies (my favourite? Family Man)
- Candy Canes/Peppermint Sticks
- Receipts
- Guest Towels
- Guest Preparations
- Church door/steeple/steps
- Hymn Books
- Advent Candles
- Flowers/Pointsettias
- Wreaths
- Jingle Bells
- Ribbon
- Cocktails
- Traditional foods and preparation
Not all of these things are applicable to my family, but I wanted a complete list. I have edited a bit - removed the hockey references!
Have I missed anything? I'm sure I have. Leave a comment!
Are you participating? Have you done a December Daily before? Any advice is more than welcome! Good luck to you if you are creating one. This may be my first and last, but I'm so glad to have started along this project. Fingers crossed I can show you a finished version some time in January! Or even updates to keep me accountable :)
ETA: I didn't think it was possible ...
but the contents of all 31 envelopes have been added to the transparent pages of my December Daily! It took most of my free time on Sunday, but whew, it's done (except for the cover, which will be the very last element completed) with two days to spare! I'm excited because I think that the preparation and follow through on the instructions will really set me up for success and I will complete this project.
Years ago, if you had told me I'd have a lumpy-bumpy miss-matched album to celebrate December, I'd have told you it was craziness. But things change. At least it is in keeping with my general attitude that I'll try just about anything once. And if I like it, I'll do it twice or more!
So, for all of you who think you won't ... think again!
:)
