Welcome to Day 1 of our 12 Days of Home for the Holiday. I have an incredible guest today: Ali Edwards.
As I began to list her accomplishments I realized it is too long to manage. Ali is an inspiration in my life, craft, and art.
Ali Edwards
(Click on photo to see details.)
As I began to list her accomplishments I realized it is too long to manage. Ali is an inspiration in my life, craft, and art.
Ali Edwards
I'm a big fan of December.
I love the transformation. I love pulling all my Christmas stuff out of the garage and opening up the tubs - that always feels like a wonderful gift. I love the feeling of the season and the twinkle lights. I love the anticipation and the music. When it's over I feel thankful for another season and am usually ready to put it all away not long after Christmas day.
I love the transformation. I love pulling all my Christmas stuff out of the garage and opening up the tubs - that always feels like a wonderful gift. I love the feeling of the season and the twinkle lights. I love the anticipation and the music. When it's over I feel thankful for another season and am usually ready to put it all away not long after Christmas day.
As a way to document the season, since 2007 I've created a December Daily album.
It's a way for me to celebrate, to slow down, and to create a memoir of our holidays.
You can link to all my past albums here: December Daily Albums. I've joyfully continued this each year and love pulling out all the albums with my decorations and looking back at Christmas past.
The project basics are simple:
1. I create the foundation of my album before December (usually in October) so I can spend more time enjoying December and less time trying to get the basics of the album together. I do December 1 through the 25th. Some people choose to start earlier and some go later into January. Knowing myself and knowing this project as intimately as I do I find 25 days to be just right for me.
1. I create the foundation of my album before December (usually in October) so I can spend more time enjoying December and less time trying to get the basics of the album together. I do December 1 through the 25th. Some people choose to start earlier and some go later into January. Knowing myself and knowing this project as intimately as I do I find 25 days to be just right for me.
(Click on photo to see details.)
2. During December I document one story per day. Some days the stories are long and some days they are just a photo (which tells it's own story). I use my computer, my camera, and my craft supplies to bring it all together. I adhere photos, I write or type stories, I do a bit of crafting and adding a bit of sparkle or patterns.
3. I don't stress. I don't tell only Christmas-related stories (remember, I'm most interested in capturing the beautiful everyday moments so those often show up in this album too).
4. There are no rules. I encourage people to make this project work for them - it's not a competition, it's not about keeping up with your neighbor. It's about recognizing and celebrating your life in December.
It's definitely a commitment to embark on this project. I can tell you from personal experience it's been so, so worth it.
Ali Edwards
one little word | light | 2011
Make sure to leave a comment for Ali.
Thank you Ali! Tomorrow's guest is Francine Clouden.
Make sure to leave a comment for Ali.
Thank you Ali! Tomorrow's guest is Francine Clouden.
What an absolutely fascinating idea....as I get older...I realize how important the little things are. I share your joy with "opening the tubs"...it makes the season begin....thank you for sharing....and your albums are amazing!
ReplyDeletei too love this idea. i need to make a note to try this next year. maybe like you said, create something in October. thanks for sharing your multitude of talents with us.. both Debby and Ali!!
ReplyDeleteI have always heard about this must give it a try.love the idea!!! beautiful example Ali has shown us. TY Debby ~great blog post!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous books! My kids are grown now so I haven't made one but wish I had when they were little.
ReplyDeleteLove the ablum! I'm trying to incude more of little things this month as I have alot to cherish--Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love the album, so nice!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! It is the little things that are important and this journal is a good way to remember those moments.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea - I will file it away for next year :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful guest poster Debby - thanks Ali for all the inspiration DD albums are awesome
ReplyDeleteI love to see Ali Edwards things. She has amazing talent and I love her handwriting and stamp sets!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for inviting me to participate!
ReplyDeleteThis is something that I have always wanted to do but never a stable environment to do it in. Now that I am somewhat at a constant this may become a reality to me. Ali, I have always LOVED your ability for simplicity and and making it look stunning. Thank you for continuing to inspire!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful project. Thank you for sharing a little of your holidays with us Ali
ReplyDeleteToodles
Erika
I also love pulling out all my Christmas tubs and your DD. I keep saying next year.....I just need to do it! Thanks for all your inspiration and sharing your talent.
ReplyDeleteAli, always look forward to your projects and this is no exception!! Thanks for the inspiration :) Debby, thank you for a great post!!
ReplyDeleteCool idea.
ReplyDeleteVery meaningful idea. We all need to find our way to hold ea day of Christmas season in our heart. This is one great way of doing so.
ReplyDeleteI really want to try this...maybe next year. Maybe I can make the book in July (Christmas in July)?
ReplyDeleteAli has inspired me for over 5 years now. Have made my own Dec. Daily Albums and gave one as a gift last year. Took a class with Ali too. Amazing. Do gather your supplies, photos and daily ephemera and try it! These albums are a treasure.
ReplyDeleteI just love the idea..but suck at this kind of committment..lol...Im sure u are busier than I, but I am not well diciplined to keep it up...hoping 2012 is better...more organized...lots of irons in the fire...your kids are so darn cute...been in your class..luv your head woman! xo
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post. I have the book ready and the photos and stories, just realized though that it's halfway time and I've yet to put it together. I think it will be a fun memento of the season so I need to get going!
ReplyDeleteI have read so much about these types of projects this month and I'm loving them. I think I might even start this next year. Love your album! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI wish that I had started YOUNG at keeping a journal. I wish I had started yesterday too. I love the idea of a journal but cannot make myself do it. I admire anyone who keeps a journal but yours is over the top with pictures, embellishments as well as the stories. LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a wonderful way to keep the memories. I too wish I had a chance to do this when my Daughter & Grandsons were little. I made a book with photo's of my daughter with Santa. I wish I had more stories to go with it but I cherish what I do have.
ReplyDelete