12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Ali Edwards

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


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.

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.

(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

Blog 

one little word | light | 2011

Make sure to leave a comment for Ali.

Thank you Ali!  Tomorrow's guest is  Francine Clouden.

Comments

  1. 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!

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  2. i 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!!

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  3. I have always heard about this must give it a try.love the idea!!! beautiful example Ali has shown us. TY Debby ~great blog post!!

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  4. Gorgeous books! My kids are grown now so I haven't made one but wish I had when they were little.

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  5. Love the ablum! I'm trying to incude more of little things this month as I have alot to cherish--Thank you for sharing.

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  6. Thanks for sharing! It is the little things that are important and this journal is a good way to remember those moments.

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  7. I love this idea - I will file it away for next year :)

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  8. Wonderful guest poster Debby - thanks Ali for all the inspiration DD albums are awesome

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  9. I love to see Ali Edwards things. She has amazing talent and I love her handwriting and stamp sets!!

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  10. Thank you for inviting me to participate!

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  11. This 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!

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  12. What a beautiful project. Thank you for sharing a little of your holidays with us Ali

    Toodles
    Erika

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  13. 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.

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  14. Ali, always look forward to your projects and this is no exception!! Thanks for the inspiration :) Debby, thank you for a great post!!

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  15. Very 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.

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  16. I really want to try this...maybe next year. Maybe I can make the book in July (Christmas in July)?

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  17. Ali 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.

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  18. I 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

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  19. Thanks 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!

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  20. I 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.

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  21. I 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!

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  22. I 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.

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