Reconnecting with the joy of scrapbooking.

AE_HelloLittleGirl
All products from the September Cocoa Daisy Kit. Click to view larger.

This past weekend I attended a local crop where I actually got to just sit there and scrapbook (and then raise a little money in the evening for one of my favorite local charities called The Heart Gallery of Lane County that is dedicated to making words + photos work for some very special kids).

Sitting there, cutting + pasting + documenting, I reconnected with some joy that has been dormant for awhile. Don't make it more complicated than it needs to be.

AE_e2 copy All products from the September Cocoa Daisy Kit. Click to view larger.

I love that I just took the contents of a kit with me and my basic supplies (trimmer, square punch, adhesive, scissors, tiny metal brads, etc). Simplify the process.

The night before I printed out the photos you see used in these layouts. I didn't have the layout design planned in advance but had some initial thoughts in my head for general photo sizes so I just went with it and knew I could make it work when I was actually putting it together. Go with the flow & embrace imperfection.

AE_BoysAndGirls
All products from the September Cocoa Daisy Kit + add-on kits. Click to view larger.

I
even enjoyed creating with other people around. I get so used to
being by myself while I work here that having the interaction with other
women at my table and surrounding tables was a welcome change. It was fun to see what they
were working on and share tools, ideas, laughter, photos and stories. Play.

Feeling very thankful for scrapbooking today.

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61 thoughts

  1. Kristin R says…
    09/02/2009

    Really love these layouts Ali and can't wait for the kit to arrive!
    I also really enjoyed your October column in CK! I found some much inspiration from it.

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Heids in South Africa says…
    09/02/2009

    Girlo, for a mamma of two you are up waaaay too early if the time-stamp is correct!
    Thanks for reminding me about the KISS philosophy. It's so easy to get bogged down in the fullness of SB & all that's available.
    Also the goodness of girlfriends who share the passion ... need to do that more often w/ my gals!
    And as always, sharing your lovely family, ideas, and life with us!
    Hugs!

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Jennifer McGuire says…
    09/02/2009

    love it all.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Robyn says…
    09/02/2009

    Those are beautiful! I love the first one. That number paper is great.
    I often find it frustrating that creativity comes in waves with peaks and valleys. I don't like the valleys, for sure, but I sometimes find the peaks stressful too because I just know a valley is coming! I have hit a good groove in the last few weeks and I am trying to just ride the wave while I can and not worry about the valley. But, it's tough!
    Glad you enjoyed the process!

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Michelle says…
    09/02/2009

    Way to go Ali.....a little Momma time to be creative and have adult conversation.

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Nicky from Canada says…
    09/02/2009

    How wonderful! Love the philosophy - your right somedays it gets completely out of wack. Back to basics!!
    Love the pages and of course, the pictures are great.

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Elise Blaha says…
    09/02/2009

    love the colors in this kit ali. looks so fun.

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Francesca Di Leo says…
    09/02/2009

    wow Ali! you're just awesome.
    love everything you do.
    you have a beautiful family.
    Francesca
    p.s. Simon always has the best jammies on! love it.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Trisha Harrison says…
    09/02/2009

    love the new pages ali !! beautiful !! simon and anna are so cute, awesome stuff all around !!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. ShellyJ says…
    09/02/2009

    fabulous layouts! ... sounds like you had a lot of fun! I have joined a scrapbook kit club and absolutely love the process of just grabbing a kit and running with it. so simplified for me! love it!

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. christen says…
    09/02/2009

    great layouts! i need that reminder right now as i am trying to get back in the groove after the busy-ness of summer and getting back into the routine of school and trying to find some time for the things i enjoy. thanks.

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Molly Irwin says…
    09/02/2009

    These layouts are so happy, Ali. Timeless really.
    The only kit I have purchased was from Cocoa Daisy, with you as the designer. I can't always afford a lot of product, but have happily turned to those elements over time in small portions. They always seem fresh and I feel a luxurious using them. If someone else is like me on a tight budget, just getting an add-on can be a great way to ignite a spark to your projects.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. sharna says…
    09/02/2009

    I absolutely love your lo's in the new CK issue!!! These too make me want to immediately drop everything and go scrap! Thanks for the inspiration!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Mari Correia says…
    09/02/2009

    Fantastic! I'll try to use your tips to see if I can scrapbook again! Specially "simplify"!!! Love the idea of using everything from a kit! Maybe this is the most important idea of buying kits - making the proccess simpler, isn't it? XOXOX from Brazil!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. JustMeAgain says…
    09/02/2009

    Fabulous pages Ali. I'm with Molly, some times just an add-on can completely spark your creativity! I don't get a lot of product these days either, but a little thing here, or a little thing there, can sometimes be enough to make me want to play! Even the left over candy wrappers can sometimes be a fun add-on to a project. And, of course, seeing inspiring work out there (such as what is always shared in your blog or Molly's) always helps! :D

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Carlotta says…
    09/02/2009

    So beautiful. The photo of the cousins is awesome. Love the green letter border on top and the yellow column paper on the bottom. Had to laugh at the way Simon was grabbing Anna's head. We're in a constant battle here with my two boys (5 yrs and 22 months). Clark grabs Deacon head or neck as a sign of affection, excitement, interaction, direction, you name it. I think it's the age and the heights of both. Be gentle, softly... are words heard a lot around here. :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Christene says…
    09/02/2009

    Ali, I love these layouts - so much love in your home and can't wait to receive my Cocoa Daisy kit. Thank you for all of your hard work.
    On another note, I just heard that Kokuyo will no longer make adhesives! (trying not to panic ;-) I know that you use them, too. Any thoughts on alternatives? A friend is trying to convert our scrap group to ATG; seems like we've tried all of the others out there.

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Mariangeles_Spain says…
    09/02/2009

    Great LOs!!!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Kelly in Canada says…
    09/02/2009

    Hi Ali,
    I like what Molly said about your layouts looking timeless. I was thinking the very same thing as I browsed through your first book last evening...the layouts, to my eye, don't look dated and they aren't all about the product. And, I love the fact that your handwriting (which is one of the true treasures I think) is a part of every one of the layouts.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Kelly
    ps...is that the 2.5 inch square punch?

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Rebekah says…
    09/02/2009

    These layouts are brilliant.

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Molly Peckham says…
    09/02/2009

    loving all of the layouts, ali! they are just wonderful! :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Lisa Jackson says…
    09/02/2009

    Wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you today. You mean so much to so many people, sweet love.
    Lisa
    XXX

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Elisa says…
    09/02/2009

    Absolutely love all three of these layouts, Ali. I'm starting to think it's time to pull out the traditional supplies again. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Elise Wisner says…
    09/02/2009

    WOW! What great ideas! I can't wait for my kit to arrive! This is the first time I have ordered from them and I am so ready to play! Thanks for your inspiration!

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. tara pakosta says…
    09/02/2009

    I just had my friend becky (novacek) in town and we scrapped together 3 different times and it was so enjoyable, no ideas planned, no dt work, no deadlines, just for us and it was so much fuN! I love scrapbooking and thankfully have never lost my JOY for it! I am however getting sick of having all these pages sitting around and not in books! I need to get some more AC albums, but have to buy a few at a time! i need about 20 more!!! seriouslY!
    I love your first layout!!! awesome pix! your little girl is so adorable!!!
    tara

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