December Daily 2010 | Creating A Foundation


Hello December Daily 2010.


I know many of you out there are thinking, "how can you even be thinking about Christmas?" I totally get it. Completely. I'm really all about my pumpkins and planning a Halloween party right now. But here's the deal: I also know, from a few years of experience, that planning ahead is really the key to enjoying the process of daily documentation during December.


If this is your first time embarking on the December Daily project or if you'd like a general refresher I recommend checking out my December Daily compilation page for many more details and ideas (and to see how its evolved from year to year with a complete listing of all the posts). You can also check out my past December Daily projects in a portfolio format here: 2008, 2009.


If you're here for round two or three or four, welcome back.


Today is the beginning of a series of posts about creating a December Daily album. The basic idea behind this project is to create an album that will hold your 2010 December stories. My album runs from December 1 through December 25th - some people choose to go through the end of the month but I've found that by the time Christmas hits I'm ready to move on to the next thing.


There are so many different ways to approach this project:



  • Some people make it a game to use what they have on hand (all those years of stocking up on holiday products and then making one layout is paying off). If this is you, your goal over the next week is to get all your stuff in one place.

  • Some people mix old products with new products (this is me).

  • Some people do all digital albums.

  • Some people do a mixture of digital and paper (this is me too).

  • Some people do big albums and some people do really small ones.


Today's post will be an overview of my 2010 album. Next week I'll post step-by-steps for a couple pages, go into more details about the cover options with step-by-step images, and include a couple video tutorials on how to work with the printable elements I'm using in my album.


After next week you won't hear much about this album again until it gets much closer to December. Beginning on the 1st or 2nd of December I'll post my completed page and include information on my process, the story, supplies, etc.


DIGITAL ALBUM: Wondering about a full digital album? I've got a new set of products in the works that should be in the shop next weekend. Look for another post on that coming soon.



APPROACH + PROCESS


Each year when I start thinking about my December Daily album I like to do things a bit different - usually nothing drastic but enough of a change to keep it interesting. This year the biggest change you'll notice is that I've keep all the pages the same size. If you take a look at my past albums (2008 or 2009) you'll see that the pages are a mixture of sizes. This year I decided to keep them all 6 inches x 8 inches.


Another change? I made two different album covers this year: one using the Teresa Collins Bracket Shape Covers and a second one using recycled chipboard. The Teresa Collins Bracket Shape Covers were covered with sticky back canvas, painted, misted, and embossed - I'll show the full step-by-step next week. The second option, the one with the white circles, uses a sheet of specialty paper (working on a source) adhered on top of a piece of recycled chipboard trimmed to 6x8. I'm still not sure which one I'm going to use but I'm leaning towards the white one.


In terms of the process for putting this album together, my biggest suggestion is to break it down into small tasks and tackle one thing at a time. One project is cutting the transparencies to size. One project is pulling out numbers to add to the transparencies. One project is printing + cutting out the hybrid pages. One project is punching holes. Get the idea? Are you seeing why I like to work on this part in advance?




INSIDE PAGES | THE FORMULA


The formula for my 2010 album is very simple: a printed transparent page with a date and/or embellishment + a . Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.


Each and every page is 6 inches x 8 inches.


Here's a look at all the transparent pages laid out on my table:



If you're interested in making one similar to my 2010 book here's the basics of what you'll need:



  • 13, 12x12 transparent sheets (see below for a supply list of the ones I used) that will be cut so you get 2, 6x8 inch pieces from each sheet.

  • My 2010 December Daily 6x8 overlay package from Designer Digitals for the photo and/or journaling pages. The package includes a PDF file for simple printing if you're not familiar with Adobe Photoshop. The PDF file includes days 1 through 31. Look for a video tutorial on working with this package to come next week.

  • A front and back cover.

  • A variety of numbers, holiday papers and embellishments.

  • A willingness to document the month of December and not stress about making it perfect or capturing every last detail.

  • A commitment to enjoying your holiday season and being present with your family and friends. I continue to find that the process of participating in this album actually grounds me to the here & now and helps me be more conscious of how I live my holiday season.



Here's a look at the 2010 December Daily overlays when printed on Bazzill Basics Cream Puff (Scrapbook.com 12x12 | 8.5x11) which is what I used throughout my album. You can also view these foundation images via my portfolio (click on an image and then click the arrows to go forward or backward throughout the portfolio).


You could easily wait to print these out until December and add your journaling right onto the PNG file + print as you go. These could also be placed on top of photos in Photoshop before printing (along with your journaling).


OPTION: One way to adapt this album to your own working style or family stories would be to do all transparencies and skip the printable portion. Your photos could be added in as the additional pages. Or maybe you're more interested in focusing on the words + photos. If that's the case maybe only use the printables and skip the transparent pages. Lots of options. If this is your first time I suggest playing along with me and being open to adapting as you go.



MY CURRENT PLAN WITH THE PRINTABLE PAGES: Above is a look at a sketch of the printable page and a completed page (using a photo from 2009 as a sample). My plan is that those two blocks of space will be used as a home for a photo (or a collage of photos), and/or journaling, and/or pattern paper.


I like that I'm creating a specific foundation for myself that has a bit of structure but will also be flexible when it comes to documenting each day. On some days I envision using that large block of space exclusively for journaling. On those days I might use the small block for a photo that captures the essence of something - a piece of the whole. On other days I might fill the large space with a photo and use the back of the cardstock for my journaling.


NOTE: Two 4x6 inch photos would fit perfectly on the back for those of you that don't print at home and find it easier to use a photo developer to add your photos once a week or at the end of the month.


My goal with these foundation pages was to keep it simple. One or two accents and a number on top of each transparency. There's nothing earth-shattering here. It's a matter of picking out a few things and sticking them down (or stitching them as the case may be) and creating a home for your December content. A couple days don't have numbers (all the printable pages have both the number and the specific day of the week for 2010). Little bits of red machine stitching is the main way I attached elements to the transparencies - staples are always another good option.


You can do this.


Here's a look at the entire foundation:




DAY ONE


Anna Griffin Georgette Holiday Collection Double-Sided Cardstock Pack (inside cover)


Teresa Collins Star Transparency


K&Company Yuletide Chipbox


AE for Technique Tuesday Good Cheer Stamps


Red Stitching




DAY TWO


Art Warehouse Hollyberry Transparency (green is sold out but here's a red one on clearance at scrapbook.com)


Studio Calico Mister Huey Apple Jack Color Mist


Making Memories Number Stickers


Vintage Wallpaper


Shipping Tag




DAY THREE


Fancy Pants Tradition Flocked Transparency


Tim Holtz Silver Numerals: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com




DAY FOUR


White Circle Paper


Maya Road Sheer Clocks


Jenni Bowlin Vintage Christmas Chipboard Buttons: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com




DAY FIVE


Every Jot & Tittle Red Number Tags


Hambly Chic Circles Transparent Overlay


Ormolu Christmas Tag (circle-punched)



DAY SIX


KI Memories Lace Cardstock Numbers


Hambly Clearly Heavy Overlay




DAY SEVEN


Hambly Grey Doily Decor Overlay: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com


Making Memories Number Stickers


(I think the oval with the tree is from a K&Company chipbox from 2009)




DAY EIGHT


Hamby Red Vintage Plaid (looks like there's no more red, but other colors are available)


AE Christmas Boxes from Designer Digitals


American Crafts Playroom Thickers (in green here)


Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paint Dash of Red: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com




DAY NINE


8.5x11 Baseball Card Page Protectors cut to fit


Bazzill Basics Star Chips (painted red)


Making Memories Metal Rimmed Tags


Tim Holtz Silver Numerals: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com


Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paint Dash of Red: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com




DAY TEN


Teresa Collins Noel Collection Christmas Transparency


The Girls Paperie Eclectic Chipboard Alphabet: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com




DAY ELEVEN


Teresa Collins Red Number Transparency


Maya Road Grosgrain Pleat Ribbon: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com




DAY TWELVE


Maya Road Scroll Frames Chipboard


AE for Technique Tuesday Good Cheer Stamps


Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paint Dash of Red: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com


My Mind's Eye Lost & Found Union Square Moments Seamstress Paper: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com


Hambly Clearly Heavy Overlay




DAY THIRTEEN


Teresa Collins Star Transparency


AE Christmas Boxes from Designer Digitals


Jenni Bowlin Red Kindergarten Alphabet Rub Ons


Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paint Dash of Red: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com




DAY FOURTEEN


Art Warehouse Hollyberry Transparency (green is sold out but here's a red one on clearance at scrapbook.com)


Elise Joy Wish Tag


The Girls Paperie Eclectic Chipboard Alphabet: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com




DAY FIFTEEN


Fancy Pants Tradition Flocked Transparency


Jenni Bowlin Mini Bingo Cards Christmas




DAY SIXTEEN


Hambly Clearly Heavy Overlay


Tim Holtz Silver Numerals: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com


Picture It Pageframe Large 8 inch Acrylic Star




DAY SEVENTEEN


Hambly Chic Circles Transparent Overlay


The Girls Paperie Christmas Ribbon Trims




DAY EIGHTEEN


White Circle Paper


Every Jot & Tittle Red Number Tags




DAY NINETEEN


KI Memories Lace Cardstock Numbers


Hambly Clearly Heavy Overlay




DAY TWENTY


Jenni Bowlin Christmas Printed Tickets


Hamby Red Vintage Plaid (looks like there's no more red, but other colors are available)


Jenni Bowlin Red Kindergarten Alphabet Rub Ons




DAY TWENTY-ONE


8.5x11 Baseball Card Page Protectors cut to fit


The Girls Paperie Tinsel & Twig Christmas Sticker Pad


AE Christmas Boxes from Designer Digitals (available on Saturday)




DAY TWENTY-TWO


Teresa Collins Noel Collection Christmas Transparency


Studio Calico Mister Huey Apple Jack Color Mist


Making Memories Number Stickers


Shipping Tag




DAY TWENTY-THREE


Teresa Collins Red Number Transparency


K&Company Handmade Collection Fabric Art Lace Frames




DAY TWENTY-FOUR


Hambly Grey Doily Decor Overlay: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com


Elle's Studio Vintage Christmas Flash Cards


Every Jot & Tittle Red Number Tags




DAY TWENTY-FIVE


Hambly Brown Brocade Overlay


Making Memories Metal Rimmed Canvas Tag


The Girls Paperie Eclectic Chipboard Alphabet: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com



INSIDE BACK COVER


Anna Griffin Georgette Holiday Collection Double-Sided Cardstock Pack


And there you have it.


You can do this.


Start now. Start simple. One task at a time.


Whenever possible, don't make it more complicated than it needs to be. Adapt it for your family, your lifestyle, your situation. The real joy comes from getting yourself to a point where you are ready to record the little moments in December - those little bits of life that happen so fast but that build on each other year after year. This album is a place for those memories.


Don't worry if you don't do something holiday related everyday in December. The stories and photos you include don't have to be holiday related - all of my previous albums contain non-holiday entries that document simple daily stories. I include what I feel like including from one day to the next.


Again, be sure to check out previous December Daily project posts on the compilation page. Feel free to include your questions here in the comments section.


Again, you can do this.


SHARE THE LOVE | DECEMBER DAILY BANNER, FLICKR, TWITTER


You're also invited to share and communicate with others about this project. Here's some links to get you started:


FLICKR GROUP: 2010 December Daily (view past galleries here: 2008, 2009)


TWITTER HASHTAG: #decdaily


BANNER: Last year there were some requests for a blog banner. Feel free to add this to your site (the code is listed below):


BLOG TITLE



DAILY SPONSORSHIP


This year I'm offering daily sponsorship spots throughout the month of December on December Daily posts. Please email sponsors@aliedwards.com for more information.

For a full list of December Daily posts go here.





Elle’s Studio has just released their new designs for the holiday season. They have the perfect tags for your December Daily projects, advent calendars, scrapbook pages and more!

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260 thoughts

  1. Madeline St Onge says…
    10/08/2010

    WOW Ali you book looks great, can't wait to do this with you. Just need to decide what size I want to do.

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Sandy B says…
    10/08/2010

    Love the use of transparencies! Such a clean look. I spent 6 weeks on bedrest last year so I have my next 2 Daily December books done. I can't wait for December!

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. allyson macleod says…
    10/08/2010

    Wow! I had decided I wasn't going to do one this year since I'm working through project life. But just looking at this makes me want to jump into my Christmas stash and get to work! Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Lori says…
    10/08/2010

    Awesome - I love, love, love it! Can't wait to get my album together before December 1st. Thanks for the inspiration and the detailed pictures. I think I could read your post several more times so I can soak it all in. Love the transparencies idea :) I've gotta keep reminding myself to keep it simple - journal+words is what I love looking back on my pages. Will be looking for the dd new product on Saturday.

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Tis The Season | Ali Edwards says…
    10/08/2010

    [...] you are looking for my 2010 December Daily album foundation post you’ll find it over on my Projects [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Making Memories Mini Alphabet Stickers says…
    10/08/2010

    [...] December Daily 2010 | Creating A Foundation | Ali Edwards Making Memories Number Stickers (I think the oval with the tree is from a K&Company chipbox from DAY EIGHT Hamby Red Vintage Plaid (looks like there's no more red, but other colors are available) . Making Memories Metal Rimmed Canvas Tag The Girls Paperie Eclectic Chipboard Alphabet Two Peas | INSIDE BACK COVER Anna Griffin Georgette Holiday Collection Double-Sided Cardstock Pack. And there you have it. You can do this. Start now. Start simple. [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. ale says…
    10/08/2010

    thanks for the guidance, ali!!! looking foward the realese of the digital goodies for the hybrid version of december daily!

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Marie Tere says…
    10/08/2010

    Wow Ali. Amazing. I like the look of 2010. Much "cleaner" than last year's. But I liked last year's too!

    I actually "found" you during the 2009 December Daily and it was too late to do one, at least I felt I couldn't get it together in the middle of the holiday to do it.
    But this year I'm going to try. Last night I reread 2009 and 2008 AND joined Twitter to follow you and others :)

    I'm going to spend the day hunting and gathering! I'm so excited.

    A couple of questions as I reviewed your work.

    1. As you use cut folders for adhering pictures to, do you worry that they may not be acid free?

    2. I first got into scrapbooking via Creative Memories that had a plastic sleeve over every page. I don't see that you do this here, or in many other albums. Do you worry about the wear on your pictures or embelishments?

    Thanks for your inspiration....always.

    P.S. When I reviewed the 2007 blog, the pictures did not show up, just an fyi...http://aliedwards.com/projects/december-daily/page/5

    Reply 3 Replies
    1. Ali says…
      10/08/2010

      Hi Marie Tere - I'm in the camp of people that is worried less about acid free and more about getting stories told. These books will fade and will be handled and hopefully will get loved with all kinds of fingerprints on them - I totally welcome that.

      Almost all my minibooks are without page protectors (plastic sleeves). It's actually one of the things I love most about them - just like I mentioned above - I want them to be touched and loved and looked through by little (and big) hands.

      And thanks about the 2007 issues - I actually need to go back and add in that album. If I remember right those pages were actually not posted on my blog but at CreatingKeepsakes.com (and I don't think they are there any longer). Time to do some scanning again I think :).

    2. Ali says…
      10/08/2010

      Just checking on 2007 - looks like I did have those on my blog. Need to update those older files. Thanks for letting me know!

    3. Tere says…
      10/08/2010

      Thanks....I like your thinking....Tere.

  9. Marlene Moore says…
    10/08/2010

    Love this years project! I did it last year for the first time and will likely do it again.
    I tried to put the blog banner on my blog at blogger but it is not working. Would love to have it on there so could you check this out. Thanks

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Jan says…
    10/08/2010

    Ali - here's a goofy question: I love the dated cardstock pages for the album, but believe it or not, I've already got my album ready to go for this year (long story short, it was meant for last year but we had a house fire and I just couldn't do the project last year) so I am wondering if the PDF files will allow you to change the day of the week so that I can use these for next year?

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      10/08/2010

      Hi Jan - the PDF files are not really easily editable but the package includes PNG files that can be edited (you can simply delete and retype the correct day).

  11. Angie F says…
    10/08/2010

    LOVE the December Daily already!! WOW!! This is a project I really want to do...not sure if I'll get it fit in this year, but you are such a wonderful source of inspiration, I know I can come to your blog and be reminded of how to get this started and completed! :) Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Allison Waken says…
    10/08/2010

    LOVE it Ali! I think I'm doing 4x6 this year to make it easy and just do 1 or 2 4x6 photos for each day. Love the products you've chosen here - gorgeous!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Elizabeth V. says…
    10/08/2010

    I did this two years ago to document our oldest daughter's "last Christmas" with us as she was a high school senior and I knew that it was the last year we would have a "normal" advent season with everyone home, every day. I plan to do it again this year as it is our son's "last Christmas"/senior year. Thank you for all the inspiration! With the prep work done, I found it fairly easy to keep on top of the book, taking the pictures and making journaling notes daily. I know there are many details that would have been lost without the book to keep them safe!

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Trista says…
    10/08/2010

    Lovely and inspiring as usual. Great job!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. emily ruth says…
    10/08/2010

    oh! i looove that picture of all of your pages lined up...so cool!...& as always, i'm super impressed with you & your dd album...you are a super star, girlie :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. katie t says…
    10/08/2010

    Thank you for doing December Daily and doing it early, I am a planner and I usually wanting to get Christmas shopping and all projects well done before hand, because I know life is crazy and things all ways come up last minute.
    Want to respond to someone else's question.
    I do not do project life or 365 or a monthly, but am wanting to do something next year. This will be my second year doing December Daily and I loved doing it last year. Last year I did details on what we did for each day in December, but now I am going to change it up a bit. By not detailing everything, but maybe detail the day from my child's eye or explain traditions or share what I am grateful for that specific day. So I think that if you are doing Project life were it is more detailed, you could do December Daily with a thought or comment or reflection on the day. HTH

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Gillian says…
    10/08/2010

    This is really beautiful, Ali.

    g

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Jennifer says…
    10/08/2010

    Wow, I love it! I'm so excited to get started on this. I found a paper that looks like it could be your cover at hollanders.com in the embossed and flocked papers under geometric embossed.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      10/08/2010

      Oh that looks really similar and would work awesome. The one I have is actually not embossed - it's almost like there is twine inside the pulp of the paper that creates the circles.

  19. Jan says…
    10/08/2010

    Ali: I love the cardstock PDF pages, but I have a question. I already have this year's December Daily ready to go (long story short, it was meant to be last year's but we had a house fire and I put it away for this year instead). Is there a way to change the days of the week on the PDF files so that I can use them for next year's book?

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Jan says…
    10/08/2010

    Oops, sorry - my page must not have reloaded and I didn't see your answer above. Thanks.

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. gudrun says…
    10/08/2010

    This is gorgeous, Ali. I really love how you use a transparency for every day.
    Thank you for sharing this project. It is so inspiring! :)

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      10/08/2010

      Thanks gudrun :). I've got your lovely papers here to add during December. They are so pretty: http://3ndypapir.blogspot.com

  22. Chris says…
    10/08/2010

    Thank you so much for sharing this. It's simple and beautiful in it's simplicity.

    Last year, I tried to do this, knowing that I was finally going to get to celebrate Christmas in our home with my husband (first time since we'd been married in '07). And, I failed. I started putting it together, including old gift bags for that year's cards to go into, and I just never "felt" it. Then I was using Jessica Sprague's Holidays in Hand class to try to help the process. Still didn't work. I REALLY want to do this. But I can't figure out where to get the drive to do so. Last year I blame it on being pregnant and just not feeling well. This year... This year I want to do something!

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      10/08/2010

      Hi Chris :). I would really encourage you to adopt the mantra of not making it more complicated than it needs to be. Everyone is going to have a different level of time, patience, drive, etc for a daily holiday project. You don't want it to feel like work and you don't want it to take away from any enjoyment during the season - trust yourself - it sounds like last year it just wasn't happening (I totally know how that goes). This year can be different - you can choose for it to be different :).

      Start simple. If you want to add more stuff you can always do that in December. You can do this!

  23. abbeyviolet says…
    10/08/2010

    Thanks for the answer in comments about the transparencies. I won a bunch of Hambly goodies earlier this year and have toyed with them here and there, but this looks like a lovely elegant home for more of them. Thanks for the inspiration as always. This will be my second year and my first making my own album pieces as I used the Evalicious base last year. Excited to try my own this year.

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Cele Schaffer says…
    10/08/2010

    I have watched for 2 years and this year am really thinking i am going to try it! I went to Elle's Studio today and ordered not just 1 but 2 sets of the Christmas number cards in case I mess up! HA I have this terrible habit of doing that...Anyway I think those number cards are the bomb! I am going out today to start shopping for designer paper and designed transparencies- I'm getting excited I am really going to do it!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Cyndi says…
    10/08/2010

    Ali--this will be my first time attempting a Daily December Album, and I can't wait. If ever there was a year to attempt this project, it's this year for me--my daughter turns 16 on December 16th, and we are going to Disney World over Christmas to celebrate. Talk about a December to remember! Thank you for some great information today and for your encouragement.

    Reply 0 Replies

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