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!

Related Posts

Sign in or sign up to comment.

260 thoughts

  1. December Daily 2010 | Cover Option One Step By Step | Ali Edwards says…
    10/11/2010

    [...] Before I dive into the first cover I wanted to address a couple things that came up in the comments on the first post for 2010: [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. December Daily | Ali Edwards says…
    10/11/2010

    [...] + BASICS Foundation Pages 1-25 Cover Option One : Step By Step Cover Option Two : Step By [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Get Ready for the 2010 December Daily | Elslanderlk675's Blog says…
    10/11/2010

    [...] Edwards has posted the first in the December Daily Series for 2010. In her post Creating a Foundation,  she talks about how she prepared her album for this year. Click here to go her [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Shannon D says…
    10/11/2010

    Hey Ali,
    I had this trouble last year. Ring bind clips. Where did you get them I think last year you used some old ones? I am in Australia, and they don't seem to end up with any here, so just thought I would save myself the trouble this year and just ask you nice and early. I hope to get stuck in and do my own foundation soon too. Love your size! I love Christmas.
    Shannon

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. K says…
    10/12/2010

    Ali, your album is gorgeous. That and your words of encouragement are inspiring!

    My sis taught me to try and finish all Christmas shopping by November, in order to savor the holiday season and family time. This year I finished my Christmas letter early and have most of the shopping (small family) done as well.

    Enjoyed your December Daily last year, and with the above done am thinking that I will try your DD 2010.

    thank you for always sharing with us!

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Kelly says…
    10/12/2010

    hi ali,
    i just wanted to post a quick note to say that the green hollyberry art warehouse transparency is available at emma's paperie for anyone interested. www.emmaspaperie.com.
    kelly

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Ruth (UK) says…
    10/13/2010

    Thanks for the inspiration - I actually used the concept of december daily (a small book ring bound album pre set up) to scrap my trip to the USA earlier this year as I went aong. with all the tickets etc stuck in and journaling/pix as I went along. It was great!! I got home, finished up the last couple of pages and was done!

    I'm planning to do a similar thing for a December trip my family are making to visit the Christmas Markets in Germany. :o) This has given me the kick I needed to start thinking about it!

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. December Daily 2010 | Interior Page Steps + Video Walk-Through Of Album | Ali Edwards says…
    10/14/2010

    [...] I cut out each little box, adhered a date, and added a bit of paint around the edges (Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paint Dash of Red: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com). Here’s a look at where these boxes appear (for full supply lists check this post): [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Already on to the next project « Chandeleah says…
    10/16/2010

    [...] then I saw Ali Edwards’ December Daily album and I fell in love. I decided to purchase her page overlays and get started. I spent Thursday [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Michelle’s December Daily Album (part 1) | I Scrap, U Scrap says…
    10/19/2010

    [...] so inspiring that several staff members decided to make their own. So while Ali is showing you her 2010 version over on her blog, we’ll show you our versions here at I Scrap, U [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Angie Allen says…
    10/19/2010

    Love this project! I recently discovered Ali, and I am creating a Dec. Daily album for the first time this year. Thank you, Ali!

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Sarah says…
    10/19/2010

    I am so excited about doing this, I haven't scrapbooked for an incredibly long time, I just for many reasons couldn't face it anymore, now this project has got me sparked again. My daughter who is 15 is going on a one month school trip to Asia over Christmas and will be trekking through the jungle on Christmas day!!! - so I am incredibly sad that she wont be here with us on Christmas but I want to make this diary with special messages throughout so she can re-live it when she is home. Thanks for making me excited about scrapbooking again!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Cheryl O says…
    10/19/2010

    I was inspired last year but just couldnt do it. However, right after the holidays I DID so 25 pages! So I am ready. I am a little confused so going to check out past projects but I am very excited to see what comes of it!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Lisa H. says…
    10/19/2010

    This will be my first year doing this with you Ali and I'm so excited! I love the size and simplicity of your design this year, it looks easy to do. I have one question. Are you punching each hole by hand or is there a small version of a 3 hole punch? I've been searching the net and haven't found one yet! Any help will be greatly appreciated! I've got a stack of papers just waiting to go in :)

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      10/19/2010

      Hi Lisa - I use a Crop-A-Dile to punch the holes. I usually do one page and then use that as a template for the rest of the album. With the crop a dile you can punch a few pages at the same time :).

  15. Andrea says…
    10/19/2010

    Hey Alie,
    I was wondering how you cut page protectors to size. I know there aren't any in your design, just wondering.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      10/27/2010

      Hi Andrea - I did use a couple that I cut to size. I use the outer four (the top right corner of an 8.5x11) and use the four that are connected. Use a regular page from your book as a template and cut the page protector to fit - making sure to leave enough on the left edge to punch holes while maintaining the other four pockets.

  16. Lisa H. says…
    10/20/2010

    Thanks Ali!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Inspirerad « Saxolim’s Blog says…
    10/21/2010

    [...] Ali inspirerar alltid med sina minialbumsprojekt. Jag hoppas det blir mycket sådant på kursen – det beror på vad mina deltagare vill göra. Alltid lika spännande att se vad som skapas under helgen och en lycka att få följa allas kreativa processer. [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Frugal Friday: Home Made Transparencies | The Everyday Scrapper says…
    10/22/2010

    [...] decided to join in the fun of another year doing the Ali Edwards December Daily album…I enjoyed it last year and am really looking forward to this year’s mini album. After [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Joëlle says…
    10/23/2010

    Très belle idée. Je vais fais un calendrier de l'avent inversé où il faudra écrire chaque jour quelque chose, je ne sais pas encore quoi mais je vais trouver.

    Merci pour tout

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. December daily — La casa di nessun luogo says…
    10/24/2010

    [...] il Dicembre Daily? E’ un progetto di Ali Edwards in formato album che documenta i 25 giorni che precedono il Natale. Molte persone iniziano prima di [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Stephanie says…
    10/24/2010

    I still need to finish last year's...but oh so inspired to create this year's book!

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Thinkie says…
    10/25/2010

    Fab!

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Julie says…
    10/25/2010

    This is wonderful. I'm so excited to get started.
    I tried to but your banner / button on my blogs. I chose a HTML gadget, and it doesn't come up. Just wondering if you have heard of anyone else having the same problem. Looking forward to the Dec. Daily journey.

    Reply 3 Replies
    1. Julie says…
      10/25/2010

      I meant to say PUT your banner....on my blog. I did copy your code and pasted it in the HTML area. I'll keep trying. Any tips?

    2. Julie says…
      10/25/2010

      I just tried again, did the same thing I had done before, and it worked just great! Not sure if there was a glich in the system this morning?? Have a great day!

    3. Ali says…
      10/27/2010

      Hi Julie - I tried posting a new code for you here but it keeps popping up with just the image. I added it to the main December Daily page - here's a link there: http://aliedwards.com/2009/12/december-daily-compilation.html

      The code is under the banner (under the box with the other code).

  24. Community News: 10/27/10 — Paper Craft Planet Blog says…
    10/27/2010

    [...] 3d Challenge is this week is to create a mini book!  Are you playing along with Ali Edward’s December Daily?  What a great way to get ready for the holidays with this [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. AnastasiaElena says…
    10/28/2010

    Thank you for the great idea. Your album inspires. I will try to make such.

    Reply 0 Replies

Sign in or sign up to comment.