December Daily 2010 | Day Seven

Welcome to Day Seven!

A big thing I love about this project is the chance to try out a few different things each day.

My photo today is from my iphone. I took it in the waiting room at the dentist. Simon calls these balls "jollies" - not sure where that came from but it's a cool name for them! I wasn't sure if it was going to turn out or not and wasn't sure if I was going to be able to print it at 6x8.

It worked and I love it.

I uploaded the iphone image to mycomputer and was able to adjust the image size to 6x8 at 300dpi (File/Resize). It's a bit grainy but I'm cool with that - it kinda goes along with the emotions in my journaling as you will see below.

And if you didn't notice already, if you look closely in the ornament you can see the reflection of both me (holding my iphone) and Simon. Simon's fingers are holding the ornament.

For this spread I used three circle embellishments.

All of the circles are from a set at Ormolu (looks like it might be sold out). I added the glitter star (from an old K&Company chipbox) and used the Believe circle stamp from my Good Cheer set on the other one.

Here's that cute little stamp all inked and ready to go on top of the circle tag:

I used "Leaf" - a green ink from Technique Tuesday. This stamp also includes a small "to" and "from" that I just avoided when I was adding the ink (great for making small gift tags).

Here's a look at it on the page:

I hand wrote a little sentiment and then decided to cover the whole thing with a light layer of Glossy Accents. I tucked the stamped green circle under one of the tips on the chipboard star.

You might also notice that I trimmed the circle with the star. I added the trimmed portion up on the top left of the photo. I like it when things go off the edge like that.

I also trimmed the "love" circle that ended up on the second page (I didn't include the part I trimmed off for this one). I added a staple after photographing.

Here's a look at that full page:

I did my journaling in Photoshop again today. I find I tell a more complete story when I type it vs. writing it by hand.

I created a new canvas (File/New) that was 5.5 x 6.25 at 300dpi and starting typing.

NOTE : If you're interested in learning about adding text to photos (or just using the type tool) there was a good tutorial on Studio Calico's blog yesterday: Text On Photos.

The pattern paper strip is from Basic Grey.

Here's what it looked like in Photoshop before printing.

Here's what it looked like before I adhered it to my date page (and after I cropped it from the 8.5x11).

These are the kind of pages that I know I will really love in years to come. Pages with lots of words that include both the facts and the feelings of our lives both December- and not-so-December-related.

JOURNALING : I’m feeling very tender towards my kids today. To Simon in particular. I think it’s a bit of a mix of the time of year combined with the simple passage of time. Time is flying by - it became especially evident to me when I took Simon to the dentist today. Here’s the story told to Simon:

I took you to the dentist this morning for our 6-month cleaning appointments. You’ve been going regularly since you were a little guy (probably around 3 is when we first took you and had you just sit with me) and each time has been better than the last (but most often has resulted in some upset or challenge). Going to the dentist is not really fun for anyone, but especially hard for someone who’s already sensitive to sights and sounds and touch.

Today Simon, you were amazing.

Very calm. Very brave. Very accepting of what the hygienist was doing and why we were there. When you sat in the chair the first thing you asked her was, “Do my teeth look great?” We’ve been talking daily about the importance of brushing your teeth and how you don’t want to have any cavity bugs in your mouth. Because of some recent reluctance on your part to brush before bed I told you that if you don’t take care of your teeth you might end up with cavity bugs and that would result in having to get a shot in your mouth. That would definitely be worse than having to brush your teeth before getting your body in bed. I think that was enough to get the point across.

This was also the first time I didn’t sit in the room with you. I started out in there while they did some x-rays (they were almost able to get to see all your teeth - still working on that one) and then left when it was my turn in the other room. You didn’t get upset or look worried. You knew I was right next door and when you were done you very proudly came over to the dental chair I was sitting in and told me all about it. You showed me your little white bag with your new toothbrush, floss, and paste. You showed me the ball you chose from the toy bin. The hygienist told me how proud of you she was and how impressed she was when you showed her how you brush your teeth at home. Nice work!

These are the moments I’ve prayed for for you Simon. To be calm and comfortable and confident even when you might feel a little scared - especially in a place that is safe. I’m so proud of you. I love you so, so much.

SUPPLIES : Hambly Grey Doily Decor Overlay: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com; Making Memories Number Stickers; K&Company Brenda Walton Chipbox; Basic Grey Jovial Pattern Paper; Glossy Accents; Ali Edwards for Technique Tuesday Good Cheer stmap set; Ormolu circle tags; Ali Edwards 2010 6×8 December Daily overlays; Ali Edwards 6x8 December Daily Layered Templates

All posts related to December Daily can be found here.


TODAY'S POST SPONSORED BY : Color Inc Pro Lab
Surprise your family and friends this holiday season with fun and unique gifts from Color Inc Pro Lab! Choose from any of our holiday items, including: Gallery Wrapped Canvas, Standout Image Clusters, Assembled Albums, Press Print Albums, as well as Greeting Cards - all of which can be combined with any Ali's Templates to make that one special item for the ones you love. Check out our website for more information on products and pricing!



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I’d love to have you include a link to your DAY SEVEN page here. Please link directly to your post or image on Flickr vs. your general blog link. Thank you! Also – don’t feel like you need to leave a comment!

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98 thoughts

  1. PEG says…
    12/08/2010

    What a wonderful photo !
    I'm going to see the tutorial for writing on photo.
    Have a nice day !

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Estellita says…
    12/08/2010

    Your day is really beautiful !!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Asta says…
    12/08/2010

    The way you tell your stories. It's wonderful. Thank you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Maica says…
    12/08/2010

    How simply and great at the same time is your photo. Love it.
    Have another good day. Waiting for it.
    Best Regards from Catalonia

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. rach says…
    12/08/2010

    That's a beautiful picture, can't believe it's from an iphone

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Amy B says…
    12/08/2010

    I was wondering what font and what font size you used for your journaling? love the pages!

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      12/08/2010

      I'm using Sentinel and the journaling for this page is 8pt.

  7. ale says…
    12/08/2010

    i love the way you write to simon. so beautiful that it brought tears to my eyes.

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Paula in Australia says…
    12/08/2010

    You never cease to amaze me Ali..... a beautiful photo and an even more beautiful story. I am following along this year for the first time and today was a real struggle as I am a stay at home Mum and don't always have a christmassy story to tell but this post shows me that the story doesn't have to be christmassy to mean the world today and in years to come. Thanks for all that you do. Come to Australia for a holiday!

    Have a good day.

    Reply 3 Replies
    1. Ali says…
      12/08/2010

      Hi Paula - one of the things that Simon still loves is the Wiggles. He talks quite a bit about wanting to come to Sydney to see the Wiggles and talk to them :).

    2. Melissa C says…
      12/08/2010

      oooooo the Wiggle! Totally love them in our household!

    3. Brooke says…
      12/08/2010

      The Wiggles actually have a fabulous segment about going to the Dentist. I'm pretty sure that (and talking about the Dentist) is what is helping my son deal with an impending visit.

  9. Maureen says…
    12/08/2010

    Yesterday was the day for tender feelings chez nous also. I wish the same things for my 43 yr old son "To be calm and comfortable and confident even when you might feel a little scared ". btw, I love my iPhone and gladly sacrifice clarity for convenience.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Megan says…
      12/08/2010

      it never goes away, does it... ;)

  10. Layle Koncar says…
    12/08/2010

    Love the journalng today, what a great story Ali!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Ruth says…
    12/08/2010

    Ali, that's exactly what I feel DD is all about ~ the everyday still featuring in amongst all the Christmas madness. My day yesterday was all about gratitude for blog friends.

    Reply 2 Replies
    1. dawn says…
      12/08/2010

      Hi Ruth,

      I've checked your blog a few times this past week for your dd page and tried to leave comments on them, for some reason my computer won't let me. I just want you to know that I love your pages, very pretty and creative. I love your journaling for day 7. Not sure of course what the "something" is but it must be hard so I'm sending you a hug and prayers to help you get thru this tough time. The way you made your grateful tags is beautiful and I'm keeping them in mind for myself to use on down the road here soon. Keep having fun doing your dd pages, love seeing them. Have a great day!

    2. Diana H says…
      12/08/2010

      Ruth, I also read your blog and love your pages. Hugs for the something. We are all battling something. Diana

  12. Steph says…
    12/08/2010

    Ali, your journalling is truly heartwarming. I have always been happy to write long journalling entries, but Christmas time was one season that the words and stories on the pages seemed so "canned", rehearsed, predictable, etc. The same stuff was repeated every year.

    Your story is one that will be treasured in years to come. Your words evoke such feeling - you have an amazing gift. Thank you for inspiring me to dig deep. My pages thus far have more feeling in them because of what you've portrayed this DD project to be:telling the stories of December. Not just whipping through the checklist of "pages"...visit to Santa - check...get the tree - check, etc. I love that you've got a non-Christmas entry for today, yet it fits in beautifully as conquering dental visits are just as important a part of the season as the Santa visit and the tree stuff - it's part of our everyday lives.

    Again thanks so much for the inspiration you've given me. With 4 kids I'd really lost my mojo for scrapbooking. I had a serious dislike for "mini-books" in the past. This is the first I've ever done and it has changed the way I now scrapbook forever. Thank you for that.

    One quick question...I asked it a few posts ago and I can't remember where to find out if my question was asked I'm sorry. As this is my first book, I've yet to punch my holes. I saw the advice to use the crop a dile, but I can't figure out placement...not wanting the holes to be too close to the edge for fear of ripping, not so far in that I won't be able to turn the pages once I've got the thing full of pictures. As it stands now, my foundation with the completed pages is around 2" thick. Do you have a template for the holes or is this a really, really amateur question? Thanks!

    Reply 2 Replies
    1. Ali says…
      12/08/2010

      Thanks for those kind words Steph.

      Here's what I did for my holes: punch the middle one first. I marked a spot that was 4 inches from the top + bottom (right in the middle) and about 3/8 from the edge (you could go farther into the page if you want). Next I marked the top and bottom spots - again 3/8 from the edge of the paper and about 1 inch from the top and 1 inch from the bottom.

      Also, I've got my fabulous web person setting up the comments so you can receive an email when someone has responded to your comment - hoping to have that working by this weekend.

    2. Steph says…
      12/08/2010

      You are welcome - I meant every word. This project has been so inspiring. The kids are so excited to see every day's page. Love that part the most.

      Thanks Ali! Now my rings are in, instead of being a pile of pages.

      Great idea for the comments.

  13. Louise P says…
    12/08/2010

    Way to go Simon! What a great story. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Helen says…
    12/08/2010

    Ali, my camera broke on 29th November so, after much crying and upset, I set myself the challenge of making my Dec Daily using only photos from my iPhone (until Santa can bring me my new camera). It's working well - I'm actually finding I take photos more spontaneously with my phone, and that the journalling means much more in this years album. Its not been a hindrance at all, rather an added interest for me during the making of the album.

    Reply 2 Replies
    1. Ali says…
      12/08/2010

      I often find that it's those kind of challenges that result in the best discoveries :).

    2. Karen says…
      12/08/2010

      Helen (and Ali),

      There was an interesting article on today's Yahoo home page about the decline of point & click cameras. It seems that with the rise of cell phones with better camera capabilities have resulted in more people using their cell phones to take their photos. I was surprised to read that the majority of photos posted to Flickr were taken by cell phone cameras. Wow. Good news for more photos being taken but you wonder how many will be actually printed and treasured (put into photo albums and scrapbooks) by the average person?

  15. dawn says…
    12/08/2010

    I love the way you journal about your kids. I have tears in my eyes while reading about Simon and how he faces his challenges and comes out even stronger. Way to go Simon!! Love how you took the picture of you two, noticed it right away in the reflection.

    Also love how you make your pages so simple (the star and circles/words) and how beautiful it still comes out. Thank you so much for the inspiration.

    Had a question for you on your decorations and tree for your new house? Will you be showing us or a little video or anything like that? Would love to see what you did for your first Christmas there. Thanks

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      12/08/2010

      Hi Dawn, I probably won't be doing a video but I will be taking some photos around the house. It's very simple: lots of paperwhites and twinkle lights :).

  16. Heather Johnson Photography says…
    12/08/2010

    Such an awesome story. Thanks for sharing Ali.

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Angie says…
    12/08/2010

    Wonderful story, Ali and wonderful page. I love the simplicity of your layouts; it helps keep the focus on what is important.

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Teena says…
    12/08/2010

    I totally love your day 7!! :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Beke says…
    12/08/2010

    omg, just stunning, as always. thats all i can say right now :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Sandi Keene says…
    12/08/2010

    Beautiful page that left me with a lump in my throat. Way to go, Simon!

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. heidig says…
    12/08/2010

    I teared up reading this one. What a wonderful story!

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Amy says…
    12/08/2010

    That's so awesome that Simon is so brave at the dentist! He's getting to be so grown up! What a great story to tell and perfect picture of the dentist office tree for it. Love it.

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Judy Webb says…
    12/08/2010

    I have children that are in late forties and never had a cavityThe regular trips to the dentist is so worth it. What a treasure you are making for your family.

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Alexandra says…
    12/08/2010

    So beautiful in every way.
    Thanks for sharing this with all of us.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Tweets that mention December Daily | Day Seven | Ali Edwards -- Topsy.com says…
    12/08/2010

    [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Ali Edwards and Tiffany, Josephina Mydreama. Josephina Mydreama said: December Daily | Day Seven: Welcome to Day Seven! A big thing I love about this project is… http://goo.gl/fb/Avc7e [...]

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