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.

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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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