Ali Edwards's Blog, page 52
March 8, 2023
Labels Scrapbook Kit | Special Guest Shu-Wen Tham
It’s Shu-Wen here (aka @ChouxPuffCreations), and I am thrilled to be participating in this planning series featuring the new Labels Quarterly Scrapbook Kit! Every time I receive a new scrapbook kit, I love challenging myself to come up with different ways to use the kit contents to make interactive pages in my scrapbook albums. So I thought it would be fun to do a walkthrough of how I came up with ideas for interactive elements using the patterned papers (both digital and physical versions!) and embellishments that were included in the Labels Scrapbook Kit! The result: 4 “foundation”pages ready to be made into interactive pages!
One of my favorite things to do with labels is to cut them in half and use them as tag toppers / index tabs for journaling cards and photos! I love staggering them on the tops or the sides of journaling cards with the tabs peeking out from behind a pocket: Not only do they provide a convenient place to stamp a sentiment or title, they also serve as great holding spots for your thumbs as you pull the inserts out of a pocket. The cardstock labels are perfect for this function because they don’t have adhesive on the backs. BUT if you wanted to use the gold-foiled label stickers as index tabs, I would either back them onto some white cardstock and fussy-cut them out, or remove the adhesive on the back with an anti-static powder tool. In this example, I played around with adding my label tabs onto the tops of some journaling cards I had cut out from the 6x8 mixed media patterned paper in this kit, and stamped some small sentiments on each of the tabs with some of the shorter phrases in the Pieces of Play stamp set.
I love the flexibility of having digital patterned papers! Not only can you print out multiple copies if you happen to make mistakes in measuring and cutting (like I sometimes do when I’m making my interactive elements), you can also resize certain elements before printing them off! In this example, I enlarged a few of the circles from the 12x12 circle labels patterned paper in this kit so that they’re approximately 4 inches wide and cut along the center to turn these circles into pockets. The enlarged circle is big enough to hold lots of goodies, including some cardstock labels (you can add journaling onto these), some text labels from the cut-apart 6x8 patterned paper, and some ephemera (the business cards that I collected from a local hot chocolate fest fit perfectly in these pockets). Feel free to switch up the orientation of the circle to the original upright position to use the bottom white half of the circle as the pocket, or rotate it 90 degrees like I did to use the top colored half of the circle as the pocket (I prefer the latter so that the inserts in the pocket don’t obscure the text).
Another thing I love to do with patterned papers is to cut shapes out in order to make flips, flaps, and peekaboo windows. In this example, I cut along the left, bottom, and right edges of 3 of the labels in the 6x8 pastel labels patterned paper, then scored along the top edge, to make 3 label-shaped windows that can flip up! Feel free to change it up by alternating which edge you open the windows from by changing up the edge that you leave un-cut. My plan for this foundation page is to place some 3x2 photos behind the peekaboo windows, add some journaling onto the bottoms of the window flaps with some clear sticker paper, and add some embellishments onto the fronts of each of the window flaps. The plastic sentiment labels included in this kit would be a good start!
This last interactive page idea is probably one of my favorites because it’s a great way to add more words or photos to your page without making it look too cluttered! I started on with two copies of the “Love This Because” 6x8 patterned paper. To one of them, I cut horizontal slits just below the “Because” word to form three separate long pockets. And to the second copy, I cut out just the colored banner portions of each strip, then stapled the banners to the tops of three strips of white cardstock measuring approximately 1 ¾” wide by 7 inches tall (they don’t have to be exact, just skinny enough that they’ll slide easily in and out of the pockets). The bottom of the banner forms a flap that hooks onto the top edge of the pockets, preventing the journaling slip from sliding all the way down through the pocket. You can add some long photos or a strip of journaling to the front of the patterned paper and to the inserts, although I think I’ll end up stamping a large sentiment onto each of the strips on the intact patterned paper, then add some typed journaling relating to each sentiment onto the inserts.
I hope this blog post inspired you to try planning out some interactive pages with this kit! Stay tuned to see how these pages turn out, and make sure to tag me @ChouxPuffCreations if you decide to try any of these interactive page ideas! I look forward to seeing your creations over on Instagram or in the Ali Edwards Facebook Group!
Shu-Wen
March 7, 2023
Labels Scrapbook Kit | Special Guest Linda Jordan
Hi everyone! This is Linda and I’m thrilled to be here today to share with you my project planning for the Labels Quarterly Scrapbook Kit. For a kit like this, that doesn’t have a specific story prompt (like a story kit), I will keep in mind photos + stories from the past couple of months as my jumping off point for most of my projects and then use the kit itself to spark designs.
In the video, I walk through my process for planning out nine projects using this kit, as well as talk through a lot of other ideas.
My first step is always to look through the kit in its entirety. As I get to each item, I think about a few things:
Is this something I want to add into my stash because it’s a great basic or do I want to use it in a specific project?For embellishments, is this something I want to try to use all on one project, or should I use these a little at a time as additional embellishments?Does this include a story prompt that I want to use as a jumping off point for a story?For papers, is this something I want to cut up or keep whole?Does this product lend itself to project life?
Next, I go through the products again and begin lumping together the products I want to use in a specific project and sketching out the project ideas. I also make note of the album I will add it into, the specific story, any specific photos I want to include, and which products I want to use.
I came up with nine different projects to create using this kit, including two project life spreads.
After planning out my projects, I pile the products back in my storage box, keeping the products that go together stacked together. When I’m ready to work on a project, everything is nicely contained in that one box so it will be easy to pull it out and work on my projects.
And that’s it! I’m ready to dive into the kit and start making. Thank you so much for joining me to plan out projects using the Labels Quarterly Scrapbook Kit!
If you’re interested in more details on my planning process, I have an entire class on project planning (and so much more) it that is still for sale called Plan, Prep & Play. I also often share my projects & bits of my process over on my instagram and on my YouTube.
March 3, 2023
In Case You Missed It | March 3
Happy Friday, friends! Welcome to the latest
In Case You Missed It. Just a reminder that this is a quick post that will happen every Friday afternoon with all the updates and links that have happened throughout the week. So, let's get to it:
2023 WEEK IN THE LIFE™ UPDATES
This week we kicked off the countdown to our 2023 Week In The Life™ collection release! From now until the collection goes live we’ll be sharing product sneaks. Be sure to set your alarms for Thursday, March 16th when the entire collection will launch at 12pm ET. Prior to the release, Ali will be sharing a preview blog post that will include video walkthroughs, pricing, shipping information, and more. This year we’re excited to be hosting another Week In The Life™ Prep Day, as well as a new class from Ali! Digitals, including layered templates, will be available for the entire collection. We’ll be sharing all relevant dates and information as soon as they are finalized! Want to learn more about this amazing community project? Head over to the website now and find more on Week In The Life™.NEW GUEST STORYTELLER LESSONS
Did you know every month we share two Guest Storyteller lessons in our Story Class? This month in the XO classroom we are delighted to welcome Nolana Lynch and Ronelia Motroni as Guest Storytellers. You will not want to miss their beautiful and inspiring projects. This bonus content is just one of the benefits of being a subscriber. Learn more about the XO Story Class subscription and become part of our vibrant, supportive community of memory keepers here.IMPORTANT SUBSCRIPTION UPDATES
Since January, we’ve seen incredible growth in our subscriptions! As always, we are extremely grateful for your support and thrilled by your enthusiastic response to the changes we’ve implemented. As a result, we are currently on a waitlist for both new Stories By The Month™ and Story Kit™ subscribers. Now is the time to subscribe or jump on the waitlist if you’ve been considering a subscription to either of these products. If you are interested in receiving one of these subscriptions when they become available, it’s important to sign-up for our waitlist now as it helps our team anticipate future quantities.
STORY PLAY DIGITALS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
Story Play Digitals are here! Kits, Stamps, Paper, and Embellishments...the same fun & festive designs as the physical products, only in digital format. We love to see how this incredibly creative community plays with digitals! Resizing elements and cards, adding journaling to papers, creating cut files, transforming files into transparencies, the sky is the limit with digital files. Shop digitals here.
As always, we’re so grateful to have you all as members of this community! Thanks for joining me today and have a great weekend!
February 24, 2023
In Case You Missed It | February 24
Happy Friday, friends! Welcome to the latest
In Case You Missed It. Just a reminder that this is a quick post that will happen every Friday afternoon with all the updates and links that have happened throughout the week. So, let's get to it:
YOU HAVEN'T MISSED IT YET! | JUST WRITE SUBSCRIBER ZOOM
Tomorrow, February 25th, Ali will be hosting a live Zoom call from 10am to 12pm PT. She'll be sharing additional prompts, answering questions, and enjoying the company of like-minded storytellers. This is a free event and subscribers will receive an email with a link to join the Zoom call prior to the event. The call will be recorded and a link to the recording will be distributed after the call for those who aren't able to join live. Want to learn more about Just Write? Just Write is a $5 prompt-based, digital subscription with new inspiration shared twice a month. Each prompt includes a specific word/topic, a writing tip/thoughts on the process, and Ali's personal written reflection to help spark your own story. Learn more and subscribe here.
LABELS SCRAPBOOK KIT
Our Quarterly Scrapbook Kit (auto-ship) is back again this year with the first theme of Labels. These kits include 12x12 and 7x8.25 inch pattern papers along with other embellishments related to the theme. Don't forget the digital kit is included with purchase of the physical kit. Stay tuned for some fun community inspiration using this kit coming soon! Find Ali's walkthrough of the new kit here.
PIECES OF PLAY | ALI'S COMPLETED ALBUM
Ali recently shared her completed Pieces of Play project over on the blog. Find it here.
XO STORY CHAT
Last week Krystal hosted our Story Chat for the XO-theme. Find a recording in the Story Class classroom or on our Instagram account here.
IMPORTANT SUBSCRIPTION UPDATES
Since January, we’ve seen incredible growth in our subscriptions! As always, we are extremely grateful for your support and thrilled by your enthusiastic response to the changes we’ve implemented. As a result, we are currently on a waitlist for both new Stories By The Month™ and Story Kit™ subscribers. Now is the time to subscribe or jump on the waitlist if you’ve been considering a subscription to either of these products. If you are interested in receiving one of these subscriptions when they become available, it’s important to sign-up for our waitlist now as it helps our team anticipate future quantities.
STORY PLAY DIGITALS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
Story Play Digitals are here! Kits, Stamps, Paper, and Embellishments...the same fun & festive designs as the physical products, only in digital format. We love to see how this incredibly creative community plays with digitals! Resizing elements and cards, adding journaling to papers, creating cut files, transforming files into transparencies, the sky is the limit with digital files. Shop digitals here.
As always, we’re so grateful to have you all as members of this community! Thanks for joining me today and have a great weekend!
February 17, 2023
In Case You Missed It | February 17
Happy Friday, friends! Welcome to the latest
In Case You Missed It. Just a reminder that this is a quick post that will happen every Friday afternoon with all the updates and links that have happened throughout the week. So, let's get to it:
STAMP FLASH SALE | THANK YOU
We want to offer our sincere thanks for your enthusiasm during this week's Stamp Flash Sale. We know you have many choices and we're grateful for your support.
LABELS SCRAPBOOK KIT
Our Quarterly Scrapbook Kit (auto-ship) is back again this year with the first theme of Labels. These kits include 12x12 and 7x8.25 inch pattern papers along with other embellishments related to the theme. Don't forget the digital kit is included with purchase of the physical kit. Stay tuned for some fun community inspiration using this kit coming soon! Find Ali's walkthrough of the new kit here.PIECES OF PLAY | ALI'S COMPLETED ALBUM
Earlier this week Ali shared her completed Pieces of Play project over on the blog. Find it here. DECEMBER DAILY® | SPECIAL GUEST JILL DRANGSHOLTEarlier this week community member Jill Drangsholt shared her completed 2022 December Daily® album on the blog. Find it here.
XO STORY CHAT
On Monday Krystal hosted our Story Chat for the XO-theme. Find a recording in the Story Class classroom or on our Instagram account here.
IMPORTANT SUBSCRIPTION UPDATES
Since January, we’ve seen incredible growth in our subscriptions! As always, we are extremely grateful for your support and thrilled by your enthusiastic response to the changes we’ve implemented. As a result, we are currently on a waitlist for both new Stories By The Month™ and Story Kit™ subscribers. Now is the time to subscribe or jump on the waitlist if you’ve been considering a subscription to either of these products. If you are interested in receiving one of these subscriptions when they become available, it’s important to sign-up for our waitlist now as it helps our team anticipate future quantities.
STORY PLAY DIGITALS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
Story Play Digitals are here! Kits, Stamps, Paper, and Embellishments...the same fun & festive designs as the physical products, only in digital format. We love to see how this incredibly creative community plays with digitals! Resizing elements and cards, adding journaling to papers, creating cut files, transforming files into transparencies, the sky is the limit with digital files. Shop digitals here.
As always, we’re so grateful to have you all as members of this community! Thanks for joining me today and have a great weekend!
February 16, 2023
December Daily® 2022 | Special Guest Jill Drangsholt
Hello! Jill here! I'm excited to share with you my 9th completed December Daily! It was actually my first time going back to a 6x8 album since my first year in 2014 and I really enjoyed revisiting that size. Although, I will say that using the 10x8 last year gave me much more space to spread out the bulky products. But I was determined to fit it all in one album, so I made it work!
Does anyone else live by the motto that if Ali can fit her December Daily in one album then so can you? I sort of love the challenge of that at the end of my album when there's not much space left.
This year I had a pretty quiet December and just didn't feel like taking very many photos. What that meant for my project was that the photos I did take were often more intentional or playful, and I was able to include pretty much all of them! Yes to less photo decision fatigue!
With less photos and my tendency to take portrait photos, I ended up with way more full page photos than normal and I'm not one bit sad about it.
As with most years, I did not set up foundation pages because I like to have the freedom to create what I feel like in the moment and what I feel like my story needs.
I also did not start my album until around December 15th because I like to have a handful of stories to work with before getting started to see how they are fitting together. I finished about a quarter of the album before Christmas and worked hard to finish the rest in the two weeks that followed. I can't seem to move on to other projects until it's done, so this timeframe works for me.
Let me know if you have any questions about my album. You can find a full walk through with more of my thoughts on my album on YouTube here.
And a quick flip through on Instagram here.
If you'd like to take a closer look at any of the stories or read my actual journaling, you can find reels for each of my pages on my Instagram account:
https://www.instagram.com/jill.drangsholt/
Enjoy More Photos From Jill's Completed Album:
February 13, 2023
Pieces Of Play | Ali's Notebook
Last week I shared my Pieces Of Play words + photos + notebook on Instagram and I've collected all those images to share with you here today.
Here's a look at each of these individual spreads coming together via video:
And here's a look at each spread in my notebook:
Pieces Of Play NotebookPieces Of Play Stamp SetCorner RounderCraft KnifeMetal RulerScrapbook.com Rolling AdhesiveRed Line TapeRolling Date StampGrafix Plastic SheetsRainbow Scrapbook Kit Pattern PaperScalloped Washi TapeBlack + White Dot Pattern Paper White Embossing PowderTiny Attacher
February 10, 2023
In Case You Missed It | February 10
Happy Friday, friends! Welcome to the latest
In Case You Missed It. Just a reminder that this is a quick post that will happen every Friday afternoon with all the updates and links that have happened throughout the week. So, let's get to it:
It's the 10th of the month which means that today we are revealing a new Story Kit™ theme: XO! This month we are focusing on stories related to the theme of Hugs + Kisses. Hugs + kisses + all love of all kinds is our focus for this month's Story Kit. The love between friends, the love between partners, the love between family near + far, the things we love and all the stories that go along with those things. Come tell stories of hugs + kisses + love with us this month. Head to the link in our bio for Ali's blog post with all the details about this month's release. Looking for sparks related to this theme? Don't forget to tune in to #aestorychat Monday, February 13th at 6pm ET when Krystal will be joined by three amazing guests to take a deep dive into this theme! Find all the details for this month's release here.
IMPORTANT SUBSCRIPTION UPDATES
Since January, we’ve seen incredible growth in our subscriptions! As always, we are extremely grateful for your support and thrilled by your enthusiastic response to the changes we’ve implemented. As a result, we are currently on a waitlist for both new Stories By The Month™ and Story Kit™ subscribers. Now is the time to subscribe or jump on the waitlist if you’ve been considering a subscription to either of these products. If you are interested in receiving one of these subscriptions when they become available, it’s important to sign-up for our waitlist now as it helps our team anticipate future quantities.
PIECES OF PLAY
Have you been following along with Ali this week as she embarks on Pieces Of Play? It’s not too late to join in!
Pieces Of Life is a project that consists of two different themes each year. Our first theme for 2023 is Pieces Of Play and our second theme later this year will be Pieces Of Joy. Past themes include Pieces Of Me, Pieces Of Home, and Pieces Of The Past.
Pieces of Play consists of seven storytelling prompts - one for each day over the course of the week. Ali’s been using notebooks to document these stories but you can choose your own adventure and simply share these prompts on Instagram, in a traditional scrapbook, in pocket pages, or even in a personal journal. Head to the link in our bio now for all the details and a free PDF download. We hope you’ll join us on this adventure! Head here now for all the details and a free PDF download.
STORY PLAY DIGITALS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
Story Play Digitals are here! Kits, Stamps, Paper, and Embellishments...the same fun & festive designs as the physical products, only in digital format. We love to see how this incredibly creative community plays with digitals! Resizing elements and cards, adding journaling to papers, creating cut files, transforming files into transparencies, the sky is the limit with digital files. Shop digitals here.
As always, we’re so grateful to have you all as members of this community! Thanks for joining me today and have a great weekend!
XO Story Kit + March 2023 Stories By The Month + Labels Scrapbook Kit
Today's the 10th of the month and that means a new
Story Kit, Story Stamp, and Stories By The Month kit.
This month we are focusing on stories related to the theme of XO
.
Hugs + kisses + all love of all kinds is our focus for this month's Story Kit. The love between friends, the love between partners, the love between family near + far, the things we love and all the stories that go along with those things. Come tell stories of hugs + kisses + love with us this month.
Initial story ideas for this theme include:
What are you loving in your life right now? Use that pie chart pattern paper to document four things. Use the 3x4 card that proudly states "loving myself" to tell your own story about self love. Who do you hug + kiss the most in your life right now? Tell that story. STORY KIT
The
Story Kit™ includes:
Here's a video overview of the
Story Kit™ and Add-On options this month:
STORY STAMP™
The
Stamp Set:
Here's a video overview of the Story Stamp:
STORY CLASS // INCLUDES DIGITAL STORY KIT
Here's a look at what's included in the Digital Story Kit™:
Your digital kit and the classroom and any Add-Ons purchased will be available to you on the 12th once your card has been charged for the month.
This kit is also available to physical kit subscribers as an Add On each month.
Here are a few sneak peeks at projects you'll find in the classroom this month from our team:
Again, thanks so much for subscribing and/or considering our
Story Subscription program! If you have any questions about this program please let us know below in the comments.
First and foremost we are excited to begin offering a classroom included with this subscription (called
Inspiration By The Month™). Each month Lisa Varshine, Krystal Iduante, and Jen Wong will share inspiration in a classroom using pieces from the Stories By The Month™ kit.
Here is a full look at the kit this month:
The kit now includes a sheet of vellum or transparency (sized outside the page protector in a 6 inch x 8 inch album), a pattern paper, a 3 inch x 8 inch (outside the page protector) journal card with the month at the top which will be repeated each month, a 3 inch x 4 inch stamp set, chipboard, 4, 3 inch x 4 inch journal cards, 3, 4 inch x 6 inch journal cards and an embellishment.
And a video overview:
This subscription is a great option for those who are looking to tell more calendar/everyday life sorts of stories.
Our Digital Stories By The Month™ kit is now called Inspiration By The Month™. With this subscription you receive access to the Inspiration By The Month™ classroom and the digital kit.
This kit is also available to physical Stories By The Month™ kit subscribers as an Add On each month.
Make sure you check out what's all available via your My Subscriptions page. Add On options are available to all Story Kit™, Story Stamp™, and Stories By The Month™ physical subscribers (this excludes Digital Story Kit/Story Class subscribers since you don't have any part of your subscription shipped already). Current and new subscribers can select + purchase Add-On's via your new drop-down menu access under your user name in the top right corner of the site: you need to do this before the 11th of the month in order for them to ship with your kit.
Depending on product availability subscribers may be able to purchase the Add-On's after the Add-On period has ended and regular shop shipping rates will apply because they will ship separately from the kit.
Our Quarterly Scrapbook Kit (auto-ship) is back again this year with the first theme of Labels. These kits include 12x12 and 7x8.25 inch pattern papers along with other embellishments related to the theme.
Included with the physical Quarterly Scrapbook Kit is the digital version:
Here's a video overview of this kit:
February 3, 2023
In Case You Missed It | February 3
Happy Friday, friends! Welcome to the latest
In Case You Missed It. Just a reminder that this is a quick post that will happen every Friday afternoon with all the updates and links that have happened throughout the week. So, let's get to it:
IMPORTANT SUBSCRIPTION UPDATES
Since January, we’ve seen incredible growth in our subscriptions! As always, we are extremely grateful for your support and thrilled by your enthusiastic response to the changes we’ve implemented. As a result, we are currently on a waitlist for both new Stories By The Month™ and Story Kit™ subscribers. Now is the time to subscribe or jump on the waitlist if you’ve been considering a subscription to either of these products. If you are interested in receiving one of these subscriptions when they become available, it’s important to sign-up for our waitlist now as it helps our team anticipate future quantities.
PIECES OF PLAY STARTS NEXT WEEK
Quick reminder that you are invited to join Ali next week as she embarks on the next chapter in our Pieces Of Life project: Pieces Of Play. Pieces Of Life is a project that consists of two different themes each year. Our first theme for 2023 is Pieces Of Play and our second theme later this year will be Pieces Of Joy. Past themes include Pieces Of Me, Pieces Of Home, and Pieces Of The Past. Pieces of Play consists of seven storytelling prompts - one for each day over the course of the week. Ali’s been using notebooks to document these stories but you can choose your own adventure and simply share these prompts on Instagram, in a traditional scrapbook, in pocket pages, or even in a personal journal. Head here now for all the details and a free PDF download. We hope you’ll join us on this adventure next week!
MAKE A PAGE WITH ALI
This year Ali is starting a new simple series called Make A Page With Ali. Head to the blog now for the latest video in this series.
STORY PLAY DIGITALS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
Story Play Digitals are here! Kits, Stamps, Paper, and Embellishments...the same fun & festive designs as the physical products, only in digital format. We love to see how this incredibly creative community plays with digitals! Resizing elements and cards, adding journaling to papers, creating cut files, transforming files into transparencies, the sky is the limit with digital files. Shop digitals here.
As always, we’re so grateful to have you all as members of this community! Thanks for joining me today and have a great weekend!
