Ali Edwards's Blog, page 6

Pieces Of You | In Your Words

Welcome back to Pieces Of You! Today's prompt is "In your own words."

When I was thinking about ways to respond to this one (with Anna as my focus) I started to think about how much communication I have with her (and our other kids) via text messages. I scrolled back through our text messages (it's pretty awesome how far back I can go) and took a few screenshots. In Photoshop I cropped the screen shots to 4.25 inch x 8.25 inch and printed them on ink jet vellum using my Espon XP15000 printer. I layered three printed screenshots on top of each other and ran them through my sewing machine before using red line tape to adhere it into my notebook. 

Other than that I continued to follow the design formula I set up at the beginning of this project with a photo on the bottom + a pattern paper with a stamped title on a die cut label on the top. 

Here's a short process video: 

And here are additional images: 

PS: At some point in the past Anna + Audrey went in my phone and added "Favorite Daughter" and "Favorite Step Daughter" to their contacts in my phone. 

Stories are all around us! 

SUPPLIES

Pieces Of You Notebook
Pieces Of You Stamp
Printable Vellum
Epson XP15000 Printer
Pattern Vellum (similar pack available + includes transparencies)
Die Cut Pack Of Labels 
Sewing Machine
Red Line Tape
StazOn Ink 
Tiny Attacher
Corner Rounder

Pieces Of You | You Love

Welcome to the second prompt in our Pieces Of You notebook project. Today's prompt is "You Love."

When I came to my table to work on this entry today I decided that I wanted to simply follow the design formula I set up for the first prompt. To change things up a bit I went into Anna's room and took a photo of her bulletin board. It's fun to include an image that reflects the life she's living right now (the stuff of life). To change things up a bit today I decided to use a Kuretake brush pen for my journaling (stamping would work great here again today too) along with a Posca Paint Pen in hot pink. 

Let's dive in to the process video: 

Here are additional images: 

I also loved adding in the small "You Love" stamp in between my handwritten journaling. 

SUPPLIES
Pieces Of You Notebook Pieces Of You Stamp Storyteller Kit 01 Die Cut Pack Of Labels  Sewing Machine Red Line Tape StazOn Ink  Tiny Attacher Corner Rounder Kuretake Brush Pen  Hot Pink POSCA Paint Pen  Watercolor Scrapbook Kit  (digital also available)

Pieces Of You | You Are

Welcome to the next chapter in our Pieces Of Life project: Pieces Of You.

I decided to focus on my daughter Anna this time around and I'm excited to document some pieces of who she is in this season of her life. 

Let;s dive in!  

For this project I grabbed a few pattern papers from my stash (from the first and second Storyteller Kit and some floral vellum) and a pack of die cut labels. I'm setting up a formula for myself to follow for each of my entries with pattern paper + a label + the prompt stamp.  

Here's the process video: 

And here's the spread again: 

To tell this story today I decided to go big with stamped words as I respond to the "you are" prompt. I'm using the newest Alphas Are Awesome #25 stamp set in three colors: Willamette, Columbia, and McKenzie. 

My photo is 4.25 inches x 4.25 inches and the pattern paper at the top is 4.25 inches wide x 4 inches tall. 

SUPPLIES

Pieces Of You Notebook
Pieces Of You Stamp
Storyteller Kit 02
Alphas Are Awesome #25
Die Cut Pack Of Labels 
AED Inks: Willamette, McKenzie, Olympia
Sewing Machine
Red Line Tape
StazOn Ink 
Tiny Attacher
Corner Rounder 

Stamps Are Fun 04 | Ali's Project 02

I'm back today with another project idea using the 
Stamps Are Fun 04 set. 

These are available via our Stamps Are Fun subscription which features a new 6x8 designed by me each month. If you are just interested in this particular stamp set you can choose the month-to-month option and then reach out to our Customer Service team to cancel the subscription. 

Today I'm using the set to document a story about feeling proud of prioritizing expanding my creative adventures this year. 

Let's dive right  in to the video: 

Here are some images of the completed project: 

This is a 11 inch x 8.25 inch page that will go in my 10x8 album for 2025. 

I used the gratitude definition stamp set to add a text pattern to the pattern vellum. You could stamp this on plain vellum or on pattern paper or cardstock. I love using stamps to create patterns! 

After stamping I ran my photo and the paper through the sewing machine to create the full foundation. 

To hold my story I cut our watercolor circles from a pattern paper from the Watercolor Scrapbook Kit. I ran each circle through the sewing machine after stamping "so thankful for these moments." Journliang was added using a Uniball Deluxe Micro pen. 

SUPPLIES

Stamps Are Fun 04
Vellum Pattern Paper
Watercolor Scrapbook Kit
StazOn Ink
Sewing Machine
Uniball Micro Pen
10x8 Scrapbook Album

Stamps Are Fun 04 | Ali's Project 01

It's a new month with a new Stamps Are Fun stamp set! This month's set features a variety of gratitude and thankful sentiments that are great for titles and subheads. This is one I will likely come back to again and again. It's great for scrapbooking and would also be great for cards. 

These are available via our Stamps Are Fun subscription which features a new 6x8 designed by me each month. If you are just interested in this particular stamp set you can choose the month-to-month option and then reach out to our Customer Service team to cancel the subscription. 

Today I'm sharing the first of two projects using this stamp set to document some pieces of my life. I'll have a second project to share tomorrow. 

Here's the process video: 

Here are images of the completed project: 

This story is going into my 10x8 album for this year. I'm really enjoying mixing up the sizes and having fun creating projects both inside and outside of page protectors. I'm also having fun diving into my stash and using up some of the things I've had sitting in my to-use pile like these squares I cut from a pattern paper from the Punctuation Scrapbook Kit. 

I cut up the pattern paper into 4x4 squares to fit into the pockets. I used this new stamp for a title "so much gratitude" and to add a little something fun along the outside edge ("merci"). 

I also ran these squares through my sewing machine. 

SUPPLIES

Stamps Are Fun 04
Punctuation Scrapbook Kit
StazOn Ink
10x8 Page Protectors
Epson PictureMate PM400
AED Willamette Ink
Sewing Machine 
Uniball Deluxe Micro Pen 10x8 Scrapbook Album 

Alphas Are Awesome 25 | Project Idea

Today I'm sharing a quick project using the new Alphas Are Awesome 25 stamp set. 

Let's dive right in to the process video: 

Here are some additional images: 

For this story of gratitude I'm using story cards from the first One Little Word® Mini Kit this year and adhering them to a cut up piece from a page protector. 

I cut up a folded over piece of page protector (think the bottom part of the big pocket of a 6x8) and put it over the top of my photo. It's adhered on the back using red line tape. This allows me to add story cards to the front and two story cards to the back for a flip up. 

Secondary stamped words are from the The Garden 4x6 Stamp Set.

SUPPLIES
Alphas Are Awesome Stamp Set 25One Little Word® Mini Kit Story Cards The Garden 4x6 Stamp Set  AED Willamette Ink AED Circle Stamp Block Gina K Electro Pop Neon Ink Screamin Green   Uniball Deluxe Micro Pen  Epson XP15000 Printer Red Line Tape Brother Sewing Machine  6x8 Page Protector (cut up)

Pieces Of You | Starts Monday, April 14th

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 You. 

Past Pieces Of Life themes: 

Pieces Of Me Pieces Of Home Pieces Of The Past Pieces Of Play Pieces Of Joy Pieces Of Us

Each
Pieces Of Life project consists of seven storytelling prompts - one for each day over the course of the week. Ali has 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. 

For
Pieces Of You the prompts will be as follows: 

Monday: You Are

Give some details about the person you are focusing on in this project. Who are they right now (or who were they)? This could be a list of basic facts such as age, etc. 
Tuesday: You Love

What does this person love most? Make a list or focus on something specific. It might be about a "thing" they love (such as a physical object) or it might be a pet or a sport or an art or a style of music. What does this persona love that becomes a characteristic that defines them.    

Wednesday: In Your Own Words

Do you have some words this person has said? Maybe it's something they've written or something they say all the time. It could be something they said out loud to you this morning or it could be a sentence they wrote on social media or something from an old scrapbook. Give them a voice in this project. 

Thursday: Three Things I Love About You 

List out three things you love about this particular person. What makes them special to you? This could be a list of facts or a list of feelings. Include a photo or photo collage to illustrate those things.  
Friday: Most + Least Liked Foods

What does this person love to eat? What do they not like to eat? This is such a fun, everyday detail about people in our lives. If you don't know the specifics see if you can simply tell a story about a certain meal or a time you were together that includes food (look through your photos and you might come across a food photo that could be used for this prompt).  Saturday: Your Dream

What is this person's dream (or what was it)? Was it achieved or are they on the road to achieving it? Is there something that was dreamed about but left behind for one reason or another?  
Sunday: A Memory Of You 

Do you have a favorite memory of this person? It might be a tiny little memory or it might be a much bigger story from both of your lives. Write the story here. What makes it a favorite? 

As Ali states in the "thoughts on the prompts" section of the notebook: 

We all have a story. This practice is a wonderful opportunity to focus on some pieces of joy in your life. Enjoy this chance to focus on some pieces of joy that tell a little more of your own personal story. You've got this! I'm excited for you. Have fun! 

SUPPLY DETAILS + FREE PDF

Check out both the physical and digital versions of this notebook and stamp set here.  

Ali's also put together a printable PDF in case notebook documenting isn't the method you'd like to use for this project and you'd like to have a place to jot down notes or your story. 

Download the Pieces Of You one-page PDF here. 

PS: You might notice that the prompts are out of order in the notebook! You can choose to cover up the pages like I'm doing or simply add your story to the corresponding page in the notebook. Get your stories in there! We ordered the last two notebooks together. Going forward they will be correct! 

New Releases | April 2025

Welcome to an overview post of our new subscription + shop releases! 

QUARTERLY STORYTELLER KIT (PHYSICAL KIT + CLASS)

Thank you so much for your enthusiasm about this new kit and schedule. 

Details about this kit: 

Four kits per year releasing in January, April, July, and October. When you sign up you are committing to the four kits (or however many are left in the year). Includes classroom + content from Ali and contributors that will be spread out over three months.  Shipping is $1 domestic + $5 international (same as Story Kits). You can also shop the Add On subscriber section and add to your box during the Add On period for no additional shipping (on the 10th + 11th each month).  Physical kit subscribers can add the digital kit for $14.99 during the Add On period.  We are unable to offer a "skip" option with our quarterly kits

SIGN UP HERE

Here's a video overview of the new kit: 

Here are some additional images of elements in the kit: 

QUARTERLY STORYTELLER CLASS (DIGITAL KIT + CLASS)

If you are looking for a digital only subscription that gives you access to digital Storyteller kit and the classroom content then the Storyteller Class is for you. 

This is $24.99 and is a quarter to quarter commitment (
you don't have to commit to all four kits but if you want to cancel you need to reach out to our Customer Service Team). 

SIGN UP HERE

MONTHLY STAMPS ARE FUN | 04

Stamps Are Fun features a 6x8 Stamp Set designed by Ali and shipped to you each month. 

SIGN UP HERE

This subscription does not include class content but will be supported through blog posts sharing ideas for using the stamp sets each month. Some months the stamp set may be aligned with the theme of the Storyteller Kit but mostly they will be a fun, random assortment of words and shapes. This monthly physical stamp subscription includes the digital version of the stamp. 

Here's the pricing for this monthly subscription: 

$20.99 - 12 month commitment  $23.99 - 6 month commitment
$28.99 - month commitment

*Digital version of the stamp is included in subscription price.

Ali will be sharing process videos for these projects later this week on the blog. 

Let's play together! 

STORIES BY THE MONTH | MAY 2025

This subscription includes 4x6 and 3x4 cards in paper and vellum, chipboard, sticker sheet, and an embellishment. It also includes access to a classroom. 

SIGN UP HERE

Here's an overview of the kit this month: 

And a few additional kit images: 

INSPIRATION BY THE MONTH (DIGITAL KIT + CLASS)

If digital is more for you in this season we've got you covered. This subscription includes the digital Stories By The Month kit and access to the SBTM classroom. 

SIGN UP HERE

This kit is also available to physical Stories By The Month™ kit subscribers as an Add On.

ALSO NEW THIS MONTH | ALPHAS + NUMBERS ARE AWESOME

We've got a new Alphas Are Awesome (#25) and this year we are also offering a coordinating 4x6 Numbers Are Awesome set. 

Physical kit subscribers can add these to their box for no additional shipping. They are available to Add On (for physical kit subscribers) and are also now available in the shop. 

Ali will be sharing a process video and blog post for this project here on the blog tomorrow. 

SHOP 6x8 ALPHA STAMP

SHOP 4x6 NUMBER STAMP

In Case You Missed It | April 4

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. Please note there will be no ICYMI next Friday (April 11th). We'll be back Friday the 18th. So, let's get to it:

STORY PLAY IS HERE

Shop our new Story Play collection now! This year's four themed kits can be purchased individually or in a bundle. Here are a list of the themes and the month's we will be inviting you to join us in documenting this year: ⁠Day In The Life™, Dogs + Cats, Watch + Listen, and Gratitude⁠. Documenting dates will be shared soon!⁠
⁠
Digital kits (including stamps) are available now. Once these kits sell out, they will not be restocked. ⁠ 

FINAL DAYS FOR MARCH KITS 

Earlier this month we revealed our newest kit and stamps.  For March we have the next installment of our Stamps Are Fun set, we also have a brand new Stories By The Month™ kit, a new Alphas Are Awesome set, as well as ⁠the next One Little Word® Mini Kit, and a new chapter of Pieces Of Life: Pieces Of You. Physical kit subscribers with a kit releasing this month can add items from this new Pieces of You collection to their box.  It's also available in the shop for everyone. Head to the blog for Ali's post with all the details about this month’s release.⁠

TENTATIVE 2025 PROJECT + PRODUCT SCHEDULE NOW AVAILABLE

Earlier this week on the blog Ali shared our 2025 project schedule. Recently we've been encountering some unexpected delays in manufacturing which is inviting us to be more fluid in our release/project scheduling (the reason why we've been holding off on sharing a more concrete schedule). Head there now for our rough schedule and a few general notes. We’re excited about the year ahead!

APRIL DIGITALS 

The first Friday of every month we have a new digital release available in the shop. Play with scale, recolor objects, add journaling, print multiples…the sky is the limit when playing with digitals. 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!

A Look At The Start Of Ali's 10x8 Album For 2025

Just a quick little video today to share a look at how I'm documenting ongoing stories in 2025. 

This year I'm using supplies from our new Quarterly Storyteller Kit (subscribers have been seeing this album come together in the classroom), Stories By The Month, and my stash (and lots of alpha stamping) and I'm totally loving this approach. Here's to finding what works for you in your own particular season of life. 

I will still be embarking on our annual projects including Week In The Life™ (new collection coming later in April), December Daily®, Pieces Of Life, and using our Story Play kits.

SUPPLIES

10x8 Album
10x8 Page Protectors
Storyteller Kit
Stories By The Month Kit
Stamps Are Fun
Alphas Are Awesome Stamps
Clear Monthly Dividers