Ali Edwards's Blog, page 91
June 4, 2021
In Case You Missed It | June 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. So, let's get to it:
TRAVEL COLLECTION UPDATE
Unfortunately, we still don't have a release date for the travel collection due to some delays in shipping from our vendors. There are a lot of unknowns surrounding shipping and expected arrivals can be hard to predict right now with the ports/customs being very slow to process arrivals. We are still hoping to release the collection at the end of June, but are working through a few different scenarios/options so that we can make the shopping experience the smoothest we can for you. As soon as we have specific dates and a game plan for the release we will share a preview post with all of the information including images, overview videos, prices, etc. In the meantime, if you don't hear from us about it, that means that we don't have any new information to share. Thank you all so much for your patience and understanding! We can't wait for you to see all of the awesome travel products for this year!UPCOMING SALES
Our Stories Revisited Sale is live! This is our twice a year sale that includes past physical subscription kits and stamps (Story Kits™, Stories By The Month™, and Story Stamps™). In addition, we're excited to offer a class bundle that includes five past story Community Classrooms for one low price. These classes offer thematic content for five of the past Story Themes, including video presentations, storytelling ideas, and project how-tos. The themes included in this bundle are: REST, JOY, HABIT, PIECES, and DESIGN. As reminder, some of these may have very limited quantity. Shop the sale here.CRAFT THE STORY YOUTUBE SERIES
In today's Craft The Story video (Episode 22) Ali is sharing a look at her finished Week In The Life™ album for 2021. Find the video here.NEW DIGITALS
It’s the first Friday of the month and that means new digitals are in the shop! This month’s release includes the Digital Quarterly Scrapbooking Kit ( Circle theme), digital versions of all the new and re-released stamps from our Stamp Comeback release, and more! Shop them here.CLASSES
Have you registered for Stamp Your Story Live happening June 19th? This $5 community stamp day will be live on the 19th and then recordings of all the content will be available to enjoy at your own pace after the 19th. Find all the class details and registration 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!
Week In The Life™ 2021 | Completed Album
2021
Week In The Life™ is complete!
It's always such an awesome feeling to finally finish up this project and clean off my table to make room for the next round of stories.
A few thoughts as I wrap up this project:
THANK YOU! A big thank you to you for playing along with this project whether this was your first year or if you've been documenting alongside me since the beginning.
Completing this project is a labor of love. It definitely takes time to get it all into an album and I'm grateful for your patience as I carved out time to finish up my project. I hope you give yourself the same grace as you make progress on your own project. There is nothing at all wrong with taking time between the documenting phrase and the bringing-it-all-together phase. You can do this!
I really enjoyed mixing things up this year with a more playful approach and I LOVED doing the full page spread photo collages for each day. That felt like it really simplified a little of the process of dealing with the photos for me this year.
You can check out my individual daily photo + story posts here.
Let's dive in to the overview/walk-through video (
I didn't do another process video because I pretty much followed the same design formula I set up + shared for Monday here):
Here's a look at each spread in my album:
I added a couple versions of a recent family photo with all seven of us to the tag I created during the
Prep Day.
On the back I added a black + white dot pattern paper and a chipboard diamond + a felt heart. The ribbons I'm adding in my album
can be found here.
On Monday I added more journaling (and stamping) to the 3x8 page but after Monday I decided to repeat stamp one word and then add a plastic diamond (and a chipboard diamond on some) on top. For Tuesday I repeat stamped "meow." I love the messy/graphic look of the stamped words. On days when I had fewer photos I added in some 3x4 quote cards from my stash (past Story Kits/Stories By The Month Kits).
For Wednesday I repeat stamped the word "tired."
Keeping it real.
I didn't fill in this 3x8 card on the actual documenting day and had already used most of my photos so I decided to go with more stamped words.
On Thursday I had less photos so instead of a photo collage I went with two full page photos.
In my blog post for Thursday I added a list of photos I didn't take and went ahead and copied + pasted that onto a 3x4 card. The card below is from the
Strong Story Kit.
On this 3x8 card I added two of the felt hearts from the Paislee Press Mini Kit and wrote a bit about the full circle moment of my kids hanging out over at Katie's house watching Goonies with Graham.
So excited for the beginning of summer!
Thank you so much for participating this year! I hope you enjoyed the process. I hope you captured some of the very basic pieces of your life.
Looking forward to telling stories again with you soon!
Week In The Life™ Mini Kit (digital cards only version available here)
Week In The Life™ Album + Page Protectors + Page Dividers
Week In The Life™ Phrases Stamp
Week In The Life™ 3x8 Journal Card Set
Week In The Life™ Chipboard Bundle
Week In The Life™ Digital Overlays + Template Bundle
Week In The Life™ Alpha + Numbers Stamps
Week In The Life™ Word/Phrase Stickers
Week In The Life™ Large Plastic Pieces
Adhesive Foam Squares
6 Hole Punch
We R Memory Keepers Hole Punch
Momento Black Ink
Epson PictureMate PM400 Printer
Epson 4x6 Premium Photo Paper
Epson XP15000 Printer
Epson 13x19 Photo Paper
Avery Index Tabs
Brother Sewing Machine
Rolling Date Stamp
Ribbons
May 28, 2021
In Case You Missed It | May 28
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:
UPCOMING SALES
This Memorial Day please enjoy 20% off shop-wide when you use promo code MEMORIAL20 at checkout. We are also offering 30% off classes now through May 31st (these are excluded from the 20% off promo code and a few classes are not included in the sale). And, for the first time ever, hundreds of new items including past Story Kits™, Story Stamps™, add ons, and Kit components are available in our sale section, use the MEMORIAL20 promo code to receive an additional 20% off these items. Some exclusions apply. No promo code required for class sale. Offer not valid on previous purchases. Sale begins at 9am ET Saturday and ends May 31st, 2021 at 11:59pm ET.
Next Thursday we will also be having our Stories Revisited Sale. Stay tuned for all of those details as we get closer.
CRAFT THE STORY YOUTUBE SERIES
In this week’s Craft The Story video (Episode 20) Ali is sharing her process for two layouts using a couple of the new stamp sets and inks released earlier this week. Don’t forget to take advantage of free shipping everywhere when you check out by May 28th (valid on new stamps, restocked stamps, and new inks). Watch it here.
PRODUCT RELEASES
On Monday we shared an exciting new shop release including a restock of classic AE stamps, some brand new stamp designs, and we debuted three new ink colors. Our free shipping anywhere (including international) on all the new and restocked stamps and new inks ENDS TODAY. Digitals for the restocks and new stamps designs will be available Friday, June 4th (our regularly scheduled digital release). Shop this release here.
CLASSES
Earlier this week we opened registration for a fun new community day hosted by creative team member, Laura Wonsik. Stamp Your Story Live will happen June 19th and recordings of all the content will be available to enjoy at your own pace after the 19th. Find all the class details and registration here.
STORY CHAT
On Thursday we hosted a special edition of Story Chat with Ali and Laura to chat all about our new releases and Laura’s upcoming Stamp Your Story Live community day. Find the recorded conversation here.
CREATIVE TEAM
Our creative team is sharing their projects using the May Stories By The Month™ Digital Kit over on the blog. You don’t want to miss the beautiful pages these ladies have put together. Read it 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!
May 26, 2021
Two Layouts Using A Couple Of The New Stamp Sets
Sharing my Craft The Story video (Episode 21) a little early this week as I had a whole lot of fun playing around with some of the new stamp sets + inks we released on Monday.
Don't forget that we are offering free shipping everywhere on the new stamps, restocked stamps, and new inks through May 28th.
Let's dive into the process video and you can see images of my finished layouts below:
This project is a 2-page outside the page protector layout (each page is 7 inches wide x 8.25 inches tall). I printed a full page photo and added a chipboard heart and a fabric phrase on top and paired that page with a background page I created using the new Lined Alpha Stamp. I love creating stamped backgrounds especially ones that are text-based. For this page I took the phrase "Man I love you so much" and repeated that four times using the new McKenzie ink, Willamette ink, and Columbia ink. On top of my stamped background I added my printed journaling paired with pattern paper and another fabric phrase from the Paislee Press Week In The Life™ Mini Kit. Before adhering I rounded the corners and then used foam squares to attach it to the background. As a final touch I used my rolling date stamp to stamp along the bottom edge of the page.
McKenzie Ink (Dark Green)
Lined Alpha Stamp
Week In The Life™ Mini Kit (“yes to this” fabric piece)
Week In The Life™ Chipboard Bundle
Black Dot Pattern Paper
Corner Rounder
Adhesive Foam Squares
6 Hole Punch
Epson XP15000 Printer
Rolling Date StampIDEA TWO | ADD STAMPED SPEECH BUBBLES TO A FULL PAGE PHOTO FOUNDATION
For my second layout I started off with a full page photo foundation sized to 9 inches wide x 12 inches tall. I knew I wanted to play around with the Filled Speech Bubble Stamp so I started off trying a couple things you'll see in the video above. I ended up using the new Oregon Pinot (purple), McKenzie (dark green), and Rose Garden (pink) inks to stamp three filled speech bubbles and three outline speech bubbles.
On top of the filled speech bubbles I used the new 4x6 Number Stamp Set and versamark embossing ink. On top of the embossing ink I added white embossing powder and used a heat gun to set it in place. I love this look! I cut those out using small Fiskars scissors and left a white border around the whole shape. Metal star brads finish off those embellishments.
On top of the Outline Speech Bubbles I added a small "this" stamp from this set and "just awesome" from this rolling stamp bundle. I added my journaling before adhering each speech bubble to my foundation photo using foam adhesive squares.
Oregon Pinot Ink (Purple)
Rainbow Ink Bundle
Filled In Speech Bubble Stamps
Outline Speech Bubble Stamps
Numbers 4x6 Stamp Set
Roller Stamp Bundle
Alpha 6x8 Stamp Set
Metal Star Brads
Versamark Embossing Ink
White Embossing Powder
Small Fiskars Scissors
Heat Gun
Circle Stamp Block
Precision Pen
Epson XP15000 Printer
Epson 13x19 Photo Paper
Rolling Date Stamp
Also don't forget to sign up for our $5 Stamp Your Story Live Community Day happening on Saturday, June 19th. Get all the details here.
May 25, 2021
AE Creative Team | May Stories By The Month™ Digital Kits
We are back with another round of creative inspiration from our awesome Creative Team. In this post we are sharing the projects they created using our
May Stories by the Month™ Digital Kits.
As always, we are so grateful to our Creative Team for sharing their stories and creative inspiration with all of us!
May 24, 2021
New Stamps + Inks Are Here
Today we are releasing seven new stamp sets, three new inks, a rainbow ink bundle, and restocks on some past favorite stamp sets. Click here to shop. Free shipping on new stamps, restocked stamps, and new inks through May 28th.
We are also are super excited to announce that on Saturday, June 19th we will be having a fun online event called Stamp Your Story Live hosted by Laura Wonsik.
Laura never ceases to bring fun ideas to playing with stamps and we are so happy to have her on board for this event. She's planned a full 10 hours of education + inspiration (as with all community events everything will be recorded + archived for future viewing). Check out the schedule + register for $5 here.
Here's an overview video of the new stamps, the restocks, and the new inks:
Here's a closer look at the restocked + new stamps:
And here's a look at the new inks:
Redwords is designed to be a more "coo"l red whereas Pendleton is a more "warm" red.
We are also now offering a rainbow ink bundle:
Hope to see you on Saturday, June 19th for Stamp Your Story!
May 21, 2021
In Case You Missed It | May 21
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:
CRAFT THE STORY YOUTUBE SERIES
In today's Craft The Story video (Episode 20) Ali is taking you along with her as she begins the process of combining her words + photos together in my 2021 Week In The Life™ album. Find it here.
NEW QUARTERLY KIT REVEAL
On May 17th we released the new Quarterly Scrapbook Kit theme, CIRCLES. Find more info and a video here.The first Quarterly Scrapbook Kit (theme: hearts), is available without a subscription, in the shop now.
Head to the blog for inspirational projects featuring the heart Quarterly Scrapbook Kit.
CREATIVE TEAM
Our creative team is sharing their projects using the June Stories by the Month Kit™ over on the blog. You don’t want to miss the beautiful pages these ladies have put together. Read it here.STAMP RELEASE COMING MONDAY
Don’t forget that next week we will be restocking classic AE stamps, releasing some brand new stamp designs, and debuting some new ink colors. We can’t wait to share those with you! In addition, registration for Laura Wonsik’s community stamp day will be live (including all the class details).We're also planning a special edition of Story Chat with Ali and Laura. We'll share those details as soon as we have them.
We’re so grateful to have you all as members of this community! Thanks for joining me today and have a great weekend!
Quarterly Scrapbook Kit | Hearts
Today we're excited to share a few fantastic creative team projects made with our first Quarterly Scrapbook Kit. The heart theme lends itself to a wide range of stories and formats. You may have seen that our second Quarterly Scrapbook Kit (Circles) became available earlier this week and we're looking forward to seeing what you make with that kit!
Amy Gretchen
Laura Wonsik
Kim Chaffin
We do have a few of the Heart Scrapbook Kits remaining (the first kit in this Quarterly Subscription) offered outside of the auto-ship subscription for $39.99 (you save $5 by getting it via the Quarterly Subscription).
Week In The Life™ 2021 | Starting To Bring It All Together In My Album
In today's Craft The Story video (Episode 20) I’m taking you along with me as I begin the process of combining my words + photos together in my 2021 Week In The Life™ album.
For more Week In The Life™ content check out the blog archives here.
I'm starting to add my content into my album with Monday and will be working my way through the rest of the album day-by-day over the next few days. I'll share again when the whole album is complete.
Here's a look at my process for starting to get everything into my album:
Here's a look at where I'm at via images:
In my original album plan I mentioned seeing if I could cut photos to fit onto the 1/2 circle plastic pieces. I ended up creating a PSD (Photoshop) template to make this happen and you can download that below.
Download the PSD 1/2 circle template here.
If you'd like to learn how to use a template like this in Photoshop/Photoshop Elements check out a previous post here.
After adding my photos I ran the 1/2 circle plastic piece and the page protector through my sewing machine to anchor it in place.
One of the biggest changes I made from my initial plan is to use the Week In The Life™ Digital Overlay/Templates on top of a photo vs. printed on white paper.
I'll be adding ribbon to the circle tag when it arrives here at my house.
On top of the first page of my photo collage I'm adding one of the "the story of today" triangles.
In Photoshop I set up a 14 inches wide x 8.25 inches tall canvas and organized my photos on top before printing on 13 inches x 19 inches photo paper using my Epson XP15000 printer.
On the back of the 3 inch x 4 inch page protector I added a couple screen shots from my phone.
On the 3 inch x 8 inch journal card I stamped a title and then added a little more journaling/context to my overall story.
On the second page of my photo collage I added one of the circle tags. I'll be repeating this in the coming days.
For the last page of my day I'm including a full page (7 inches wide x 8.25 inches tall) photo. On top I added a few word/phrase stickers.
Next up for me will be printing my photos for all the rest of the days and then taking those to my table to work day by day.
SUPPLIESWeek In The Life™ Mini Kit (digital cards only version available here) Week In The Life™ Album + Page Protectors + Page Dividers Week In The Life™ Phrases Stamp Week In The Life™ 3x8 Journal Card Set Week In The Life™ Chipboard Bundle Week In The Life™ Digital Overlays + Template Bundle Week In The Life™ Alpha + Numbers Stamps Week In The Life™ Word/Phrase Stickers Week In The Life™ Large Plastic Pieces Adhesive Foam Squares 6 Hole Punch We R Memory Keepers Hole Punch Momento Black Ink Epson PictureMate PM400 Printer Epson 4x6 Premium Photo Paper Epson XP15000 Printer Epson 13x19 Photo Paper Avery Index Tabs Brother Sewing Machine Rolling Date Stamp
May 18, 2021
AE Creative Team | June 2021 Stories by the Month™ Physical Kit
Stories of June delights. Stories of sweet lovely days. Stories of everyday life. Today we are delighted to share the special projects made by our awesome Creative Team using the June 2021 Stories by the Month™ Physical Kit.
And just as a note: although this kit is currently sold out, the past few months we have able to add more subscribers from the waitlist and we hope to do the same this month. So if you are interested in subscribing, please be sure to join the waitlist.
As always, we are so grateful to our Creative Team for sharing their heartfelt stories and creative inspiration with all of us!
