Today, on my Instagram feed, I posted a photo similar to the one above (cute tray from the dollar bins at Target). It's the washi tape that I've had out with my December Daily supplies and now that I'm danderously close to finishing my book (a few more photos to print out and include, a couple more notes to write), it's time to put away all the washi tape. So, I didn't keep up with regular December Daily photos here on the blog like I'd hoped. This post has most of the pages. I really learned a lot, which I'll tell you about after the photos (because I know photos are really what most all of us want most!).
I started doodling on the chipboard cover (there's more on the back)- I proably won't do any more at this point, as it's time to move on. I wrapped it closed with a ribbon that came on a blanket I purchased at Target, tied in a knot.
I couldn't resist putting some of the holiday fodder that came my way in the book, no date in particular, just an extra spread. Especially loved the Rifle Paper goods this holiday (you'll see it on other pages too.)
This tiny tag from West Elm fit perfectly in the little side part of the pocket page. Using these favorite bits of life was one motivator for participating in December Daily.
Early on in the month I added a paper bag from PaperSource to store receipts in (with a Target gift card snowman stuck on top.)
Vintage flash card 7, transparency from Meridith Tilton & Kinsey Wilson's Holiday Pop Up Shop.
This is my favorite page, this spread including the full page photo of my kids playing at the Christmas Tree lot. It was totally inspired by seeing Project Life spreads of Elise Blaha Cripe- how she cuts up a photo to fit it into the pockets. (I know lots of people do this, her blog is where I first saw it and felt inspired to do it myself.)
I used a part of the printed photo that was left over, put washi tape on the back (see above photo) and wrote a note on the front using my favorite white pen (above). It was right about here that I felt like I was starting to get the hang of how I was going to approach my documenting of December.
I made my own divided page protector from one large 12x12 that I sewed so I could put in tiny photos and the felt snowflake.
I finally remembered to use my own printables (duh, Pam!)
(I uploaded a photo to minted for our holiday greeting) The card is taped down on the left edge and it lifts up to reveal some personal writing I did regarding cards we receive and send in December.- Loved the birthday card on the left sent by a friend so much had to include it ;).
On the left side is the envelope my husband's birthday card was in, with glitter stickers. Letter stickers on the right are these.
(Need to finish this page by writing on the journal card in bottom right.)
Jenni Bowlin alpha stickers here.
So, there's a whole lot of my December Daily book...are you still with me?
Here's what I learned on what was basically my first ever scrapbooking project:
1. I liked it.
2. I'm thrilled I am 99% finished and know I will finish it- something I hoped when starting, but couldn't be sure.
3. I think it will be fun to do again next year.
4. Taking a work trip mid December made a project like this very difficult for me. I should have taken notes. Amy Tan suggested this app to me. It would have helped; I could have made notes on what my family was up to, as well as myself, so that when I got back home and back to the project I wouldn't be at a loss for what happened on those days.
5. I learned how to print my photos in different sizes. (I know, seriously? Sad, but true, I didn't really know how to do it correctly, so glad this project forced me to actually print some photos!)
6. I used it as an excuse to collect far more products than I needed. I'll have plenty for next year with the leftovers from this year.
6. I am grateful to Ali Edwards for originating this project and for placing the importance on telling the story, in any way you want, whatever works for you.
7. It made me sure I want to do Project Life this year. Oh boy...that's a much bigger committment than 25 days....
but more on that another day!
