December Daily® 2014 | Inside The Kit Video + Overlays + Printables
Ah my friends, it's getting closer!
As many of you have noticed I'm getting going on this project a lot later than I have in previous years. It's definitely not my first choice, and there are a number of different reasons for that, some within my control and some out of it (read below for a shipping update).
As always December Daily® for me is about capturing one story per day from December 1 through December 25th. I love focusing on the words and the photos, looking for things to capture via my lens (especially things that twinkle and sparkle - oh, I can't wait for those twinkle lights), finding things to be thankful for in the middle of the mess, capturing Simon and Anna's joy, and reflecting on this past year. I love that this is an album that can hold all those stories.
While I wait for my full kit with the album to arrive here's what I'm working on:
1. Re-reading my past December Daily® posts and reflecting (you can see the albums in one place here and you can read all the past posts here). What did I love? What do I want to do again and what do I want to skip? How can I simplify or how can I tell more if that's my intent this year? I think having a general awareness of the stories you want to capture is a great way to being this process and something to keep in mind throughout the month.
2. Listen to this fun podcast: The Scrap Gals Podcast With Tiffany And Tracie. Katie and I listened to this the other day and it was so great and we were laughing right along with Tiffany and Tracie throughout - full of history and thoughts and tips about this project.
3. Listen to Christmas music. Katie and I haven't started playing it in the office yet - which is unusual for us. But I think this will be the week we start.
4. Gather up supplies you think you might be playing with in December and corral them into one place. I'm gathering things like gold embossing glitter and red embossing powder (always), white or cream paint, pens, etc.
5. Print out any printable cards you might be including. Read below for information on my 2014 sets.
Here's a look at all the fun things that should be on their way to you very soon if you've ordered the kit this year:
December Daily® 2014 Kit from Ali Edwards on Vimeo.
So many fun things that I can't wait to start playing with - especially those big gold letters, the masking tape and the stamps.
PRINTABLES + OVERLAYS
In addition I've got my annual packages of digital overlays and printables now available for those of you who like to incorporate those into your albums.
This year I've included 6x8, 4x6, and 3x4 - sold in individual packages - as well as offering a combo pack for the first time that includes all three sizes. Each package includes 31 individual PNG files for each day in December + easy to print PDF's in black, gray and red. For 2014 I decided to go back to one of my favorite overlay designs and have updated it to correspond to 2014 dates. What's cool about these overlays is that you can also use them for different times of the year simply by erasing/removing/covering up the day of the week.
I'll have some new layered templates and additional holiday themed items up next week.
KIT SHIPPING UPDATE
If you have purchased the December Daily® kit, please check your email today for a shipping update.
It has always been our intention that this kit arrive to you in time to begin working on it before December arrives.
Unfortunately we are experiencing a delay with the albums as they are stuck in customs in LA and we are waiting for them to be released. Please know that these were initially slated for arrival to the warehouse in October.
As you can imagine, we are seriously unhappy with this situation and we are doing everything in our power to get these kits and albums to you (including exploring a variety of options to make that happen). Your patience as we assess the best path forward is greatly appreciated.
Because this is supposed to be a really fun, joy-filled positive experience.
If you have additional questions or issues related to your order (such as wanting it shipped to a different location) or would like other accommodations please start a conversation with Customer Service.
Hoping to have it in your hands very soon!
I wonder what this means for international customers? I am an Australian customer still waiting for her WITL kit to arrive (ordered on 3 October, posted 10 October). Last year my DD kit(ordered on 15 November) arrived 28 December. I would really like to play along with these projects as they are happening but always seem to be in catch up mode.
Yes, I agree. I understand that there are some things going wrong with supplies to SC this year as they have explained (and I'm really grateful that they have explained what's going on so we know) but it is probably going to be a real issue for us in Australia. I have my WITL kit, luckily (shipped on 8 October and it's been here for a fortnight so I'm rather worried about yours.....) but my Story Stamps aren't here and yet again the next month has been revealed and I'm still waiting for the previous one, which is very frustrating, and takes the excitement out of the whole thing completely. In fact I have unsubscribed from the Story Stamps for that very reason. It seems certain that we will not be able to prep anything in advance of December 1.
the dd kit is coming expedite which takes a week or so to my place - the wil was sent regular mail - which to my house takes 3-5 weeks.
I haven't seen the latest Story Stamp reveal, where can I spot it?!?
All the international kits are already slated to be expedited so as soon as we have the albums they will be on their way to you. The WITL kits, as well as the DD kits last year, were not expedited.
You can check out the new Story Stamp here: http://aliedwards.com/themes/daily
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This video made me very envious of all those luckies who'll be getting this in their hands soon (yes, later than expected, but at least they're getting it!) - sadly, it was not in my budget for this year. :( But it is such a gorgeous kit, Ali! And, I'm sorry you all are having troubles getting the product in the warehouses and now there's a delay...I know it's not ideal and you're not going to make everyone happy. So, I just feel for you guys - especially since, like you said, this should be a fun joyous project. My heart goes out to everyone right now.
Last year was my first December Daily experience. I did mine to really figure out and get control of my emotions surrounding the month. While I didn't finish actually assembling the album until last weekend (!), I still took pictures for each day/story, journaled and planned the album through the month and it was seriously life changing for me. For both my approach to the month as well as my memory keeping! It was my first experience doing a handbook/pocket system and I am in love! I can't wait to do DD for 2014 and now I have a renewed ambition in finishing a few other projects that have been shoved aside (I'm looking at you, Disney trip from 2006 and Honeymoon from 2001!).
Anyway, I just wanted to express my gratitude for you sharing this project with the rest of us. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Thank you!
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Ali, thank you so much for being honest. I don't know about others, but all I'm asking for when I order through SC is to have information available so I know what to expect, even if it means many updates. Life happens, so I don't mind glitches as much as I mind no communication or bad communication. Lately, I've found that SC communication isn't good. A sincere, simple explanation goes a long way to help with the situation. :) Thank you.
May I suggest you ask SC to update the info on the preordering page just so people know what to expect? :)
Thank you for the feedback and I will pass it along to the team.
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This is my first year doing DD. I was hoping to start working on prepping my album next week. While I am thankful for the update, I will be honest, I am very disappointed in the late arrival of the kit. I have already contacted customer service. Is it possible to ship the contents of the kit that is available and have the album shipped when it comes in? I also find it disappointing that one of the resolutions is for the customer to pay an additional $15-30 for expedited shipping. That is clearly not a good customer service move.
We are looking at that as an option.
Thank you Ali, I appreciate your reply.
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Thank you Ali for the email I received this morning, you have my respect with your integrity, openness and honesty. As a customer that is all I can ask for, looking forward to getting my kit when it arrives! In the meantime, I better get to work on my WITL!
Thank you! I need to get working on mine too.
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Hi Ali, I got the news about the later posting of the DD Kits and felt disappointed. Then I watched your DD 2014 Kit video and felt GREAT. I love everything in the kit and look forward to receiving it. Thanks for designing another great DD Kit.
Thank you! Know that we're disappointed too!
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While watching the news last night there was a story that I paid half attention to. I did look up to see all of the containers that were stuck in limbo at the port in LA. Never did I think I would be affected! Guess somewhere in one of the cargo containers are all of the DD albums! Hope they find a quick resolution. Thank you for giving us a heads up. As someone else mentioned, guess I better get crackin on my WITL album! Hang in there!
Thanks Karen!
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I just wanted to say, thank you for all your effort in putting together a fantastic kit! Your video has me super excited to get started!
It's going to be a great December!!! Enjoy your holidays, Ali!
Thank you Kathleen!
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I cannot imagine how frustrating it must be to not be able to get those kit out. I am making notes and planning out some pages with sketches and getting all my supplies together and am so happy to have an EDA. I am getting some other projects done now that I might have done later this month to give myself time to prep my album. I am kind of happy to wait now that I have seen this month's stamp. I want to incorporate that into my DD as well. I want to actually finish my album this year!!
Thank you for your patience and understanding!
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It all looks so lovely. Will some of the additional holiday items being offered next week be new Christmas brushes? I certainly hope so.
Hi jamie59 - yes! Working on them!
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Thank you for the update, it is appreciated. Being one of your international (from France) customers, I am anxious whether the kit will arrive to me before 01 December 2014.
That is our goal.
I got another update email early this morning. Thank you for keeping us posted. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the arrival of the kit. Otherwise, there is the next Christmas:-)
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I do feel bad for you since it is your project and your name attached to this, but it has taken far too long to be truthful about what is happening with the kits. I hope you won't regret partnering with SC. I personally have had problems with my last three orders.
I do love the kit. I guess I will resign myself to having paid $100 to watch you make an album.
Hi Judy - I don't regret partnering with Studio Calico, in fact there are lots of things that are going very right with the relationship. I absolutely dislike the current situation we are in and I can guarantee you that we are working towards making it right as well as working towards not having to encounter this issue in the future.
Regarding your final comment, which I know comes from a place of frustration and disappointment that I so totally get - you will receive your kit and you will be able to work with it to create an album that documents and celebrates your holiday season. I'm pretty sure that you live close to me - I'm happy to invite you to come over any time during December to work on your album with me as I will be working on it just about every day during the month.
I totally get the frustrations that come for both sides of this situation.. I really do.. but I am really excited to get this kit and work on this album whenever that may be. But seriously... who wouldn't JUMP at the chance to scrap with Ali!!! and for the record Ali, I do think you are handling this whole situation very well. Can't wait to see what you do with your album.
Ali, thanks for your kind reply. I may have overreacted and vented too much. This is much harder on you than any of us. I love all your work and admire your talent and generosity. I may take you up on the scrapbooking offer. Thanks.
I think this is a hard situation all around for everyone involved. Feel free to email me and we'll set up a time!
Your awesome Ali! :) Happy Holidays!
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Oh my goodness this is actually a little blessing in disguise for me. I have my big Project Life catch up campaign going on and my Week in the Life to complete. There are bigger things to worry about in this world. It will arrive and when it does look out :) There is so much texture variation in the kit. Rubber, tissue confetti, plastic, transparencies, wood veneer, gold foil number. Eeeeeekkk! I love working within page protectors but I also love working outside them - machine and hand stitching, embossing, stapling… The possibilities are huge!
Thank you! I'm excited about all that texture too!
Thanks so much PolkaDotCreative for your post. I wanted to be upset about not getting my album early but I do have other projects I want to complete. Your post was right on time.
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Ali, any chance you'll be showing how to use the overlays with photos? I gave it a try but couldn't...I know if I could see how it's done I could make it happen.
Thanks!
Karine, here's a link to Ali working with the overlays in a previous year. Maybe see if this helps you out? https://aliedwards.com/2010/10/december-daily-2010-working-with-the-6x8-printable-overlays-video-tutorial
-Maggie
Thanks Maggie!
Also, here's a link to my Getting Started With Digital Scrapbooking that includes a bunch of posts to these kind of tasks:
Awesome, thanks!
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Stuff happens. Keep your chin up. I'm looking forward to receiving it whenever it comes, even if in January :). Happy holidays!
Thank you - Happy Holidays to you too!
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I think for next time SC should consider using an American manufacter for albums. I recently bought a kit that included an album that was made in America from Laura Denison Designs. This album is of the highest quality and Laura shared that the customer service was superior.
I'll pass along that suggestion - thank you.
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Is it about this: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-port-congestion-20141025-story.html ??? (I hope it is okay to post this link here to give an explanation for the SC shipping delay as it would also explain why you cannot do anything about it.)
Yep. That's part of it!
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You always handle things with class, Ali. I hope your holidays are wonderful!
Thank you. I'm trying :). Hope you have a great holiday season too.
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I saw the news story about the mess on the West coast with shipping and customs issues. Thank you for the email to update us. It is a bit of a disappointment, however, waiting for something fun is nothing in comparison to the many important and essential items people might be waiting for, not to mention the people and jobs this hold up is affecting.
Thank you Laura.
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Hello Ali,
I love the kit, but i already have my album. Isn't possible to buy the kit without the album?
Have a nice day ;)
Hi jee - it's not an option we are offering this year but will be looking at options for next year.
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I feel so bad for you, Ali! This is your livelihood and out of your control.
Do I wish I had that beautiful kit in my hot little hands, YES! Is that going to happen today, no. So here is what I'm going to do while I wait, so that when that kit arrives I will be all ready to jump in.
1. Gather together any other paper, embellies, tools, stamps etc. that I want to include with the kit.
2. Cut out with my Silhouette any 3x4 or 4x6 journal cards I would like to include.
3. Print out any elements I need. I have these http://www.designerdigitals.com/digital-scrapbooking/supplies/product_info.php/products_id/6157 that I have used for the last 3-4 years (there are other number sets as well). As well as any 3x4 or 4x6 cards I want to include.
5.Watch the kit video again and make notes and sketch out where I want to put things on a planner sheet. Design my title page. Figure out how I want to use that chipboard circle page. (I think I am going to paint it, back it up with a clear transparency and "fill" the holes with embellies, photos, and journaling.). Go through past albums/Ali's december daily posts and see if there is anything I want to include/exclude. For me, I like different sized pages: envelopes, inserts made with 4x6 transparencies, inserts made with my Silhouette. (They have some great ones made for 6x8 albums. I won't be cutting them out until I get my album. I want to make sure the holes are in the right place. But I can place them on canvases and save so they are all ready to go.) I also like to make inserts with vellum (plain and decorated). I can get these together now too.
6. Organize my supplies so they are all together in containers so I can find what I need easily. Clean up my craft space so I only have my DD to focus on.
7. Shop for anything I need to stock up on. I will be getting more page protectors and white cardstock, adhesive, and blades for my cutter. I also will be ordering from myself, Close to My Heart's 3x4 and 4x6 Flip Flaps. These are page protector pockets that have adhesive on one end. They are great for adding more journaling and photos to your album. I ran out after adding so many to my WITL album.
8. Clear off my camera's memory cards and iPhone photos. Recharge my camera batteries.
Now that should keep me busy for awhile!
That looks like a great list! Thank you for sharing it!
Awesome. Glass half full kind of girl. I love it.
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So excited to do this project. I have followed it for years. I kept thinking "maybe next year.." Well, THIS is THE YEAR! I am also taking your Lens of Joy class and have a lot on my plate, so the late arrival is just fine with me! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Awesome - so glad you are joining in! Happy Thanksgiving to you too!
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I have SO SO SO much of my kit left from last year because I didn't finish, but boy does this video make me want to hurry and get my last year's album done this next week or two and order this new kit. Everything you've put together for this kit is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
I'm so sorry for these problems that you're experiencing. Thankful for you and the grace that you show in every situation. <3
-Maggie
Thanks Maggie!
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Just looking at all the goodies makes me want to start right now. Getting my supplies ready to go. Love videos thanks for the inspiration.
Thanks Mel!
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I don't celebrate christmas, but I got the kit! I'm planning to turn the kit into a kit for my travel album for this December :D I'm excited to see the contents! So many possible ideas pops up as you walk us thru the kit :) Totally love the colors! I'm still contemplating on what other products I can use with the travel album. Thanks for doing this Ali :D
Thank you - love that enthusiasm.
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