[ Ali Edwards ]

Weekend Photos & Workshop Input

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My in-laws have a great tradition of waking up early on the 4th of July to either watch (or on some years, run) the annual Butte to Butte 10K. With hot coffee and scones from Great Harvest we sat in their driveway and cheered on nearly 5000 runners as they made their way up a really big hill.

It was totally inspiring to see all kinds of people of all shapes and sizes trekking up the hill. I think I want to be one of the people doing it next year.

A special hello to the two women who waved as they ran by and told me they were scrapbooking their run.

The rest of the day was spent resting, cooking with family, and being silly (see photo below).

In the evening I stayed in with Anna (honoring/maintaining her current sleep schedule) while the boys went and watched the local fireworks show downtown. Simon fell asleep in Grandpa Gary's lap.

As Chris put him to bed Simon said, "I like the fireworks. The fireworks make me happy."

SUGGESTIONS WELCOME

The biggest project I am working on right now is preparing for my 3-month online workshop at Big Picture Scrapbooking called Yesterday & Today. This workshop will run from October through December as part of the Four Experts series.

As I go about building the class I am looking for input/suggestions from potential students about what you would like to see covered in this workshop:

What would you like to learn about scrapbooking your past?
What would you like to learn about scrapbooking your present?
What would you like to learn about scrapbooking yourself?

Anything else you would like to see/learn in this workshop?

Family Gratitude Spinner Class Now Open

The classroom is now open for registration and immediate access to my Family Gratitude Spinner project through Big Picture Scrapbooking. Hope to see some of you on the message board in the classroom.

Here's answers to a few questions I have been receiving since the initial post last week: 

1. Do I have to buy the kit to take the class?
Absolutely not. A limited number of kits are being offered through Cocoa Daisy as a convenience for people to purchase the supplies I used all in one place. I have always recommended substitutions, using what you have on hand, and making a project your own by including what works for you and the story you are telling.

2. I have the ATC spinner - can I use that instead of the 4x6 Photo spinner?
The ATC (Artist Trading Card) spinner, a smaller version of the 4x6 Photo spinner from 7gypsies, could be used for this project. The only thing that will be a bit tricky is that the PDF downloads (for the journal cards + the transparent tabs) are sized for 4 inches x 6 inches rather than 2.5 inches x 3.5 inches. You could shrink them down with your printer settings to get closer to the ATC size.

3. Do I have to use a spinner or could would this project work in an album?
I definitely think there are creative ways to put this together without the spinner and keep with the spirit of the project. One of my main goals in using the spinner is that it is a way to get some of my favorite photos out of my albums and out in the open. You could create a similar look with chipboard pieces and binder rings. Choose a heavier weight chipboard (similar to the 7gyspies cardstock pages) and it would most likely still stand on it's own. I am actually looking forward to the class gallery to see what sorts of creative solutions people come up with.

4. Is this something I can do at my own pace?
YES. This is a do-it-on-your-time class that does not have a specific beginning or end date. Once you sign up you have access to all the content and can do it at your own pace.

5. Is there a time limit for how long the class will be available?
There is no time limit for this class. It opens today and you have immediate access to the how-to instructions, the audio message, and the downloads. I am not sure of the actual time line it will be available through Big Picture, but it will be up for at least a few months. Gratitude is a year-round attitude.

6. Could I give this project class to someone as a gift?
Absolutely. Big Picture offers gift certificates here.

Thanks for your excitment and interest! If you have additional questions related to this Big Picture class I will be happy to answer them in the comments below.

Family Gratitude Spinner Project through Big Picture Scrapbooking

I am very excited to announce a new partnership with Big Picture Scrapbooking to bring you a Projects Plus instant download class : Family Gratitude Photo Spinner.

Are you looking for a creative way to celebrate your family photos? So often they end up tucked away inside beautiful albums or in boxes under the bed, cared for but not celebrated often enough. The Family Gratitude Photo Spinner is a project that brings your photos out into the open, encouraging you to live with some of your most favorite photos of the people you love. This project would make a great holiday centerpiece or a lovely decoration within your home for anytime of the year. It would also make an amazing gift for someone special. 

NOTE: This project is not necessarily Thanksgiving-specific but would definitely work well as a centerpiece for this time of year. It is more focused on expressing gratitude for family and friends and life. Paper and colors can easily be substituted to fit your individual tastes (and what you have on hand). 

The class will be available as an instant download beginning next Thursday, November 13th at 10am Pacific. As soon as you register you have immediate access to the class materials.

Cost for the class is $12 and includes: color handouts with step by step instructions, downloadable PDF templates (for transparencies and titles), full supply list with links to products, an audio message from me, a private gallery for sharing your projects with others in the class, and access to a message board for sharing thoughts and ideas as you work through the project.

In addition, Big Picture Scrapbooking and kit club Cocoa Daisy have teamed up to offer a kit for this class with a bunch of the products you will need for this project if you are wanting to use the same supplies (check the supply list for specific details - not all products are included). The Cocoa Daisy kit does include the main 7gypsies supplies such as the Photo Carousel (also available here), tabbed pages, pocket pages, patterned transparencies, and page protectors (also available here). You can see and purchase the kit of supplies here.

Big Picture Scrapbooking is an online scrapbook education and inspiration website. Classes are offered in a variety of formats, including downloadable projects like this one that can be done at anytime. If you are not familiar with Big Picture Scrapbooking you can read more about their mission here, how it works, and frequently asked questions.

I hope that some of you will be able to join me on this creative adventure. I loved the process of putting this project together: from the patterned papers to the paint to the embossing to working with little elements to going back through many of my favorite photos of my immediate family. I love how the finished project really celebrates my current family of three and has space available for the little one that will be joining us soon.

It's a great reminder of what is really most important in life.