Self-Portrait + Pieces Of Me Project Tips | Craft The Story #13

[@jkmacrunnel]

I used to be one of those people always behind the camera. Not really so much as I didn't like pics of myself, more just for practical reasons. This was years ago, before camera phones. I was always the one taking all the family pictures. Then I read a blog post about a women who got the "aha!" moment when her mom died, and she and her sisters realized they didn't have hardly any pictures of their mother. And she realized she was also doing the same thing, always behind the camera. That put everything in a new perspective to me. And also my hubby, who doesn't like his picture taken. We need to make sure we have lots of pictures for our kids, especially as we get older and eventually pass. They won't care if we had a bad hair day, if we gained 10 pounds that year, that we were wearing sweatpants. They just want pictures of their parents. We our our own worst critics. Since reading that article, I started passing the camera to my hubby sometimes, and then with modern technology, I take a lot of selfies, and lots of selfies with my hubby. Every once in a while he complains, and I just have to say, "The kids," and then he shuts up and lets me take the photo. I have a lot more photos of my parents than my parents do of my grandparents (all deceased now), and my kids will have even more of us. It makes my heart happy. Anyways, after that long tangent, I can't wait to try this project sometime!

[@Eastcoastlcsw]

I have recently deleted all social media accounts so I appreciate so much these KZbin videos so that I can still keep up with what’s going on in the scrapbook community! You rock!

[@AliEdwardsDesignInc]

Awesome! If you are interested we post weekly reviews of what's happening in our community on my blog each week (and a preview post for the month ahead on the first of each month). Here's a link to my main blog page: www.aliedwards.com/blog

[@leithmcdougall4620]

I turned 50 yesterday and I have been thinking that I want to tell some stories about me. This seems like the perfect project to get me started.

[@kelly-janes]

I didn't participate last year, but I LOVED seeing the community share their photos/stories. I will participate this year. I love the possibilities of this project. Not only the photography side of it but the variety of ways the photos + words can be put together. Very much looking forward to seeing what everyone shares!

[@AliEdwardsDesignInc]

It was so inspiring.

[@karlatriplett9213]

looking back I wish i had this when younger but it will be good to have for my children, something about your mother's hands and that going in for a hug to hear their heart so many stories to tell thank you Ali for getting the juices going.

[@AliEdwardsDesignInc]

YES! Love that.

[@natashahernandez2272]

I get so excited about these Friday videos. Thank you so much Ali. These videos make my Friday morning.

[@danielleblakelydesigns8619]

Thanks for another fun and creative process. I love how you combine healing and crafting.

[@AliEdwardsDesignInc]

Thank you! I totally believe in it.

[@tatteredbookboutique]

Absolutely ♥️ this !!!

[@simplypearl]

hi ali, i participated in this project last year and just included it in my PL album. i’m excited to do it again next week. thanks for always leading us to include ourselves in front of the camera. xoxox

[@jessicascraps4010]

This was one of my favorite projects from last year - I put it in my 52 weeks TN and I love it for so many reasons - last year it was around Valentine’s Day and it was a wonderful week

[@AliEdwardsDesignInc]

Same. Loved it!

[@jenniferwilson2250]

LOL...yes it is quite possible that I remain behind the camera. Thank you Ali, for the nudge to give this project a try. You already have me thinking about two of the prompts I would typically find challenging: Face Forward and Full Body. Here we go. :-)

[@AliEdwardsDesignInc]

You can do this Jennifer!

[@createwithalison]

Ohhh the pieces of home is perfect! We’re relocating this summer, and I’d LOVE to participate in this! Great timing ❤️

[@nicolehaake1574]

So good, thank you Ali. Was really not wanting to participate before but after watching this video I’ve decided I’m doing it! 😊

[@libbymeyer3950]

I didn’t participate last year but I loved following along with everyone on Instagram. I did my own week in February as part of my OLW (me) before you had announce this years project. I’m going to add additional photos and small journaling from this week and put them all together into the notebook. As someone who does not like taking their own pictures, I loved doing this and seeing what sort of journaling came out about it. This has me thinking of doing pictures like this of my two kiddos (9 mo and 2.5) from my perspective of course. 💕

[@pamsnider1930]

Wooow, Ali. Thank you for this...especially tip no. 8.

[@susanlindahl3848]

Thanks for the tips.

[@AliEdwardsDesignInc]

You are welcome!

[@kellkatz]

Timing is perfect for project as having minor foot surgery. And the prompts focus is so relevant to the upcoming week. Though might invite family to help with photography.

[@AliEdwardsDesignInc]

Good luck with your surgery!

[@juanitaweston6131]

This is awsome. When does this project start?

[@AliEdwardsDesignInc]

Hi Juanita - it starts Monday. You can get details here: www.aliedwards.com/2021/03/pieces-of-me-2021-self-portrait-community-project-starts-next-monday

[@Karenshow]

My mom had a very hard life, I want to do pieces of my mom and write down all his stories.

[@brendagarcia4.]

💕💯