December Daily® 2021 | Story 06

[@cherylrobertson5629]

As an older Mom and Grandma, I have learned what I call Hallmark moments don’t usually exist. Try to cherish the time you do have with your children and realize their attitudes about the holidays change numerous times as they age. Some changes you will love and with some you will be disappointed. Unfortunately, there is not a lot we can do about it. Loving the series! I started my album yesterday and really enjoying it.

[@tatteredbookboutique]

Just ♥️ this spread!!! I ♥️ how you cut around the scalloped edges to create more interest. The stars were an adorable add as well!♥️🎄♥️

[@vicb635]

Dear Ali, I thought that this spread perfectly matched the mood of your day, the frustration, the overcoming of disappointment, the letting go of wanting/needing things to be perfect. I liked the white ‘dots’ on the black & white photo. Yes, you could cover them with a black marker but I think they mirror the lights in the tree and they work for me 😊 I also enjoy the challenge of fixing something that may not have turned out as I had wanted/imagined it to. Sometimes that involves me accepting those ‘perfect imperfections’. Great work ❤️ 🙌

[@kimcreate1]

Thanks for the reminder that we feel positive and negative emotions in December and that’s ok. Beautiful pages.

[@marjbiehler7628]

I love your focus on stories, not days. I work 4/10 shifts and have discovered I don't do much more than work on those days. Being able to tell a story that may not fall on a specific day is going to make it so much easier for me. I also appreciate watching you process what you are going to do each day. It helps me to know I don't have to have it all figured out ahead of time. Thank you!

[@CodyDoll]

I’ve been doing stories this year and it’s been so fun. It’s also so cool looking back from last year to this years.

[@createwithalison]

It’s perfectly imperfect the way it is and I love it. Fantastic quote

[@jessicascraps4010]

This so resonated with me - this year the “kids” all came and just put one decoration on because Jessica wanted them to - I ended up doing the tree myself while everyone scattered - I have not told this story because it wasn’t what I wanted - but now I am printing this tree out and telling it

[@kptjpj]

Tracy H here. I'm not sure when I made my switch, I too, go by stories now vs. days. I struggled with my first years but once I made the switch, my stories just came easier. Thank you again for all your help. 💛

[@paper_belle9770]

Really enjoyed your thought process on this one. And a nice reminder to all of - especially during the holiday season, when us moms sometimes have “Hallmark” dreams and expectations - not all days are diamonds. (I know I can use that reminder sometimes). Your husband is a wise man 😊

[@Leecreates]

💕 💕 💕 the velum gold trim stars.

[@angelabutful1]

I place my letters on a ruler to line them up! I think it looks great, as usual!

[@kathycleriucuzio5245]

Love it when the stories tell themselves! BTW - love your intro😊

[@therichters1301]

Love this. I took the quote “some days are diamonds”, in that some days are HARD! Some days take TONS of work and you just have to chip away at it. Perfect sentiment for a day like this one.

[@natashahernandez2272]

Thank you for sharing your story. Your story is so relatable as we go through this December month with children who have their own ideas on how they would like to spend their time yet we as parents long for the moments to al be in the same room with a genuine enjoyment from everyone of wanting to be there and partaking in whatever we may be doing.

[@sherrycartwright9664]

I like the scalloped edge. Use black ink and a sponge to soften those white spots from cutting on the photo.

[@anniecarignan1408]

Thank you for sharing Ali, so generous of you. Beautiful layout!

[@Leecreates]

So beautiful. The gold in b&w really makes it bling like diamonds. Exquisite.

[@shanners2762]

Fabulous spread Ali! You could try sanding the scalloped edge of your photo. I think I’ve seen Jamie Pate and/or Heidi Swapp do this 😊

[@KathyStacy]

You could take a black sharpie or marker to trace around the white areas of your photo. Really enjoying your December Daily pages.

[@crowlovescore]

I once saw some one stick their alphabet stickers on the edge of a ruler first to get them almost perfect and it works really well for me.

[@janeywescott8850]

Love your project! Could you save a large acetate sheet to try out the alpha spacing? That way you could preview before you commit.

[@sunshine423d]

So just a suggestion with stickers or sticky backed items, using wax paper would help with placement prior to putting it down permanently.

[@PhoenixScrapper]

You could also put some "blacker" touches with a sharpie to disguise the unwanted pieces of white.

[@dannyobrien8314]

Loving your ideas and creativity as always , Ali. I always know I'm on the right track in my direction with this project when my thoughts seem to align with the this community of memory keepers. My intention this year is "The New Old Fashion Way" How to bring those warm and comforting, old fashioned memories of the past, the traditions, into the now we are living in. The new way that IS. I think everyone is feeling some of that during these very different and challenging times. We can't make things the way they were. But we can bring the spirit of what was into the now. My intention this year is search for that with the lens of December Daily. Grateful for you and this project, Ali. Warm Holiday wishes to you and your family. Laurie O.

[@blackcatproductions3]

I love the black and white picture of the tree and dinner with the movie still in the background! Have you tried the trick for alpha letters where you lay out the whole word/words on the edge of a ruler and then you can move it around and figure out where on the page it goes before you commit and stick them down?

[@GreySkySaturday]

for phrases and letters, i saw from someone that they put the letter stickers on the edge of a ruler to get them placed out if that helps.

[@christinaclouse3133]

I love that scalloped edge! Maybe since both sides affected you could ink the edges with a dark brown? Or use a tiny paintbrush to paint some red or green around the edges? Gold or adding white doodles might also look nice - haha now I’m inspired for sure :) It all looks so fun!

[@lesleebarrow7317]

I get your story telling and not specific days. Why I just call mine December memories.