December Daily 2011: the cover

It's official. Christmas preparations have begun. Last weekend I got really crazy and made my December Daily album cover. I also cut the paper for the daily pages, but haven't added the numbers or embellishments yet. Not sure what I will do for those yet. Am thinking I will wait because I saw on a sneak peek that the November Studio AE was going to be a December Daily set. I am also going to start collecting numbers here and there. But I may just stamp on some office tags, shipping tags, etc. Here is my album so far:

I cut the chipboard to 5.5 x 8 I think, then the interior pages are 5x7. I wanted something smaller than the 6x8, but bigger than 4x6. I can still do enlargements of 5x7's and get them printed local. I am hoping that will be easier and actually help me keep up. Also planning on using Instagrams from my iPhone. Don't think I'm going to do any templates. Just go with the flow and see what I can get in the book this year. I was inspired by Jess Forster's Week in the Life, where she used just Instagrams.

Anyways, so I painted the chipboard white (several coats), then stamped the circles with the cardboard roll from you guessed it--toilet paper! I used a Jenni Bowlin paint dauber in malted milk. You can't see it here but it does have a shimmer. I used a pearl Glimmer Mist over the whole book. I haven't sealed it yet because I'm not sure if I want to add more sparkle yet. Maybe some glass glitter? who knows.

The inside is my favorite green cardstock ever. Kiwi Kiss from Stampin Up. Really wish they would bring that color back. But I did find a similar shade I am just as crazy about at the Paper Source. So the color wasn't so stark green I misted it with Mister Huey's in white. Very cool stuff. First time using it and really liked it.

Found the word tags at Paper Source and punched them with that cute little corner punch, then layered it on a Paper source chocolate cardstock. This chocolate has a shimmer to it as well. Found some numbers in my stash from Tim Holtz, added some bakers twine and a little pearl and key from I am guessing Tim Holtz or 7 Gypsies. And there it is! Here is a close up:

If you haven't heard about December Daily, check out Ali Edwards. Here is the main page for December Daily. She collaborated with Studio Calico for an awesome kit this year, which sorely tempted me, but decided to go with my own little version. You can order the kit here.

So there it is. I'm excited because I really love this project. I was so last minute last year, and I didn't do something every day, but I am super happy I captured some of my girl's first Christmas in this way. And what I like is that even though December can be stressful for me, especially with my work schedule, I like that it helps me focus on a little something to celebrate each day. Whether it was a trip to Shipley's donuts or just the lights on the tree. But for now, it's time to celebrate fall! I rented a 24-70 2.8 lens and am hoping to do some family pictures tomorrow. Wish me luck!