Friday's Featured Resource - Ali Edwards

Ali Edwards, Oregon Coast, Summer 2008

I don’t scrapbook. I tried it once many years ago and failed miserably. Don’t get me wrong, my pages looked pretty good but I only got 4 done. The End. But when I see the volumes of cool and imaginative scrapbooks created by the incredibly talented Ali Edwards, I swoon. Suddenly I become a scrapbook junkie. Course, I haven’t attempted it again since my first 4 pages but still, I like to look and admire what Ali has done.

When I visit Ali’s blog, I know I want to make something amazing with my photos but then I get overly-inspired and decide I’ll leave it for another day. But then today is gone. Sigh. So, when I read the invitation to join Ali in a simple project to record a week in the life of my life, my family, using my photos, featuring what I see as important today, I will admit, I got a burst of inspired energy and determination. Maybe I can do this. Maybe I’ll start today.

Why this project? Why now? I guess it’s just the thrill of having this moment in time distilled into something tangible. Something I can hold in my hands as a reminder of this priceless and fleeting moment of my life. I take photo and after photo and am usually content with that being the end result. But the idea of using photos as a springboard sparks my interest. It’s as if the photo is just part of the process. It’s a whole new perspective. And it’s as simple as a focusing in on just one week of my life. I think it sounds wonderful and I plan on taking Ali up on her invitation by following along with her on her blog to see what I can come up with. Why not?

Ali is a one woman resource and offers so much via her blog, her books, her columns, etc etc). I encourage you to click around and discover the magic that is Ali Edwards. She’s one heck of a creative gal who likes to share and sharing is good.

Speaking of sharing, Ali has offered to give away 4 books (1 copy of each title ) to lucky readers her at Shutter Sisters today. Be sure to leave a comment today to get into the running…prepare to be inspired. You have until midnight on Saturday to be included in the drawing.

Comments

[Wayfaring Wanderer]

I don't do a lot of digital scrapbooking, but I try to do more with my photos on occasion.

even if I just add text:
http://www.wayfaringwanderer.com/2008/09/moments-seasonable.html
or
http://www.wayfaringwanderer.com/2008/09/moments-reminiscent.html

[andrea]

ali inspired me on a daily basis...her scrapbooking, her writing, her artsy way - she's just very cool.

[Michelle Lovell]

I am taking up this challenge to look at my life and get inspired! Ali is amazing, the point of view in her photos always take me in. Visited her blog which is great, would love to own a book by her!!

[debbi hyden]

i await anxiously to see if ali has posted for the day and am sad when she doesn't. :( i want to spend time on this project. it would be fun to put together a week of this crazy life of work, home, husband and kids...

[Heather]

I adore Ali... she inspires me to record my children's lives in a way I never thought I could.

[Kim Schroeder]

I've been planning to do this project for the past three years, but it never seemed like the right time (Ha!) So this is just the kick in the creative pants I need to actually put thoughts and intentions to action!

[Tara]

Ali is great! This sounds like a fun project...count me in!!

[Jodyangel]

I do digital scrapbooking. Best of both worlds and No paper mess lol.

Since I've gotten interested in taking GREAT photo's tho, I've not done a layout. Here is one to take a look at tho..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jodyangel/2889338203/

[Amanda]

I'm right there with you! I would LOVE to scrapbook and be creative, but find myself falling short. Maybe Ali's books would help me out! :)

[Kristina]

I accept the challenge. Please include me in your drawing.

[Beth]

I love Ali's work as well! I definately want to try her challenge - I think it's great that she's doing it along with everyone else!
I would LOVE her books - she is so talented.
Beth

[Linda]

I found you through Ali's site. She really is an incredible talent. One of the things I love most is her "everyday" projects. I can't wait to play along with "A Week in Your Life".

[simply blogged / leaca's philosophy]

I used to be an avid scrapbooker. I taught classes at the local scrapbook stores on my mini albums. I even had a whole room devoted to it. Then I seen then magic of digital scrapbooking and thought I would try my hand at it. I have hardly done anything since. I need to get back into it.

[Jen Lee]

Ali rocks my world. I love your photo of her, and the album idea!

[Mary Ann W]

I love the blog and books of Ali Edwards. I am looking forward to documenting a week of my life.

[jenny smith]

put my name in the hat! thanks for sharing! love your blog.

[Jackie H]

Ali is so inspiring! I love seeing her work and reading her words.
~~Jackie

[bridge]

thanks for introducing me to Ali!

[Shelly]

I LOVE Ali's A Week in the Life project--I took her class in Chicago and I'm currently working on my second version of the album. It's my absolute favorite scrapbook.

[Judith]

Hi there, I just read about the project of Ali and it sounds amazing!! I am joining in too on the project and I am so curious what the outcome will be :)

[gina]

#171, my lucky number! Actually, I already have one of Ali's books, so if I win I promise to give away the extra on my blog. So you should definitely pick me and share the love!

[Ashley]

oooh how cool. off to check out her blog :)

[Katie]

Pick me Pick me :)

[Jan]

Ali is so inspiring. I really think I'm going to give this project a go.

[Angi]

After a super busy and chaotic summer and a move as well, I think it is time to get back into the swing of things! Ali is a great inspiration and I can't wait to get started. Who knows... maybe i'll even win a book!

[Nan]

we're off! got a pic of me typing this entry! thanks for the inspiration.

[June]

This sure looks interesting...great ideas for photos and for journaling...I've got this bookmarked and going to do my best to participate...Thanks for doing this...

[Bree]

Love Ali, and love SS! Such inspiration! Can't wait to play!

[Elizabeth A]

Look at Ali's blog every single day and always find some thing to inspire me.

[darlene]

in a fit of scrapbooking inspiration, about four summers ago, i filled a basket at the local scrapbooking store with acid free pastels, a scrapbook, papers, glue and markers, scissors and corner rounders and i am embarrassed to say that they sit still in a plastic bin somewhere in my basement. hmmmm. maybe i should think about pulling them out :)

[Suzi]

I would love to win Ali's 4 books. I am looking forward to the project, too!

[Helen]

Yeah,
The scrapbooking thing never worked for me either. I have all the supplies though..waiting for me in boxes..waiting to be inspired!

[Jen]

You have a great site! And yes, I love reading Ali's blog. I check it out every morning after I get off a long night shift. I'm excited to start the "week in the life" project. I take photos everyday, especially of the silly things my little son does, therefore, now I have a specific project focus my pictures. I guess i'll be starting today...after some sleep! =)

[Rene Wood]

I learned of your blog through Ali's this morning! I've already added you to my favorites and can't wait to peruse past postings.

Thank you for the opportunity at a chance to win Ali's books!!

peace.
Rene

[Lorraine M.]

I've never tried anything like this. I plan to follow Ali's lead this week and see where it goes. She is certainly an inspiring leader!

[sharon]

I am inevitably inspired by Ali's work - I'm looking forward to preserving the everyday with this super cool challenge!

[Sara B.]

I plan to work on this project as well. Sounds fun! Thanks for the giveaway and cool picture of Ali.

[hanna]

I love Ali Edwards - love her no stress aproach to scrapbooking.

[Stacy]

Thanks for sharing her work - it really is inspirational! I don't think I will do the week thing, although it sounds like a great idea. I'm already overcommitted as it is LOL! I love her idea for the December Daily book - I might have to do that one this year.

[Kathy]

I love Ali's work, wish mine could look as good! Would love a chance to win her books.

[chiaochyi]

I like Ali's approach to scrapbooking because I think that's what scrapbooking really is - real everyday life. Many scrapbookers tend to get carried away with pretty papers and embellishments and leave out the journalling to create space for more pretty stuff. I totally approve of her 'dare to write', 'imperfection is ok' beliefs. Making memories last is all that matters, not so much design and supplies. So this coming week I am going to embark on this project with her as well! :)

[Jessica Bills]

Ali is one of my favorite people to blog "stalk". She is so creative. She is one of those people that I would love to meet in real life and be friends with.

[Connie C]

I like that Ali's style is about words and pictures-reminds me to get the stories down on paper. My kids will appreciate that when they get older-not whether or not the paper matches the embelishments.

[cristalfab]

I need to get my groove back! Plus I haven't been taken photos in, like, FOREVER! I am going to attempt this project. What fun!

cristal

[Sara]

I love the inspiration that Ali provides. I'm sure her books are amazing!

[Ann-Marie]

I would love to win Ali's books! I am an avid scrapbooker and learning to utilize my DSLR camera to its full potential!!

[Tobi-Lynn]

man - you really speak the truth - like you are in my head. yep - I've scrapbooked, but how often have I looked at the blogs and been "overly inspired" and do nothing today. I tell myself I will do it.....later....this weekend....and then the weekend comes and goes.

I am challenging myself to do this week in the life project along with Ali and you and the other thousands. this is good.

[sharna]

I am in the middle of getting my house ready to move and really don't have time to be scrapping but I"VE GOT TO DO THIS PROJECT for this very reason! I can't wait to do this! Great giveaway!

[Janet]

Count me in too. I think I will start today!

[LaurieMike]

I'm definitely going to play along. I keep fighting with the idea I don't need to be scrapbooking because I don't have kids - then I remember so what! This will definitely get me going in that direction. I love Ali's way of documenting.