Noteworthy | 10.28.2011

The scrapbook world is preparing for the holidays this week it seems. Now I know that might seem extreme to some, but when we're talking about providing ideas, inspiration, and helping to get ready to tackle holiday projects as crafters we do need all the time we can get! Of course, despite my love of the holiday season, I have more than just holiday spirit to share in this week's Noteworthy column:

When looking through this week's potential noteworthy stories, one name popped up three times. I'd say that is not only noteworthy, but lead off the week worthy! Ali Edwards is having a great week - and fans should be rejoicing. First she announced a brand new downloadable class available on her website called Storyology:

Topics covered during the almost 2-hour presentation include the reason why, getting ready to write, story mechanics, rhythms, etc. The class includes six different writing prompts and you are encouraged to take the time during the presentation to write your responses to those prompts (pause the video and then resume when you are ready).

Class includes a 7-page full-color PDF handout, plus 6 pages for responding to the writing prompts.

The class can be purchased here (cost $14).

Then on Wednesday, Ali posted a tutorial for creating the cover for her December Daily album for 2011. The painted white album is stunning, and I really like the idea of working with various textures to create a monochromatic cover for a project like this. The December Daily project is one that Edwards has done for years, one that many follow and participate in each year.

I’m excited to be getting my December Daily album underway for 2011. It’s been fun getting messy and playing with my holiday supplies as I begin the process of putting my cover and foundation pages together. As many of you know, what I try to do each year is get the basics of my album all put together before December so that I minimize the amount of time I’m actually working on it during that busy time of year.

I love that this is something that anyone who wants to can participate in, with their own supplies and in their own way. I also really enjoy each year seeing the ideas, traditions, and techniques Ali includes in her personal book. Expect to see more inspiration and posts from Ali in the coming weeks, as well as her postings of finished pages in December. To view her past years and posts, check out the December Daily compilation page on her website. The album shown in that tutorial is one that will be included in the December Daily kit that just went up for sale last night at Studio Calico. I anticipate that the kit will be very popular and sell out quickly - so go check it out while you can if you are interested.

While it might seem early to some, to many card makers this is the time of year when planning and organizing holiday card making happens. If you are looking to make your own holiday cards this year, or would like to see some great card tutorial videos in general then this is for you: Go over to Kristina Werner's blog! Her holiday card series continues - and I find myself very impressed with what she is doing - even more than usual.

Some cards are designed specifically for those who like to mass-produce cards, while others are more one-of-a-kind projects. The various sizes, styles, and the detailed tutorial videos and supply lists all make this an amazing free resource. This is the third year that Kristina has done this series, and she will share  a total of 25 cards. You can view all of the 2011 Holiday Card series here on her blog.

Do you remember making friendship bracelets as a kid? Lovely Indeed posted a really nice tutorial on making a version of the old childhood classic with a twist.

 Hey, remember friendship bracelets?  My sister and I used to make them by the dozens and give them away to our best buddies, or stack ‘em up on our own wrists.  Well, much to my pleasure, they’re making a comeback — with a little updated twist.  These days, you see friendship bracelets everywhere, mixed in with rhinestones, leather, chains, and all kinds of different hardware.  So I decided to give this new (old) trend the DIY treatment.

I think this could be fun, and perhaps a great craft activity that teens and tweens could be talked into trying out.

While I always love the funky vintage designs and bold patterns of Graphic 45, I often find them challenging to use in my scrapbooking. So imagine my utter delight when they announced their newest collection [Tropical Travelogue] this week.

Set sail on a sunny island adventure with Graphic 45! Introducing Tropical Travelogue, a bold and adventurous new paper collection that will exhilarate your senses like a warm island breeze. Inspired by stunning vintage island imagery, this unique collection features lavish flora and fauna, exotic seascapes and radiant wildlife designs. You’ll find paradise on every rejuvenating page of Tropical Travelogue. Its lush and vibrant color pallet includes oceanic turquoise, lime green, dazzling coral, sunny yellow and coconut brown. The collection will include two coordinating sticker sets, a Graphic 45 first! Tropical Travelogue will also include 12 double sided gorgeous new paper designs, 12x12 and 8x8 paper pads, two coordinating chipboard die-cut sets, and three sets of cling stamps.

What impresses me is that this line has enough subtle patterns included in the papers, and is a very easy to use color palette which will make it incredibly useful not just for cruise or island vacation pages, but also for zoo, aquarium, pool, or really any kind of crafting subject! It's not just the color palette that makes this useful - this line's designs are both versatile and subtle. Check out Graphic 45's blog for more peeks - and watch for this line coming to stores at the end of November.

“Noteworthy” is a weekly column on Scrapbook Update. Have something new & noteworthy to share? If you have something you would like considered for next week’s column, email may@scrapbookupdate.com with a link or press release.