MY 2016 DECEMBER ALBUM - A HOLIDAY MEMORY KEEPING PROJECT WITH LINKS TO PRODUCTS SHOWN!

Hi everyone! Here we are, nearly half way through the month of December and I'm just now getting around to sharing a peek into my album. 

Let me start by saying I created my 2016 cover page (shown below) and fell in love with this little holiday album. I had so much fun creating my album last year, that I really looked forward to this year.  I wanted to keep thing simple, coordinated and really focus on the stories of the season.  In my mind, I saw exactly what I wanted this album to be.

However, over the last two weeks, I've struggled immensely with getting it right.  What I mean by that is, my heart doesn't seem to be in it. I WANT my heart to be in it and I've made time to create, but many times when I sit down to craft, the pages just aren't coming together like I wanted them to. I've taken them apart, redone them, set them aside and come back later...  In the end, I just feel blah. My album feels haphazard and uncoordinated, which is so unlike me. 

I have never had this happen, friends. 

I've thought long and hard about what's going on, why this isn't working for me right now and I simply decided that my heart is in another place. 

So for now, here are the pages I have created this far.  My plans for the project are to still compete it, but not under any timeline. Not this month, and maybe not even next month. But rather, when I can invest more of my heart into it. 

Until then, I plan to still journal my memories and continue taking photos of this holiday season.  If the inspiration and desire hit, I'll most certainly work on my album... 

I guess what I'm trying to tell you is that if life has a way of overwhelming you or stealing your joy, especially at this season, don't be afraid to extend yourself a little grace. Take away the self imposed deadlines and stop comparing yourself and your work to others. Create and memory keep because YOU want to, in WHATEVER way works best for you at that particular time. If I can do it, you can do it too. 

All my love my friends... Happy Holidays! 

Products shown include:   MAMBI December Sticker, Transparency from Michael's Craft Store, die cut snowflakes were a gift from a friend, and wood veneer from Elle's Studio

Products shown include:   Digital Designs by Paislee Press featuring December You Are My Fave No. 5 and Merrier

Products Shown Include: Digital Designs by Push Print Studio, acrylic stars from Color Cast Designs and reindeer flair gifted from a friend.

Products Shown Include:  Digital Design from One Little Bird featuring Shimmer and December Magic.  Other cards from various past kits. Wood veneer from Elle's Studio

Products Shown Include:  Digital Designs by One Little Bird featuring Oh What Fun and a tag from Shimmer.  Twenty Five tag by Kelly Purkey.