Paperclipping: The Video Podcast | Design Your Story

What is it about Ali Edwards‘ style that blows my mind? I’ve been trying to analyze this for a while because, while there are so many artists that I adore, there is something different about Ali’s work that keeps me craving more all the time.

Ali got her degree in design, so she has a super-graphic look. But it’s not like all the other graphic-styled scrapbookers I am aware of. There is a strong artsy quality mixed with the graphic style that makes it so earthy and personal. Graphic-style scrapbookers’ work usually looks similar to a magazine page. With Ali, her pages seem to have the attractive strong design principles like the others, but her earthy, personal, artistic style that coincides with it makes her pages seem completely different. Strong design principles with a more personal touch.

If you don’t frequent her blog regularly then you must check out these two minibooks she just posted. Both are incredible, the second one is absolutely amazing!!

A Toast To 2007.JPG

Originally uploaded by Noell.

I begin reflecting on the new year in November during Thanksgiving when I think about how the current year transpired. What was wonderful about the year? What am I proud of? What would I do differently? What did I learn? What new things did I try?

When the year 2005 began, my overall resolution was to try new things. Lots of new things. New experiences. It was my overeall tone for the entire year. I definitely accomplished my goal and by August I was overwhelmed by all the major committments I had made!

As a result, my resolution for 2006 was not to commit to anything new with the exeption of the Paperclipping Video Podcast and the role of a columnist for a non-scrapping related e-zine. Having tried so many things, taken on so many roles, I figured out which new things were most fulfilling. Those were the areas I wanted to continue to focus on for the year and nothing else.

Last year I had wonderful experiences with writing publicly (as well as the research that goes along with it), and really finding my scrapbooking style and ambition. I learned to eliminate extra commitments that pulled time away from my family and these two loves. It was the most fulfilling, fun, and peaceful year I can remember having.

This year I will continue to keep my life simple and focus on these two favorite things. My intentions for scrapbooking are more specific, more defined. I won’t bore you with all the details, except to say that I will take time to be creative every single day. I began doing that in the latter part of 2006 and it has filled me with an exhileration that I am not willing to give up. To me, that is spirituality.

Here’s to you all and the beginning of your new year. Happy 2007!

A New Year’s Toast From The Keim ‘N Hyman Clan

Originally uploaded by Noell.