What I Buy Wednesday

Well, I've got a doozy for you this week--and it's scrapbook related. 

For 18 years, one of my favorite scrapbook teachers, Ali Edwards has been teaching a class called "December Daily". Although I love her classes and have taken dozens of them--several in person at scrapbook conventions--I have never taken this one. I love the concept of taking one picture a day during December and telling the story. But, as much as I love the holidays, they are really busy. I just never felt like I could commit to the class. Instead, I've sort of done my own thing in January and made a Christmas album for the last two years devoted to documenting December. I love how they turned out. 

This year, I've decided to "bite the bullet" and take the class. I'm finding myself with more time on my hands (hence the 16 books I read/listened to last month!). Anyway, I purchased the class bundle for $65.00. Basically, that's 3 classes with a total of 46 lessons! Yep, that sounds like a lot--which is why I never wanted to commit to it. The price can't be beat! It averages out to about $1.50 per lesson. 

This year, I am on top of it! I've already completed the first 20 lessons as they have been available. It starts mid-October and goes through November so that you can be ready to go in December. I'm excited. 

It works like this: starting in August, she has what is called the "boxing" period. You can start putting anything you might like to buy in your box. You have a month to add things, subtract things and decide. New items are released every few days. She's a marketing genius and has figured out a way to keep the excitement up. Things sell out quickly. 

Whenever you are finished adding to your box, you can make the purchase. I made my purchases as I went along. If you don't, you are not guaranteed that what you want will still be available. There were a few things I missed out on--like the large stitched felt numbers and some of the papers. Even after you make your purchase, you can continue to add to your box. The point of that is that you get free shipping and it all arrives together. This year was a tough year for this small company due to all of the tariffs and unreliable shipping dates and the high costs associated with that. To be able to bundle your whole order was economical for her and a deal for us. 

Well, my box arrived yesterday, so I thought I would share with you what I bought.

Pay attention to the brown envelopes under the paint set. I have a close up of those and the contents.

Many of the things here were on sale. I do love a good bargain. They are some leftover products from previous years. I picked the red album with gold stars (you can barely see it) as it was half price from last year.

The hearts are wooden.

There are frames, tags, stamps, tabs, ribbons, numbers and envelopes.

That "tiny attacher" is a gift. Basically it's a stapler that staples little staples. I already have one and love it. When Ali offered it for $10, I knew I wanted to use it for a gift. I don't think any of my scrapbooking friends have it. 

Now on to the envelopes.

The one with the stars is--you guessed it--filled with all kinds of star embellishments.

Envelope number two is filled with papers, cards and journaling cards as well as some chipboard embellishments.

Many of these will be used on a page. 

After the first 20 lessons I've had, I'm anxious to get started making stuff! I'll share some of those on Saturday.

So far, I have loved everything about this project. That makes this post one of my favorite "What I Buy Wednesday" posts. There's just not much new stuff in the scrapbook industry. It's always fun when I find something. 

AS IF. As if I really need anything else!