15 days of gratitude 2014: the plan

A couple of years ago I began an annual project of keeping a gratitude journal for two weeks before Thanksgiving. I call it 15 Days of Gratitude. It’s a great way for me to focus on all the wonderful things in my life at one of the busiest and sometimes most stressful times of the year. Each day during those two weeks I write down five unique things I’m grateful for and include a photograph of some of them. Then at the end of the two weeks I journal about what I learned through the experience. Since November’s here it’s about time for me to get started. So I decided to gather up the supplies I want to use and begin planning out the structure of my journal.This year I want to include some fun features–envelopes, pockets, mini file folders, and even some coordinating fabric. So I know I want to use my Envelope Punch Board, my Evolution Advanced, and a Pocket Template Die. I chose to use some paper and embellishments from the Shine collection, and I may include some papers from the Indian Summer collection as well. The rich fall colors and cork elements of those collections are perfect for this time of year. 

I’m going to use 8×8 chipboard covers and bind them with my Cinch, though I’ll be trimming them down to 6×8. That way I can fit two 4×6 photos on the inside pages if I want to. My plan is to use fabric to cover the chipboard somehow. I love the texture and depth that fabric adds. Plus it really captures the organic, homemade feel I’m going for. This journal is all about me and my home sphere so I want it to have that personal touch. 

Each day will get a full spread (two adjoining pages) so I can include journaling and a photo or two. I’ll add a tab to each spread with my Tab Punch to indicate which number day of the 15 it is. Some days I may include a collage to sneak in more photos. 

I’ll be taking most of these photos on my phone, so I’ll use one of my favorite photo editing apps (PhotoGrid) to create the collages. If you’re interested in joining me for this project I highly recommend it. You can use whatever type of journal you’d like. To see several beautiful album/journal options from We R Memory Keepers visit the post about this project on their blog HERE.

I’ll be writing more posts about this project as I complete it, so if you’re interested in playing along check back over the next two weeks. If you create a journal for this project be sure to share it a link in the comments below. To view my journal from last year using the beautiful Harvest collection, CLICK HERE. And HERE’S my gratitude journal from the year before.