Every year around this time, I start gearing up for what has become an annual November tradition for me, a little mini album project called 30 Days of Thankful. The idea is simple: document your gratitude for 30 days. Yes, it fits nicely into the month of November, but honestly? You can do this project any time of the year.
This past year, I fell deeply and madly in love with the We R Memory Keepers 4 x 4 binders and I knew I wanted to make the mini-est of mini albums for this year’s 30 Days of Thankful volume.
Seriously? Those 2 x 2 pockets? Get OUT cuteness! And guess what they are perfect for, besides adorable tiny cards? Instagrams!
This year, I have both digital products (PDF printables plus files that you can fully customize to change the color scheme yourself) and some actual physical products from Studio Calico. This is really exciting for me because I get to see my very first stamp sets come to fruition.
First up, here’s the basic digital package, including printable PDFs, layered PSDs and JPEGS for you digital scrapbookers. (No Photoshop is needed to print out this card set!)
This set includes everything you need to create your own 4 x 4 inch mini-album, minus of course the card stock and the actual album and page protectors. It includes a 6 x 4 multi-photo template to let you create your own sheet of 2 x 2 images for those mini pockets. It also includes a PDF Guide to the project which I’m going to share with you today to give you a better idea of what it’s about as well as to share links to products you can use to complete the project.
WANT TO MAKE A DIGITAL BOOK? I have two video tutorials. This one gives you and overview of the project and how to customize the colors and pages. This one shows you how to use a free template set to create a digital book, available only in our closed Facebook group (free to join!)
Note: If a tiny 4 x 4 album isn’t your bag, you could roll this concept into your Project Life albums, using a Design I insert that features 4 x 4 pockets. (Design J and Design K also feature 4 x 4 pockets and 3 x 4 pockets.)
GET THE PDF GUIDE: Download the PDF Guide by clicking here: CZ30DaysGuide
I also designed a corresponding digital stamp and brush set, including many of the design elements of the album package. You can use these to create your own card designs or drop them onto photos.
And speaking of Project Life, I also designed a simple set of 3 x 4 cards . Use these cards in the basic Design A page protectors, or use the Design F page to and cover several days of gratitude in a single page.
This set includes a full sheet of printable journal cards that you can use to document your gratitude and also comes with fully layered PSDs to allow complete color customization. I realize not everyone wants to do pink and yellow but you have to admit, kind of adorbs, right?
All three digital products are on sale for 20% off through Midnight Tuesday at Designer Digitals.
And last but not least, there are three products available at Studio Calico. First up, this set of 4 x 4 inch cards to build this album (available for individual purchase later this week!). The purchase includes a digital PDF download to print as many journal cards as you need.
Next, a 30 Days of Thankful stamp set. plus a single 1.5 x 2.5 logo stamp.
Here’s a clearer view of the 4 x 6 set of stamps.
The stamps coordinate with the album kit. You can use the number stamps to add dates to the 4 x 4 journal cards, or simply design your own gratitude cards.
PRODUCT AVAILABILITY: The special bundle has sold out. Please check back as I will be updating this post as the products become available for individual purchase.
I love this project as it really tends to center me before the joyful chaos of December. I’d love to have you join in, either with my designs and products, or just create your own. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email me.
JOIN IN ON FACEBOOK: Last but not least, I’ve created a Private Facebook Group for anyone interested in joining in. Click here and request to be approved. (I’ll approve you within 24 hours, but likely much sooner!) Only group members can see what is shared in the group. You do not need to be using my products to participate. The group is open to everyone who wants to document gratitude in November with me. I will be posting and sharing there beginning in November, but you’re welcome to join in any time if you have more specific questions, etc.
MORE EXAMPLES FROM YEAR’S PAST: I’ve done a variation of this project for the past five years. Any of the formats work with this concept.
2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013
Giada says
Cathy, everything you created for this project is awesome *swoon*. Please, tell me that you’re doing something similar for December Daily 🙂
Cathy Zielske says
Thanks, Giada!
I’m not, because that is my girl Ali’s project! 🙂
heidig says
Woot woot! Can’t wait for the bundle to be available. I did this with Cathy’s 6×6 album design the last two years but I have a 4×4 WRMK album just waiting to be used for this mini, mini 30 Days of Thankful! Thanks Cathy!
Cathy Zielske says
Heidi, aren’t they the cutest? I think you can click on that bundle link and add to your cart today. I know they only ordered a limited number of these items. 🙂
heidig says
Just ordered the digital pkg. I LOVE this project and I have a 4×4 WRMK album just waiting to be used!
Susan says
Super excited you have your digital set for 30 Days of Thankful already up because I’ve been already considering what I’m going to do this year. Not sure what size I’m gonna’ do yet but might go 6×6 like I’ve done in years past. Hey, I do keep the gratitude flowing through the year too. I make a 4×6 album through the year called 52 Gratitudes. It’s an awesome lesson and reminder. Off to Designer Digitals…
Janet Kemper says
I love this project every year! I am excited for the new products, too. This is such a fun and meaningful album. Thank you!
Holly Corbett says
Yay! Always look forward to this project. It’s one of my favorites, I just wish I could remember to incorporate the idea into my PL every month versus just November!! Love all the stamps, too! Great job and so much fun!
Madeline St Onge says
Cathy I love this so much. I still have the kit I bought last year to do this and never did, if I use that can I still join the FB group??
Cathy Zielske says
Yes! I see you in there already! 🙂
Yolanda says
Oh my! So many options. Awesome color palette. Love all of the flexibility you have built in for us. And…congrats on birthing your first bouncing baby stamps!
Cathy Zielske says
Thanks, Yolanda. Labor didn’t hurt at all!
Lisa Russo says
I’m in! Just ordered my album & extra page protectors. Anyone else mentally ticking off the things they’re thankful for?? Such a great life – excited to document it. Thank you for the motivation, Cathy!
Cathy Zielske says
Woo hoo! 🙂
Whitney says
Oh my stars! This is so awesome! I love the colors and the sizes. Count me in!
Another amazing album by CZ!
Laura says
Congratulations on your first (physical) stamp set! Obviously your design skillz are a perfect match for that type of product. I love the little turkeys — cooked and uncooked. lol Happy Monday!
Amanda Villagómez says
This post came at a perfect time Cathy. Here is an entry on my task list for Wednesday that I scheduled a long time ago, “30 Days of Thankful this year? How?” Your post gives me a lot to think about with the possibilities. I look forward to making a choice/mapping out a plan this week. I love the colors this year.
Stacey Shubitz says
These are really beautiful. I’ve always done this digitally in the past. Maybe I need to have a hard copy too…
Holly says
Awesome! Love everything. Can’t wait to get it. This project is one of my favorites.
Jan says
Just out of curiosity – would there be 31 day cards/elements for your Canadian friends 🙂 ?
Cathy Zielske says
Hey Jan, part of my thinking was the Stamp Set includes numbers to create a full 31 days. But I did not include a 31 Days of Thankful logo. I can see about adding that in a new package but I may not be able to get to it until next weekend! 🙂
Elissa says
Very excited to make this album. Love the stamp set & the digital products.
Sally Kemp says
Those little albums are too cute! I was planning on using an older template for this years “30 Days” project, but…
Jenn says
I’m really looking forward to this and I also love those mini albums
Colleen H says
Was just talking to my family about an attitude of gratitude last night at our (Canadian) Thanksgiving dinner and was thinking about starting a book like this, so I think I might just start one now! This was a hard year to celebrate as we lost my mum in June to breast cancer, but I’m trying to be thankful while missing her terribly and this will be a good reminder of all the amazing that I have in my life…
Deb says
Cathy, if we want to create this as a digital book, what size book do you recommend? Also, the printer too? Thanks
Cathy Zielske says
I would say you could do this as a 5.5 square book from Artifact Uprising. But you would have to increase the file size BEFORE you make the book. : )
Joanne says
Oh man!!! I really want these Cathy….but I won’t order from Studio Calico….they are truly something I am not thankful for! Terrible customer service and product quality. You did a great job on your designs though – so cute!
Cathy Zielske says
Hey Joanne, you can always print your own with the digital package! 🙂
Jamie says
OMG… I am so excited!! I bought the gold mini album months ago with no idea what I was going to use it for, now I know!!
Thank you for putting together so much cuteness! I love it!
One question tho… how did you make the label for the spine of the album?
Cathy Zielske says
Jamie, the spine file is part of the digital package. 🙂
Shana says
How did you know I have an empty WRMK mini album & inserts waiting to be filled up?!
LOVE the colors & design of 30 Days of Thankful. Clean, fresh, & fun!
In gratitude for your amazing creativity Cathy
Kukky says
I’m in the other side of the world, which takes 10-15days for a package to arrive. If i order your stamp from SC — not sure it would arrive before Nov 1. Hmm.. what should I do?
Cathy Zielske says
What about just doing the printables? You can buy the digital set and it comes with PDFs of all the cards. Print, trim, and voila! Then you could order an album but if it took a while to get there, you could still work on the cards! 🙂
Michelle H says
Yay! I tried to start this last year, but got too bogged down with everything else…this year I am on top of it and have already ordered my bundled goodies from SC. Thank you, Cathy, for making this so easy. I have drooled over those little albums….like all summer…and just couldn’t decide what to do with one, so your email sealed the deal for me in many, many ways! Thank you. This year I am getting it done. (I have a senior daughter this year, so it is–as you well know–of the utmost importance that I DO this!!!)
You rock. Seriously.
m
Cathy Zielske says
Awesome! So the email wasn’t overkill? Aw yeah! 🙂
Jen Levin says
This looks great! I’m so excited! This is my 2nd favorite thing you do each year, and I always look forward to it.
What’s my number one favorite thing you do? The bee costume/dance on Halloween, of course! 🙂 Just a few more weeks!
~jen
Helen says
I agree! The Bee Costume and Dance is my favorite thing every year, too!!
Helen says
I love this project! I do a Daily Gratitude on my FB page for November every year and have been thinking about making an album for them. I can totally see using your products to make it…especially that stamp set! I love that you have a stamp set and PLEASE tell us that you have more in the works!
PS: There is just something about the 2×2 squares that is totally cute, isn’t there? I watched a scrapping video last night that was done all in 2×2 squares on a 12×12 LO and it was just really, really cute. 🙂
Cathy Zielske says
Thanks, Helen! Yes, I will be having some things going forward in the stamp realm!
Jenell says
Cathy, I sure wish I would have not been so anxious to order the digital package from Designerdigitals.com over the weekend. That didn’t include the stamp set. Bummer. Will the stamp set be available for purchase by itself? If so, from Studio Calico or from your own website?
Cathy Zielske says
Hey Jenell, do you mean the physical acrylic stamps? Yes, they will be selling them separately later this week, I have been told. 🙂
Cathy Zielske says
Also, there were three digital packages at Designer Digitals. One is the cards with all the album components, one was a digital stamp set and one was a set of 3 x 4 cards. 🙂
Jenell says
Yep – I bought all of them so maybe I don’t actually need the physical acrylic stamps. It’s just that they are so cute – and considering this is your Debut stamp set, I guess I thought I needed them. 🙂 Sometimes I like to use things like real cardstock and ink instead of doing everything in Photoshop and I just didn’t think of that when I saw the cute stamps. Thanks for your answer! (And your creativity) Love these 30 Days products!
Cathy Zielske says
Well, i do think they’re pretty cute and they will be on sale separately later in the week, or next week. I’d like to think they’re pretty flexible too. I am probably going to make a layout with them as well. 🙂
BettyLou says
I love this project.
Audrey V says
Hey Cathy, I love the colors, great job! I was thinking I might skip 30 days of Thankful this year so that I can finish last year’s project, lol! How fabulous that you now have a physical stamp set too! Do you have plans for more physical stamp sets in the future?
Cathy Zielske says
Yes! I have a Christmas one coming later in the season! 🙂
Denise S. says
I just pre-ordered the kit. Looking forward to playing along. I think I ordered the kit twice. lol.
dawn says
I love all of this Cathy!! Awesome job on it and I LOVE that stamp set!! How cute that mini album is. Thanks for letting us join in the fun with you. I’m not sure what I will be doing yet but documenting November and being thankful are my two favorite things ever.
Cindy says
Hello Cathy, I’m going to apologize now if you’ve already answered this and I’ve just overlooked your response. I’ve just ordered the bundle kit from Studio Calico, but am curious to know if I also need to purchase the digital supplies as well.
Cathy Zielske says
Hey Cindy, no! You do no need the digital set. 🙂 The bundle from Studio Calico comes with one digital file of four blank journal cards. You can print as many cards as you need for the project. Then you can use the stamps to date them and embellish them, plus the other decorative cards in the set! Sound good?
Cindy says
I purchased the digital files as well, just to be on the safe side and to have more options!
Pam says
This is FABULOUS!!!! Love the concept; love the colored cards!!! This will be my first 4 x 4 album! Thanks Cathy…you’re creativity is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!
Cathy Zielske says
Thanks, Pam. I appreciate that. 🙂
Barbara says
Well I need all the reminders I can get to be thankful these days!! lol I tried this last year and failed. I guess I should try again. Working on revamping my scrapbooking area – its taking up the whole basement. 🙂
Vanessa says
I just pre-order my kit from studio calico. So excited to do my first 30 Days of Thankful album!! I am pretty sure that I will not get those in time, since I live in Brazil, but I will, for sure, “pre build” my album as I wait for the kit!
And I LOVE this!!! Just saying!!!
Diane says
Have been waiting for this. Love this project 🙂 I am starting today. It gets busy here in Australia as the school year ends for us in Dec and Nov/Dec gets crazy with end of year concerts, presentations, parties etc. I need end of Dec to get my Dec Daily ready!
So off to start with Day 1 woohoo!!
Ayesha says
Your email and blogpost couldn’t have come at a better time… It’s always at times that are the hardest in life, that you need gratitude more than ever… So yes, I’m diving in: 30 Days of Thankful it will be! Looking forward to it very much. 😀
Can’t afford any newly bought product right now (sorry), so I’ll be using my stash for this instead.
CarlajinAr says
love this!!! i have pre-ordered mine.
Laurie says
You can write, design, and run a business. You’re a triple threat! I love your ideas and find them inspiring.
Cathy Zielske says
Laurie, thanks for saying that. I appreciate it.
margie says
Just ordered my little album for this darling project!
Judy R says
What is the price for the bundle? It doesn’t come up on SC site.
Cathy Zielske says
Judy, it’s $19.99. I think you have to be logged in to see it. 🙂 They are planning to offer individual purchases later in the week, I have been told.
Vernetta says
Love this concept! I think I will try it this way for my first Grateful mini! I am debating getting the SC kit…because I LOVE the stamps! I saw you said the stamps will be offered separately later in the week..do you know how much it will be? And are the stamps acrylic or photopolymer? I know you said acrylic in your post but I just want to double check.
Cathy Zielske says
Not sure just yet! I’ll be keeping people updated on my Facebook page for sure! 🙂 They are acrylic, I believe, but let me double check!
Cathy Zielske says
They are photo polymer! 🙂
Barb says
Sold out….so may have to do digital……ugh. Thanks for diving into stamps and love the 4×4 idea.
Cathy Zielske says
Sorry Barb, but… the digital set includes the PDFs so you just print out the card files onto card stock and make the album. If that helps! 🙂
Barb says
Since I have trouble with the color when printing (I am the baby pink girl!!), I think I will take the idea and run with it! Maybe they will restock the stamps??
Cathy Zielske says
They will be selling more stamps, I believe. Plus, pink girl, don’t forget about office supply stores! They can print PDFs for you. 🙂 Just a thought!
Stacia Rochfort says
I just ordered the digital pack and digital stamps! Thanks for creating this! Now I am off to get the 4×4 album! 🙂
Barb says
Wow…. That sold out quick. :(. I am bummed
Cathy Zielske says
Hey Barb, there will be some stamps still available. I’ll know more this week! Also, you can still buy the digital set, as it includes printable PDFs, which is what I used for all my photos of the album pages in this post. 🙂
Krista says
I just finished last year’s album about a month ago! This year’s goal is to get those pictures printed more timely. The kids really loved helping to create/journal and are looking forward to the project again this year. Congrats on your stamp set !
Thea says
Will you restock the kit bundle? This will be my first year. I don’t know how to do ditigal
Cathy Zielske says
Thea, I don’t believe they are restocking the kit bundle, though you can buy the stamp sets themselves. The digital package contains printable PDF cards. You only need the free program Adobe Acrobat to print them out. In our private Facebook group, I just posted a video (it’s viewable by everyone, actually) and it walks you through the sets.
Here is the link to just the stamps: http://www.studiocalico.com/shop/stamps/4×6-stamp-set-for-cathy-zieleske-s-30-days-of-thankful-class?aff=87897898
Sandra says
Yes, the two states of the turkey are making me chuckle this morning. I’m not sure li’l Tom feels like giving thanks after he’s cultivated, but I do!
Krysta says
Fine. I’m sold. Tell me what to do master.
Cathy Zielske says
Easy now, little one. First, make sure you have Photoshop. Then, we talk.
Unless you want to go old school crafty…
Laura says
Just bought the 6×4 templates from DD from last year — I think this makes the most sense for me this year. Looking forward to this project. 🙂
Cathy Zielske says
I love last year’s sets too! My book I made with Artifact Uprising is one of my fave!
Donna R. says
What is the difference between the basic digital package and the Studio Calico 4 X 4 inch cards (which isn’t currently available)? Thanks.
Cathy Zielske says
Hi Donna,
The studio calico cards were pre-printed, two-sided 4 x 4 cards. In the digital kit, you get PDF sheets (8.5 x 11) that contain all the cards (both sides) plus the journal cards. You just have to print them out yourself at home or at an office supply store (if you don’t have a printer you like!)
Donna R. says
Ahhh … got it. 🙂
Donna R. says
I must be losing it … there is a line above that says you can download the PDF guide for the structure of the album, but no link.
Kelly says
Not losing ….or….we’re losing it together Donna! I couldn’t find the link either 😀
Cathy Zielske says
Whoooops! Let me update it. SORRY!
Thea says
When will class start?
Cathy Zielske says
Hey Thea, this is not technically a class. 🙂 It just starts on Nov. 1. I have another post about the project today on my blog!