30 Days of Thankful, my newest eCourse, is open today!
This concept is one I’ve been doing for a number of years and I have always wanted to turn it into a workshop, so last Spring I started to plan what this Fall’s version would look like. You can read the full course description here, but I’ll tell you a few things about it in a less formal way in this post with some questions and answers.
WHO IS THIS PROJECT FOR? Pretty much anyone who wants to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. I know, that’s a super cheesy catch phrase, but it’s kind of true. I know this may surprise you, but there are times when my attitude in this life is less than… let’s say stellar. I get caught up in my life. I forget to acknowledge the goodness that surrounds me every day. I get busy. I get stressed. I act like I invented long work days. I get distracted. I get tuned out. But when I put the brakes on and start assessing the good, a funny thing happens. My attitude shifts. This is something I want to cultivate. That’s what this project is really all about.
WHEN DO I START? You can start anytime you like! All content is available immediately in this self-paced class. Of course, November would be a logical fit for many people to do a gratitude album. It has 30 days. It has Thanksgiving. But I’m launching today for a few reasons. 1) Canada celebrates their Thanksgiving in October and lucky me, I have a lot of Canadian students, and 2) It takes a bit of prep to get this project rolling. The classroom materials contain a ridiculous number of cards. They include: straight-up printable cards (PDFs); custom-designed digital cards (JPEGs +PNGs) and full-on, editable layered cards (PSDs). It’s going to take some time to get everything ready for the documentation of your 30 days so if you register today, you’ll have plenty of time to get your house of cards in order. Unless you’re Canadian. Then you need to hop to it, girl. (Actually, I did include a 30 Days Class Jotter, which can let you log as you go and add the entries to your album later.)
Oh yeah, and Canada? I’ve included 31 Days of Thankful artwork just for you and anyone else who feels 30 days is just too short a time period.
HOW MUCH TIME WILL THIS COURSE TAKE? It depends on you. In Lesson 1, there’s an inspirational video presentation and an album overview video. In Lesson 2, I teach you how to customize all of your card files. From changing the colors to suit your style to journaling on the computer, I’ve put together some beginner-level instruction to help students create a more custom set of cards. If you’re using the printable PDFs, it will take some time to print all of the cards and prep everything to begin documenting your gratitude. As a self-paced class, you’ll have access to everything upon purchase and can work at your own pace.
CAN I CHANGE THE COLORS? Yes. I’ve included layered PSDs of every single card (there are 31 unique designs in all), as well as video tutorials showing you how to customize your card colors and your journaling. If orange, yellow and brown ain’t your bag, I’ve got you covered. All you need is a working version of Photoshop Elements and an adventurous spirit of digital learning!
ANY TEMPLATES INCLUDED? Yes. I have designed a set of four layered 6 x 8 templates for those who would like to create a fully digital project.
CAN I USE THE CARDS IN THE PROJECT LIFE APP? Yes, with a caveat. You can import any of the JPEG filler card files for use with the Project Life app. However, you cannot add journaling directly to the journal cards using the app. That’s not a function of the app at this time. You would have to add your journaling to the cards using Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, then you could save each card as a JPEG and import to the Project Life app. I made the page below in a few minutes, just to test this all out and it works great. Again, I added the journaling to my layered card files, then saved them as JPEGs, then uploaded them to my Dropbox. You can also layer elements in Photoshop (see lower left card) and then save them as JPEGs and import.
CAN I SAVE ANY MONEY BY REGISTERING NOW? Yes! You can save 20% off the price today through next Wednesday at 6 a.m. This course has a ton of content and I’m confident my students will love it. And if they/you don’t, you know my policy: if you’re not happy, you get a refund, no questions asked! (Actually, I will ask you what I could have done to make the experience better! So maybe just one question asked.) This is the best sale price I will be offering for this course. I will run one more sale in the last week of October and that will be a 15%-off sale. Register now for the early bird discount!
WHAT IF I ONLY WANT THE DIGITAL PRODUCTS? I will be putting all of the course products on sale at Designer Digitals this weekend. All new products launch at 20% off and they will be broken up into separate packages.
WHAT IF I DON’T WANT ANY OF THIS INFORMATION? Then for the love of blogdom, stop reading NOW!
And that’s my post, friends. Again, you can read the full course description here.
But wait, there’s more!
JOIN ME AT NOON EST ON PERISCOPE! I will set up my iPhone and broadcast a quick peek at the entire album project. If you have questions, post them on the stream and I’ll gather them all and post answers to your questions. Or, you can always email me directly and I’m happy to answer your questions. Learn more about Periscope here.
Diane says
This is fantastic! I can’t wait to jump in. Quick question — is the text editable? What if I want to say, make it an annual project and record 365 days of thankful? It’s super ambitious, but I’m considering next year’s ridiculous projects and this would be a good one. Thanks!
Jacquie says
So, for the price of a good bottle of wine (in Canada, that is), I have jumped onto the CZ 30 Days bandwagon. And a quick flip through of class content and ‘oh my Lord’, total value, even for our depressed Canadian dollar!
First time doing this project and totally looking forward to the days ahead.
Thanks Cathy!
Cathy Zielske says
Jacquie, I love you. It’s official. And you know I love my Canadian people!
Whitney says
I am so excited! And thank you for the early registration discount!
One quick question, can we also upload pages made with the 6×8 templates to the Project Life app to print? (Sorry, I’ll be a Photshop Elements newbie, so I’ll be asking questions…. and I am also planning on taking your Digi Basics class to learn the ropes.)
Cathy Zielske says
Hey Whitney, there are 6 x 8 templates in the PL app, but… the 6 x 8 templates in the course would not translate into the app as the ones in the app are just for individual cards.
The ones in the 30 Days class are documents with layers and you would add your images and filler cards to those templates.
But, you could use the app to create a 6 x 8 page. Clear as mud?
Whitney says
In the app there are collage templates (one horizontal, one vertical) of a full 6×8. Would that work if I uploaded the pages created in PSE to print through the app?
Cathy Zielske says
Ah, I didn’t even see those. Yes, that would work. You would save your template file as a JPEG, which then flattens all the layers, then you could upload it and pop it in!
I didn’t know there was a full page option in the app for 6 x 8.
Cathy Zielske says
Wait, I think I misspoke. I don’t see full page templates, as in a 6 x 8 Template in the app that just holds one big photo. I just see collage templates for the 6 x 8. So in that regard, it wouldn’t work. Whitney, email me and I can clarify it a bit further!
Honore says
I had planned to dedicate my October to learning & sharpening my PSE skills and can think of no better teacher or way to do it than by taking this course. Thank you CZ for putting this together … and saving my life! You’re the best! See you on Periscope later today!
Cheers~
Cathy Zielske says
Excellent! And thank you!
Darcie says
Even though I have followed you for years, this will be the first class I have taken of yours. (Sad, I know) I am assuming that this is not like say, December Daily, wherein I order the products and they arrive at my door – all I do is add photos and journaling and pop them into my album. I assume this class – and most all of your classes – are online, as in I print the journal cards on my own computer and use an album that I have found on my own. True? I am NOT very computer user friendly. Is this an easy process? I hope so, I really want to take more of your classes.
Cathy Zielske says
Hey Darcie, yes! You have the idea.
In the classroom, you would download the PDF package and then you would print cards onto white card stock, trim them and use them in your project. All you need beyond a printer and paper is Adobe Acrobat Reader (a free program, link included in the class) and a pen.
You can pick any album you like! There is a link for the supplies list in the course description. I used an album from Simple Stories and scrapbook.com has put together an order for students who would like to use what I am using.
There are a lot of cards in this class, but I have two videos that explain the album project in general and then a video walk through of my project. I chose to journal using the computer files, but you can simply print the journal cards and hand write entries.
I’ve also included a Guide to the Cards, to show you exactly what the PDF files look like. Yes, you have choices to make but once you get the hang of it, I think it will make sense!
Darcie says
Awesome! Thanks so much for the info – I’ll be registering straight away. 😉
Kybarb says
Love the 4×6 album and enjoyed your periscope today! So great to see the whole album completed. Thanks for offering so many options too. I’ll probably just buy an album and the digital pkg at DD unless the class is cheaper.
Shawna says
I have read about your album each year and am so excited to embrace this tradition with my family this year. Thank you so much for putting everything together for someone like me, who needs direction. If I may ask, what is your album plan? I love the butternut one shown above!
Cathy Zielske says
Hi Shawna,
There is a supply list link on the class description! It’ll take you to show you what album I’m using. 🙂 It’s from Simple Stories.
Sue Williams says
Thanks so much for providing this for Oct 1st (31 day, Canadian start), really appreciate it! As ever, you are an inspiration and the content is amazing value for the money!!!
Katie Jones (UK SU! demo) says
I logged onto the computer yesterday morning here in the UK, and was stoked to find that the class was sitting there ready for me to sign up – *and* with a 20% discount! So very exciting!
Thanks, Cathy, I can see this being very popular – I really hope it is.
Cathy Zielske says
Ha, thanks Katie! I hope it is too! I launched it early knowing that my Canadian people might want to do this project in October, but I know more people in the US would be inclined to participate in November. 🙂
Sharon says
Is there a way to see your finished if I missed the Periscope peek. I’ve already signed up for the class. Looks fun!
Cathy Zielske says
Yes! In Lesson 1, there is a video overview of much better quality than the Periscope, plus a full color handout of the whole album, with notes!
Holly Corbett says
Hi Cathy! I really like the “Guide to the Cards” PDF that you have included in this workshop! I know that took a lot of extra time to put together, but it’s worth it! It’s a nice addition, and it really is useful! Thanks again!
Cathy Zielske says
Thanks, Holly! It was a student idea from another class and I thought it would be helpful!
Beth says
Hi Cathy! I’m wondering if the instruction you provide in the class is mostly technical stuff (how to use PSE), or if you go into journaling ideas, etc?
Cathy Zielske says
Hey Beth, the step by step instruction is technical stuff.
There are two inspiration videos in the firs lesson. The first one is an 18-minute kick off video, talking about the project. The second is 16 minute video walk through of my album where I talk about how I put it together, and choices I made for both photos and entries.
I include a handout with photos of all the pages in my album as well. That was how I hoped to provide inspiration for what you could include in your album.
But in terms of a video talking specifically about journaling… not really. Hope that helps!