An Announcement For 2026
You probably have noticed the little black label on my previews that says “AI Free”. Well, I am aware that this is the opposite direction in which most are going right now. On the surface AI does seem like such an amazing resource for us designers! I thought it could at least inspire and really help my creativity. But there are so many reasons that have brought me to my decision to not use AI in my work and even my personal life. One of them is the emptiness I felt after creating or just using AI – whether as a desktop image, layout, planner, or any other project. I was actually surprised after never being satisfied with what I thought looked so pretty. There are also many non-personal, but sound reasons like the hidden costs (our own electric bill has even gone up directly due to data centers for AI) and the impact of the environment – especially in rural areas, for my not participating in generating any kind of AI – chat or art.
With that being said, from here on, I am making a commitment to not use AI in anything I create or write. I will do as I have been before AI was around, craft my own words, craft my own posts, and newsletters without AI. Matter of fact, teaching my children the free The Good and Beautiful Language Arts course over the years actually strengthened my writing skills – no AI needed! I also will not be using any AI in my graphics, which I have dabbled some in the past. I am choosing to craft using 100% Human Intelligence & Creativity.
So I am hoping you won’t mind, and certainly I am not aiming to offend anyone if they are deciding to use AI…this is my personal decision. If nothing else you are at least informed at what went into designing the kit or bundle. I guess I will be considered Vintage and Old Fashioned from here on – but hey I am ok with that, as that is kind of what I am all about anyway.
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Now, onto the fun stuff and why you are here right?! It is January 1st – who can believe we are in 2026?? I am happy to be starting a new year, a new chapter (we have a cow!!), and I am ready to get back to designing! And with that I have a January 2026 Blog Train mini freebie for you. Also, Valentina surprised me with a lovely cluster gift to share with you all! I hope you all have a wonderful & kindly year!
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January 2026 Digital Scrapbook Blog Train
This mini freebie kit, which coordinates with the bundle, can be downloaded by clicking below.
You can also head back to the Digital Scrapbook Blog Train thread to pick up all the other lovely contributions for this month’s train!
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New Release at Digital Scrapbook
As life tries to get more and more complicated, we often strive for a counterbalance with a simpler life. It can certainly help us move through the journey with just a little less weight on our shoulders. This bundle focuses on taking the time out to do the the meaningful & worthwhile things in life, as well as the little things! The hand drawn illustrations help to echo these sentiments and add a cozy feel to your pages and projects.
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Creative Team Created : Cluster
Valentina has created this amazing cluster and is generously sharing it with us! She used the Simple Life bundle to create it. You can download Valentina’s Fading Blossoms Cluster using the link below.
Creative Team Inspiration
Here are some sweet pages created by my Team! I love how some incorporated the little moments and some a wonderful wintry moment! They are all so beautifully crafted and I am grateful and proud to display their pages here with you!
Credits Above Left: AMarie | Right: Lou
Credits Above Left: Marie-Christine | Right: DebD
Credits Above AMarie
Credits Above Left: Valentina | Center: Marie-Christine | Right: AMarie
Credits Above Alli
Credits Above Left: Bourico | Right: Marie-Christine
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Thnk you so much for your awesome portion of this blog train !
Thank you Chloé! I appreciate your taking time to share your thoughts! ♥
Thank you so much for all of the beautiful creations you create and share. I appreciate your stance on AI. While I do see there are potentially good uses of AI, I believe that it can too easily be exploited (and it already has been) and used in non-productive, non-helpful ways. I really appreciate what you’re doing.
You are very welcome & thank you Tamalita for your insightful comment! I too have seen the exploitation of AI. People do seem bent on removing all the “safetys” when it comes to AI. Thanks again for contributing your thoughts! ♥
Firstly, thanks for your beautiful creativity and artistic work. Your choice to use or not use AI should not offend others – AI has its place (it is just the latest revolution – remember when computers and smart phones became the norm or when emails were the new thing, then social media). I prefer to know that a design uses AI or not, even though it is often easy to tell when AI has been used. It’s your creative/artistic journey and always be true to yourself.
Thanks so much Justina! I know AI has been a hotly debated subject in the art related world since it made its debut. I am grateful you took a moment to let me know your feedback! It is very helpful to know you prefer AI to be labeled. Seems like most do. AI is getting so much better tho these days so it is becoming harder to know if AI has been used or not – thus the importance of at least labeling. Thanks again! ♥
Your stance on AI makes my heart so happy! I’ve had to make some card designs with AI generated images because the company I design with started making card panels with them. My kids were so cross and it didn’t sit well with me either. I was started to think my opinion was a whisper in the wilderness, so I’m delighted our thoughts are aligned. I adore your creativity and I’ll be honest, it would have been diminished a little for me if it had AI elements in it. I love this new kit and it’s lovely knowing the art is human generated, not AI. I’m nervous for all that AI means in our future and stand with you in that wish to remain ‘old school’. Happy New Year Jess xoxo
Thank you so much Wendy! I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts! I think there are a few of us ‘whispering in the wilderness’ love that phrasing btw! I am always delighted to read your comments and see the beautiful cards you create! If you ever have any suggestions for card makers please send them my way! Thanks again for taking a moment to leave me your thoughts! And I read about your friend – so sorry for your loss and for the stressful year (I can relate to the latter!). Here is hoping 2026 will be a much better year for you! ♥
Thank you for the goodies! Not sure I’ve left monthly thank you’s before as I just discovered how on here. LOL I love your creations!
Thank you so much Diana for your kind thoughts & taking a moment to comment! ♥
I commend you on your decision and thank you! I am not thrilled with AI and truthfully, it scares me a little. Your work is lovely and I am sure that it will remain to be so. Happy New Year!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment Laurie! I am looking forward to seeing what this year brings! Wish you all the best! ♥
I’ve always love your kits, they are so genuine. I totally agree with you on AI, I think the world will lose out on so much! Thank you for being just you!
I want to thank you Mary K for your kind comment! I will admit I was a little timid about making the announcement as I was worried I would offend people – not something I want to do. So I appreciate you and everyone’s else’s supportive comments! I want to always stay true to myself & I think I can handle that. 🙂
I completely agree with you regarding AI. I will not be using it for anything, personal or otherwise. I much prefer using my own mind and abilities. I’ve always loved your designs and am thrilled to hear you’ll be avoiding AI. I hope more people jump on your bandwagon, even if some might call it, as you said, old-fashioned. I fear so much that the whole AI world is going to negate and depress our human creative instincts. I worry that eventually, we’ll lose the ability. Long after I’m gone, hopefully, but it makes me very sad to imagine. So, keep on keepin’ on, and I’m sure most of us who enjoy your talents will still be here, eager to see what you create next – with your own ability, not with artificial means.
I really appreciate your heartfelt thoughts Deb! I think many are worried about the consequences, as AI is so new and has not been through the testing to know the impact. I certainly don’t expect any slow down in AI as it is way too popular. But I have noticed some becoming more aware of the fact their jobs are now at risk. My husband’s line of work involves a lot of coding. They say in a few years AI will be able to do project level coding – which would in fact replace his job if the company/organization so desired. We are taking a page in the Amish’s book – diversify the income & grow as much as we can on our own. 😉 I will keep on trucking – just without all the latest techy stuff. Thanks for visiting! ♥
I always think thank you when I get a free kit or any other freebie. In expectation of another grateful new year, thank you and HAPPY NEW YEAR.
I appreciate it DeAnn! Thank you for visiting and wishing you all the best! ♥
Hi Jessica, I’m with you on the subject of using AI! During the covid crises I discovered scrapbooking and I’m hooked since. My mean reason was and still is that I can use my own photos and I don’t need AI for that.
Thank you for your wonderful creations and I’m glad your up (with a cow) for 2026! I will be looking forward to your beautiful kits.
I’m so glad you found your way to scrapbooking Corrie! We are very excited about our sweet Buttermilk cow. She is certainly fitting in with our family beautifully! I’m so happy you stopped by and truly appreciate your sharing your thoughts! ♥
Jessica,
I just read your blog post and I am so happy that you posted your feelings about AI. I totally agree with you about AI leaving you feel empty. I just didn’t know how to articulate my thoughts about as well as you have. Thank you, thank you, thank you from someone else who values HUMAN creativity, intelligence and designs.
Beth
Aww thanks Beth – I think you communicate in a fine way! I appreciate your thoughts and for taking a moment to share them with me! ♥
Thank you Jessica,
you got an e-mail from me 😉
Happy New Year ♥
Thank you Doska! I’ll be sending one your way as well. ♥
thank you very much )))
You are very welcome Biche57! Thanks so much for visiting! ♥
I appreciate your stance on AI. I truly believe that one of these days we are gonna be shocked and saddened when we find out just why it is so bad. I appreciate your willingness to create bundles that are completely AI free.
Thank you for your thoughts & feedback Margaret! Who knows what the future holds, but I will be sticking to the tried & true 😉