(Argh - yes, the e is upside down but I decided to leave it as I had gone to all that trouble making the little accordion book...)
I am Artist of the Month for an art journaling group I'm in and have decided to guide the group through One Little Word 2017.
One Little Word started with Ali Edwards and here's a quote from her blog:
About One Little Word®
A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can be sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow.
In 2006 I began a tradition of choosing one word for myself each January – a word to focus on, mediate on, and reflect upon as I go about my daily life. My words have included play, peace, vitality, nurture, story, light, up, open and thrive. These words have each become a part of my life in one way or another. They've been imbedded into who I am and into who I'm becoming. They've been what I've needed most (and didn't know I needed). They've helped me to breathe deeper, to see clearer, to navigate challenges, and to grow.
I hope you'll consider joining me for the next One Little Word® workshop in January 2015 here at aliedwards.com.1. Decide on your word.
Check out all my blog posts regarding One Little Word® here.
Click here to read a FAQ and more details about this project.
You need to choose a word that resonates with you, instead of having a New Year's Resolution you choose a word for the year. For a list of words check out Ali's blogpost here.
My word for 2016 was Heal.
My word for 2015 was Focus.
My word for 2014 was Grow.
My word for 2013 was Believe.
My word for 2012 was Courage.
Activity 1 - I used one of my accordion style books this year but in the past I have used my little books for the activities but an art journal is ideal too. Write/doodle/decorate/stamp your word.
Activity 2 - Find a definition of your word that suits your purpose and write these definitions in your journal.
Gratitude - the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful.
3. How will you apply your word?
Activity 3 - write how you will apply your word over the year as this will help you to make it happen.
Activity 4 - this is where Pinterest is helpful and google. Find a quote with your word in it that speaks to you and write/doodle/decorate it in your journal.
5. Song Lyrics with your word in it.
Activity 5 - if you can find a song with your word in it that speaks to you then this is sometimes easier to remember throughout the year.
6. Scripture with your word in it.
Activity 6 - If you enjoy the Bible/Scripture then you might be able to find a verse that speaks to you, even though it doesn't have your word in it, it may relate to your theme.
7. Create a bookmark.
Activity 7 - create a bookmark with your word on it and keep it in your planner journal so you see it throughout the year. I started with a rectangle of gelli printed cardstock, you could use manilla folder or an index card, then I covered it in stamps and a border and washi tape on it and then used my gel pen and stamps to write the word and scripture on it, then added ribbon. I kept on going until I was happy.
8. Pinterest Board.
Activity 8 - Each year I create a Pinterest board for my word and pin related pins. It's fun and inspirational especially for the activities.
Here are my boards: Gratitude, Heal, Focus, Grow, Believe.
Ladies, I hope you have fun with these activities, I recommend the first four to get the most out of your OLW, but the more you do the fun it will be.
Have a great 2017!