Joy OLW 2019

I have chosen the word JOY to be my One Little Word/theme/mantra for 2019. I decided on this word after reflecting on 2018 and what I needed for 2019.

In previous years I have made little books to write my intentions in. Today I searched for those books and found the book for 2015 - I hadn't used it to it's fullest as I had become ill so I decided to reuse some of the pages and add a new front cover for 2019.

Here's my OLW 2019 book:

Here is the 2015 book for comparison:

What is you One Little Word for 2019? Hope you have a great year.

Embrace OLW 2018

I have chosen the word EMBRACE to be my One Little Word/theme/mantra for 2018. I decided on this word after reflecting on this year and what I needed for next year.

For previous posts on my OLW check out this link: http://shellsinthebush.blogspot.com.au/search/label/OLW

Gratitude OLW 2017

I have chosen the word GRATITUDE to be my One Little Word/theme/mantra for 2017. I decided on this word after reflecting on this year and what I needed for next year.

(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.
Check out all my blog posts regarding One Little Word^® here.
Click here to read a FAQ and more details about this project.

1. Decide on your word.

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.

2. Define 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.

4. Quotes with your word in it.

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!

Heal OLW 2016

I have chosen the word HEAL to be my One Little Word/theme/mantra for 2016. I decided on this word after reflecting on this year and what I needed for next year.

In March I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma - cancer of the plasma cells. This year I have had a few cycles of chemo and in September I had nasty nasty chemo followed by a stem cell transplant and have been recovering from that ever since. Next year I just need to let my body heal and get stronger and healthier and that is what I will be focused on.

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 2016.

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.
Check out all my blog posts regarding One Little Word^® here.
Click here to read a FAQ and more details about this project.

1. Decide on your word.

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 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 little books for the activities but an art journal is ideal too. Write/doodle/decorate/stamp your word.

 2. Define your word.

Activity 2 - Find a definition of your word that suits your purpose and write these definitions in your journal.

HEAL - to become healthy, whole or sound, free from ailment.
- to mend
- to get well

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.

4. Quotes with your word in it.

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.

HEAL - "The body heals with play, the mind heals with laughter and the spirit heals with joy."

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.

These song lyrics don't really apply but they are from one of my favourite songs:

"These wounds won't seem to heal, this pain is just too real. There's just too much that time cannot erase." - My Immortal - Evanescence.

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.

I like Isaiah 33:2 And no resident will say "I am sick", as well as 1 Peter 5:10 'He will make you strong.'

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: 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 2016!!!

Inspiration Hangers by Rachél Payne

Whilst waiting for glue to dry on my latest mixed media gelli print girl I decided to make one of these Cardboard Mixed Media Inspiration Hangers by Rachel Payne. Rachel is part of the Creativity Tribe and an instructor at Cre8ive Klatch.

This Inspiration Hanger project took me about 10-15 mins to complete and mine is different to Rachel's but that's the idea of the projects at Cre8ive Klatch - to inspire you to be creative and to teach you some new techniques and to use what you already have at home. So check out Rachel's video on the CK blog.

I brayered on my paint and glued on the gelli print house, stamp in top right corner and lace at the bottom and then used paint pens to highlight the house and words and a dragonfly stamp too.

It's now hanging on the door to my art room!!  Let me know if you make one and share it in the Cre8ive Klatch facebook group with me.  See you in there!

Focus OLW 2015

I have chosen the word FOCUS to be my One Little Word/theme/mantra for 2015.

My word came to me when I was talking to someone new about my art and what I did this year and said that I really had to focus more on doing one thing instead of being a 'jack of all trades and master of none'.  I didn't really know where I was going in 2014 and tried to do too many things and know now that I have to concentrate on one thing and not spread myself so thin.

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 2015.

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.
Check out all my blog posts regarding One Little Word^® here.
Click here to read a FAQ and more details about this project.

 1. Decide on your word.

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 2014 was Grow.  My word for 2013 was Believe. My word for 2012 was Courage.

Activity 1 -  I used one of my little books for the activities but an art journal is ideal too. Write/doodle/decorate your word - see first photo.

2. Define your word.
Find a definition of your word that suits your purpose.

FOCUS:
1. The centre of interest or activity.
2. The state or quality of having or producing clear visual definition.
3. Pay particular attention to.

Activity 2 - write these words in your journal. 

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.

Focus:
1. Create one girl each week and put it in my Etsy shop or for sale in exhibitions.
2. Use gelli prints in my art - my girls and collages.
3. Create tutorials for Cre8ive Klatch.
4. Do less swaps and art journaling.

4. Create a bookmark.

Activity 4 - 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 manilla folder, you could use cardstock or an index card, then I covered it in a gelli print and collaged lace and a border and washi tape on it and then stamped on it and used my gel pen. I kept on going until I was happy.

Extra fun activities...

5. Pinterest Board.

Activity 5 - Each year I create a Pinterest board for my word and pin related pins.  It's fun and inspirational especially for the following activities.

Here are my boards:  Focus, Grow, Believe.

6. Create a reverse acronym for your word.

Activity 6 - Pinterest helped with this one.... Focus = Follow One Course Until Successful.

7. Quotes with your word in it.

Activity 7 - this is where Pinterest is helpful and the google.  Find a quote with your word in it that speaks to you and write/doodle/decorate it in your journal.

"It's important to FOCUS on what we do best and master one craft at a time." - Russell Simmons

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.

Please leave a comment with your chosen word below as I'd love to make a list of the words chosen.  Thank you!!! Or add your blog to the linky below!

Have  a great 2015!!!

Grow OLW 2014

I have chosen the word GROW to be my One Little Word/theme/mantra for 2014.

GROW

1. To increase in size by a natural process.

2. a. To expand; gain: The business grew under new owners.

b. To increase in amount or degree; intensify: The suspense grew.

3. To develop and reach maturity.

4. To be capable of growth; thrive: a plant that grows in shade.

5. To become attached by or as if by the process of growth: tree trunks that had grown together.

6. To come into existence from a source; spring up: love that grew from friendship.

7. To come to be by a gradual process or by degrees; become: grow angry; grow closer.

I love these quotes:

“Don't go through life, grow through life.”- Eric Butterworth

“If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we are not really living.”  - Gail Sheehy

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.

e. e. cummings

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/eecummin161593.html#OQYfw2L7WAXtuLBA.99

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.

e. e. cummings

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/eecummin161593.html#OQYfw2L7WAXtuLBA.99

 "It takes courage to grow up and become who we really are."  E E Cummings.

There's more on my Pinterest Grow OLW 2014 board. 

In 2014 I will grow....

- by learning, changing, developing my artistic style

- by making mistakes, taking risks, stretching out of my comfort zone

- by sharing my knowledge, skills, talents and compassion with my art communities

- by showing up and making an effort whether I want to or not

I decided on the word GROW a couple of months ago when my BFF said "maybe it's your time to grow".  I had been discussing how I felt about my art, or my lack of feelings for art except sadness and how I had taken a lot of classes and it was time to find my style.

It's time to listen to me, how I feel about what I'm creating, does it bring me joy?  Do what you love - it's a common phrase in the art world but I love a few different things.  Listening to others and teachers has brought me down in the past (as well as listening to myself) so I need to start a positive loop in my head.

I have a lot of art books so I will look to them to try out some new techniques and ideas to be creative.  I love to be creative, it brings me joy.  Techniques....well that's when the comparison monster invades my head and says I'll never be good enough or so and so is better than me so it may be best to stay away from the computer and comparing myself to others.

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.
Check out all my blog posts regarding One Little Word^® here.
Click here to read a FAQ and more details about this project.

If you have blogged about your One Little Word for the year and would like to read about what others have decided on for their word then head to the Fly Tribe Word Hop and join in.

 

Believe in 2013

I have chosen BELIEVE to be my word for 2013.

believe

 

[bih-leev] verb, be·lieved, be·liev·ing.

verb (used without object)

1. to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so: Only if one believes in something can one act purposefully.

verb (used with object)

2. to have confidence or faith in the truth of (a positive assertion, story, etc.); give credence to.

3. to have confidence in the assertions of (a person).

4. to have a conviction that (a person or thing) is, has been, or will be engaged in a given action or involved in a given situation: The fugitive is believed to be headed for the Mexican border.

5. to suppose or assume; understand (usually followed by a noun clause): I believe that he has left town.

I love this quote by Christian D Larson:

“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” 

In 2013 I will believe in:

~ my self

~ my worth

~ my talents, abilities and creativity.

~ my family, friends and community to support and encourage me

~ my choices and decisions

~ my hopes, dreams, plans and goals

~ love and faith 

~ the path I take and the course I choose   

I decided on believe mid-way through 2012 when I found that people did not believe in me as an artist.  Just because we believe we are artists does not mean that others think the same way I found out.  And later in the year when I spoke the truth to a friend they did not believe me.  I needed to believe in myself and not let others bully me around.

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.
Check out all my blog posts regarding One Little Word^® here.
Click here to read a FAQ and more details about this project.

If you have chosen a word for 2013 and blogged about it then pop over to the Fly Tribe Word Hop blogpost and leave a link to your blogpost and I'll pop by in the next week and see what exciting word you have chosen.

Courage in 2012

COURAGE

• To be the real and authentic me
• To take risks with my creations/art/paintings
• To live my dreams, follow my passions and create an artistic life
• To be part of as many exhibitions as possible.
• To reach out to others, include them in my life and artistic community.
• To say 'Yes' to opportunities
• To get my writing and artwork published.
• To leave the secure environment of my home.
• To travel to Melbourne, New Zealand, USA, Canada and to the moon and back.
• To travel alone and with friends.
• To attend a workshop in the States and to make it the most awesome life and learning experience possible.
• To meet people whom I've never met but whom I know and hold a special place in my heart.

Today is the Fly Tribe Blog Hop and we are writing about the One Litte Word we have chosen to describe our intentions for 2012.  This idea started with Ali Edwards and she writes:

SING YOUR WORD

Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2012? It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought, or a feeling, or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother's word or your spouse's word or your child's word - this is YOUR word.

One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here's one thing that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now. Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways. Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren't ready for it yet.

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.
Check out all my blog posts regarding One Little Word^® here.
Click here to read a FAQ and more details about this project.

Again, be open to the possibilities.

 If you would like to read what other people have chosen for their words then check out the Fly Tribe Word Hop page for links.

I hope that you too will have the courage to live your dreams, love and hugs,  Mxxx.