One Little Word Title Page

A few weeks back I talked about trying to do One Little Word for the first time.  I chose "focus" as my word - focus on the positive and things you can impact and let go of things you cannot change.  But ultimately the class wasn't in my budget.  As a result, I've had a hard time getting started. 

But this weekend My Scraps and More had a One Little Word crop on their forum boards (the challenges are still open this week) and it gave me a little kick in the butt.  I put together my title page for my album/journal for one of the challenges.

My album is an old 8x8 ditto album my daughter has discarded and the size presents a challenge all its own.  I've never done anything that size before.  But I have to admit, I was pleased with how this came out.  It isn't quite like anything I've done before, but it still feels true to my style.

Here's a bit about the elements of my page:

• The background is from the Bo Bunny double dot line - I love all the great colors the ledger paper comes in.  It is one of my go to products and I try to keep a range of colors in my stash at all times.
• I broke out the Mister Huey's (in silver again) to create the large "My Life" element and the spatter effect.  I also used it to color a white paper doily.
• I used a Fancy Pants stencil card with the Mr. Hueys and love the impact of those large words.  I then layered a vellum scrap over the top to soften the look.
• The sequins and vellum arrow are from Studio Calico kits and have been hanging out in my stash as things I love but wasn't sure where to use.  Their sequins are the yummiest colors!
• The small alphas and the flair are from Basic Grey.  The sparkly jewel is from a Websters Pages warehouse box.
• The polaroid frame is from KI Memories (yuoget a whole 12x12 sheet of them to break apart - all with different words and patterns.
• The last piece is a Dear Lizzy die cut.

Are you working on your OLW effort?  Any pointers/ideas to start really working on the issue would be much appreciated.  Enjoy your Monday.

After Christmas and One Little Word

I managed to take Christmas week and most of the upcoming week off to spend time with my family.  And I had big plans for time in my scrap room.  But I have to admit that I didn't realy go in there to work until yesterday when I got out my December Daily.  I finished foundation pages and journaling through December 24th, but haven't had a chance to photograph them.  I'll post them sometime next week.

But I did come across a great concept introduced by Ali Edwards - One Little Word.  As I interpret the concept, you pick a single word that encompasses your goals for the upcoming year.  You keep a journal based on that word over the year, get something to wear (maybe a necklace or bracelet) that represents your word as a reminder, and try to use that word in some creative projects over the year.  There is even a class at Big Picture Classes that provides prompts and helps keep you focused throughout 2013.

I haven't quite decided about the class (I'm not always very good at keeping up with online classes), but definitely want to embrace the concept.  So I've thought a lot about my word and chosen "FOCUS."  I started out thinking about letting go of the little things and the things I can't change or control, but that seemed really negative.  And I wanted the emphasis in 2013 to be on the positive.  So to me focus is about focusing on things I can control or change, focusing on personal improvement (health, creative, professional) and focusing on relationships (husband, children, friends).  But it is also about letting go of things I can't change (e.g., the choices others make). 

I'm hoping to find the perfect bracelet on etsy and to get some kind of journal to use over the next year before I go back to work.  But this weekend, we are celebrating Christmas with the inlaws and taking Stephen back to Cinci.  And I'll be ringing in the new year with a family night at home with Dave, Nicholas and Elisabeth.

Are you participating in the One Little Word initiative this year?  What word did you choose and why?  How are you planning to incorporate your word into your life.  I'd love to hear and learn from you.