My word to live by for 2012 came swiftly and effortlessly. It made a sudden appearance in my mind and camped out there, no plans to go away.
So I embraced it. 'Give' it will be. Giving brings so much satisfaction, doesn't it? It is indeed "more blessed to give than to receive".
Giving is a spirit, an attitude...who wants to be a taker or a keeper, right? I already know that if I give a little bit of my resources, my time, myself each day this year that I will end the year richer, fuller, more blessed than ever.
Do you choose a word to live by each year? I would love to hear what it is and how you came to choose it.
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Here is a walk-through of a fun project you could adopt for your word...
Print your word in the size you'd like, then trace onto fabric lightly with pencil like so...
Outline stitch over the pencil marks...
Begin stitching organically around the outside of the outlines, using assorted threads, seed beads, french knots, etc...
The nice thing about this project is that you can stop at any time. Mine can be finished as it is, or I may decide to add to it as the year goes along.
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And speaking of giving, please visit my Haiti blog where we've started a fabric scrap drive. We all clean out and de-clutter in January, right? That neat, organized start to the new year feels so refreshing and calming.
May 2012 be all it should be for you and yours!
I love this idea. My word for the year was GIVE also, so I was doubly intrigued by your beautiful design. Can't wait to start!
Thank you for sharing...all of your projects are wonderful!
Happy New Year,
Rae
Posted by: Rae | 08 January 2012 at 16:15
My word is Listen. I am going to stop trying to do things in my own strength and listen for that still, small, voice to direct me. Then success is certain.
Posted by: Debora | 08 January 2012 at 19:02
I came upon my word when reading through one of my Somerset Studio magazine articles and it works for every aspect of my life: Build. Build relationships, build my knowledge, build up my children and husband, build my life, build my creativity and most importantly, build up my Lord Jesus Christ.
Posted by: Charis M | 10 January 2012 at 13:42
Such a beautiful way to remember your word. Mine is "blessed"...and today I am blessed to find your blog!
Posted by: Suzanne | 10 January 2012 at 18:13
I'm finally catching up on some of my favorite art blogs so I know I'm late in this reply but here goes. My 2011 intention was Art Every Day, which didn't mean I had to make art but be involved in something artistic each day. Unfortunately, that didn't work out with the passing of my stepdaughter, from Cystic Fibrosis. With that being said, my theme for 2012 is Begin Again. It's to remind myself that sometimes life gets in the way and we have to give ourselves permission to take the time we need (for ourselves and our family) and when the difficult times pass, we can “begin again”.
All the best to you in the New Year, Rebecca! Thanks for all the inspiration you provide to this beautiful art community and to the world.
Posted by: Traci Johnson | 11 January 2012 at 10:39
my word is also emerge, how funny!
Posted by: andrea | 12 January 2012 at 21:29
Love your stitching project! My word this year is PRACTICE. So often I find myself running faster and faster, trying to keep up with others, explore new mediums and techniques, learn better parenting skills, do another bible study, and I simply fall short of practicing what I already know. So this year I am slowing down and taking the time to practice the simple things in life that bring me great joy, and draw nearer to God as I accept that He loves me just as I am now. So blessed.
Posted by: Juanita | 13 January 2012 at 18:10
Thanks so much for "giving" us this lovely inspiration...my word for the year is JOY...and I plan to find the joy in everything this year. Fondly, Roberta
Posted by: Roberta | 22 January 2012 at 15:01