Happy 2016 Everyone!
Hope your new year is off to a great start, and that you were able to greet 2016 with a hopeful heart.
I celebrated New Year’s Eve by trying out some new tools… the 2016 was done with Derwent’s metallic colored pencils on Strathmore’s awesome Art Again black paper. I still prefer my Microns, but I do like the effect of the blended metallic pencil on the black paper. I suspect that I’m not the only one who spent time coloring and creating over the holidays… WoW! The Trim-A-Rim border designs that were posted in the Zenspirations® Create, Color, Pattern, Play FB Groupthis week are FABULOUS! Hope you are having fun with them. As I spent time this week trying to select my first-ever ‘word of the year’… I realized that this is no easy task! In order to pick a word to guide your personal growth, you have to understand not just where you are and where you hope to go— but also what is preventing you from moving towards your goals. Thank you to those who shared their 2016 Word of the Year; I loved getting a glimpse into your hearts and goals. In appreciation, I hand-lettered all the words which were shared:
I know that once I decide what word to use I will want to put it where I can look at it every day… and I’ll probably create multiple versions in different styles to make it fun and interesting. I wanted to invite you to create and share a visual interpretation of YOUR word. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece– just a way of drawing your focus to the word you choose. To help you get started I thought I’d share a few layout ideas. Below is the first sketch I made; it has a framed area for the Word of the Year.
Next I did a circular version, also with a frame to make the word of the year stand out. In honor of the new year, I’m making this available as a FREE DOWNLOAD for you to inscribe your word of the the year, and then add your own special touches.
Click here to download your free copy of the 2016 Word of the Year Color, Create, Pattern, Play page. I’d love to see what you do… hope you’ll post your design in the album I’ve set up in the FB group. Here is the link:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1471158256528576/
There were a couple of people who chose two words, and below is an example of how you can put two words in the frame.
For those who don’t like the idea of a frame, here are a couple of ideas on how to highlight your word:
and even an idea on how to color it:
One of my goals for Zenspirations is to build a compassionate, caring and connected community of creative individuals who are committed to kindness and spiritual growth. Starting the Facebook Group in 2015 really helped; as we stand on the threshold of the new year, I feel so blessed to be a part of this group!
In closing tonight I wanted to share a piece I did while I was trying to narrow my options down to the one word I’ll focus on this year. This week I managed to narrow it down to one letter… All the words in the piece below start with the letter C— and I didn’t even include Color or Create! Trying to pick only one word is TOUGH… and i will let you know next week what my final choice is.
I’ll be writing my blog from Anaheim next week, where I’ll be attending the Craft & Hobby Show… I’ll be doing demos and make-it, take-its at my favorite pen manufacturer, Sakura of America, and also at Fox Chapel/Design Originals, my awesome book publisher… if you’ll be at the show please stop by to say hi!
Stay Zenspired,
Joanne
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Happy New Year Joanne,
Thank you so very much for choosing my word(s) of the year! It really is special to me.
I wish you good luck in Anaheim. If I lived on the west coast instead of the east I'd come. I can't wait to see what you do out there.
Toni
I love this Joanne! I too struggled with my "word" and I finally decided that "Grace" pretty much summed up everything I was contemplating! I am Catholic, and the Pope has designated this the year of "Mercy" – but I think he would approve of my "Grace"…it aids in my Mercy!
Thank you for your lovely designs. I follow along on Facebook – but have not posted a finished project yet, I just don't think my "art" measures up. I will get the courage up this year and accept my faults with Grace!
My word of the year is Grace. I look forward to using one of these pages to write my word. God has abundantly given me His grace, and I want to share that same grace with others.
Wow – I was just thinking of my word being Grace this year too! I need to live my life with more grace. Your coloring activities sure have helped me with that and now I can have a daily reminder. Thanks again for all you do and share with us. Good luck in California next week!!
I must have missed my word, bit I think they're all beautiful & I love the ones for us to write our own. Thank you.
I'm sorry for bringing this here, but we have yet get to a response from you in the Zenspirations group on Facebook. I know you're super busy & all, but you're missing out on allot of sales by not responding to this one.
Unfortunately, my computer broke 2 days ago, so I can't just send you a link to the post itself, but there is a picture of your cablecast on it. A bunch of people, myself included are looking floor where to buy your 2016 wall calendar. We've searched everywhere & have all come up empty handed.
I hope you'll have the answer.
I also hope you have a great great time in California. I have friends in Anaheim, I should tell them about your going. They waste artists too, but Very different styles. And THAT is what makes art so wonderful!
In my experience, the right word will float up and it will feel just right. Mine changed after I had considered it chosen! Thank you for the downloads.
My word is Focus !
This is really Great I really need to get busy deciding what my word will be I want it to be heartfelt and Cheerful sounding and same kind of meaning thinking hard would love sugestions