Create - the only thing you need to know: Word for the Year

Resting on a colander

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These two birds were found with the rest of their family many years ago at a garage sale. They, as well as their siblings were feathered in downy red at that time. But over the years these two have changed.

They have aged, been moved around, dangled from the edges, and fallen...off the tree which we prop in a corner of our living room during the season.

They have grown weary over the years and needed an update. They inspired my word for the year, Create.

The rest of the bird family has been packed away for another year, these two however, remain staring at me. And in this project, you will see them enter this new year in a new form.

Trying to improve

Anyone who knows me is aware how I like to re-imagine things. On empty pages, and with torn bits of the past, pieced together to make something new. Fitting for a new year, don't you think?

If you decide to continue to follow along here, you will see a shift towards creation in my words. Over the past year (perhaps enforced by distancing), I have realized that creating is much more fun than consuming.

And in this attempt to Create, I ask you too to give yourself permission to do what needs doing this new year. 

You may choose to de-clutter (because space is a good thing), to re-read a favourite book (because you've grown in the meantime), to investigate a new skill (because, why not?).

 We all Create in different ways. (Tweet This)

 

A piece here, a piece there. Note the glue medium stuck to fingers.

Smart Husband suggested they could dry this way!

I will aim this year to Create as much as I can, out of words - a poem or a story, on canvas - with paper and markings from anywhere, ribbons, wool, textile donations anyone? Using things that others might call pieces of trash. 

Many of course will call this madness, but I name it Create. (Tweet This)

And now, here sit two new birdies. In this new year.   

The only thing you need to know?

Start small. Change takes time.

All the pieces of yourself count.

They make you, You.

(Tweet This)

May your Word of the Year guide you to a better you. (Tweet This)

 

Stay well, stay kind.

 

 

If you are looking for other ideas for your Word, you can read some of my previous choices.

Re-Write    How to choose your word     Open

Then choose your word at  One Word 365

 

July Create - Crazy about Canvas Frames

This year has been about trying my hands at some new things. As a newbie on Pinterest, a person could truly get lost in projects for a week without coming up for air. Do you remember those days, of endless Play, of lying on someone's lawn and watching the clouds go by?

Anyone who knows me well, knows how much I appreciate re-creating a commercial idea and making it myself instead. And if a person can do this inexpensively, bonus!

So here is my July Create, from my Pinterest Board - Things to try in 2015, instructions courtesy of Designer Trapped in a Lawyer's Body. This is an easy afternoon project and gives results which can be hung by evening at a fraction of the usual cost if you were to order online.

Two of my favourite photos taken while on holidays, will  now grace my office wall where I can enjoy them. The most time consuming part of all was shopping for the supplies. Then all you have to do is crank up the music, spread out and begin...

Supplies from Michaels

Paint on Mod Podge

Keep it Simple! This was an enjoyable way to Play in July or anytime.

      

"Texturize"

Relaxing in Seattle

                             

Crazy about Canvas Frames reminded me that    not all good looking results need to be difficult. Sometimes we just need to take a leap and be brave.

Now tell me, what have you been postponing because it could be difficult? What could you try today?

 Doing Coffee in Portland

June Create - completed under the Wire

June Create somewhere in here

June Create somewhere in here

Such a good idea, it seemed at the time. Spread all the pieces and begin. How many times have you spread yourself too thin? Thought you could handle it, and then felt overwhelmed? Where to begin, how to begin? Scary isn't it?

June Create somewhere in here

If we look at all we want to accomplish and take a close look at all our skills (or beads as the case might be), how do we stop, to focus, to set a goal, to finish something? My dining room table was the canvas for my June Create. For ten days it held my various purchases, and plans, and ideas.

I moved things around, I researched, I Googled, and I got lost but was encouraged on Pinterest. And then I sat down, sometimes with a tea, sometimes with a wine and made these.

Beads from Mexico - some handpainted

Mauve Power

Flower Pendant - opens

Sea Glass Necklace

Soft Sky Wraparound

It's up to each of us to assess our skills, our timeline, our fears and our JOY. Do something because you want to Play, do something because it makes you happy. Do something because it makes you You! Find yourself, Find your Bliss.

My February Create - Chained Heart

I'm keeping my promise to my Word for this year, see My January Create for my earlier post.

My February Create was an evening project using a heavy metal heart, a scrap of chain, cord and a forgotten "dangle". Voila! Fun to wear and named by my Sweetie as Biker Babe appropriate.

My "Chained Heart" was woven together with items just sitting in a drawer.What do you have sitting in a bag or a box that you have forgotten? Perhaps you too can sift through some discarded bits and pieces and make something new.

We forget things that we have previously fancied, things we put away for a rainy day when we have more time. Today is the day! Please go look for those treasures and give yourself the gift of discovery.

Play like a child.

Then drop me a line and let me know what you discover!


Items from my drawer: Heart - Beads and Plenty More; Chain, Cord, Metal tube, dangle - Michaels