As I was reading these "word of the year" blog posts in January, I thought maybe I should think about me a little sooner this time and not wait until Jake was going to be in first grade...for goodness sake, I'll be 43 by then. Here's my first Believe Achieve blog post. And the thought of turning 40 this year also added to my eagerness to make plans that were mine alone. For years, I've been involved in scrapbooking in some way, working on albums at home, helping my friend with projects, working at Whimzee's, writing my blog. I also began another of my efforts at being healthier and losing weight this year.
Being someone who isn't short on words, I couldn't narrow my choices down to just one. For my 2010 words of the year, I chose Believe and Achieve. I chose them even before I walked into Jake's room to get him up from his nap and saw those exact words stenciled on a plaque on the wall in his room. Dave chose it at a baby boutique when we were shopping for bedding & decorations for his room. It hangs over his crib and someday we'll explain to him what they mean...right now, he just enjoys pointing out that there is an "A" on the sign.
These words are important for me to remember this year, because I have a few goals for myself. I want to expand my blog and find a sponsor or two (if anyone has any suggestions, bring 'em on!) and I hope to be chosen for a Design Team of some sort in 2010. I also want to continue with my efforts to work out, eat healthier and by doing those things, lose some weight. One more important goal, for the whole family really, is to make smart money choices.
I think that I am moving toward all these goals, but I do have to remind myself everyday, that I have to Believe in myself and make efforts in order to Achieve them this year. I created this layout to highlight my words and remind myself everyday of what I am working toward. I challenge you to find a theme word or two, even three or four, who's counting.
In creating a layout that highlights my words, I wanted to use some of my favorite products. The papers are from Lily Bee and the embellishments are from all sorts of places. I wanted to show contrast in this layout. Not only am I a mom and wife, I also have personal and professional goals outside of my family. These goals will benefit my family in many ways, but they are my goals. I chose to create contrast in my layout by placing the rhinestone "BELIEVE" on a distressed piece of corrogated cardboard. The rhinestone title also contrasts nicely with the slick orange "ACHIEVE." I created depth by using a cardboard circle covered with word filled paper. I used pop dots to raise my photo above the background. Again highlighting my words, I used Photoshop to print them on my photo.
I love this photo of me. I asked my friend, Pandra, to shoot a photo of me to send in with a design team application. I was planning on changing & doing my hair first, but she just got out her camera one night when we were hanging out with friends. They started telling jokes & I couldn't keep a straight face. It just all went downhill from the very beginning.... This first photo was the best of the bunch! Thanks P! :)
Tips
Think of a theme word for the year & remind yourself of it everyday!
Create a layout or project highlighting your word and place it somewhere you will see it everyday!
Don't be afraid to create contrast with by using totally different embellishments in your layouts. Rhinestone & cardboard...glitter & slick plastic.
Have a friend shoot some photos of you and create a layout that shows your personality or how you felt that day!
Supplies
Patterned Paper - Lily Bee
Rhinestone Title - Kaisercraft
ACHIEVE & 2010 - THICKERS by American Crafts
Paint - a variety of craft paints
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