joy | my one little word

one
I had fully intended to make art journaling a focus of mine at least several-times-a-month this year. I failed to make it a focus at all in January. First, I couldn't find an art journal that made me happy. I finally did find one here, and the seller is fantastic to work with. I also ordered this stamp from her Etsy shop and will be using it an an upcoming project. {If you order, tell her I said hello!} Secondly, I was afraid to get started. I have never done something that requires messy, free, open thinking and it intimidated me. Here's a sneak of my first finished page:

You probably noticed my OLW {joy} didn't you? I'm almost ready to reveal this page and others, too. Promise. If you can't wait, you can visit here for an intro to the page.

two

Last week at Old Navy, as I was looking for some new things for my growing-ever-taller-girl, Isabella, and happened to find a t-shirt that caught my eye. Now, normally, I am not one to buy a shirt with writing on it.

Do you see it, over there all the way to the right of the screen shot? Yep, it says joy. It's in an  applique apple shape and the green looks much happier in person. I washed it and it didn't shrink, which is good for a tall girl like me who doesn't feel the need to share her belly button with everyone. I would have much preferred that happy pink or even the white, but it was green. I bought it anyway and can't wait  until it's warm enough to wear.

For those of you that happen to have PEACE, LOVE or HOPE as your OLW, you might consider making a trip to Old Navy or do a little online shopping. {Here's a link.}

three

Remember when I listed these prints in the shop? Here's what I did with mine. 

The frame is from The Dollar Tree and I spray painted it with Valspar Satin in the  Hubbell House Golden Maize color. I got it from The Home Depot or Lowe's, can't remember. The yellow gives it such a happy feeling, especially displayed with my Life Is Great banner hoop art, which was a thoughtful gift from Gina. Gina is due a long overdue e-mail from me and I fear she has given up hope on ever hearing from me again. And that cute handcrafted heart is from Alexandra...it smells divine, by the way. This little vignette above my computer monitor makes me very, very happy!


four
I also incorporated my OLW into some sidebar art for the blogeroo. In case you missed it, I'll share  here:

five

I just surpassed 400 followers on iloveitallwithmonikawright. I had been planning a free download and was trying to think what to share. How about a quote? Even if joy is not your one little word,  this sentiment is still one that will make you stop and think for just a moment. Andrea sent me this quote she had in her collection, it's by Brene Brown. {Downloads are in my sidebar {always} or you can click on the image below.}

You might remember me mentioning Andrea before, she was my very first Etsy customer, finding me when I was lucky enough to be a guest poster on Ali Edwards' blog. If you're interested, you can read my post...it outlines my Summer in the Life mini-album.

Wondering how to make this quote download cute and even more inspiring, click here to see what one of my readers, Vicki, did with hers! So dang cute and she includes an awesome idea along with it.

conclusion

Even though I fell behind in some of my blog goals for January, I have a good feeling about February. There are still projects in mind that I'd like to attempt this month and when they're completed, I'll share. If I don't, then there's always March, right?