INSPIRATION A to Z (X - Xciting)

This post is the twenty-fourth in a blog series where I’m exploring various aspects of INSPIRATION. When I chose INSPIRATION as my word for this year, my first thoughts were about finding, acting on and (in some cases) limiting INSPIRATION. I also knew I wanted this word to motivate me not only in my scrapbooking and crafting but also in my physical, spiritual and intellectual goals. During my FUN year last year, I published a two-week series entitled Where Does My Inspiration Come From?, which looked at the many different sources of INSPIRATION specifically for scrapbook layouts. However, in this series, I’ll be sharing a word for each letter of the alphabet (from A to Z) that relates to INSPIRATION along with my random and in-depth thoughts on that word and the various ways it relates to INSPIRATION in our lives.

X is for Xciting

(Yes, I do realize this is a little bit of a "cheat"
since exciting doesn't actually start with X!)

Xciting is defined as "causing feelings of interest and enthusiasm." If something is Xciting, it is stimulating, inspiring, exhilarating, or interesting. Xciting things stir us emotionally and cause feelings of happiness and enthusiasm. In his forward to Spark (which I reviewed HERE), Kurt Anderson stated that "the prerequisite for doing Xciting work is to be excited about it yourself."

It is often an upcoming Xciting event that provides INSPIRATION for me to prepare or create. This time of year is particularly Xciting as there are lots of get-togethers to enjoy. I was excited to participate in two ornament exchanges earlier this month, which was just the INSPIRATION I needed to create a couple of chipboard covered Christmas tree ornaments.

I had FUN creating these ornaments and adding bits & pieces to make them sparkly and dimensional.

Of course, Xciting events also call for hostess gifts, so I created some altered composition books. I especially enjoyed creating this one for my friend Ellyn who will most likely use it to jot down or adhere INSPIRATION and ideas for her numerous sewing and quilting projects and classes.

Did y'all notice that I even found the INSPIRATION to sew on the front of the book? (It might not be perfect, but it's proof that I can use a needle and thread! LOL) I covered the back in matching sewing pattern papers, and also covered the insides of the front and back covers.

Xciting gifts, of course, require FUN gift tags! Ever since that first tag I created using a 3x4 card (based on INSPIRATION from Jennifer Grace), I have enjoyed making them for gifts throughout the year!

It's definitely been an Xciting month around here . . .

. . . other than that major surgery Mama had earlier this month, which was obviously Xhausting for both Mama AND Daddy!

In summary, Xciting things and events can provide INSPIRATION, and INSPIRATION can be Xciting.

What Xciting things have you done lately? Please share your thoughts on Xciting and INSPIRATION in the comments. 

Click HERE to see all my INSPIRATION A-Z posts, or click a letter below to see individual posts.

A(Art)   B(Baking)   C(Creativity)   D(Drawing)

E(Experiences)   F(Finishing)   G(Goals)   H(Hiking)

I(Immersion)   J(Journaling)   K(Knowledge)

L(Learning)   M(Movement)   N(Nurturing) 

O(Organization)   P(Planning)   Q(Quiet)   R(Reading)

S(Style)   T(Teaching)   U(Upcycle)   V(Vacation)

W(Work)   X(Xciting)   Y(Yuletide)   Z(Zzzzzs)