Happy New Year 2023

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As I write this, it’s New Year’s Eve 2022. Looking forward to a fresh start and new beginnings is always the highlight this time of year. Last evening, I was talking to my good from Emily (from MinorDIY), and I mentioned that 2022 had been hard.

We talked about the past year’s ups and downs and made plans for the future.

Navy cardstock shadowbox with January 2023 and the word focus over the 2023 numbers.

We then started talking about my “Word of the Year” post that I planned to publish today, and it got me thinking. Why do I have to stick with just one word all year? Every day is a new fresh start. It was right then I decided I would pick a Word of the Month.

Each month will be a time to reset, focus on the future, and move forward. Just like New Year’s, I’m going to mentally clean and reset each month. I’d be honored if you followed along with me.

For January, I’ve decided my word will be FOCUS. I have a lot of plans for my blog this month, and to get them all accomplished; I’ll need to focus.

Included in the design are a couple of versions of the cut file. You’ll find Happy New Year 2023 and Focus 2023. There is also an SVG of the January background that can be used as print then cut.

Click the image above to link to the Special Heart Studio Free Facebook group. We’d love to have you join us!

I don’t mind if you use these designs for personal or small business commercial use up to 200 items, but please do not re-sell or re-distribute the files. I’d ask that you direct your crafty friends here to download the files themselves.  Also, I don’t allow my designs to be used in print-on-demand shops or on transfers that will be sold. Click HERE for complete Terms of Service.


If you’d like to make the rectangle frame shown in my photo, click HERE to go to that post.

Step By Step Directions For Word Of The Year/Month

Included with the free download (#160) in my Freebie Vault are three designs. The 2023 Happy New Year and 2023 focus along with the January background. If you’d like to replace focus with your own word, follow the steps on THIS POST.

I started by uploading the January SVG Cut file. This design I purposly created in SVG format so that you can customize the color of the paper and the print.

Cricut Design space screenshot showing January background select rectangle and change color to match paper.

To customize, select the gray rectangle layer and change to the color of paper you’ll use.

Cricut Design Space Screenshot.  Select Writing and choose color.  Then change Operation to Print then cut.

Next, select the layer with the Janary Writing. Change it to the color of your choice, then change Operation to Print Then Cut.

Select both the January print and the rectangle layer and click Flatten.

Cricut design space screenshot.  Showing layers in Print then cut

You will then be left with just one layer that will Print Then Cut.

After setting up the Print Then Cut background, I focused my attention on the remainder of the design. Uploading the 2023 Focus and updating layers to match the color of my paper.

Cut And Assemble Layers

Cut the design from the paper of your choice and then you’re ready to assemble. When cutting 65lb Recollections cardstock, I use Medium Cardstock setting on my Maker. I use the Heavy Cardstock for the 100 lb. Mirror Cardstock.

Table top with cut paper.  Gluing cut cardstock together.

After cutting, I first glued the top layer of focus to the outline. I’ve recently started using Barely Art Precision Glue. It dries quick and I love that the nosel doesn’t clog.

Set the focus aside to dry.

Now, place foam tabs between all the remaining layers and the back of focus. This provides dimention and helps the design stand out.

Add foam tabs to the back of focus and press to adhere.

Attach the 2023 to the January background with foam tabs. If you’d like to make the rectangle shadowbox frame from cardstock, you’ll find that post HERE.

Please Share Prior To Downloading

Please share! If you enjoy this project/design, please share it on your social media platform or your favorite Pinterest board. I greatly appreciate it!! That helps my blog continue to grow and enables me to continue to provide free designs. 💕 Thank you!

DOWNLOAD My Layered 2023 Happy New Year or 2023 Focus by subscribing (FREE) below to get the password to my freebie vault.

DOWNLOAD my Layered 2023 Happy New Year, 2023 Focus and January SVG Cut files by entering the password to my Freebie Vault. Click HERE to go to the freebie vault, my library of free downloads. To sign up for a password to my free designs, enter your name and email address below. ⬇️

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5 Comments

  1. Gjoa, i feel like my word for 2023 will be…Adapt. My husband and I are daily adapting to our new normal. On December 20th my 90 year old dad had to move in with us due to his deteriorating health. I have 2 sisters, but we live closest to Daddy and have the extra room, so it made sense that he move in with us. It’s going to challenge us all, especially my dad, who was very independent. We all know God has a plan and only He knows what’s ahead for all of us.
    Thank you for sharing with us,
    Joy

    1. Adapt sounds like the perfect word for you Joy. Please remember to take care of yourself along with your loved ones. Prayers for you and yours in 2023.

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