The Power of Intention

What is “Intention”?

Intention is focused thinking on what you want – as opposed to what you don’t want.

The opposite of worry.

Worrying is like praying for what you DON’T want. Intention is praying, thinking about and concentrating on what you DO want. Setting intention is a powerful tool to help you move closer to your goals.

Last summer, just before the CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) trade show I created two little pouches like this out of felt, embroidery floss and a few jewelry bits. One for me and one for my travel companion, roomy and crafty best friend.

As you can see mine is well worn and has been washed a few times.

The idea was to write on a little strip of paper what I intended to accomplish at the show and keep my “Intention Pouch” in my pocket. It worked so well that I kept using it long after the show.

It worked so well that when I facilitated an “Artists Way” workshop last fall we made these the very first night of class to help everyone focus on what they wanted to get out of the 12 week workshop.

As you can see, it is time to make a new one and with Summer CHA only a couple of weeks away I thought it was a good time. And why not share the “How To” with you in case you want to make one for yourself?

You’ll Need:

• Sullivans Embroidery Floss
• Felt
• Pattern (below)
• Needle
• Scissors

I do have to say that it’s helpful to live close to your crafty best friend so that when you visit her studio and see that she’s gotten in a sampling of Sullivans flosses to be reviewed for Craft Test Dummies you can snatch a few to try out for yourself. 🙂

(Be sure to check out fellow CTD teammate Haley’s review of Sullivans Embroidery Floss   to get the full scoop.)

Now to make your own intention pouch.

Print out the pattern above and cut it out. Trace the pattern onto the felt and cut out.

Fold the felt into thirds as shown above. Fold up the bottom and then fold over the rounded end to create the flap for the pouch.

Starting at a corner stitch up one side (through two thicknesses of fabric) across the rounded flap and then down the other side sewing the front and back together.

Attach a button or bead to use as a closure and then add some floss to the center of the flap to wrap around the bead or button to secure the pouch closed.

I love the way the variegated floss looks on this one!

I got a little fancier with this one and created a little tassel with the Sullivans floss.

So now I have a question. I have been thinking about sharing more of my crafts that have some thought/purpose/spirit behind it like my Gratitude Flags (Bird Song, Ocean Breezes and Summer Flowers) but I’m not sure what I should call them.

Spirit Crafts?

Soul Crafts?

What do YOU think I should call them?