Getting funky with Crafty Chica Products- Part 2

 So today I am sharing another fun post full of Crafty Chica products... In today's post I decided to have my daughter join in the fun. When our daughter saw me ironing on the heart to my canvas, she got a brilliant idea that a pair of her pants could be used in the same way... who am I to say no to a budding creative mind?

DIY Designer Jeans

Supplies:  Pens: Sakura of America, Iron on: Crafty Chica for I love to Create, trim and old jeans: Unknown

This project was perfect for my 6 year old daughter. I simple took the rose iron on transfer and applied it to a simple pair of her jeans. From here, I let her color in with her choice of colors. 

 Here is a close up of the detail of the pants. Just some simple trim finish these pants off and make not only a custom pair of designed pants, but also a great project for your child or teenager.

Crafty Chica Market Tote

Supplies: Market Tote: Crafty Chica for I love to Create, Pens: Sakura of America, Flowers: Prima Marketing Inc., Ink: Clearsnap

This tote was so much fun and as I created it, I kept thinking of my daughter... it didn't hurt that she was eying it as I was working on it :) regardless.. she wins and will be taking this to school tomorrow as her back pack. She helped decorate it and pick some of the colors :)

 

*I received this complimentary product(s) from CraftyChica.com as part of the Crafty Chica Design Team and was asked to share an original DIY project.*

 Click here to see if a Michaels store in your area is carrying the Crafty Chica line.

I just want to thank Kathy again for asking me to share some inspiration using her products. If you would like to have fun with Crafty Chica products, make sure to click the link above to find out where products are available near you.

Thanks for joining me today :)

~Liz Hicks♥

Getting funky with Crafty Chica Products- Part 1

A few weeks ago I was given a wonderful opportunity to play around with some Kathy Cano-Murillo A.K.A Crafty Chica products that are hitting select Michaels Stores. I have said this before and I will say it again... I adore Crafty Chica :)

I met Kathy a few years ago at CHA while I was working for Tattered Angels. I knew of her passion for crafting and her heritage, but what I found in Kathy as I got to know her, was a passion for people and helping others reach their goals and dreams... I love this.

After receiving a set of iron on transfers and one of her new Market Totes, I set out to create three separate projects that could reflect the fun and freedom that these designs exhibit. Today, I am sharing a mixed media canvas featuring one of the iron on transfers.

Love of My Life 

14x14 Mixed Media Canvas

Supplies:Iron on: Crafty Chica for I Love to Create, Ink: Tsukineko, Pens: Sakura of America, Paint: Plaid Enterprise, Spray inks: Clearsnap, letters: Prima Marketing Inc, Spray Paint: Krylon, Stencil: (handmade by me) Unknown: Canvas, vintage paper, thread

This canvas is dear to my heart. When I saw the heart on fire iron on, I knew I wanted to create a canvas with it for sure. There is a song that is on Santana's Supernatural CD that is sung with Rob Thomas from Match Box 20. This is the song that my husband use to sing to me when we were dating. The words are beautiful and well, I thought this heart matched the words to that song so well... So as a birthday gift for my husband, I planned to create this canvas for his office. I wanted to add a few more of the hand drawn flowers, but my husband caught wind of the project and had me stop right here... he liked it just the way it was. Who am I to argue with him?

Here is a close up of the side. It is raw, yet for some reason my husband likes it that way... I do too :)

 

Here is a close up of the words, this is part of the chorus of the song. My favorite part of the song :)

 

Here is a close up of the brick stenciling that I created with a homemade stencil and modeling paste. I then painted the brick silver with spray paint and accented it with Staz-On ink.

 

 And of course, here is the iron on heart that inspired this canvas.

*I received this complimentary product(s) from CraftyChica.com as part of the Crafty Chica Design Team and was asked to share an original DIY project.*

 Click here to see if a Michaels store in your area is carrying the Crafty Chica line.

I had a lot of fun creating this canvas especially since I can see how much my husband loves it. It is a wonderful delight when you can see someone appreciate your creation. Makes it all worth it :)

Thanks for hanging out with me today :)

~Liz Hicks ♥

Virtual Gallery Walk- Wrap up

I meant to get this post up on Friday, but unfortunately fell ill again. I have been to a few doctors and a specialist and am getting closer to some answers, when I find out a bit more I will let you all know what is going on. Thank you so much for your prayers, light, thoughts and concerns... it is wonderful to have good people on my side that care about my family and me :)

I didn't get a chance Friday to introduce the final two artists for our gallery walk, so I thought I would just go ahead and wrap up all of the artists here. This link can be a great way to share with your friends the art each artist shared. I also wanted an opportunity to let you know what I chose each artist for this event as well as thank them for their contribution.

Monday: Liz and Jen

On this day, Jen Cushman and I shared some art honoring artists such as Sigmar Polke and Henri Matisse. Jen and I have known each other for a few years now via other friends and acquaintances.  This past winter we were able to spend some time together at Seaside Soiree for Charity Wings in which we both were teaching. Spending this time with Jen helped me to know and understand her so much better. Rarely are we able to get the time to really, truly understand a persons heart and passion for their family, faith and career and it was such a wonderful blessing to have this time with Jen. I am so grateful that Jen  is a part of my life.


Make sure to read Jen's blogpost about her art.

 And here is my piece. To read the full blog post click here.

Tuesday: Kathy and Tracy

On Tuesday Kathy shared some of her personal art and inspiration. I met Kathy by chance as we rode a bus together from the airport to our hotel. Her smile and love for art connected us immediately. From here we have shared a love for culture, crafting and empowering others to grab their dreams. I love Kathy's passion for others and this has offered me a wonderful friendship with a like hearted, like minded soul. Tracy and I have grown close the last year as we have recently started a small group of artists that support and craft together. Tracy has such an infectious spirit about her that you can't help but love and laugh with her. I treasure the times we get to skype and chat while creating art together. Tracy shared her art inspired by Dr. Suess. I have to say, I am not surprised that Tracy chose Dr. Suess as her inspiration... Tracy's art is colorful and meaningful... which is Dr. Suess :)



 Make sure to check out Kathy's post here.

And for Tracy's post click here

Wednesday: Cat and Martha

Catherine and Martha... I mentioned earlier that I belonged to a small group of crafters with Tracy that create together via skype, well Cat and Martha are the other two that round up our group. I actually met Cat the first time we skyped together although I had heard great things about her from a few friends. Martha and I first met when I worked for Tattered Angels as she graced our facebook page with her wonderful art. Our small group gets together ever so often to support, uplift and create together. This makes me so happy to have a small group of friends to talk to, laugh with and just create together. We have had so much fun together and I treasure our times together.

To read Martha's post click here.

And for Catherine's post click here.

Thursday: Jamie and Camille

Camille was on staff during my first Brave Girls Camp. Through the last few years we have remained in touch, texting here and there and relying on each other through the good and the well... not so good. What amazes me about Camille is her ability to make anything into amazing art. She has a magic touch that produces gorgeous detail and art in everything she does. From her home, to her clothing to her art... she has that ability to make everything magic. Her post shares a variety of her art as well as her sources of inspiration. Jamie and I met through my time at Tattered Angels. she is another artist that makes magic with everything she touches. Her heart and passion are exhibited in each stroke and I love love love that she has such a big heart and shares her techniques with her blog viewers. She amazes me with the level of art that she produces.

Make sure to check out Jamie's post here.

Make sure to check out Camille's post here.

Friday: Jamie and Cheryl

We had to adjust a bit for our last day of the Virtual Gallery Walk as Lorraine was stuck in France with no internet connection, I know... poor her :) So Jamie offered to step up and share some more of her art. This made me so happy! I love Jamie's art and her giving nature. Along with Jamie, Cheryl also shared her art inspired by Gustav Klimt. I have to admit.. I love KLIMT and was so happy that Cheryl chose him as her inspiration. Cheryl is a dear soul sister. I first met Cheryl at a retailer event years ago that I was coordinating the fundraiser for. We stopped and spoke for a while and immediately our hearts connected. We have since become true friends and I am so blessed to have her in my life. She has a way of encouraging me just when I need it most.

For Cheryl's post click here.

 

For Jamie's other post, click here.  

I wish that I could find the appropriate words to thank the girls for sharing their beautiful art work with us all. This Virtual Gallery Walk has been amazing. I am so grateful that these girls jumped at the chance to share their art with the world. This just shows you their hearts are so giving. Please make sure to check out and follow these artists. Their art is not only amazing... BUT they also offer a ton of great tutorials as well. We all can learn so much from those who share freely :)

Thank you again for joining me through this artistic endeavor. It has been so much fun and has my heart and brain wheeling with creative ideas.

~Liz Hicks ♥

Day 3 and 4 of our Virtual Gallery Walk

I hope you all are ready for some ART!

 

I wasn't able to do much computer work yesterday as I am still under the weather, so I thought I would go ahead and talk about yesterdays artists with todays post.

 

Make sure to check out these 4 artists and share some love on their sites. Each of the artists are sharing from their hearts this week in hopes to share their love of art and inspire others... that is pretty awesome in my book :)

 

Yesterday Martha shared her love of circles through her creative process through the years. Martha has recently retired from being a high school teacher and has been involved in the arts for some time now. She has a wonderful depth of knowledge that I appreciate learning from. Make sure to read Martha's post behind her work here.

 

 

 

Martha's partner in artsyness was Catherine Matthews-Scanlon. I met Cat through some friends and am so grateful that our paths crossed :) Catherine and I have shared stories of going back to school for the second time and it has been wonderful to have a friend going through art school too. Catherine is actually an accomplished Graphic Designer that has her degree; which you can tell with her attention to detail in her projects. Make sure to read Catherine's post here about her work. Make sure to check out Cat's other posts this week as she has created some extra art to share and they are simply stunning!

Cat was inspired by broad lines in art through the years. Her approach here reminds me of Van Gogh for obvious reasons, yet has the whimsical feel of Matisse. Her broad lines also remind me of Piet Mondrian. Although all of these artists are different in style, for some reason this piece makes me think of them :)

And for today's artists we have: 

Jamie Dougherty. Jamie and I met during my time at Tattered Angels. My friend and co-worker Michelle Jackson showed me her work as we were setting up for CHA and it just blew my mind at her attention to detail. She has exquisite taste and her work evokes emotion... which I love. Her inspiration this week was the music of Johnny Cash and breaking through towards the reward that life is. Jamie is also going to be sharing with us for tomorrows post being that Lorraine was not able to get good internet reception in France. To check out Jamie's work click here for the full details.

 

Camille McClelland is a friend that I met through Brave Girls Camp which she is on staff for. She came in late one night as the campers were creating and quietly sat in the corner creating...letting out a little giggle every once in a while as she heard the rest of our crazy antics. It was a night I will never, ever forget. While Camille was quiet that first night, we have not stopped talking since. She is a good friend of mine and well we just see eye to eye on so many things. Right now Camille is working in tooled leather, which she is amazing at... I want to share one of her posts here for you to enjoy. If you would like the full story, click here for the full post.

So here is a summary of the last two days. I think you can agree that these girls are extremely talented. Make sure to cruise their websites as they love to share their insights in a variety of crafting as well as they ALL DO TUTORIALS.... free info sounds good to me :)

Thanks again!

~Liz Hicks

Day two of Virtual Gallery walk PLUS our winner!

Thank you again for all of the support with My Craft Channel show Everyday Creative with Liz Hicks. It was awesome to get some feed back in regards to your favorite episodes and I have loved answering your emails in regards to questions about the shows. I will continue to host videos on my Youtube Channel and promise to continue sharing my passion for resourceful crafting :)


So with out further delay, our winner of last weeks grand finale giveaway is:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Continuing with the second day of our Virtual Gallery Walk... up on the schedule today are Kathy Cano-Murillo and Tracy Weinzapfel. Both of these ladies are good friends whom I know share not only my passion for art, but also for creating tutorials and sharing information with fellow artists. I love their giving hearts and I am sure that you will love the work they have to share with you today. Their positive attitudes are infectious... which is always a good thing :)

Here is a sample of what they are sharing, make sure to click through to their blogs for more artistic goodness:

Kathy Cano-Murillo: http://thecraftychica.blogspot.com/
Tracy Weinzapfel: http://tracywburgos.typepad.com/

Here is to the start of a fun and artsy week!

~Liz Hicks

Virtual Gallery Walk- PAJWLH

So today is the first day of our Virtual Gallery Walk! If you are not up to speed about what this concept is... check out my article from last weeks post here about the Virtual Gallery Walk. The name of this exhibit is Artistic Inspiration: Then and Now.


For this exhibit of our Virtual Gallery Walk, we decided to use various forms of inspiration to draw from. My initial thought was to draw inspiration from classic artists, but with this group of artists... the sky became the limit. Our talks went from story books, to music and well... it just expanded. So the focus for this exhibit will be Artistic Inspiration: Then and Now...

Here is what I came up with :)

My initial inspiration was an artist that I was introduced to during my drawing class. I loved my drawing class because our teacher had a really unique approach to teaching us the basics of drawing through varying mediums and artists. One of the artists that I was drawn to was Sigmar Polke.

Here are a few samples of his work, and for more samples click here to view google images.

Upgrade (Lens Painting) (2007)
mixed media on fabric
31 1/2 x 39 1/4 inches
source:oneartworld.com

 

       source: escapeintolife.com

What I enjoyed about his art was of course his mixed media approach to some of his pieces, but also the use of layers through varying effects such as screen print or image transfers and stencils.

Another inspiration of mine is street art... I have become enamored with the use of stencils in street art and the juxtaposition of some of the placement  of art and content. Banksy and Shepard Fairey are the two that come to mind when I think of influential street artists. With street art you are faced with a canvas that is opportune and available. I love that some of the work that street artists create often cover advertisements, or flyers that are stuck to the wall. Mostly just in the way  that it creates texture... not so much in the illegal way it costs communities to restore.

So with this in mind, I set out to create a piece that offered techniques such as stenciling, screen printing and image transfers but that offered the texture of a random surface. I love the look of stenciled street art that has been created over walls that previously held papers, posters and such... the textures are amazing! That was one of the attributes I knew I needed with this pieces. I had planned on screen printing a bit on this, but after I looked at the last layer I laid... I didn't think it was necessary. So this is it :)

Take Hold of your Dreams

Mixed Media 8x10 Canvas Board

Acrylics, Inks and Resin

Supplies: Acrylic Pigments (Plaid enterprises), Epoxy Resin (Ice Resin), texture stamp (Unity Stamp Co.), spray Inks (Clearsnap and Creative Imaginations), Stencil (Creative Imaginations),  Thread (Gutterman) letter stamps sequin and vintage paper (unknown)

Here is a view of the Resin I applied on the piece. I wanted to add lacquered sort of layer, that was sporadic and not completely covering. I considered using a gel or glaze medium, but I really wanted a TRUE lacquered feel that was completely transparent. I chose to use Ice Resin for this result. PLUS the depth that it offers the piece too :)

 This is a downward view of the right side of the piece. I have a cascade of sequin, thread, glitter, inks and paints creating layers and depth across this piece.

 Now if we are friends on Facebook... you might have heard about my "staples" incident... well these are the staples that were stapled to my hard wood floors... thank God they came up :)

 Here is a bit more of the texture, showing the basket weaving that is in the middle section of this piece. 

The idea for this gallery walk is to remind us all that our reason for creating, though it is our own... is the same as those who we follow... Even the greats had our drive, our passion... we are artists... just as they are. Notoriety has nothing to do with it. We create because it is who we are, not because it is who we want people to see us as... It is a part of who we are.

Today for the gallery walk, we also have the wonderful Jen Cushman sharing. Make sure to check out Jen her on her blog. Jen is part of the magic behind Ice Resin, which I am pretty sure that most of you have fallen in love with! You will definitely want to check out what she created :)

PAJWLH

 I am trying to catch up on some prompts since I have been ill the past few weeks. This blog post seemed perfect to add a prompt to. If you are not familiar with PAJWLH... check it out here. This is a free art journal workshop that I offer on line this year.

Prompt: Why do you create? for your family? For yourself? for healing? For work? look into the root of why it is you create. Is this the reason you started to create in the first place? Does it make you happy? Why?

Creative Prompt: Use a stencil, image transfer or silk screened image.

I am pretty excited that this is the start of this fun artsy adventure... I have chosen some good girls that are amazingly talented... I am so glad they said yes and that you get to be a part of this with us.

So enjoy this gallery walk... I will be your tour guide if you get lost, just hop back over here... am I will guide you to the right part of the exhibit for the day. We will be doing this from October 1st through the 5th... I am sure you will have a blast, pick up a few artistic inspirations that will get your creative juices flowing!

See you tomorrow :)

~Liz Hicks