New Mercies Art Journal Page- Unity Stamp Co.

After my last post I am sure you are surprised to see more of my grungy funky side. These are projects that I took to CHA, so I want to post all of these before I get into creating more. This page is an art journal page that I created using a paper bag that is washed to look like suede. A simple technique I learned in kindergarten that apparently my artist heart couldn't let go of.

Art journaling is such an amazing way to express on paper what your heart and mind may be trying to tell you. I started art journaling during a tough time in my life, yet I continue to do so now just because I find that it is a great way to allow myself to stop and process things life and any sort of circumstances that come my way.

Mercies Art Journal Page 

Products used: Crafters Inks, Glitter (Clearsnap Inc.), Stamps (Liz Hicks Studios for Unity Stamp Co.), Adhesive (Dry- Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L and Wet- Beacon Adhesives), gesso (Liquitex), Pen (Sakura of America) Resin Paper (Created with Ice Resin), Punchinella, Doilies, Mylar  (Unknown). Sticker Letters (Prima Marketing Inc.)

 

By creating monochromatic papers with the stamps, I was able to create the mosaic background of the mountains and sky. This art journal page is pretty simple, even though it may look complex. Layering textures is a great way to "paint" with paper and in all honesty takes no time at all. It is a quick and simple way to create in a short amount of time with minimal clean up :)

If you are interested in purchasing these background stamps click here to see the Liz Hicks Studios page on the Unity Stamp Co. website. As of this morning the stamps are still on sale for 40% off, my Alphabet stamp is over 50% off! Great deals for stamps that are brand new, never released designs.

 

 Thanks for stopping by today, and remember to check out the giveaway we are having to support the launch of the new stamps. Check it out here for the details!

~Liz Hicks

Valentines Day Cards in a non traditional sense- Unity Stamp Co.

I think we all can agree that my style of crafting is not exactly... well traditional. I have grown to really love what I do and through the process I have come to the realization that I tend to lean towards the artsy, colorful and re-purposed style of crafting... and I couldn't be happier.

I am trying to expand my horizons, as I have found that the reason that I do lean towards the artsy distressed style is not because clean and simple couldn't be a style I create... more or less to draw or cut a straight line kinda frightens me. I hide my mistakes with paint, flowers and inks... lol. But I am going to try and create some simpler designs because I love love love the look of it.

Today I created some non-traditional "Not yo' momma's" Valentines Day cards. These cards were for examples at CHA, of the New Crafters Inks by Clearsnap Inc. Both of these greeting cards were created using my new background stamps from Unity Stamp Co.

4 YOU greeting card

Products used: cardstock (Bazzill Basics), Inks, Glitter, and embossing powder (Clearsnap Inc), Stamps (Liz Hicks Studios for Unity Stamp Co.), Pen (Sakura of America), sequin and vintage paper (Unknown), Dry adhesive (Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L) and wet adhesive (Beacon Adhesives)

Foreground and background: use rich colors to create your focal point like I did using Collage of Digits here. I added some visual interest to the background by layering my stamps over tinted vintage paper. Using Dinged Dots and I.Kat along the side helps to break up the boldness of the main stamp.

 

Layer Colors and Patterns: The happening trend right now in fashion is not only color blocking BUT also blocking with complimentary patterns. Use analogous or complimentary colors with my stamps to create beautiful layered effects like you see above. I used three different colors and 3 different stamps to create this colorful collage.

Isolate a number and use it to your benefit: Here I added glittered embossing powder to the #4 to use it for my sentiment.

 Love You Card

Products used: Cardstock (Bazzill Basics), Inks and embossing powder (Clearsnap Inc.), Stamps (Liz Hicks Studios for Unity Stamp Co.), Pen (Sakura of America), Punchinella and Vintage paper (unknown), Dry adhesive (Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L) and wet adhesive (Beacon Adhesives)

Make a bold impression: Use a repetitive pattern (Like the hearts here) in bold colors to allow the stamped background to fade. Taking the visual interest off of the background with this bold heart pattern allows the viewer to see the hearts first and notice the background secondary, which translates really well as perceived depth.

Outline to define: Use a dark pen to outline letters or patterns that may otherwise get lost in the background.

Since this post IS a part of our Launch Party with UNITY STAMP CO. I want to remind you of our giveaways taking place till February 2nd 2013. Check them out here. 

I used ALL 4 of the background stamps on the first card and Dinged Dots & my alphabet on the second.

These background stamps are on sale for only $8.99 AND my Alphabet is only $20 right now. To add to the amazing prices... $1 of every sale goes to help Melody Ross with her work for Full Circle Exchange in bringing awareness and assistance to those involved in Human Trafficking. Sale is for this weekend only so grab them while you can. You can order your Unity Stamps right here.

Also make sure to check out the brand new LIZ HICKS STUDIOS facebook page that we created to keep track of all of the good stuff we are doing with Liz Hicks Studios. If you didn't know... Liz Hicks Studios is not just me, it is my family as well but mostly me and my husband. This is our families joint effort and I would love for you to check out what we are doing next by checking out our page here.

There is a whole lot of fun things going on this year... this is just the beginning. I hope you enjoyed these cards and the details that I have shared. With explaining them as I did, I hope that you can take this info and find ways to make it useful in your crafting.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Liz Hicks

Liz Hicks Studios for Unity Stamp Co.

Deep breath...

I have to catch myself because this is kind of awesome to see my designs come to life. These stamps have been in the works for a while so I am so happy to finally see them go public!

It's no surprise that Unity Stamp Co. is dear to my heart. Although Angela and I had met before at a trade show, we truly connected when we were both campers at Brave Girls Camp.We didn't know anyone as we got on the bus and headed into the mountains. For some reason we clung to each other, even though we didn't know each other well... it was enough to feel safe as we started this journey together. When I needed some quick stamps for a class that I was teaching, Angela came to the rescue... from there we have been building up some designs of mine to create into these unique 4x6 format stamps.

WHY4x6? 

Well that was my idea in hopes that it would appeal to all sorts of crafters. Anything that I create needs to be useful and versatile... If it can't be used for multiple types of crafting then it will most likely sit on your shelf and never be used. As a frugal crafter myself, I watch my pennies as I spend them on crafting supplies and always make sure that I can get the biggest bang for my buck, so my hopes is that this 4x6 size will appeal to cardmakers, stampers, ATC enthusiast, jewelry makers, mixed media artists, art journalers, scrapbookers, art quilters... and well anyone else that may enjoy these designs. The theme is that regardless of any type of crafting that you enjoy, these stamps should work for you.

 $1 of every sale will go to the Full Circle Exchange to assist Melody Ross with her to bring awareness to human trafficking.

And in the spirit of our friendship, Angela, Melody and I have teamed up to give $1 of each purchase from Unity this weekend to Full Circle Exchange which is an organization that is helping empower and rehabilitate women with skill sets to help them further their life through creativity. Melody just came back from a trip to the Philippines where they worked with women in prostitution to help empower them and  give them the confidence and skill sets to further themselves and to pursue other careers. I can't imagine a better gift to be able to give someone.

Collage of Digits

 Dinged Dots

 Letterpress Numbers

I.Kat

Buy these stamps right here. On sale for only $8.99 this weekend!

Besides these four background stamps I also have an awesome alphabet set available. This set is a solid modeled times new roman style font with a book print distress. The letters are about 1 inch to 1 1/2 inch tall so they are perfect for any style of crafting.

So I have a few projects to share using the background stamps as well as the alphabet stamps. I thought it might be fun to have a launch party this weekend so that I can tell you a little more about my inspiration behind the designs as well as some of the other concepts that I am working on for future designs. So if you are game... join me this week as we introduce these 4 new designs to the Liz Hicks Artisan Collection of Unity Stamp Co.  From today through next week I will be sharing some fun projects using these stamps. Since this is a party... we need to have a little something to celebrate, so how about a giveaway? I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to give away some of my favorite inks. It is no surprise that I LOVE CLEARSNAP inks.. and they just came out with a brand new set of Crafter's Inks that I used in every single project with these stamps. This weekend I will also introduce you to the many fun effects that you can get with these water soluble permanent inks... Yes you heard me right... water soluble AND permanent... it is the perfect match. And of course... we will be giving away one of each stamp to 4 people... that is a total of 6 prizes up for grabs!

So to enter into the giveaways simply use the widget below to enter. You can enter as many times as you are allowed and you may share it too. The winner will be randomly picked and chosen on 2/1/2013 and announced later that day. We will be having a fun week of inspiration on different ways to use these new stamps as well as some fun and amazing techniques using these new ink pads from Clearsnap.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So join the fun, be inspired, create art and do it all with your heart for a good cause... We are going to have a blast.

~Liz Hicks 

Art for Cheryl- 1

One thing that I didn't think much about when I started this campaign for Art for Cheryl was just how much emotion this would dig up. Cheryl had her surgery last Monday and is now home safe. She is followed by Dr.'s appointments and much needed rest. To keep up with Cheryl's progress please check out the online community that has been set up for her. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO KNOW CHERYL TO BE A PART... just caring is enough... prayer if you have it in you would be awesome as well.

JOIN CHERYL'S COMMUNITY HERE

At our show this week it was apparent to me just how much emotion was dug up with Cheryl going into surgery. All of our friends were together, even Cheryl came for the first day of the show (unfortunately I showed up after, so didn't get to see her). It was hard. Knowing that our friend, our dear friend would be going through this was just tough. I could see it on all of my friends faces, but they lit up with the happiness that they got to see her that first day. 

Unfortunately my bright idea for all of us to sport our TEAM CHERYL tattoos didn't quite take off, you see... a certain little 7 year old with a heart of gold took the pink sharpie out of mommies purse to create her own team Cheryl tattoo and well, just like mommy ALWAYS tells her... she put it away in where she thought it should go, our utility drawer. So the sharpie didn't make it with me to the show, and in all honesty I think our group of friends were kind of wrapped up with the pensive feeling of Cheryl and surgery. All in all I think it worked out just fine. A nice artist created a Flat Cheryl whom roamed the floors with us and altogether we had a blast and were relieved to hear that Cheryl made it out of surgery well.

Many have already begun their art for #teamcheryl. The outpouring from Cheryl's family and friends has been amazing. I am going to see if there is a way to make the print public so that anyone can grab it and use it. The main thing is to get our girl better and to shower her with what speaks to her heart... God, Art and Love. You don't have to be an artist to participate... just someone who cares and can create something for our girl using these words... You don't even have to use the print... just share and hashtag #teamcheryl so that you can be included in the love and support that Cheryl deserves.

The print above is something that I created by scanning in some original art and masking it with a black background. The paints I used were from a new company called Splash of Color formerly Creative Imaginations. They are the home of Luminarte and Viva Colour paint products which work amazingly together.

I am normally not an non objective abstract artists... I usually have some sort of objectivity to my art but not having anything at all in my head to create...leads to artsy freedom like this.

This is just a small scanned portion of the original art that I used for Cheryl's piece... I was just having fun with some of the new Splash of Color paints that I brought home from CHA. This will most likely end up being turned into something else and act as a bottom layer... but I had a blast testing out the paints and just having fun. You can see a sampling of how the Luminarte products and the Viva Colour products work well together to create depth and texture. For this project I used the Luminarte twinkling H2O's, Radiant Rains and the Viva Colour Pearl pens, Glitter Pens, Modeling Cremes, Crackle Paints, Inka Gold rubs and Inka Gold base coat. It was fun to sit down and relax for a few hours and just create.

If you are interested in joining in on the Art for Cheryl campaign please email me at primadonnaliz@yahoo(dot)com and I will send you the print. I am hoping to see if there is a way to make the print public so that we can make access a little easier. Or like I said previously... just create something with Cheryl's quote on it "Make Today Count" give credit to Cheryl in the quote and hashtag #teamcheryl so that it can be included in this for her.

Thanks so much.

~Liz Hicks

Winner!

Thanks for holding tight till tonight for the winner of the Creative Spaces giveaway. With CHA I didn't have a whole lot of time to publicize the giveaway so I wanted to wait till tonight to give a few more friends the chance to enter.

 

So without further delay...

Our winner is JEAN!

Thanks Jean for entering. Please email me at primadonnaliz@yahoo(dot)com your contact info and I will have them mail the magazine to you.

Thanks again and keep a look out for some CHA fun this week on my blog. I have lots of exciting stuff to share with you all, as well we are going to pick up strong with #teamcheryl art too!

-Liz Hicks

MAKE TODAY COUNT- Art for Cheryl

I have been holding off on this post for some time. Not because it is not important (nothing could be farther from the truth) but because just writing down these words is a solid reminder of the reality of what I am about to write. I am not one to put off reality, truth... as a matter of fact I love truth and actively seek it, but being human sometimes the truth is more than your heart can bear, and that is what I have been struggling with.

A few months ago I fell ill. Our life this year has been a roller coaster of ups and downs which had eventually taken its toll on me. So from September to November I was in and out of doctors appointments trying to figure out just what was going on (The final assessment was that I was under a whole lot of stress, go figure). During all of this, I had a close group of friends praying for me and uplifting we with their words and messages. In October I went into radiology for a test to examine my stomach function (which ended up being just fine after a few more tests). It just so happened that on this same day, by friend Cheryl Waters (artsyfindings.com) was going in for a regularly scheduled mammogram. As we texted back and forth about our procedures, suddenly I got the text that no friend wants to receive. "Please pray for me, they want me to see a specialist". This was just a routine mammogram... that is NOT what your friend is supposed to hear.

We were both supposed to go home after our tests to our families, happy and just fine. This wasn't the case. My friend Cheryl was diagnosed with breast cancer. Never have I hated cancer so much as I do right now knowing that it is effecting my beautiful friend. I am sorry, but I do, I HATE YOU CANCER.

Cheryl has been my friend for about 6 years now, we met through the Scrapbook Industry through various events that have crossed our paths, but I know that God brought Cheryl into my life. Our lives haven't just intertwined, they have meshed and from this have created a beautiful friendship based on love in Christ and for others. Our families were meant to live life side by side. Our lives have paralleled, sometimes even our lives have happened just in the event that one would go through something and then be able to council the other... but regardless of the details our lives were meant to cross and be lived along side each other.

Cheryl has become a friend to me similar to an oak tree, sturdy, strong, dependable, comforting... embracing... I can say that I am thoroughly proud of her and the journey that she is about to embark towards healing. In our conversations and messages, I have seen a true authentic person, one that I never questioned was there... but one that no illness could take away or shake. I know that this is a struggle for her, but what I have seen from her is a beautiful abounding grace that shares with others the true humbleness of going through her journey. This is such a beautiful treasure to know that she is real... this is real. And that is ok.

One of the conversations that I had with Cheryl, she mentioned that through this journey all she wanted to do was to make each day count for the lord. This spoke volumes to me, as a christian and as a human that no matter what life hands us we still have the opportunity and the responsibility to make our best efforts towards utilizing what ever our given scenario is for good. So with these words: MAKE TODAY COUNT... I want to invite you to join me in a few exercises not only to keep my friends spirits up, but to remind ourselves of the importance of each day that we have to give.

This print (above) is one that I created, not because I wanted to do something kind for my friend but because I had too. I can only describe it as part of my own healing process or perhaps a part of God's greater plan. I had to keep my hands busy while I worked through the emotions of Cheryl's diagnosis. Regardless... I take no credit in the words or the thought behind this print, merely that my hands were the ones that hit computer keys and made it happen, nothing more.

A few of my friends have joined forces in taking this 8x8 print and altering it to share virtually with Cheryl. If you would like to join us the idea is simple and here it is:

• email me or message me on facebook (primadonnaliz@yahoo(dot)com or Liz del Real Hicks
• I will send you the original file
• print it up
• alter the print
• post pictures on facebook and tag Cheryl or myself (if you are not friends with Cheryl)
• If you want to write a blog post or do more, you are more than welcome

The idea is to shower a friend with love during her journey.

Another way to show some love (as some of us are heading to our trade show for CHA) is just to share a simple message or picture on facebook. One of my most treasured times with Cheryl was a night a few years ago that a small group of our friends had fun with some sharpies... After a long day of working the trade show we met at a restaurant and somehow we pulled out some sharpies and we ended up with Cheryl's art adorning our arms, hands, some killer finger staches... and a few of the ladies vowed their devotion to my husband and wrote TEAM JAMES on their arm ♥  It was a wonderful time of friendship, silliness and just wonderful time spent together.

So as we get together for CHA, we will continue this legacy and show our support with a Pink Sharpie.

TEAM CHERYL

There are so many ways to honor friends, help them through tough times or even just lift their spirits up... This is as much a part of our journey as their support. I know that Cheryl has started on this long journey for a reason, I have no question of that. What that reason is exactly is not for any of us to understand. As much as I want to take this burden from her and throw it out into the deepest part of the ocean, I can't... but what I can do is be as much of a help and support as I can for my friend. I hope you will join me in support of my friend... and perhaps be inspired to take action for your friends if ever the time calls for it.

Creative Spaces 2 with Creating Keepsakes GIVEAWAY

So you might remember a couple of summers ago I was honored with having my art studio featured in the premiere issue of Creating Keepsakes Creative Spaces issue which was Edited by my amazing friend Megan Hoeppner.

 Creative Spaces Vol. 1

Here are a few things you may not have known about my art studio...

• In total, we had 1 week to get this studio together, since we had just moved into our new home here in Colorado.
• ALL of our furniture fixtures are reclaimed elements found from thrift stores or recycling yards.
• The table tops and vanity counter in the back (black top) are vintage doors that we took a saw and custom cut to fit. We then paid for custom but and beveled glass to cover the top and make it workable and heat resistant.
• The back counter is made up of two recycled (and thoroughly disinfected, lol) bathroom vanities.
• We spent less than $700 
• We have AMAZING friends who with out their help... none of this work would have been possible.

This shot here shows you how we used some old reclaimed cabinet doors as shelves. The top one is a reclaimed stud from the foundation of a house, but the rest are old kitchen cabinet doors that are turned flat side up and anchored with L brackets.

Here is a close up of the vanity counter top that is a combo of two different vintage doors, painted black and cut to size to create this epic counter top. This I think is one of my favorites ♥

Sadly...my room doesn't look nearly as nice as it did in these original shots any more... but hey, that's crafting for you!

Since Creating Keepsakes is introducing their Second edition of Creative Spaces... I get to share a copy of this second issue with one lucky winner here on my blog. Simply leave a comment below on this blog post and I will pick a random winner and announce them on January 18th 2013. Please share this giveaway with a friend or two as I know that this magazine is full of tons of fun inspirational ideas that all Crafters and moms will love.

Creative Spaces Vol. 2

Here are the awesome crafters involved in Creative Spaces 2:

Megan Hoeppner: http://meganhoeppner.blogspot.com
Layle Koncar: http://laylekoncar.typepad.com
Melissa Phillips: http://lilybeanpaperie.typepad.com
Courtney Walsh: http://courtneywalsh.typepad.com
Amy Yingling: http://www.inspiration-ave.com
Keri Babbitt: http://kensingtondesign.blogspot.com
Nichole Heady: http://nicholeheady.typepad.com
Gretchen McElveen: http://gretchenmac.blogspot.com
Sande Krieger: http://sandekrieger.typepad.com
Lori Allred: http://www.allreddesign.net
Angela Daniels: http://angeladaniels.squarespace.com
Kim Kesti: http://kimberlykesti.typepad.com
Symoni Johnson: http://resstudio.com
Tracy Weinzapfel: http://tracywburgos.typepad.com
Paula Hogan: http://compelledtocraft.blogspot.com
Teri Lopez (no blog)
Linda Gardner: http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net
Greta Hammond (no blog)
Emily Call: http://emilycalldesigns.blogspot.com
Joy Sundloff: http://joysthoughtsandthings.blogspot.com
Jennifer Schaerer: http://www.schaererville.com
Stampin' Up!: http://www.stampinup.com/home/
Doodlebug: http://www.doodlebugblog.com
Mark Montano: http://markmontano.com
Marion Smith: http://marionsmithdesigns.com
Patrick Lose: http://www.patricklose.com
Stacy Julian: http://stacyjulian.com
Heather Bailey: http://heatherbailey.com
 

Make sure to check out The Creative Spaces Sneak Peek too!

It has been a nice break for the holidays, one I didn't intend on taking, but I guess I had too :) Life called... I am heading to CHA on Sunday to teach for Clearsnap Inc and catch up with some of my crafty buds... I am sure that you will be seeing a ton of fun stuff for sure on my Instagram and Facebook :) I will try and blog while I am there... but from past experiences... I know I can't promise!

Thanks for visiting today!

~Liz Hicks ♥