Adornit Art Play Journal and Wall Art

I'm kinda on a journal kick. Making handmade (looking) journals is so fun, especially when you can make it look hand made in just a few minutes.

Today I'm sharing some fun projects made with Adornit Art Play, fabric and paper crafting supplies. I love mixing my crafty passions together and the products that Adornit sent me just fueled my creative juices and allowed me to blend my crafts together in some fun art.

DIY Fabric Covered Journal (EASY!!!)

Supplies: 

Composition notebook

Various Adornit fabrics

Coats and Clark Thread

sewing machine

Mod Podge- Matte

This is SUPER easy to make. 

1) Take 1/2 to 1 inch strips of ripped fabric strips and sew varying stitches down the center.

Once you have your fabric stitched strips, take some mod podge and apply the strips to the cover of one side of your journal. I used a primary sketch book here and play on using this as a family art journal.

 

Once you have one side complete, close your journal and flip to allow the other side to show face up. Keeping the spine closed while you apply the fabric will allow the fabric to settle nicely onto the album once the adhesive dries.

Once you are done, add a finishing seam to any areas that you feel may come loose in wear, the edges are pretty simple to add a quick finished seam on your sewing machine with.

Another fun project I did with the Art Play products is this wall hanging, meant for a sweet free spirit in our house (AKA, our daughter).

She LOVES memo boards, so I decided to make her a little message board from a pressed board wall hanging.

Free Spirit Chalk Board 

Supplies:

• Adornit- Choose Happy Wood Blank 
• Adornit- Art Play Paintables 
• Various Lace and Ribbons 
• Marvy Uchida- Easy Marker Chalkboard Paint Marker (permanent)
• Marvy Uchida- Decocolor Paint Pens (permanent)
• Marvy Uchida- Bistro Chalk Markers  (erasable)

To begin, use the EASY Marker Chalkboard Marker by Marvy Uchida. This is chalkboard paint in a pen and is super easy to apply.

All you do is draw on your paint, super simple!

Once your panel is completely covered in chalkboard pen, add on some Art Play pieces, these are feathers I cut from one of the Art Play sheets. Glue them down with Mod Podge.

 

 After they are dry, add on some permanent text with DecoColor water based acrylic paint pens.

 

Use the Bistro Chalk Marker to write any erasable message. These pens act just like chalk and can be erased (Marvy Uchida, Bistro Chalk Markers). We use these ALL the time in our regular family use.

 

 

Both projects have some fun elements to them but can be created easily in no time. What I loved about the Adornit Art Play is the wonderful easy of adding artistic elements to my projects without having to spend a whole lot of time creating them. To browse the Art Play collection, check out Art Play on Scrapbook.com (not affiliate link, just linkin' for information purposes)

If you would like to see how I use the Art Play for Valentines this week, follow me on Instagram and Facebook, Liz Hicks Studios.

If you would like more fun tutorials, art journal prompts and mixed media art fun, sign up here for our newsletter.

Make sure to check out Niki Meiners as she is next on our fun blog hop. Your CLUE FOR THIS STOP IS "U".

Check out the rest of these talented ladies too!

Anita Scroggins

Susan Brown

Betsy Burnett: 

Michelle Cummings: 
Sue Eldred 

Cynthia Bisson
Jennifer Priest

  Thanks again for joining us all in this fun blog hop!

~Liz ♥

Considering Truth Scrap? Read here for info behind the purpose of Truth Scrap from Lain (and I)

 Hey Friends,

I just wanted to share with you a little more about our upcoming online event called Truth Scrap.

I've ask Lain Ehmann to share a little about her reason for gathering all of us together for this event. This event is not something that was just decided upon lightly... this even is something that has been stirring in our hearts individually, and Lain brought together out of a common need. A need to remind all of us (women AND men) that what we were designed for IS important and extremely relevant to this world and our community. I often describe it as a puzzle with a missing piece. If we take what our purpose IS and take it out of this world, cloak it in self doubt, hide it behind the scenes than all we can offer this world is an incomplete puzzle... sure you can make sense what its suppose to be, yet it will never truly be complete.

Friends, this is exactly what it is when we take ourselves out of the equation. When we don't step forward into our purpose, when we don't raise our hand in a meeting and speak up from our gifts the ideas that are in our hearts and minds... We truly rob ourselves and others of a uniquely crafted beauty.

I'd really love for you to read below a little more about this class and just what Lain had in mind when she invited us all to join in on this journey.


Here is a little more info behind the scenes from Lain herself:

" As a professional scrapbooker and business owner for the past
decade, I've heard just about every reason for not crafting, not
sharing our creations, for not letting ourselves be vulnerable.
But the one that breaks my heart is this...
"I'm scared I'm not good enough."
When a woman looks at me with longing in her eyes and shares her
fears of inadequacy with regard to her artwork or creativity, I
just want to climb right into her brain and remove the thoughts
that have somehow gotten distorted to the point where she thinks
creativity is some kind of contest or race.
It's this false belief that we are going to be measured and found
lacking that keeps so many of us from sharing our heart.
We worry we'll choose the wrong colors.
We worry our page will get messed up.
We worry that our creation won't be as good as someone else's --
particularly the "professionals."
We worry that people will judge us.
We worry we'll do it "wrong."
We worry that WE are wrong.
UGH. Once we get on that escalator of self-doubt, it only goes in
one direction - down.
And let me tell you right now that down is NOT the direction that
God intended you for! God intended you to take your love for Him
and your love for creating and to use them to glorify Him and to
inspire others.
(And unfortunately you're not very inspirational if you are scared
to open your sketchbook and put your pencil to the page.)
I know - it's really easy for me to sit here and type these words.
After all, I'm a "professional." But you know what? Once upon a
time I felt the same hesitations and fears as you do. I worried
about the products. I worried about the results. I worried about
what others thought about my work. Until I got so sick of worrying
that I begged God to show me a different way. And He did.
He showed me how to have an audience of one - Him. With his loving
eyes as my only judge, my creations are a gift to Him. Even before
I wrote this email, I sat down and asked God to guide my words,
that they be pleasing to Him. That's what I worry about - not
whether my language is flowery enough or my grammar correct.
When I stopped worrying about everyone around me, my art became
easier. And God continually challenged me to stretch myself and to
share my journey with others, to free them from the binds of
judgment, self-criticism, and insecurity.
Which is EXACTLY why I developed Truth Scrap -- an online, LIVE
event that blends art and faith together. Coming to your computer
on Saturday, Jan. 31, Truth Scrap includes seven classes that will
show you not just HOW to worship God with your art, but WHY, and
how these seven women were able to get outside their own heads and
fight their own insecurities. Techniques, yes -- but even more
importantly, each instructor will share her individual journey,
with the intent of inspiring you to grow in your own creative path
to God.
http://www.truthscrap.com

We've already registered more than 250 people for this event, and
while you have several weeks left to sign up, I'm writing today to
encourage you to take advantage of our special $50 off discount. If
you use code "LASTCHANCE" at checkout before midnight 1/16/2015, you can
register for all seven classes, plus the pre-event PJ party, plus
special bonuses, PLUS get $40 off.
You cannot find a better deal on faith-based inspiration, a better
assortment of teachers, or a better price. So if you've been
waiting for a sign that you should sign up, let this be it!

http://www.truthscrap.com
Whether you choose to attend or not, please know - God loves it
when you connect with Him. He doesn't care what color ink you use.
Big ♥♥♥,
Lain"

 I ask you to take a moment to check out the Truth Scrap site and see if it is something that could benefit you at this time. If you need a little spiritual push wrapped up in some artful magic than this is the event for you... Like Lain mentioned, this is the lowest price this class will be offered going forward. So if you are on the fence and considering joining us use code-- LASTCHANCE -- to receive $40 off at check out here.

I look forward to getting some time with all of you... connecting our hearts towards purpose and THRIVING together this year in what we are meant to be.

I hope you'll join me.

~Liz ♥

Introducing TRUTH Scrap... my FIRST online E-Course (and a little back story)

Words can not describe how happy my heart was when I was asked to teach for Truth Scrap. I haven't taken on a whole lot of contract work from the arts and crafts industry since finishing my last contract back in April. As much as I love working in the arts and crafts industry it takes its toll. Back in January I was faced with a tough decision, but ultimately it was the best decision for my family and that was for me to take a break from full time contract work and focus on being Mom PLUS getting myself healthy again. January (in general) was a tough time for our family...but that is a whole other story for another blog post.

During this time I struggled with letting go of that "NEED TO DO MORE" attitude that I had fooled myself into thinking was natural...desired. I had such a hard time letting go of what I thought my life was supposed to be and remembering what my life was actually supposed to look like. My overall purpose in life was a blurred image that I could not even recognize anymore. I had done this to myself and in my defense, it wasn't necessarily WHAT my heart desired, but mostly I did it out of fear... and again... that is a whole other story and a whole other blog post.

It's funny how easily this happens, over and over again. How fear creeps in through little cracks and settles into our hearts and minds. My fear is and always will be the well being of my family and thus my down fall when it comes to making sure their needs are put first.

But through this feeling of needing to provide, being a Mom, a wife, keeping up with our home and finances... I began to crack. At first it was little things like nagging colds that I couldn't shake. Then returned my stomach issues and soon I succumbed to an overwhelming feeling of just feeling helpless. Slowly the kids needs went by the way side, my husband and I juggled communicating, schedules and just trying to keep it all together. All of this eventually wore me down to someone whom I didn't even recognize. I remember looking in the mirror after returning home from a show, being horribly sick and just crying. I was not happy and I had done it to myself.

The wonderful thing about hitting bottom is YOU CAN ONLY GO UP.

Its not easy... but eventually you rise. During this time you have the amazing opportunity to peel back your layers and remember who you are again. WHO YOU ARE TO THE CORE.


What I had forgotten about myself during this time was that I was a FIGHTER.

I love WHOLLY.

I feel DEEPLY.

I NEED to process and PURGE.

In processing, I LET GO. I MOVE ON. I BUILD UP in myself and in my community. I make SENSE of it all so my heart doesn't hold on or hold grudges.

What was covered by fears and self doubt through these last few years suddenly began to wake up. Through much love and compassion from my husband, my children and my beautiful friends... I remembered just what this girl was made of and what she had in store for her. Some how my life had taken a turn in a different direction... it was time to turn things around and get back on course.


That's where this class comes in.

You see, I know where I am supposed to be. I can see what I should be doing clearly yet I use every excuse possible to widen the gap between what I am doing... and what I SHOULD be doing. Fears of taking on to much, not being available for my kids... even the fear of telling my husband what my desire for my future is... because I fear that he will not be supportive. They are all real fears, but they are the kind of fears that need to be CONQUERED. I knew deep in my heart that my life was not meant to be in a holding pattern. It was meant to move FORWARD. I couldn't let the fear of not knowing or difficult conversations hold me back. It is all part of the process and like I mentioned before... In order to process and move forward even difficult talks have to happen... Fears need to be confronted and excuses need to be reasoned with.

So I took steps, little ones, some BIG... and some so scary and huge that I didn't know just where I would land, but I knew that I would be going FORWARD and that was all that mattered. And through this I celebrated. Taking on these hard subjects and projects makes for some awesome victories. Victories that I may have often brushed aside during the crazy throws of life... but this time around... I was going to celebrate them.

What is this class about?

Well, as you can see from my story above, it's about process. It is about finding a foundation in life that you can stand on and move forward from. It's about GROWTH, recognizing in ourselves where we are and where we are supposed to be. It's being OK with not being OK. It about making mistakes, being HUMAN and embracing this...NOT running from it. All this wrapped up in some faith and encouragement. Although some of the material and content that I will be sharing will be biblical, this is not a class that is meant to alienate or make anyone feel out of place. This class is just the opposite. This class is meant to help each of us remember what we all share to the core. We are HUMAN, we each have PURPOSE, and we ALL need ENCOURAGEMENT on our journey.

Who should attend?

• A) Those who need a little help getting back to their purpose.
• B) Those who just love art and learning new techniques. 
• C) Those who want to dig in deeper into learning about art mediums and applications. 
• D) Those who have not taken the time to just "TAKE TIME". AKA, You want to take a break from the hamster wheel.
• E) Human beings that recognize they are flawed and are looking for a safe place to have fun and create beautiful works of art.

What should I expect?

Well, the nice thing about Truth Scrap is that you gain access to 7 fabulous instructors. So besides my class, you will have access to 6 other instructors who have poured their hearts into their own class. Classes from home decor, art journaling, scrapbooking and MORE. So you are most likely going to find something you will enjoy. In my class I will share my in depth love for mixed media art and give you an overview of art mediums, their purpose, composition and how they can be used together to make mixed media glory. I will teach you to create a piece of art work that represents YOU and your purpose to act as a guiding post reminder. In addition, we will visit some of my "bible flaps" that I add into my bible to journal on. This will give you some ideas of how to use the art mediums we will talk about on a more regular basis and everyday journal purposes.

What do I get when I sign up?

(I copied this straight from the source)

-Full admission to all 7 classes, live

-Pre-Event PJ Party

-Unlimited access to class recordings to view at your convenience

-More fun than you can shake a stick at AND extra goodies!

…And you’ll get this all for the low price of $149 $79* – if you register NOW!

SAVE $20 NOW with discount code: ADVENT (till 12/24)

(That's over 50% off PLUS you get early bird access such as special sneak peeks, discounts, and more!)

This is only like $11 a class PLUS it will be the lowest price offered.

How do I sign up?

If you are ready to join me and my friends on this wonderful creative adventure than Click here to view more details. This will share with you all the info you need for the classes and give you an overview of each instructor PLUS a little description of the class. I am super excited about this class and can't wait to share it with you all!

I know I kind of shared a lot in this first part of this post... I'm sorry if it was a little too much but I feel it is important to share the heart behind my project and why I am so passionate about this class. I am a work in progress and have worked hard to give myself GRACE through life. I have learned so many lessons in this time and through faith, friendship and family I have found a good balance that suites me well. I hope this class gives you some help with finding this same clarity in life.

I hope you'll join me on this creative journey...

~Liz Hicks ♥

Guest Designer- Little Yellow Bicycle

It is with great pleasure that I share with you that I am the guest designer over on the Little Yellow Bicycle blog. For years, I have not only loved LYB and their products but have been fortunate enough to call some of their employees and designers friends. When they launched their Art-C line, I was there in the thick of it with them and I am so very grateful for that. They are not only a great company with great products... but they are also pretty awesome people as well.

I will be sharing 3 days on the blog for this past Friday's post I shared a super cute and easy canvas that I created with my daughter.

Love Never Fails

 

So here is one of my FAVORITE tips... are you ready????

• Use foam shapes on your art for texture... from here, I simply spray painted (or you can gesso) to unify the look and decorated from here.

Make sure to check out my guest post from Friday here. You might learn something about me that you didn't know before :)

Thanks for stopping by today!

~Liz ♥

So, it has been a little busy here in our house. Lots of changes, all good but keeping us busy. Crazy busy. It is nice to be able to get into a rhythm with it all.

Today I wanted to share with you my first meme for Liz Hicks Studios. I am not one for making memes, I see a lot of them and LOVE them, share them and feel so uplifted by them. Some of my favorites are from my sweet friends over at Brave Girls Club. It is no surprise to see them on my Facebook wall.

Yesterday, I felt the need to throw my hat into the meme pool. I was inspired by my friends named Amber (ironically, they both caught my attention at different times of the day). Through conversations with both of my friends at separate times I really felt these words spoken to my heart.

I think it is so common for us to be critical of ourselves. We often take others attitudes or opinions to heart even when they are just implied and not necessarily expressed. So often we even begin to imagine the response we would receive if ever we would dare to try something out of our comfort zone... or even taking a step towards that dream we hold tight to. I know I have been guilty of this so many times. I can remember PLENTY of times that I can now look back on and see a little bit clearer that I held myself back from stepping forward towards my purpose and dreams. It is human nature to be hard on ourselves and even some times see our dreams as far fetched or not reasonable for the person we are now. We often say to ourselves... "Oh that is something I will do in the future when I am more ________" or " I am not ready for something like _______" or the even more popular " I am not good enough (yet)". I am not sure what plagues each and every one of us to say such things to ourselves.

I can't remember exactly when it was but it was sometime during my illness last year, (when I truly couldn't do anything) I decided that this experience would not go in vain. That I had allowed myself to hold back on what I want to be doing with my life because of ____ and _____ and well every other excuse in the book. Something inside me snapped and it was as if I truly understood just what a waste it was for me to at least not TRY to do the things that are on my heart. I had realized that I had told myself NO way to long. All of the doubts I had assumed along the way, suddenly became void. Now, I am human and am in no way saying that these fears and doubts still don't stop me, but now they stop me in order to fully consider and think things through rather than to hold me back. My focus going forward has become a bit more clearer and has allowed me to organize a plan towards reaching those goals that stir passion in my heart.

So with this being said... I just want to share this little message with you all. This is my reminder that I don't have to hear NO before someone tells me. I can not assume someones answer or how they may see me. Fear and doubt are not the rule. Let truth and discernment take their places and build that future that is yours. No is not a bad word, in fact it is a good word a word that we learn to keep us from harm. It is just a word that we can't allow to be our norm. We have to live, build our future and with that is taking steps, even little ones towards what our purpose is. Life rushes by us so quickly. I have decided to take my time into my hands (AGAIN) and create my terms. As a part of this, I have promised myself to look into the things that I hold in my heart, honor my passion and take small steps towards the things I hope to have in my life. Slowing down, taking small strides and making informed decisions I believe will help to clear my head of that nagging NO that wants to pop in and taint my thoughts. This is my path, I hope that you will take time and consider what will help you in the process of taking steps towards your purpose.

Thanks again for stopping by. I am grateful for my brave and truthful friends, sharing their stories with me. I know that life gets crazy, and that schedules get busy... but I am so grateful for the time each of my friends (and you too!) take to spend with me.

Happy Friday!

~Liz

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

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.