Art Journal with a faux hand ribbon binding

I love the look of beautifully hand bound journals with gorgeous flowing ribbons.

I dream of someday taking watercolor paper, gorgeous hand dyed ribbons and a needle and binding all my own journals.

The reality is... I don't have time for that..

As much as I wish I could be completely 100% artisan, I just can't. And I know I am not the only one who feels this way.

I see so many pictures of gorgeously bound albums, crafted with care. I've even learned how to do it from Youtube and even last weeks Truthscrap event where Andrea Chebeleu  showed some gorgeous hand binding techniques.

Still, all the knowledge in the world can not make time and energy appear :)

So instead of kicking myself for NOT having the time to do hand binding... I've decided to take the look of binding and HACK it into my album with ease.

Faux Hand Bound Journal

First take strips of ribbon and cut them into 12-18 inch strips, enough to horizontally cover the spine of your journal.

 

Take your journal and break the spine, I mean really work it back and forth so that your journal would lay flat if possible.

Next take some re-positionable adhesive and use it on your outer spine. If you don't have some no worry, just be extra careful with the next step.

Open up your journal faced down with your outer spine facing up. Line up your ribbons so that they lay perpendicular to your spine (centered). Continue to add ribbons to cover your journal.

Next, sew on the cover of your journal closely down the center near the spine of your journal using a denim or heavy duty needle and proper settings. I used my Brother Innovis 950 D for this. If you need to take a few pages out of your journal, that's cool. This journal is meant to have a broken tattered feel to it.

Once you've sewn a few lines on one cover, do the same to the other cover. You will have your ribbons sewn into your journal with the about an inch in the center between the two seems.  Remove your journal from your machine and cut any loose threads you may not want.

Weave or tie your ribbons as you like, bows, knots or eve a braid.. get creative.

After you are done you will have a gorgeous faux handmade journal. It looks handmade... but it only takes a few simple steps.

Thanks to the great friends over at Offray Ribbons for offering up this ribbon to work with. They gave me this ribbon to try and and incorporate into my crafts, which just worked perfectly for my version of a faux hand bound journal.

This is also a post for the Designers Craft Connection, so besides mine...  make sure to follow the links below for mor awesome ribbon projects.

Designer Craft Connection
[ Hop back ] [ Hop forward ]

Thanks for joining today :)

~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 ♥

Mixed Media Blog Hop- Day 2

It's day two of our blog hop and today I want to not only share with you my second sneak peek of my project in the new Mixed Media 2 special edition issue from Creating Keepsakes magazine but I want to also share a little about the ladies I have invited to do this blog hop with me...

Here are some sneak peeks to my Insta-Life project where I shared a tutorial on how to make your own glittery art skin.

I used the art skins for these stars:

You will see this project featured on page 33.

I also created this hand made chevron background (with my husbands help!) by using small strips and cutting them at a bias. Some are glazed and some are layered with different types of papers and materials... I love this page just because of the background.

The rest of the hoppers...

So, In addition to sharing our projects we are also sharing some love and admiration for the other artists projects in this issue. I want to share some love for each of the girls and a little on how I met or know them :) Make sure to check out the rest of the girls (click their links) on this blog hop here! Both days are available for you to check out.

Wednesday September 25^th, 2013

Noel Culbertson 

• Noel has been a dear friend of our family for 6 years now, we met online but our families have now become friends and I am so grateful for that! She is also someone who will make you laugh non-stop if given the chance, beware :)

Ronda Palazzari

• Ronda I  met when we moved to Colorado. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such talented scrapbookers in Northern Colorado, but Ronda is on who has become a good friend and we see eye to eye on life. She is a good person through and through.

AngelaMagnuson

• Another wonderful family friend, Angela. I met Ang as we both rode up the mountain together to Brave Girls Camp and have been wonderful friends since. Her heart is so beautiful and overflows into her love for her family and her employees. I love this girl, through and through which is great because our husbands are friends too. At a hard time in my life, Ang invited me and James to visit and we did, I will never forget our time together. 

Marion Smith

• Marion is another friend I met while I worked at Tattered Angels. Marion is one of those ridiculously talented people that can seriously make something beautiful from nothing... She is also a wonderful person with a good heart. I am so grateful to know her and see her success.

Sharon Laakkonen

• Sharon has been a beacon of light in my career since I met her in 2008. She is a pure and wonderful person who has helped me more than once. I love that we have a mutual love for life and God and that at times I remember wonderful chats with Sharon that just helped me affirm my direction in life... 

Teri Anderson

• I met Teri just a few years ago, I think when the first Creative Spaces issue from Creating Keepsakes came out. She was such a delight to be around and so kind. Although I don't know her as well as some of the other girls, I have loved her work in this issue and knew that all of you would too!

Candy Rosenberg

• Candy and me are kin. We have helped each other grow and support through life and work. It is such a privilege to see my friend THRIVE and grow. She is a beautiful soul and I am so grateful to have her in my life.

Thursday September 26^th 2013

Stacy Cohen

• I met Stacy when she attended one of my classes when I taught in California but it didn't take long for me to stop teach and just watch her create. She is an amazing artist and hand crafts beautiful layouts every time. She is also a wonderful beautiful kind soul. I am so glad to have met her that first day and continue to catch up with her at shows when we can.

Kim Watson

• Like Noel, I met Kim on line and we hit it off immediately. We have constantly kept in touch through the years and my highlight was when we met a few years ago in person for the first time. I love this lady and have been so happy to see her grow in this industry.

Agnieszka Bellaidea 

• I just met Agnieszka this week and asked her to be on the blog hop. Her enthusiasm about mixed media and her projects in this magazine are awesome. You will love her work.

 Susan Weckesser

• I met Susan a few years back and just like some of the other girls, fell in love with her beautiful kind spirit. She is a point of positivity in this industry that is much appreciated and such a beautiful friend too!

Layle Konkar

• Layle and I use to travel and teach at the same trade shows. We would do dinner and catch up here and there and grew to be good friends. I was really sad when she left our industry for a few years but delighted when she returned to work for Simple Stories. Layle is an amazing teacher and designer and a huge asset to the creative industry. I have enjoyed keeping in touch with her through the years but was so happy to be able to see her at CHA again this past summer.

Stephanie Ackerman

•  Stephanie always brings a smile to my face. I met Steph in 2008 while we were both on the Prima team and through the years we have encouraged each other via facebook and stayed good friends. She is one I consider a soul sister and I just love her heart and passion....

Sherry Mendoza

• I met Sherry through her work with Prima a few years back and what I love about Sherry is her honesty and friendship. She has always been a true friend to me and looked out for me. At one time our kids were able to meet and it was wonderful to see them hit it off so well. It is no surprise since both James and I love having Sherry as a friend.

Ashley Harris

• I first met Ashley while working at Tattered Angels and later was able to work with her on my time with The Scrap Review. I remember a dinner we had together with Noel at CHA that will forever in my heart be a reminder of what a beautiful person Ashley is. She is a good friend that I am fortunate to have in my life.

Courtney Walsh

• I met Courtney when she moved in down the street from me. Both of us transplants from different states and both of us were mentioned to each other from mutual friends... Finally one day we spent the entire day chatting on Facebook and finally met for coffee. She is such a wonderful person to have in my life, full of honesty and hilarity... even just today I am laughing still at an email she just sent me... Hers is another family that connected with ours and it was so nice for the short time we lived in the same state, to have each other... it was just enough time together to solidify our friendship :)

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

• Julie and I met while working on the ScanNCut project together and what I have loved the most about Julie (well besides her crazy ridiculous talent) is her honesty and her advice. When I talk with Julie it is like she understands me and what I am going through. This last year has been a tough one for me and I am so grateful that I had Julie at the perfect moments to just talk with me. She is not only gorgeous on the outside but beautiful on the inside too... very grateful for that.

So at the risk of sounding sappy... I really just wanted to take a moment to share not only WHY I asked each of these girls to blog hop together, but to also take a minute to let you all know what they mean to me in my life. You see... working in the Arts and Crafts industry is not easy, in all honesty it can be quite tough... and well these girls have been good friends to me through the years which is what gets me through the hard times. In any form of work, you need good friends around you to surround you and help guide and form you. I have been lucky to have these girls as well as so many more mentor and guide me. I just had to take a moment to talk about them, but also remind you to check out their work in this magazine... It is crazy how amazing it is when you get this much talent together...



♥ Liz

Mixed Media Blog Hop- Day 1

So today we are hopping with some of my FAVORITE people...

Together we were asked to be a part of the new Mixed Media 2 special edition issue from Creating Keepsakes magazine. I am so happy that Creating Keepsakes will still be producing their special issues, these are always so much fun and full of creative ideas.

I have two projects in this issue. Today I want to share a sneak of one of them featuring Craft Attitude printable art film. I love that I can print my own designs on Craft Attitude and use it in just about all of my projects. Here I layered paper, different prints of Craft Attitude as well as cellophane gift wrap.


Here is a sneak...

(excuse the lack of detail picture, my camera broke this morning)

Check out page 113 of this special for the full details of this project and how to make these whimsical flowers using Craft Attitude.

Also make sure to check out page 107 for another whimsical page by one of my favorites Julie Fei-Fan Balzer, Julie is not only an amazing artist but a wonderful friend as well... You will love what she shares in this magazine for sure. She has a couple projects in this issue as well and as always shares some cleaver techniques. This project especially caught my eye because of the beautiful colors... I can't help but love it!

Make sure to check out the rest of our blog hoppers here. We are working through two days, so you will want to come back tomorrow for sure!!!

Wednesday September 25^th, 2013

Liz Hicks

Noel Culbertson

Ronda Palazzari

AngelaMagnuson

Marion Smith

Sharon Laakkonen

Terri Anderson

Candy Rosenberg

Thursday September 26^th 2013

Liz Hicks

Stacy Cohen

Kim Watson

Agnieszka Bellaidea

 Susan Weckesser

Layle Konkar

Stephanie Ackerman

Sherry Mendoza

Ashley Harris

Courtney Walsh 

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

Check out what the girls are sharing about their projects and friends and if you get a chance leave some love for these talented ladies!

♥ Liz

Introducing ScanNCut

I can't believe that it is finally here. Time to announce the amazing project that I have been working on since February...

I am so pleased to introduce to you...

 From Brother International

ScanNCut is the Worlds FIRST Home and Hobby Cutting Machine with a 300 DPI built in Scanner.

With the capability to scan you can easily make this...

Into this...

Within minutes. No computer, no software JUST ScanNCut.

Make sure to sign up HERE to be the FIRST to hear about this innovative new machine from Brother International.


~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.