Friday, February 17, 2012

It's That Time Again....

Yes you heard it correct. 
 In response to Random Act Of Kindness day, I wanted to show my love for all of your support, and give you a chance to win a wonderful prizepack!!
(I have Tropical Travelogue coming out my ears... somone thought It would make a good gift, on top of all the design team stuff, so I am sharing the overflow)
 Here s what you could win...
 8x8 Tropical Travelogue Paper Pack
Tropical Travelogue Chipboard Sheet
Want2Scrap Spellbinders bling
Donna Salazar Mixed Media ink
Petaloo Flowers
A yard of Yummy Ribbon
3 OF My Handmade flowers created using Steampunk Debutante papers

Here is how to enter:

To be entered for your chance to win this awesome giveaway. Leave your comments here now through February 24th! One winner will be chosen at random and announced next Friday, February 24th! * US and Canada Residents Only Please!

For  additional entries to win, become a follower of my blog, and facebook page.
Then just drop by and leave another message letting me know that you are a new follower!
If you are already a follower, let me know and it will give you another entry!

Now, I would like to share with you some amazing pictures given to me by customers.
This is the best part of creating my paper flowers for weddings.  Recieving all those gorgeous happy moments captured!








Absolutely love the un iced cake..Simply stunning with all the layers of flowers. 
Who would have thought?!?




And the flowers on the arch, uh, take my breathe away!!!




Flowers, flowers everywhere!  Even gorgeous in the hair!


 Yup, even the men look grand in them too!


That's all for today!  Thanks so much for stopping by!
Good luck to everyone who enters the giveaway!
Don't forget winner to be announced next Friday, February 24th
Have an amazing weekend!!
Nicki Chicky









Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Dreaming of Mixed Media With Graphic 45

Hello and Welcome on this Fabulous Wednesday! 
Today I have some fun creations in store for you!  So let's not waste any time and get to the Eye Candy!

Art for me is a daily part of life.  It is my release, my strength, and my inspiration. 
It has taught me patience, how to let go, and most important, who I really am.
I feel as an artist, the world around you is seen in a different hue.  Not always marching to the same beat as everyone else.  Maybe you are a dreamer, or hopeless romantic.  As artists We live in a reality based world, that is often visited by fairies, strange creatures and all things magical.  Where pigs really can fly, and anything is possible! 

Cirque 19




Cirque 19 Collage
Graphic 45 Papers:
Le Cirque: Magnifique, Bohemian Floral, Under the Bigtop, Wizards of Wonders
Curtain Call: Curtain Call, Top Billing
On The Boardwalk: By The Beautiful Sea
Lost Coast Stamps: Circus Dog
Hero Arts: Dictionary Background Stamp
Staz On: Jet Black
Stampington and Company: Victorian Woman
Other: Acrylic Paint, Twinkling H20’s, Gel Medium, Clip Art, Sharpie Marker, 16 x 20 Stretched Canvas



For me, the creative process is something that just happens.  I never really have a set plan to create anything specific in mind.  Maybe I know it is a canvas, or a shadowbox, but otherwise I let the papers and images guide my imagination. Once an idea sparks, it becomes a mad dash to make the vision come to life, as dust bunnies build up and dinner becomes something just quick and convenient.  Searching for images, or staining my fingers with inks, clothes covered in paint and staying up past the witching hour drivin to just get a little more done. 
And once I finally do hit the bed, dreams of my creation keep me working all night long, sometimes to where I don't feel I have slept at all.  Wake up, send the kiddo off to school and do it all again, until it has come to life! 
 


Apothecary Collage
Graphic 45 Papers:
Curiosity Shoppe: Butterfly Species, Bazaar of Wonders
Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares
Other: Acrylic Paints, Twinkling H20’s, 8x10 Canvas, Clipart, gel medium
 
 
With a deep interest for Halloween, and the more bazaar. I have been inspired by artists like Edward Gorey and Tim Burton. Add a love for science, architecture and anything mechanical, it was only natural for me to be drawn to the style of steampunk. 
These collages are the perfect example of my love for steampunk and all things funky. 
 



Steampunk Collage
Graphic 45 Papers:
Steampunk Debutante: Modern Marvels
Olde Curiosity Shoppe: Butterfly Species,
Sizzix: Gear Die
Hampton Arts: Steampunk Debutante
Tsukineko: Staz On Jet Black
Other: Acrylic Paints, Twinkling H20’s, 8x10 Canvas, Clipart, Sharpie Marker, Gel medium
 
 
 
Each piece is created on stretched canvas, with a unique hand painted background by using a mix of Acrylic paints, and adding a touch of shine and wonder with Twinkling H20s.
Bright colors and imagery pull you into an almost surreal world, where giant octopus battle with big fish. Elephants perform in top hats, and ravens rest about. This is my fantasy world come to life!"


That's it for today!  Thank you so much for stopping by and stepping into my world for a day!  Make sure to stop back Friday for some outstanding wedding photos shared by customers, as well as a little giveaway hidden up my sleeve!
Nicki Chicky

 


 


 

 

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Easy Gift Ideas Using Graphic 45's Tropical Travelogue


Hiyaz and Welcome on this Fabulous Wednesday!!  Today I have quite a few goodies to share with you, including a couple tutorials on creating quick and easy gifts for any occasion. 
With Valentines Day just around the corner, and another year full of bithdays headed our way,  it is never to early to arm yourself with handmade gift ideas!! 
And who doesn't love giving or recieving something handmade with love?!?

Also as promisd, a full reveal of just one of 6 of  my CHA projects...So onto the tutorials!!!



Business Card Case Tutorial


Blank business card holders and pill cases can be found at your local craft store, sometimes even Walgreens. Can also be found on etsy, shipped directly to your house!

Step 1: To create the business card holder you want a strong adhesive that will hold on the smooth metal surface.
I have found that Scor Tape works the best for this. To get started cover entire area you wish to decorate with strips of Scor Tape.
Step 2: Find and cut out desired image to the size needed. These images from Tropical Travelogue are almost the perfect size with minimal trimming!

Step 3: Once image has been cut to size, remove the backing from strips of Scor Tape and adhere.
Step 4: To keep your image protected, waterproof and long lasting paint a few light coats of Mod Podge overtop using a paint brush. Make sure to allow plenty of time for drying between layers




To Create the Bracelet or Pill Case
Bracelet Blanks can be found at Michaels or many other Craft Supply stores. Metal frames used also available at craft stores, or from etsy delivered right to your door!
Step 1: Find the desired Graphic 45 image you wish to use and cut to the size needed for metal frame.
Step 2: Adhere using Scor Tape as instructed for creating Business Card Case
(See Instructions Above)
Step 3: This time for protection you want a hard clear glaze that will keep your image sealed and safe forever inside the recessed area.
The perfect thing for this is Diamond Glaze. With a great tip for application, just directly apply over surface to create a glass like effect.
*Allow at least 12 hours to dry before touching or moving after application.
Once Glossy Accents has dried you will have a smooth glassy surface that looks truly professionally made!
Step 4: Last of all adhere your completed metal frame to bracelet blank using E6000 Industrial strength adhesive, and allow plenty of time to dry

* To create the decorated pill case, follow the steps 1-3 for creating the bracelet



Business Card Case Supplies:
Graphic 45 Papers:
Tropical Travelogue: Seaside Holiday
Sookwang: Scor Tape
Plaid: Mod Podge
Other: Paint Brush, Blank Business Card Case

Bracelet Supplies:
Graphic 45 Papers:
Steampunk Debutante: Steampunk Debutante
Sookwang: Scor Tape
JudiKins: Diamond Glaze
Other: Metal Frame, Metal Bracelet Blank
Pill Case Supplies:
Graphic 45 papers
Tropical Travelogue: Botanica
Sookwang: Scor Tape
JudiKins: Diamond Glaze
Other: Blank Metal Pill Case
Now onto my Little Darlings Sneak Peak!

This Brand New Baby Line from Graphic 45 is absolutely gorgeous!!!  Perfect for displaying pictures of that special little one in your life!  Classic Graphic 45 at is best, they have indeed done it again!!! 
And this is only one of three releases from them at CHA!!! 
I haven't even gotten to play with the New Kraft Reflections, oh the anticipation!

Also if you haven't gotten a chance to see the stunning booth G45 set up this year at CHA, make sure to watch this video for some amazing inspiration and just pure eye candy!! 
Might even see a few more sneaky peaky's of my projects in there too!!



Thank you so much for stopping by! 
Lots to do this week, getting ready for a Big Art show this weekend. 
 Then time to work on a few new Top Secret Designs for Graphic 45's Design Team Call!!!  WooHOO!!
Have a Elerific Day!
Nicki Chicky




Saturday, January 28, 2012

CHA and Catching Up!

WoW, I can't believe it is almost Feb, and I have been this far behind! 
 In December I did 3 shows before Christmas, and was looking forward to January for some Catch Up time.  Once January 1st hit, my store became super busy with flower and elephant pull toy orders, it was almost unbelievable how fast they were coming in! 
On top of all the excitement of business picking up, it was time to get creative on Graphic 45 projects for CHA using their fantastic new lines!!!
WHEW! 
Everything is now COMPLETELY caught up, including 2 boxes of goodies shipped to CHA containing:
2 Layouts
2 Altered Art Boxes
2 Tags
1 Altered Canvas
And I can't wait to get to share them with you!  Here are a couple insy sneaky peakies to wet your whistle!!!



Sorry, that's all the sneaky peakies for now, can't let the cat out of the bag too soon!!!
Lots more to come as CHA begins, and Graphic 45 begins sharing too!!

Here are the latest creations made either for special orders, or local retail stores! 

This was a special order Halloween box from a lovely individual who found me in Just Steampunk Magazine!!  She had inquired about a smaller version of the box that had been published.


 An altered book box depicting scenes from the Salem Witch Trials.  Created with my niece as a school project.  She got an A!


One of a collection of Altered Canvas's heading to shows, local stores and my online shop!


14x16 Mixed Media Collage
 Created with a friend and photographer, Johnnie King, for a local restaurant holding a design contest!
  Winners receive a $100 gift certificate to the restaurant, as well as art work chosen is painted on a HUGE brick wall for everyone to see!!
Winners to be announced at the end of the month...keeping my fingers crossed!

The last of the elephants have been made up and shipped out! 
Sadly, I only have one more remaining elephant in stock. 
 Unless I can find someone to create a 3 part mold to make more of these Cute little elephants, I will have to say good bye to these creations for good... 

This one was created for the top of a cake at a baby shower!  Made with super bright colors to match this amazing cake with only a few alterations...




Now that all my CHA projects are shipped, it's time to change focus to another Show!


Super excited about this one!  Should be a lot of fun!! 
Now off to work on projects for the show!


More CHA sneaky Peaks to come in the next few days, so stay tuned and enjoy all the excitement!!
Have an amazing weekend!
Nicki Chicky





















Friday, December 16, 2011

Graphic 45 and May Arts Blog Hop - Day 5


Hello and Welcome on this wonderful Friday!!!
Thanks for joining in on this incredible journey put together by Graphic 45 and May Arts!

Graphic 45 and May Arts have teamed up for a super fun blog hop December 12-16th! With tons of inspiration, fabulous prizes, incredible crafts and so much more! Behold the magic that happens when Graphic 45 vintage-inspired papers and embellishments join forces with gorgeous May Arts ribbons! Our design teams have gone all out to bring you the most enchanting crafts! Along the way you'll discover lots of fabulous new ideas to inspire your holiday season! So have fun and get inspired every day of this fantastic blog hop with Graphic 45 and May Arts!

And don't forget to leave your comments on each designer's blog to be entered for your chance to win some outstanding prize packs. One random comment will be chosen from one of our design team member's blogs and announced on Monday, December 19th!

There's also an exclusive Facebook prize! Check out the Graphic 45 Facebook page and leave a comment for your chance to win!
May Arts is also offering gorgeous prizes on their blog and Facebook page! So you'll definitely want to check it out! Just tell them that Graphic 45 sent you! So much inspiration! So many chances to win prizes! This is going to be a great week!

Here is what you could win from Graphic 45!!!!

The Gorgeous, and Brand NEW  Tropical Travelogue 12x12 paper pad, coordinating chipboard die-cuts 1 & 2, and some gorgeous May Arts ribbons!


Want to learn more about Graphic 45 and May Arts? Here's some fun information about these two fantastic crafting companies!


Graphic 45 an award-winning scrapbook and paper crafting company­— owned and operated by a mother and her two daughters. Together we create vintage inspired crafting products that capture the flamboyant style of the 1920's and 30's - with vibrant color, irresistible texture and imaginative design to create products with decades-old appeal that's both fresh and familiar. Let our products inspire your next scrapbook layout, card, album, altered art project, or home decor DIY project.
May Arts is a ribbon wholesaler, based in Riverside, Connecticut, serving over 16,000 customers worldwide. We offer an exceptional selection of ribbons, including sheer, satin, grosgrain, silk and a variety of patterns and prints. We also maintain a steady stock of inventory so that orders can be fulfilled immediately. As one of the country’s leading wholesalers of decorative ribbons, May Arts has been providing superior products and the highest level of customer service for over 25 years.

And Incase you are just jumping in today, here is a complete schedule of the entire week so you don't have to miss anything!!  Plus you still have till Sunday night to get your comments in for a chance a chance to win those prize packs...So what are you waiting for!!!
Monday, December 12th
Lynette Carroll - http://www.lynettecarrolldesigns.typepad.com/
Jane Tregenza - www.janetregenza.blogspot.com
JackandCat Curio - jackandcatcurio.blogspot.com
Candy Rosenberg - http://candyscraps.typepad.com/scraps/
Latrice Murphy - http://www.latricemurphy.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, December 13th
Ellen Sosnoski - http://closeyourears.blogspot.com/
Laura Denison - www.followingthepapertrail.blogspot.com
Charlene Driggs - http://www.paperandinkplayground.com/
Melaine Forbes - www.melanie-forbes.blogspot.com
Jen Shears - http://jenshearsdesigns.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, December 14thRobin Shakoor - http://robinshakoor.blogspot.com
Yuka Hino - http://nsnlso.blogspot.com/
Jenifer Cowles - http://scrapbooking-n-more.com/default.aspx
Gloria Stengel - www.gloriascraps.blogspot.com
Jingle - http://www.justjingle.blogspot.com/

Thursday, December 15th
Jinky Kowalski - http://jinkyscrafts.blogspot.com/
Sherry Cheever - http://sherrycheever.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/
Britta Swiderski - http://brittaswiderski.com/
Hilde Janbroers - http://hildejanbroers.blogspot.com/
Karen Baker - http://thebalddragonfly.blogspot.com/

Friday, December 16th

Tara Orr - http://eachmoment-onlyonce.blogspot.com
Kimberly Jones - http://serendipityvintagestudio.blogspot.com/
Nancy Wethington -  http://art-from-the-heart.typepad.com
Peggy Cain - http://www.createwithbubbe.blogspot.com/
 Nicole Eccles - www.NicoleEccles.blogspot.com  <----YOU ARE HERE
Vera Yates - http://www.lingshappyplace.blogspot.com/
Now enough sneaky peaky teasers, onto the real deal!
For my project I decided to alter a Bell Shaped Glass Ornament.  Found at most local craft stores, including Michaels and Hobby Lobby, also available at some Scrapbook Stores released by Melissa Frances. 
The glass ornament comes with a precut Chipboard base that can be decorated with any materials, and turned into an ornament, or a wonderful piece of altered art with a scene underneath!
For mine, I decided it was a woman's skirt!! 
Created by layering strips of May Arts yummy white lace side by side and on top of itself, then hand stitching them along the top, binding them all together. 
For easy placement upon the Bell Shaped Ornament, simply sew a small key ring to the top of the presewn skirt.
Now it will sit perfectly atop your ornament, and keep the perfect "skirt" shape, and now may be adhered into place using a high tack glue.

Trim ends of lace to desired length of skirt once adhered to ornament.
The woman was hand cut from Graphic 45's Steampunk Debutante Line, wings were stamped separately onto dictionary paper, cut out and adhered. 

*To add strength to your angel, firmly adhere a popsicle stick to her back!
For smaller paper projects, use toothpicks!!


Under the skirt I wanted the appearance of a peaceful snowy scene.  Using miniatures found at my local craft store, I was able to create the feel I was looking for.
 
First I covered the chipboard base using Vintage Silver Flower soft.
Once dry, I adhered my tiny white Christmas Tree, and decorated it using vintage looking wooden beads found from my local craft store. 
And last a tiny plastic deer lazing about placed right in front of the tree.
Super simple for such an elegant effect!!


Last, I adhered the decorated chipboard base atop a rusty looking cast iron candlestick using E6000.
Allow plenty of time to dry
Finish the whole thing off with a Cream Satiny Sweet May Arts Ribbon tied around the center, and set into a worn ceramic dish.   For effect add a few glass ornaments and a Pine Cone, or even some fresh greens or Potpourri and you have an instant Elegant Christmas Buffet or Mantle Piece!!! 

Also, for easier storage, do not glue the glass ornament to it's base, instead treat it like a Cloche that can just be placed over top.  This way it can be wrapped safely away from the weight of the cast iron, and won't accidentally get broken!

Thank you so much for stopping by today on your amazing journey with Graphic 45 and May Arts!

Don't forget to visit all the other incredible designers that have been featured today, and not to mention all week long!! 
And leave those comments along the way for your chance to win some goodies!!!
Stay Warm this weekend, and take some time to Alter Your World!!!

Nicki Chicky

Supplies Used:
Graphic 45 Papers:
Steampunk Debutante: Eclectic Emporium
Colorbox Decades Inks: Photogenic
May Arts:  White lace, Cream Satin Ribbon

Stampers Anonymous: Angel Wings
Flower Soft: Vintage Silver

Other: Bell Shaped Ornament w/Chipboard Base, Cast Iron Candlestick, Wooden Beads,
Miniature Xmas Tree and Deer, Dictionary Paper







Friday, December 9, 2011

Spring Cheer to Brighten Those Gloomy Winter Days Using Graphic 45 Once Upon A Springtime

Hello and Welcome on this Super Cold Thursday!! 
Today I have a fun project for you using Graphic 45's Once Upon A Springtime!  This is a great little project to brighten up those winter days, and even have a quick and fun technique to share!
So onto the inspirations...

This fun little fairy block was created using a 2" wooden block, 2 Maya Road Bottlecaps, 2" for the mushroom garden and a giant bottle cap for the block to sit into, and some wooden spools for feet! 
Notice the mushrooms created out of Graphic 45 Doorknobs and Metal Brads!!!!


The mushrooms are super easy to create with just a little copper refrigeration tubing, purchased at any local hardware store..
  To create the mushrooms, simply cut a length of tubing using a pipe cutter, add a little E600 to one end, and slide it over the back of the metal brads or door knob. 
 It's really just that simple...
Cut your tubing to different lengths and create a whole mushroom garden!
If you have trouble with the brads bottoms, simply snip the fasteners off using wire cutters  and you will be left with a blank stem to slide tubing over... 


For the cute wooden block I covered it in wonderful Once Upon a Springtime papers.  Simply accented by a few handcut images..LOVE the frog with his flower!!
To fill in the spaces around the block inside of the bottlecap I used
 some dry moss, adhered with hot glue. 
And for an added magical touch sprinkle a little mica for shine, like a light layer of snow melting into the spring!

Supplies Used:
Graphic 45 papers:
Once Upon a Springtime: Woodland Fantasy, Primrose Cottage, Once Upon A Springtime, Tags
Le Cirque: Extravaganza
Graphic 45 Staples: Doorplates(knob), Metal Brads
Colorbox Decades Inks: Triumphant red
Ranger: Rock Candy Distress Stickles, Glossy Accents
Maya Road: Giant Bottle Caps
Scrapbook Adhesives: 3D Foam Squares
Tombow: Glue Stick
Other: Copper refrigeration tubing, moss, tinsel, mica snow, wooden spools, beads, E6000, Hot Glue Gun
 Thanks so much for stopping today for a little inspiration!
Wishing you a safe and warm weekend!
Nicki Chicky





Monday, December 5, 2011

A Wooeing We Go With Graphic 45 ABC Primer

Hello and Welcome on this, the first Monday of December!
It's hard to believe we are already counting down the days to Christmas, then OMG followed by the New Year..WOW..Honestly the years just seem to go by faster and faster these days...Always leaving me wondering, Where did the time truly go?!?
Well for me it has been busy, busy, busy!!!
And loving every minute of it. But sometimes in all my busy times running around getting ready for shows, teaching classes or just creating I forget about the people who mean the most to me.  It's good to just take a moment and let someone know you love them.  Expecially during those long, gloomy days of Winter.
This cute little card is perfect for the occasion.  Super quick to create and super sweet!


Created with a wonderful mix of Graphic 45's An ABC Primer and The Magic Of Oz.  I absolutely LOVE this image of,  A frog He Would A-wooeng go, cut from an An ABC Primer line.  Great for Valentine's Day, Sweetest Day, or Just to show your love...  Trimmed with luscious May arts ribbon. 
And complimented by Graphic 45's Metal Tags displaying the tag 1 + 1...  



Supplies Used:
Graphic 45 Papers:
An ABC Primer: Building Blocks, Bedtime Stories, One Two Buckle My Shoe
Magic Of Oz: Tenderhearted Tin Man
Graphic 45 Staples: Metal Tags
Fiskars: Postage Stamp Edge Borger Punch
May Arts: Ribbon
Spellbinders: Classic Scallop Rectangle Small Nestabilities
Ranger: Rock Candy Distress Stickles, Frayed Burlap Distress Ink, Glossy Accents, Platinum Stickles
Ideology: Grungeboard Flourish
Scrapbook Adhesives: 3D Foam Squares, repositionable adhesive
Tombow: Color Glue Stick
Other: Silk flower
So whether you are already thinking ahead to  Valentine's day.  Or just thinking about the one's you love, this would make the perfect little reminder! 
Thanks so much for stopping by Today!
Have an outstanding week getting ready for the Holidays!
Nicki Chicky