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An Artists Year in Review

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Well this year definitely went down a different path than we had all imagined, didn’t it?

There has been loss, sadness, frustration, awakening, creativity and GROWTH.

I thought I would do a blog post with many pictures reminiscing some of the moments we have shared. As I was going through my photos, I that ‘what better way to wrap up 2020, but in a livestream video’ (since I have spent a large portion of this year doing just that on Twitch, YouTube & Facebook. So that is what I did 🙂 .

I hope and wish that you can all reflect and find some of the joys that 2020 has brought you. They are there. They may be tiny, but I am sure that there are a few for almost everyone.

Here is a list of some of my years big moments (somewhat in order):

  • I started a second job at Clipperstreet Scrapbooking
  • I lost my dear friend Sabrina to cancer
  • I discovered new art supplies that soon became favourites (Paper Artsy Fresco Finish Paint & WOW! Embossing Powders).
  • I made a good friend in my new co-worker Jo
  • I made a new sock into a facemask, as masks were very hard to find.
  • I lost my job at Clipperstreet due to Covid-19
  • I temporarily lost my teaching jobs for 2020 due to Covid-19
  • My husband got a good job due to Covid-19
  • I turned one of my regular classes into an online art class ‘Intro to Graphic Novels’.
  • I began doing more scheduled art livestreams on Twitch and Facebook (M-F at 2pm PST) at www.nicci.tv .
  • I made friends through my online streams
  • I cried live on air (& I did it again today…lol).
  • I celebrated my 50th birthday online with my new virtual friends as well as later in the day with a very small bubble of family in our back yard.
  • I went through about 5 different hair colour changes and 2 drastic haircuts.
  • I launched my first crowdfunder.
  • Added my YouTube channel to my live-stream broadcast.
  • I succeeded at my first crowdfunder.
  • I am creating my very first self published book. Art Adventures with Alice. (You can still pre-order your copy in my ETSY store. DEADLINE is January 13th, 2021).
  • I filled 5 art journals.
  • I made and sold art journals through my livestreams.
  • I took two art classes from James Luke Burke.
  • I think I have bought more art supplies this year than any other year in my life.
  • I switched back to just streaming on Tuesdays & Fridays at 2pm PST.
  • I gained 20 pounds…over the year.
  • I made new Artist friends across the globe by saying ‘YES’ & jumping into a ‘Crafty Banter’ livestream with Olga, Marlene & Belinda.
  • I lost my uncle very unexpectedly in December.
  • I ate out in restaurants 3 times this year (between August and now) & do not have any plans to do so again for quite awhile. We order in instead from our favourite few restaurants.
  • I rearranged my art studio 4 times.
  • I think I helped others feel less alone by live-streaming. Live-streaming helped me feel less alone, especially on the days that I did not feel up to doing it, but did it anyways.
  • Every day, I did that best I could do on that day. Some days, were just days I hung out in the living room to be near my family. Other days I was encouraging people to do 15 minutes of kitchen dancing and sing their hearts out no matter their skill level.
  • Today, I wish you love, laughter, safety and good health.

May the odds ever be in your favour!

Keep smiling and I will see you in the New Year!

Your crafty Pandemic Support System… finding your tribe

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As our self-distancing situation continues world-wide it is very important to reach out.

I have been streaming live art creation videos during my time at home, beginning in March of this year (2020). I have found that it can really help, even just the thought that some of you are out there creating along with me. I like to think that I am helping some of you as well, even if you just have me on in the background.

Just the thought of having others near you, be it virtually or physically in your ‘bubble’, can have a great effect on the human spirit.

I, myself, have had some really bad days & by choosing to stream a live video of creativity and chatting, it did help bring me back to my centre (ground myself) with some inner strength and positivity. I even cried during one video back in the Spring and , in the end, it was okay.

It’s kind of weird, how when we show our true feelings, we can actually relate to others in a truer and deeper way.

I am not suggesting that you are to do ‘live’ videos as well, but do reach out.

Please reach out.

If you are having low moments, rough patches, or are sinking in depression, reach out. Even if you think you have no one to reach out to, you do. You know deep deep down who you can reach out to. Sometime you just want/need to be heard. Need to know that you are not alone. Need to be reminded of the greatness in the world, the hope & therefore the JOY that will be waiting for you around the corner.

Even if you are in a good place right now, reach out. Build connections. Find your tribe and don’t forget to let them now how much you appreciate them. Share your strength & truth and you will receive it in return. Sometimes you will receive it out of the blue and right when you need it the most.

I plan to continue my Tuesday & Friday live streams at 2pm PST every week & hope to bring some guests on every once in awhile (once I figure out how to do it better…lol). You can always find my livestreams at www.nicci.tv or in my facebook page and or Youtube.

A snap shot from the video linked below 🙂

Below is a group chat video I was a part of earlier this week, with some fabulous Artists that I have just recently met online during the pandemic. (Right there, is some of my JOY. Making new friends online during a year spent at home.)

Don’t forget that there are also professionals ready to help you. These are the contact lines for my local area, but please use google to find the numbers for you to call.

Crisis Services Canada (website link)

Call 1.833.456.4566 | Text  45645

You are worthy.

You are loved.

You have the power and the strength, you just have to reach deep inside (metaphorically) and use it.

Keep smiling and creating my friends,

Nicci

T’was a Pandemic Holiday ~ Art Adventure

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As the world continues on this isolated path, I thought that it would be good to focus my next few art livestreams (now until Dec 25) on finding and embracing the JOY.

Even though our physical bubbles are small, I invite you into my online bubble for some creative fun and adventure.

We will create cards to send to our friends and family, showing them that they matter and we care. Oh what JOY to mail a bit of LOVE out into the world! You can even send some to offices and store that support our communities to thank them. Think also of those that live in assisted care. This is a great power you have within you. 🙂

We will also create pages in our art journals or you can just doodle along on pieces of paper or canvas.

There will be challenges to make us giggle. Such as, fUGLY holiday face masks and rewritten holiday carols (songs). I can hear them in my head already…lol.

In my house, we celebrate Christmas, but I am inviting you all along, and therefore, I highly encourage you to adapt these online events to fit your household. Create for what and who you celebrate! Even if you do not celebrate any religious holidays, use this time to celebrate yourself and the ones you love. We can all share the joy that life and companionship can bring, even when we are far apart or celebrate in different ways.

Feel the JOY and help me spread the cheer!

You can join the fun by watching on any of the 3 following platforms:

Basic recommended SUPPLIES: I am using 140lb watercolour paper (journal page), watercolour paints (a basic colour palette: red, green, blue, black, brown, yellow, etc), Pentel pocket brush marker in black, sketch pencil, eraser, Paint brushes: #8 round, #4 round, #8 shader & embossing powders with a heat gun. You can substitute glitter for your embossing powders. Feel free to use your other favourite supplies, such as paint pens, pencil crayons and more. However, they are not required to play along.

Schedule: (subject to change):

  • FRI Nov 20 ~ Creating cards for loved ones. (YouTube video link) For all (or some) of the friends and family you would love to see… when not send them a greeting through the mail so that they know that they are missed. Send them a piece of joy. You will need either some card stock, blank cards or watercolour/mixed media paper, any holiday stamps you may have and some watercolour paints or pencil crayons. I plan on using my Gingerbread girl die cut and sparkly embossing powders for mine. Oh yes, I expect most of my creations will be sparkly 🙂 !
  • TUE Nov 24 ~ Creating your holiday colour palette and swatching it out. YouTube Video Link SUPPLIES: A sheet of watercolour or mixed media paper and a variety of colours in the medium(s) of your choice. I will be using watercolours and possibly pencil crayons.
  • FRI Nov 27 ~ Recipe Card. YouTube Video Link SUPPLIES: Just the basic ones. I am using watercolour paper (journal page), watercolour paints, Pentel pocket brush marker in black & embossing powders.
  • TUE Dec 01 ~ Holiday Decor. YouTube Video Link SUPPLIES: Watercolour paper (journal page), watercolour paint, exact blade, sketch pencil, and a short string of tiny lights (You can buy the Tim Holtz Idealogy (20 lights) ones here or the ones I used from Amazon(10 lights) here).
  • FRI Dec 04 ~ Let’s Go Carolling. YouTube video link We will be painting a Caroller in a Winter Scene with step by step instructions. Preparations (if you would like to create your own 2020 carol lyrics as well to showcase in your art piece): Choose one of your favourite holiday songs and change the lyrics to remember the year.  Make sure that you add some fun and make a point of bringing in the JOY somehow. I plan on using either Jingle Bells or 12 Days of Christmas.
Feel free to copy and save the image of this Caroller, to transfer onto your painting surface to paint along with me 🙂
  • TUE Dec 08 ~ Zooming into the Holidays. Planning a fun online gathering? We will paint what your Holiday ZOOM gathering might look like with step by step instructions. 
  • FRI Dec 11 ~ Rosy cheeked Elves. Printable will be added soon.
  • TUE Dec 15 ~ TBA…shhhh. Details will be added soon.
  • FRI Dec 18 ~ fUGLY Holiday Masks (suggested by the lovely Jen Cain). TBA…shhhh. Details will be added soon.
  • TUE Dec 22 ~ TBA…shhhh. Details will be added soon.
  • FRI Dec 25 ~ Merry Christmas! Details will be added soon.

I look forward to sharing my self-isolated holiday with you all!

Invite your friends!

Alice in Wonderland SWAG is here!!!!!

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Oh my Gosh!

I had so much fun creating these goodies for all of you!

I ordered one of these hoodies with the writing on the sleeves for myself…shhh..lol. I cannot wait for it to arrive!

I hope you LOVE them as much as I do 🙂

You can ORDER yours by CLICKING HERE

As we head into Fall…

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Sorry, I heard the pun in my head as I was typing the title of this book update…lol.

Today is the last day of Summer, here in Canada. Therefore, this evening, we will be falling into Fall, just like our dear Alice fell into Wonderland.

Does that qualify as a ‘Dad joke’, even though I am not a Dad. Lol….let the corny jokes/puns/whimsy commence!

It has been another busy week working on ‘Art Journaling with Alice’.  Sketching, painting, smudging and cutting, Oh My!

Here is a little peak of one of the pages I created last week.

Please NOTE: That it is NOT TOO LATE to pre-order your copy of ‘Art Journaling with Alice’, my upcoming art tutorial book.

You can ORDER your copy TODAY in my ETSY STORE.

Stay healthy and creative, my friends 🙂 

Nicci

Just 5 Hours Left To Join My Crowdfunding Adventure!

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If you have already pre-ordered your copy of ‘Art Journaling With Alice’ , THANK YOU so so so much for your support. You are truly amazing & I love having your support.

Truthfully, you will be able to purchase a copy of this book after the crowdfunding ends.

However,

  1. There may be only a small amount left for purchase (25 or less).
  2. You can only attend the virtual Mad Matter Tea Party in the Spring of 2021, if you purchase your copy of the book during this crowd funder.
  3. This will be the only time that you can select your special inclusions at these price points. I may offer them later for individual sale in my ETSY stop , depending on how many extras I have left.

ORDER HERE

If you know of anyone else that would enjoy my art tutorial book, please invite them to join our adventure!

Take care, keep smiling & creating.

Well, that just happened …

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Today on facebook I noticed that Marlene from Art by Marlene was showcasing how to use her new journal ‘dies’ on a facebook live. I had some trouble finding it, but managed to stumble onto another livestream that she was doing today… and then ended up being a part of it!!! Lol!

So spontaneous and fun!

I love hanging out with other creative souls.

I just had to share it with you. You can find me at the 37 minute mark in the video’s timeline .

Here is a link to Olga’s youtube channel.

Here is a link to Marlene’s website .

Here is a link to Belinda’s Instagram account.

Keep smiling and creating everyone

“Oh, and just … one more thing” ~ Columbo

😉

Does Inktober equal stress?

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These days there are soooo many art prompt challenges that come out of the ‘woodwork’ .

OCTOBER does not mean ART, PRESSURE, STRESS!!! I love the idea behind Fall At Prompts. Sparking creativity, promoting inclusion in a world , the art world, that is typically an isolated, sometimes lonely, work environment. I just can’t complete them in order and work on them every day for 31 days.

I am a huge believer in welcoming others into our art worlds, in inspiring others and helping out where we can with tips, etc.

Art prompt challenges for me, are a do at your own pace, in whatever order you wish kind of inspiration.

You have the power to guide what an ‘art prompt challenge’ can do for or to you. Take control. If you find it stressful turn it into a 15 minute break in your day. Just little ‘art nibbles’.

IMAGINE you have a large item of your favourite food in front of you. Let’s say, it’s an apple pie… a la mode (with ice cream). You LOVE apple pie! Now think about how you would feel if you ate that whole pie in one sitting. Imagine you were delivered one pie for four weeks in a row. Even if you had 1/8 of a pie every day for for weeks….bleeech…YUCK! You would then feel awful and would not enjoy even a slice of that pie. Now imagine that you sit down and just have a few bites that you savour and enjoy. Taste the sweetness of the apples, that hit of cinnamon. The slight crunch of the flakey pie crust. The sweet melting vanilla ice cream. Maybe you just have 3 little bites. You are feeling blissful and satisfied. Now, do that with you art. Just a little nibble today, then maybe a nibble tomorrow, none the next day, and a nibble the day after that, and so on. Go forth my creative friends. Savour and enjoy your little art nibbles. Hugs!

I have been posting art prompts on and off over the years on my BLOG as well as in my facebook group the ‘Art Journal Junkies’.

This year, I have decided to put out another one and I have decided to K.I.S.S. (Keep it simply silly).

If any of you have been following me these past couple of months, you already know that I have almost completely emerged myself in Lewis Carroll’s WONDERLAND. (I am currently self publishing/illustrating an art tutorial book themed on Alice In Wonderland, entitled ‘Art Journaling with Alice’.) The crowdfund ends Sep 12, 2020.

Therefore I have created a prompt list on the same subject matter. The fun little tidbit… is… that if you manage to complete all of these image prompts, you will actually end up creating your very own Alice In Wonderland visual storybook. Sneaky of me, hey 😉 .

I hope you have fun with these prompts.

Just remember:

  • go at your own pace
  • use whatever supplies you have
  • do the prompts in any order you wish
  • have fun
  • be kind to yourself
  • oh, yeah… and have some fun dance breaks in between (it’s good for the body, mind & soul).
https://crowdfund.ca/artjournaling-with-alice

GIVEAWAY alert!!!

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Happy Un-Birthday all of my fellow creative souls!

We are celebrating the final week of my first crowd funding project with a 🅖🅘🅥🅔🅐🅦🅐🅨⠀!

You can win one of my original 8×10 mixed media paintings that will be featured in my upcoming ‘Art Journaling with Alice’ book (due out Feb 15, 2021) along with a Pilot Color Eno pencil with coloured lead.

To WIN follow @niccidotca on Instagram, comment why you love Alice in Wonderland and tag three of your friends, people who you know love all things Alice In Wonderland & would enjoy my art teachings.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

✨ Enter as many times as you like with different friends and bonus points for sharing on your feed and stories.⠀You might also like to CLICK HERE for further information on my upcoming book.

NOTE: Contest closes Sept 12th, 2020. Winner will be announced on the 15th of September, 2020. Painting will be selected by Nicci & mailed out with the book release.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

The countdown has begun!

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Art Journaling with Alice 

On the home stretch!

Welcome to Wonderland, an update for the fantastical ones… that’s you 🙂 .

We are just over 4 weeks into our book sales and have surpassed $1,000 towards our $1500 goal! Congrats and thank you 🙂 

I have created many versions of ALICE now with a variety or products. 

Next on my list is showing you how you can achieve different skin tones for Alice and the other whimsical Wonderland characters.

From there I will continue creating more tutorials for you on product layering, sketching techniques and much much more as previously mentioned.

This week, I will be beginning the layout process for the book pages. YEAH!

Thank you for your continued support and please keep sharing, as we just have 12 days left.

Cheers, good health and much happiness from me to you!

Nicci

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