Friday, February 24, 2012

Graphic 45 Design Team 2012 Audition

Wow, Wow, wowza...It is hard to believe that just a year ago I was nervously applying for the Graphic 45 Design Team. 
This year, I am just as nervous, but with a lot of great experiences under my belt.
First off, I would just like to say that Graphic 45 is an amazing team to design for, and I wish everyone luck that is applying! 
This last year has been full of incredible opportunities, meeting outstanding new people and living the dream.  Hoping to extend that dream with one more year! 
Wish me Luck...

The first project I would like to share is a brand new layout, created just for this special occasion!
So many times in life, just like this one, I am left wondering..
Where have the years gone?

Created using a mix of An ABC Primer, Steampunk Debutante, Curtain Call, On The Boardwalk, Olde Curiosity Shoppe and a dash of A Proper Gentleman for spice..
All Meshing perfectly with the colors of my photo, taken by a good friend Johnnie King.


Now for a look at some of my designs created over the past year with Graphic 45,
Starting with Layouts..

This layout was created for last years mail in submissions.  Made with 100's of pop dots and
layering, This is the perfect example of the scene's and imagery that I love to create using Graphic 45 papers. 
One of my favorite lines, Steampunk Debutante is so very versatile.  It's great for creating super cute layouts as well as all those funky Altered Art and Mixed Media Creations that I am hooked on..

And don't forget all those incredible story book characters that just bring you back to childhood....


Now onto some cards and tags...

My very first creation on the G45 Design Team was this Circus Tent Triptych Card.
Created to fold flat, with layers and layers of Circus fun made to look just like a 3 ring circus, using left over Graphic 45 packaging tags and their metal hinges. 


It is no secret that Halloween is one of my favs, and this little card and tags are no exception!
Made with the fun and whimsical, Magic of Oz line..


And sometimes you just need to keep on believing in magic...
Fairies come to life in this dimensional card created using Graphic 45's
Once Upon A Springtime!



And don't forget about using Graphic 45 papers for all those Handmade Holiday cards, tags and gifts.
This card was created with a Shadowbox effect by cutting and folding a recessed window into the card. 



And last, but not least in my mind, my favorite to design....some Mixed Media and Altered Art!!

This first design was created out of an old book, hand carved using an Xacto knife to make a little nook for a shadowbox, or hidden object if you choose.  Decorated with the magical designs of Graphic 45's Halloween in Wonderland.

Next is the fun and movable, Elephant Pull Toy!  Ready for the circus, he is waving his red flag and 
decked out in his cute clown attire..  Designed using one of my ever favorite lines, Le Cirque

And Here is the Circus..Designed using Graphic 45's 5x8 Altered Art Box.
Complete with a stage, and circus tent top!



And on the inside, the clowns are going wild!!!


Keep up with time, with this Huge Steampunk Debutante Perpetual Calendar...And don't forget to countdown to Halloween with this Spooky Advent Calendar.   





Add some May Arts Ribbon, a bell shaped ornament and an old candlestick and get a beautiful Winter Angel with a scene inside perfect for any centerpiece.



Last to finish things off with a little funk.  And a twist of Steampunk.
Some of my newest designs created on Canvas!



Thanks so much for taking a walk with me down Memory Lane!  This has been an unbelievable year for me, and I am sad to think it has come full circle. 
Thank each and everyone of you for the support along the way!
And Thanks to Graphic 45 for being so awesome and designing such Inspirational Papers!
Plus for this amazing opportunity to try out once more!

Best of Luck To ALL!!!!!
Nicki Chicky









RAK Giveaway Winner...

Hiyaz, and Happy Friday! 
Today it is time to announce the winner of the RAK giveaway!!! 
Also today, I will be posting my audition for the Graphic 45 Design Team..Whew, it is so hard to believe a year has already gone by. 
 This past year has been a true "one of a kind experience".  (Hoping to make it a "two" of a kinder...)
From getting to meet and work with the talented designers, to the incredible team that makes up Graphic 45. This is an unbelieveably wonderful company to work with!!! 
Good luck to everyone who applies, and make sure to hold on to your hats tight, because you are in for a wonderful journey with Graphic 45!!!

Ok..Now onto today's BIG WINNER of this fun Prize Pack....

And the WINNER IS... littlen
Congratulations Littlen!!!
if you could please email me at
with your shipping info I would love to send your prize pack that way!!!

Thank you so much to everyone who left their wonderful comments! 
You all mean more to me than you truly know!!
Wishing you all an amazing Friday!!
Off to post my Graphic 45 Audition, then try and get a little rest before cooking dinner.
Being a sick mom, taking care of sick little ones never ends...
<3
Nicki Chicky





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