Compassion is a verb...

"Compassion: having a sense of deep sympathy and the heartfelt feelings of sorrow for someone hurting physically, mentally or emotionally. An unselfish need to reach out to help relieve the unfortunate misery of a person in need. The feeling of regret and pity showing a kind loving attitude."

Today at work I was chatting with my friend Andy about his new tattoo. And the conversation took a direction in which moved me deeply. As you can see below, this is my friend Andy ☺

Andy works in our kitting department and will also be on the road this year with my husband attending Tattered Angels retail shows. Andy is such a fun loving guy, it is no wonder that so many of mine and James fond work stories involve him.

A few weeks ago, Andy came into work with his brand new tattoo that wrapped around his right bicep and tricep. Now I trust my friend, and know that this tattoo had to mean something special. Although I have to admit...I had no idea what the words nor what language they were in ☺


At first, Andy told me that it was the word "Compassion" in a lot of different languages. And I thought, "Wow, that's cool" and thought of how awesome it is that Andy would choose a word like Compassion to decorate his body.


Today I had the opportunity to have Andy tell me the story of his tattoo. He referenced his tattoo to a Mens retreat that he had attended a few years back in which the speaker spoke of a bible verse (MATTHEW 9:36). This verse is discussed how Jesus is filled with compassion for the people as they were harassed, distressed, dejected and helpless (Amplified version). The meaning of compassion (greek-splagchnizomai) in this story is having the strongest feeling possible for someone deep down inside.

I love the definition that I found above that speaks of compassion as being the deepest feeling for someone with the result of needing to assist.

If there is one word that I would want to describe myself and my family it would be compassion. I feel there is no greater word that could describe a love so deep for humanity that it would literally move you to action. Feeling so strongly about something or someone that deep down inside of you is moved with this calling.

We Need This...

This verb that is completely selfless that altogether benefits the giver in absolutely no way is something that this world is hungry for. We need to look at each other in a new light. Seeking not what you can gain from the person next to you, yet openly give an outpouring love and respect with no expectations.

With Easter and Autism Awareness Month right around the corner, my heart is full of emotion and happiness. After today even more so than before, I want to share this feeling that literally resonates through me into my life and family.

So thanks to my friend Andy... for with his little story, it filled my heart. I can only hope that my heart is moved into action in some way, that I can share this feeling in action and help.

Like I said, compassion is a verb... it is meant to take action. And I can only hope I find a way to do so.

~Liz

Wear your Adhesive on the Outside Part 5 RAK!

Ok so this is the last day of our blog hop and I am kinda sad. I have had so much fun with Nathalie Kalbach on our fun blog hop featuring SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L. Sigh.... I am going to miss our monday dates!

Today we are featuring two very specific products which are traditionally used for adhering paper. We are using the Vellum Tape Runner and the EZ Squares.

The vellum tape is not only a great adhesive to adhere vellum down seamlessly...it also makes a great resist agent when using Glimmer Mist!

Here is my project for the week... It is a 12x12 layout in which I used the vellum tape to create a free form heart with a grid pattern.

And here is my video demonstrating the resist technique and explaining the glittered tile technique.




I recommend going slowly as you adhere your Vellum EZ runner so that you can get a full coverage application. If you go a little faster, you will find that it will not all come off of the runner, which makes for a fun distressed look too!

Here I went over the Vellum Adhesive with a Black Glaze Pen by Sakura. I did polka-dots and outlined the outer heart ♥ look at how BEAUTIFULLY the Glimmer Mist SHINE!
And just for added texture...I added some pink thread and some sparkly turquoise thread stitching.
Now using the EZ Squares... I ran some out on my pink Misting Mat. I then applied a drop of Alcohol Ink on each square and blended it in with a paper towel that was previously misted.
After applying the the alcohol ink, I then went over each square with tidepool Glimmer Glam and some chunky matching glitter for texture.
After they dried, I simply used my finger (you could use tweezers) to pick them up and apply them to my title.
Here they are under my sweet vanilla ice title, lol.
And just for fun I added some rolled sparkly tulle flowers with some Pink Paislee stitched border.
And as a bonus, I went over the edge of my photo with the vellum tape and up into my photo simulating icicles. I then sprinkled a few small portions of glitter on the adhesive before I covered it with UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Powder). I also went over the icicles with a silver stardust pen and a clear glaze pen by Sakura.


So thanks so much for joining us this month as we shared our adventures in using your adhesive on the outside.

Sooooo..... as promised we have a little RAK to give away. We would love to see you join in on one of our techniques that we have shared this month. You have 10 different videos and techniques to choose from. If you could try one of these out on a project and then link back to our blogs or tag us in facebook we will enter you in a very special giveaway featuring some of the great products we have used and maybe a little something (or a lot of something♥) extra!

You have until next Sunday April 4th. The winner will be announced on Monday April 5th as we wrap up our fun adventures.

Thank you all for stopping by this month. I am hoping to do this more often with some of my scrapbooking friends who love to stretch their products just as I do.

If you want to take a peek at the other weeks we have done take a look here:

Week 1: Adhesive Sheets and EZ Dot Runner (re positionable)
Week 2: Craft and Photo Tape and Photo Corners
Week 3; EZ Runner (red) and Keepsake Pockets
Week 4: CD Pockets and 3D Foam Squares


And of course, we couldn't do this with out the support of SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter here. They have an AMAZING new product coming out very soon... you won't want to miss it, so sign up to be the first to hear about it.

Thanks for your support!

~Liz ♥

A little bird told me... AND I AM LISTENING!

So today....I woke up early. It wouldn't feel that different except for the fact that I didn't wake up to an alarm (electronic or one of my kiddos ☺) I woke up to worry. Now I have to say that there isn't much a girl in my position needs to worry about right now. I am lucky to have my husband by my side in our decisions, good healthy kids (minus a few fevers and coughs, but generally healthy), a wonderful place to live, and work. But this morning I woke up with an in decisive heart and a little note from Brave Girls Club. This little nugget of truth was like a rainstorm in a time of drought.

(Click on the pic to make it bigger to read ☺)

I love how Brave Girls Camp has taken the time to try and erase what the world is telling us and speak truth into the life of all who read. This little note was just the thing I needed to start my day off right. So if you haven't yet...make sure to sign up for their FREE newsletter. I believe that everyone is entitled to a positive support and that is what these little emails are...YOU are worth it and it only works if you allow yourself to hear it and receive it! They send out supportive daily truths that EVERYONE should hear. If you are not on their email list, YOU SHOULD BE! I don't normally solicit unless it is a company I feel strongly for and nothing makes me feel stronger than woman speaking truth into each other.

OK, so here is my little PSA for today,
You are worth it....you just need to know it and hear it ☺
and not in a fake tell you what you want to hear kind of way... in truth. EVERYONE has their strengths along with their weakness'. Understanding the difference, being realistic about your limits, focusing on the good rather than the bad.... this is all wrapped up in the truth we need to constantly hear.

And believe me we ALL need to hear it, understand it, and believe it.

I hope this has been a helpful encouragement ☺

Have a great day and be BLESSED!

xoxo,

~Liz

Guest Designer- Couture Cardstock

I am so excited!!! My guest designer post is up over at Couture Cardstock. I was asked a few months back to come up with some projects for them and was so very pleased to be able to sit down with a pile of cardstock and PLAY!




Click here to see my interview and the layouts I did. I will be following up within the next few days each of the fun techniques that I used on each page and of course the back stories too!

xoxo,

♥Liz

♥ Tattered James ♥

Last week I introduced you all to Rachel our newest employee over at Tattered Angels and her weekly segment called "Tattered Tuesday".

Well this weeks employee is none other than my James♥


James joined the Tattered Angels staff a few months after I did. After being a stay at home mom for 8 years, it was so very comforting to have my husband by my side as I took on the role of working mom. Being able to see my sweet husband everyday at work makes the days go by quickly :)

I am so proud to work side by side with James. Being able to see first hand (and experience it too!) all of the hard work and sacrifices he has endured to provide for our family makes me appreciate him so much more.

So if you get a chance, check out his tips and techniques over on Rachels blog. He recently took my Glimmer Mist 101 class, and I have to tell you there is nothing cuter than your husband sitting down and falling in love with Glimmer Mist while he creates.

(excuse the grainy pic, this is a cell phone pic)

James is going to start taking over the traveling in the family. I have had fun getting to travel around and meeting some very fun crafters, but I need to be with my kids this year. Last year we had family to help us out while I traveled, but being in Colorado by ourselves doesn't give us the same freedoms. I will still do a few shows here and there but not nearly as much as I did last year. Our kids are still young, and these next few years are crucial. I want to take full advantage of being with them while I can :)

I can't wait to see what fun adventures James and the Tattered Angels team has this season. If you would like to keep up with them on Twitter or Facebook check out the links below.

Follow James on Facebook

Follow James on Twitter

Follow Tattered Angels on Facebook

Follow Tattered Angels on Twitter


I am sure that you will find some "interesting" stories by following these guys :)

Thanks again for stopping by!

~Liz

Wear your Adhesive on the Outside Part 4 (times TWO!)

It's Monday! And I hope you all have been enjoying our fun little video blog hops featuring SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L. Today me and my friend Nathalie Kalbach from Germany are featuring the CD Photo Pockets and the 3D foam squares.

Here is my use for the CD Pockets, I used the CD pockets to create a beautiful mini album. I used Crate Paper's brand new Pink Plum Collection. I absolutely love this paper line and the company as well. They were next to us at CHA and I could not stop looking at this paper line. So when I saw Steve from Crate Paper at the Pleasanton Scrapbook expo this past weekend, I kinda had to buy some.

To create this album I simply took 2 packages of the CD Pockets (retail for $2.99 US per package, so it is only $1 a page) and cut paper to fit inside of the sleeve and on the back of the sleeve. The Paper is cut to 5x5 inches for the back and 4 7/8 x 4 7/8 inches for the inside of the package. After the paper was applied I then sewed the edges to finish it off. Here is a close up of the final album.




And a full pic of the cover.




Watch this video to show you a step by step guide to creating a page and how you can easily add treasures to your page before you sew it. I added sequin to the page I did for the video.







Here is my take on the 3D Foam Squares. These awesome dimensional squares are super sticky on both sides and offer you so many possibilities. In this project I used embossing powder to create a clear coat over the squares making them look like tiles. I also adhered them to a piece of cardstock so that I could cut a cute little heart out of them.







Check out the video below to see how I did this technique.






Thanks again for joining us. Make sure to join the fun and send us your take on our techniques. We will be choosing a winner on Monday April 8th. Just get us your submissions by April 1st to participate. Link us on Facebook or email us at home.

Thanks for peeking!

~Liz

Water Color Paper- {Pleating}

As soon as I heard that Couture Cardstock was coming out with watercolor paper, I KNEW I needed to have some! Here is a sneak peek at my project that I used their new watercolor paper in. I created a paper pleated pattern and inlayed it into cardstock. When I can post full pics here I will and I will go ahead and share how I created this yummy effect.

Until then,

~Liz ♥

California here I come!

So I am leaving today for yet another trip to California, I know it doesn't make sense to have left California when I keep going back! lol! This time I am going to Northern Ca. I will be at the Pleasanton Scrapbook Expo teaching Glimmer Mist 101 and 201 to crafters. Although the Glimmer Mist 101 classes are all sold out, there are still a few seats left in the 201 class. This class is a little more in depth and will explore surfaces and mixed media products. It is a great way for scrapbookers to get a glimpse into a little altered crafting. So if you are in the area, please stop by and say hi!

As well I am happy to announce that I have been asked to be a Guest Designer over at Couture Cardstock. I have a bit of an obsession when it comes to cardstock. I mean, who wouldn't????
So I know I already posted this pic on Monday's post, but I had originally scheduled it for today. I decided to keep this pic in this post because well, I am just so excited to share it with everyone.





This is a sneak peek at one of my projects for their blog. I was asked to do three, although I ended up up with 4 (go figure!), Here is a sneak at one of the projects I did for them. This one is called "Style". It is an over the top (who, me?) layout of my daughter. I caught this cute pic of her while we were shopping at Clothes Pony in old town. Although she didn't want to stop and try on this hat initially...she is my daughter and well we tend to gravitate towards to opulent. This hat looks so cute on her and that little side way glance melts my heart :)


Here is one that I called BE YOU-NIQUE. Inspired by a conversation that I had with someone whom is so dear to my heart. When I can post the full image I will share the full story with you all.





I was given some GORGEOUS red, turquoise and lavender card stock to work with, and wouldn't you know...they look awesome together!

I can't wait to share these all with you, and especially this one, because the story touched me so very much.

I believe that they will be posting my stuff this week, but for now join me each day as I share a little sneak peek at what I did for them. I have one other sneak peek to share this week which shares an AWESOME pleating technique.

Thanks for peeking!

~Liz

Tattered Tuesday...

So as some of you may have seen, we have a new employee over at Tattered Angels. Recently Rachel Carlson has joined our staff. She will be supervising kit design and assembly. Rachel will also be joining our travel circuit as well. As an introduction to what she is now doing at Tattered Angels, Rachel has asked each employee to join her in her "Tattered Tuesday" segment. Each Tuesday she will ask one of the employees over at Tattered Angels their favorite techniques in using Glimmer Mist.

Here are the two I chose to share (as if I could choose just one!):

Watercoloring on black and white pictures that have been printed on watercolor paper

Girly Grunge Cardboard (Glam Board)

So hop on over to Rachel's blog to check out the step by step to these favorite techniques. I will try and link back each week as she shares a new employee, should be fun! Also make sure to give Rachel a BIG WELCOME!

~Liz

Wear your Adhesive on the Outside Part 3

It's that time again! I have had so much fun this month doing this blog hop with my friend Nathalie Kalbach. This week I will be sharing a fun technique using the E-Z Runner by SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L . The EZ Runner (the red one) is a great permanent white adhesive. It also is dispensed in a series of lines that allow the adhesive to be used and run nicely along curves. Here is a video in which I used the EZ Runner to create this beautiful bloom setting to center with my Prima flowers. This was a technique I used for Couture Cardstock. I will be there Guest Designer next month :)

Excuse the fact that there is no sound, Our camera has been causing some horrible static and we haven't been able to find a way to fix it. So for this video, we have substituted in some music until we can add the voice over.






Here are a few sneak peeks of the layout I used this bloom base on.





Along with the EZ runner, Me and Nat are also doing some fun stuff with the Keepsake Envelopes that SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L makes. In this layout I created a nice wall hanging and used the keepsake pockets to back the letters and offer a cute glossy background.



You can really see the Keepsake Envelopes shine in this picture :)


Thanks for stopping by and checking out our fun little blog hop. Remember to join in on the fun and email me (primadonnaliz@yahoo.com) or Nat a pic of your creation. We would love to see what you come up with!

Also don't forget to sign up for updates at "The Shape to Come" to be the first to find out all about what new and innovative things SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L is coming up with!


Thanks for stopping by!

~Liz ♥

Quick projects with the NEW Vintage Hardware by Tatttered Angels

Here is a quick project I did for an ad for the brand new Vintage Hardware release Tattered Angels did for CHA Winter 2010. I can't remember what magazine this was for, I think it was for Northridge Media though. This is a quick tag that used Frozen Lake, Turquoise Blue, and Patina Glimmer Mist. I used the darker two colors on either end of the tag and used the lighter color (patina) to blend the two darker colors together. This is an easy blending technique you can use while the colors are wet. I then added some texture with a grid stamp (similar to the one that Heidi Swapp has designed for Tattered Angels) with a monochromatic ink to apply a soft texture. I then used the brand new Timeless Romance Stamp set and applied just the inner part of one of the hearts (the "Lock") to the corner of the tag. I made sure to only use the inner portion of the stamp. The book plate was something I found in our craft room at work. I then added twine, a cute little Timeless Romance quote from the bingo board set (LOVE) and a new copper key from the Vintage Hardware collection.

For the Key Chain. I used a Pocket watch Framed Font and punched out the letter in the middle of the font in order to only use the frame. I sprayed it with Gold and sunflower Glimmer Mist and used residual brown Glimmer Mist to antique the edges of the frame and highlight the embossing of the frame. I then used the brand new Tattered Traveler stamp set with a brown ink pad to stamp an image that fit directly into the framed fonts. From there I used one of the pieces of the brand new Tattered Traveler ivory embossed chipboard pieces to anchor the middle of the piece. I finished it off by adding a book ring, some twine and the three brand new colors of keys that will be offered in the Tattered Angels Vintage Hardware line.

The lines although different, work so well together. It was such a fun time getting to play for a little bit and come up with something fun!

Thanks for peeking!

~Liz

Feeling BLUE in a GOOD way!

With our fun little blog hop going on this month, I thought I would share some of my other projects for SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L. This is one that I was asked to do for their home office (which I later found out they have displayed in their front foyer!) This of course uses all of my favorite items, Glimmer Mist, Glitter, paint, canvas, flocked paper, cork, pattered paper and flocked acetate. I also bought this sweet little butterfly punch from Micheal's (Martha Stewart) to help accent the piece.

I free handed small squares of each surface and painted, misted or glittered them accordingly. I used the adhesives sheets to apply all the glitter.



I then placed the squares along the 12x12 piece of misted paper and arranged them as I liked. I used the 3D Foam Squares in both the large and the small (black) to allow a few of the squares to appear raised up and add depth to the piece.




I love the monochromatic look of this piece and am so happy with the way it came out. And although all the pieces have a different feel or texture, the hints of blue help them to cohesively work together.

Thanks for peeking!

~Liz

Glimmer Glam upclose!

So I shared a few little flowers on the project I did in yesterdays post. So I thought I would go ahead and show you an up close look at the brand new and BEAUTIFUL Glimmer Glam! These two colors are Tide pool and Bordeaux. Are they not absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Let me know what you think!

XOXO

~Liz

Wear your Adhesive on the Outside Part 2

It's that time again! It is Monday and once again me and my dear friend Nathalie Kalbach are up to some crafty goodness! Although we have been sick (I KNOW, STILL!) here, I was able to get the assistance of my dear James to help me out with this video. Excuse the middle where it goes into song, for some reason this clip caught some static, so the music is actually a lot easier on the ears than the static that was there.



The SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L products that we are using this week are the Crafty Power Tape (although I called it Craft and Photo Tape, it has been re-named) and the photo corners. In the video I share a basket weaving technique, weaving the craft and photo tape into a nice little grid pattern. You can easily apply the adhesive to strips of paper if that would be easy enough for you to weave too!

Here are some up close pictures of the project:


Final Project: Sweetheart- Sawyer and Emma Culbertson (His little crush). I forgot to JOURNAL! LOL! I will add it in later :)


Here is the close up shot of the heart that I did the basket weave technique using Crafty Power Tape and Glitter. I then punched it with a Fiskars Punch (I believe it was the large scalloped heart)


This is the technique that Nathalie used last week where she used the Adhesive Sheets with Embossing powder. I laid the adhesive sheet on my black paper (Couture Cardstock) unevenly to give the black paper texture. I then laid my screen down and sprinkle UTEE over the top of the adhesive. I then removed my screen and heated the UTEE so it would crystallize. After it cooled down, I sprinkle red glitter into the adhesive that my screen protected to create this broken and solid image.

Ruffle made with misted paper towels and the Crafty Power Tape as seen in this video.

And here are a few ideas for using Photo Corners by SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L. I used the photo corners as texture to create the shingles on the house. I created a swirled pattern on the house.




And Here I cut out some wings and layered the photo corners on the wings to look like feathers. I also misted them with Marshmallow Glimmer Mist to give the a nice little glimmer.



Thanks for stopping by and REMEMBER to join in the fun and link back to our blogs of pics of your projects or email me at primadonnaliz@yahoo.com and I will enter you into a random drawing for a nice prize package. The more times you play along the more chances you have to WIN!

Thanks again and make sure to visit sweet Nat Kalbach to see what she did with her adhesives!

Thanks!!!

XOXO

~Liz Hicks