PAJWLH- Getting Started...

So this is our first post for our Progressive Art Journal Workshop! WOO HOO! I am so excited to get started :)

Right now I am sitting in a hotel room prepping for CHA (Craft and Hobby Association trade show) yet all I can think about is this fun amazing adventure we are all about to start! For our first post I thought I would keep it easy and share a simple prompt and supply list.

I have had a couple of you email or message me in regards to supplies for this art journaling workshop. Well this is a bit tough to write down in a list form as this is not exactly like a regular class that you would take.  The only items you will definitely need will be a surface (journal or pages) and a pen. I encourage you all to use what you have. There really is no reason for you to buy anything unless you see a pressing need for it. I will share with you products that I use and that I love and may even show you some fun techniques with these products but to purchase them is your choice, they are not mandatory for this course. Because we all have different tastes and aesthetics I would hate to see any of you spend your hard earned money on supplies that you might not even favor. So this list that I am providing is not a necessity list, mainly just some products that I really enjoy using. I will be adding supplies to this blog post as we progress through this year, especially if we find some products that are fun to share. This list should act merely as a list of suggestive items that I enjoy.  

Surfaces 

Depending on your work surface preference, you can work on pretty much any porous surface that you enjoy. Here are a few ideas to get started.

• sketch book
• drawing paper
• canvas sheets
• stretched canvas (If you choose to display your work)
• journal
• 80 lb (or heavier) cardstock

Pens and Pencils

• Micron Pen (20 and 05) These both are great for writing in your journals
• watercolor pencils
• oil pastels
• chalks (I use these very rarely, but they are cheap and come in handy)
• grease pen (China marker) This is something I use to outline a lot. Works great on most surfaces
• carbon pencil- basically this is a charcoal pencil without the organic iniquities. this is great for creating shadows and blends nicely with collage mediums. Here is a great guide to pencils if you are wondering the difference between the many types that are out there.

Paints/mediums

• acrylic paint, if you are just working in a personal journal craft paint (usually about .69-99 a bottle) should work just fine. If your art work is for display or gift try and use student or artist grade as the quality and pigment value will be higher and more durable.
• gesso- this might be another thing that you might use ofter. For one of the workshops we will work on starting over or prepping a page. Gesso works great for this, or even a few coats of white paint, but we will get into that a little later.
• watercolors- there are so many out there right now, especially in the scrapbook market. I use Clearsnap and Creative Imagination products and have found that they would wonderful, but again use what you have :)
• dyes- stamp pad re-inkers have become my go to for dying. I use Clearsnap for this as I have them on hand and have found that their concentration is strong. This just helps with having more flexibility if you use it as an additive to anything.
• modeling paste- This is just a fun product to play with and add depth to any project. This first project below I used a lot if modeling paste.
• gel medium/collage paste- basically something to stick stuff down with. You can use glue or modge podge for personal journals, if you are displaying your work I recommend gel medium as it is made for being displayed for long periods of time and I believe it has a UV protector in it.

Misc.

• Glitter- hardly ever do I create something without glitter. Glitter paint, glitter pens, dry glitter... the more sparkle the better in my book :) Glitter equals Happiness. Period.
• Patterned Papers- I have a basket that I throw my scraps into. This makes for quick and easy access for tidbits that I can grab as needed. I like to keep a variety of colors of patterned papers around. Helps to add visual depth yet still gives a fun pattern or hue.
• Handmade papers- These are sometimes pricey so I mostly use scraps from projects in my art journal. These papers are usually made of mulberry which has a beautiful organic texture to it. Now there are tons of additives that are thrown into the papers... they just keep getting better and better.
• odds and ends- any sort of ephemera that catches your fancy.
  

Places to find tools for this class:

First check your crafting closet. This is a great time for you to get resourceful with what you have. Don't have paint... use patterned paper and create a mosaic from your scraps. Can't find your scissors... just rip it. Another great place is your kids school supplies. I constantly use my kids art supplies, water colors, pastels, markers crayons. If you need color you can easily find it in your house in some way or another :) Anything else that I use I will recommend some places to purchase the product if you choose. Feel free to comment in any thread if you see a deal or bargain on art supplies, just please do not advertise for a company or store you work for. This is a safe place to create, we are here to support and help each other, not pressure anyone or load info that is not relevant.  

Prompt One:

Ok, so I am going to keep this one simple. This is a project that I created for the Charity Wings auction for this CHA. It is being auctioned off for the charities that they are promoting. With this project I started with no idea what I was doing... I simply sat down with some fun new products that I wanted to experiment with and had fun.

supplies used: 14x14 canvas, Paint (Plaid Industries) Grease Pen (Sharpie) Mask and Watercolors (Creative Imaginations), letter stickers Prima Marketing Inc. Inks, (Clearsnap, Smooch accent) Tsukineko (Staz-On Black), Vintage paper, Decoupage medium (Beacon, Fast Finish Decoupage), sequin, gems.

Side profile view showing flowers created with modeling paste and a Creative Imaginations mask. Canvas inked to show depth and add faux age/wear.

Close up of the verbaige... my son came up with this one ♥

 So for this part of the workshop let's start by creating a free form (meaning no specific guidelines) page to get the creative juices flowing. The title of this piece above was told to me by my 10 year old son. I love that even though he is young, he inspires me so. For the title of your page, use words of encouragement that you might give to someone. This is going to be a page that we will use in the future and revisit but for now, this will give us a good start at getting into the swing of creativity. Make sure that the back of your page is blank we will be doing something with that later. Also, if you have a blank cover to your project, keep it blank for now. When I return from CHA I am going to film a video of a cover idea you can use if you'd like. Feel free to post links to your page here. Seeing everyone's pages will be inspiring for all of us.

I hope this helps get things rolling for you. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me. I will try and get back to you while I am at CHA... but being that it is a little crazy right now please give me grace. I will try and respond to you quickly :)

Since I will be here at the show PLEASE let me know what it is that you would like to see. I am walking the floor (the first time, I am not in a booth... woo hoo!) so I can get up close and personal with products you might want to know about. Please let me know. Just comment here what you want to see and I will take pics, ask questions and video if I can.

Thanks for taking this first step with me on our creative journey. We are going to have fun this year!!!

~Liz ♥

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FREE Progressive Art Journal Workshop- All year LONG!

Almost a year ago I had an idea for an on line class. A class that would encourage my crafting friends to take the easy step towards art journaling. A class where I could share tips, techniques, videos, projects and prompts that would encourage others to try these techniques or ideas out plus take the time to create something just for themselves.  After praying and meditating on this idea I came up with this year long concept that would feature one theme per month. Each week I will share some sort of inspiration to assist in the art journaling process. This will also be a FREE class. This class is as much for me as it is for my friends, so it really makes no sense to charge.

This past year, I have found such a great comfort in Art Journaling. I have been experimenting with my art mediums and scrapbook supplies all while diving into my art journal. It is my goal to share what this past year has done for me here on my blog, and along with that share some amazing techniques that I have come up with along the way.

I invite all of you to join me this year as I share from my heart my own art journaling journey and crafty adventures. I have invited a few of my industry friends to join in each month as well, and I know that they will have just the right words and inspiration to share with you.

So here are the details:

WHAT- To produce some sort of inspiration for a weekly art journal page or prompt
WHEN- ALL of 2012, STARTING FRIDAY, JANUARY 27TH, 2012
WHO- ANYONE WHO NEEDS A TIME TO RELAX AND CREATE :)
WHY- to create a fun environment of creative people who inspire each other freely
WHERE- Right here, on my blog Subscribe via Google Reader or through my newsletter.

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To kick this off I will be doing a GIVEAWAY of an art journal kit to get you going. I will pick one winner here on the blog when I return from CHA. Winner will be announced MONDAY FEBRUARY 6TH 2012. To be entered for the prize package, simply commit to the year long progressive art journal workshop. You can do this by signing up for my newsletter or following me on google reader. This is the best way to find out when the new prompts are available. The titles of these posts will have the abbreviation of PAJWLH (Progressive Art Journal Workshop Liz Hicks) in their name so they will be easy for you to find.

I am so excited for what this next year has to bring. I look forward to getting to know you all better through this journey and creating beautiful art together.

~Liz ♥

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Winner of the CHA giveaway PLUS an announcment!

Thank you for participating in the LIVE from CHA giveaway!

 

 

AND THE WINNER IS:

 

jordanbev5Jan 16, 2012 12:43 PM

Thank you, Liz, for this great giveaway!! Would love to watch and winning a ticket to do just that would be wonderful! Thanks again!

 Please email me at primadonnaliz@yahoo(dot)com and I will get this set up for you :)

Looking into this next year, I have decided to do something a little different and fun... This is a concept that I first came up with in the spring of 2011 and have allowed to stew in my heart for this past year. I will be doing a launch this Monday January 23rd, so make sure to come back and check it out here on my blog. I am working on the last finishing touches this weekend. I am so excited to share this!!!! I introduced the concept at this past December's Seaside Soiree, you can see a sneak peek below of the class I taught there. This is going to be fun, I can't wait to share it with all of you!

Thanks again for checking out our giveaway, for those of you who that did not win, please check out the different packages that Charity Wings has to offer. They have a lot of fun stuff planned for this.

Enjoy your weekend!

~Liz

Running the tight rope...

Image from Google

Back in November I had mentioned that I was going to be returning to school. Yesterday I had my first day back in ten years. I have to say, my was tummy was turning as I waited for this day to come. I have been so excited to start this next stage in my life. Once my day came, it all seem to click into place.

The decision to go back to school I have to admit wasn't easy. As excited as I was this first day... this wasn't always the case. With the economy being what it is right now, it really didn't make any sense for me to return to school. In all honesty in my heart I felt that I should be working. I felt that I should be contributing to my family. I am a perfectly able body...I should be doing something to benefit my family financially...Right?

That was my gut instinct. And most likely what most people in my position might think. The thought of putting work aside, just didn't make sense to me. So I prayed. I knew that if I was really to go back to school, I would need to dig deep into my heart and ask God what my next step should be.

When making a decision that shifts your life in a completely different direction, it tends to take a toll on you. It weighs on you, consumes your thoughts, it exists in everything you do. You become very heavy with this burden of decision. This is how I knew that this was something beyond me. I would love to say that in prayer immediately everything made sense, but that simply isn't true. I struggled with many things. I wrestled with the idea of financially being able to swing me not working, as well as paying for college on top of that. I struggled with the idea that perhaps this decision would distance me from the industry that I have grown to love and the friends around the world that I treasure. Would I still have time to be a mom, clean my house, even make dinner? My mind and body were weighed with insecurities, fears and doubts yet I continued in prayer and meditation. Prayer for me has been a vital part of my sanity. I can not imagine holding all of these thoughts and feelings that I just mentioned inside of me. Prayer is my way of releasing them, and although the fears and feelings may return... I continue to pray knowing that in time it will all make sense.

In the midst of all of this one day it finally just clicked in me. My perspective changed (something that I desired and prayed for). My perspective of seeing this decision as a personal decision suddenly became a family one. I think I have always associated my schooling as such a personal journey since my first experience with school I ventured on my own. This time around I was reminded that I was not alone.

At this point I realized that this was not something I was doing for myself, yet pursuing for the betterment of myself and my family. My perspective became clearer. I suddenly understood the long term plan and all of the benefits it had to offer. I think it is human of us to slowly allow our peripheral vision to close in and tunnel. The unknown is enough to make any clear thoughts foggy. The hardest part is holding on to those truths that define us and light our path. It is a constant struggle, yet a worthy one.

I was meant to go back to school. It is what I am to do at this moment in my life. As wrong as it might seem to make such a sudden change, it is exactly what I need to be doing right now. I have described this feeling to be like running on a tight rope, It is what I am supposed to do, so I am going to do it with all my might.  Although I should be scared, I am not. I may falter, I may alter the course along the way... but I know this is where my path has lead me.

It is hard sometimes to express all of the emotion that goes along with making life decisions, but I hope you find comfort in reading this, knowing that you are not alone. There might be magic stirring in your heart right now. Magic that only you can give to this world. Make sure you pay attention to it and earnestly seek the truth. You were made to do good things, it is never to late...never ever (Mel, I will always remember these words!). I guess the bottom line is to allow yourself to listen to that desire you have been tucking away in your heart. Even if you don't act on it now. Don't let it fade. Keep it present in your day, so that when the time is right... that desire will become a beautiful plan.

*Edited: If you didn't see the giveaway I announced on my last post. Make sure to check it out :)

Thanks for stopping by today :)

 ~Liz ♥

Live from CHA with Charity Wings! GIVEAWAY!

The Craft and Hobby Association trade show is just around the corner. I remember the first time I heard about this crafty event I was a stay at home mom and just wanted to be a part of it. This is where all of the craft companies come to display all of their new products for the year. If you have always wanted to be a part of CHA's trade show, then NOW IS YOUR CHANCE!

Logo created by Jennifer Priest

Charity Wings (AKA Scrapbook Royalty) is now streaming LIVE from CHA and has a fun package available that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home. Depending on which package you choose, you could join industry designers and manufacturers as they lead you through a tour of new products and an awesome progressive make and take. There are also party packs available if you would like to have a CHA viewing party with some of your crafty friends!

This is one of the make and takes offered by Suzi Blu, You will receive all of the components and learn from Suzi how to make this wonderful  little art piece.

Charity Wings is a non profit organization that raises money for various charities through creative events. I have had the pleasure of working with them on a few different events and just LOVE the heart of their mission. Elena, Charity Wings founder is a dear friend who has done such amazing things with this organization. She gives selflessly of herself because she believes in what Charity Wings has to offer.

 If you are interested in checking out what LIVE from CHA has to offer Click here for more info.

 OR.... You could WIN ONE RIGHT HERE (shipping fees provided for the US and Canada, International winners will have a 10.50 credit towards shipping)!

Just leave a comment here on this blog post for a chance to win. I will pick a winner on Friday, January 20th 2012.

Here are some links to some of the other girls who are also giving a LIVE from CHA kit away so many MORE chances for you to WIN! (designers will be added throughout this week so keep looking for more chances to win!)

Theresa Cifali

Debra Quartermain

Ann Butler

Jennifer Priest

Jen Cushman
 Susan Weckesser
Eileen Hull 
Marisa Pawelko
Michelle Cummings

Also, if you have a yearning to put your dance moves to good use, She's Crafty and Charity Wings are sponsoring a Craft Flash Mob! Anyone can participate if you are interested make sure to check it out.

~Liz ♥

New Creating Keepsakes Special Issue- Scrapbooking Ideas for every Season

Creating Keepsakes has a brand new special issue out. I just got a copy of it in the mail and it is full of fun ideas, tutorials and techniques for year round scrapbooking. This is a nice copy to have on hand because it never goes out of season!

I was fortunate enough to be a part of this special issue. They even used a step out tutorial on how to make an embellishment I used on my project.

This was a pretty big deal for my daughter... it was the first time her friend was featured in the magazine along side her. It is very cute to see my daughters reaction when she was able to show her friend the issue.

There are a two giveaways for this fun issue one on the Creating Keepsakes Blog and the other on The Scrap Review Blog , make sure you enter for your chance to win!

I would love to hear what you think about this fun issue. A lot of my friends were published in this issue as well and let me tell you, they are a talented bunch of girls, you will love what they have to share!


Thanks for stopping by!

~Liz ♥

Art Journal and Tablet Keeper projects

So today is my day to share my projects for the Nancy Zieman's Tablet Keeper Blog Tour! I ended up with two projects to share... not necessarily on purpose, lol.

I started out with (good) intentions to create a tablet keeper for my new E-Reader. I decided to use muslin  as my base for my project as I love how easy it is to paint. What I SHOULD have done was paint first, cut second.... But I went against my better judgement and painted my cut fabric. I should know better, but was so excited to get started and paint, lol. Anyways, to make a long story short... my initial fabric that I painted had shrank about 1/4 inch So, this lead me to creating a fun art journal out of this.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I wanted to marry different crafts into my project.

 I added hand drawn flowers to the cover and painted the cover with acrylic paint, water colors and a carbon pencil. The title was created with the stamp set I designed for Unity Stamp Company.

Here is a close up of the cover. In order to create a weather proof seal on my cover, I used a jewelers grade epoxy resin, Ice Resin to seal it. It gives my cover a beautiful slick effect that can easily be wiped off ( a must have with kids!).

 

 Here are some of the fun inside pages I created out of paper, muslin and stabilizer.

 

This page I created by using a firm stabilizer covered in muslin. This is wonderful for mixed media art journaling as it creates a firm, mostly water resistant barrier in between your pages.

For my Tablet Keeper, I actually started a new project from scratch (measuring twice, cutting once!). I first assembled my project and then painted to prevent any shrinkage :)

Supplies used: Nancy Zieman Tablet Keeper template, Tablet Keeper stabilizer, Create a Strap. Acrylic Paint, Water Color paint and Twinkling H2O's, Unknown items- Thread and Muslin.

 I am very happy with the way it came out. It is very organic looking which I love. I love that it has an irregular look to it, makes it totally hand made and ME!

 Here is an up close picture of the flowers. The detail and shading was created with acrylic paint, water colors and twinkling H2O's by Creative Imaginations.

Here is the inside of the cover. I painted sporadically with cream paint and  hand journaled a nice reminder for myself. From here, I covered the page with Ice Resin to create a transparent look to the page. I did all of this before I sewed the page down.

For an added little detail, I added a piece of vintage paper to the tablet insert so that the print could vaguely be seen through the resin muslin that I journaled on. I like how it adds a little depth to the project, makes you have to pay attention to the little details.

I am so happy to have been a part of this blog hop. It made me bring out some of my trusty craft supplies and explore different areas than I normally would. 

Here is a picture again of the wonderful Clover prize package that Nancy has up for grabs during the blog hop. Check out the blog link here for the details.

Thanks again for sharing this project with me. I had a lot of fun creating this on behalf of Brewer Sewing. If you have any questions you can email me or find me on facebook :)

~Liz ♥

A Reminder to SHINE- Creating Keepsakes Guest Blogger

I have been very fortunate to have had some fun opportunities come my way 2011. This past year I was asked to be a guest blogger for Creating Keepsakes on behalf of SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L™. This was such a fun experience, I have always had a warm place in my heart for Creating Keepsakes since it was their magazine that first introduced me to the vast world of Scrapbooking and Paper Arts. You can imagine my surprise when they announced that our post was picked as one of the top ten Guest Blogger's for the year.

My goal with working with SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L™ products has always been to show even more unique and artistic ways to use their products. Since their adhesives are extremely durable, this allows for a lot of flexibility to create fun new techniques. You can even use it for scrapbook mixed media art.

Here are the videos that we made to go with these posts: 

This video shares how you can use the Crafty Power Tape with various water based mediums.

This last video shares how you can use the Adhesive Sheets to create a fun tarnished effect with Designer Foils by Clearsnap.

For more great ideas from the other guest bloggers check out the Creating Keepsakes Blog. 

This was such a fun project, if you have any questions feel free to email me.

~Liz ♥

JOY Tablet Keeper sneak peek- PLUS Giveaway!

I have been up late the last few nights enjoying some time in my studio. This has been such a breathe of fresh air for me. After the holidays and traveling, it has been so nice to just create for a bit. I have been working on my Tablet Keeper for Nancy Zieman's Tablet Keeper Blog Hop. I was asked by my friends over at Brewer Sewing to represent them in this fun blog hop. Being a crafter at heart I had to say that I was a little intimidated by the thought of being a part of a quilting/sewing blog hop (If you take a look at some of the other's participating, they are AMAZING!). I am not a quilter by trade, but in reality I am a sewer. I haven't posted much of my sewing projects on my blog since I have always been involved with the Scrapbook side of crafting, but I do have it in me. I first learned from my grandmother (one of those fond family memories I still remember vividly!) and then continued to take classes in high school and college.

Although I have taken sewing classes, I have so much more that I want to explore when it comes to fabric art. Quilting has been one of those things that seems so intimidating to me... This year I hope to squash that fear and explore quilting and make it my own. :)

What I have realized is that although I may not be a quilter by trade, I can still enjoy elements of quilting in other areas of crafting and I can even explore quilting on my own. Nothing is stopping me :)

There is such a freedom to crafting. I hope to explore this year into areas of crafting that I have started and stopped through out my years. I also hope to integrate these crafts together so that it can make more sense to me :) Multi-crafting I think is in all of us... I love the idea of fusing different crafts together to create something magical.

So with this idea of multi-crafting in mind I wanted to share a sneak peek of my Tablet cover for the Nancy Zieman Blog Hop.

This project is a combo of art, sewing with a tad bit of jewelry making elements in it as well. My day for the blog hop will be January the 12th. I will be sharing full details of the project them. There is an AMAZING giveaway over on Nancy's blog, Click here for the details.

Here is a picture of the giveaway. LOTS of fun stuff to explore with. Even if you are not a quilter/sewer this is a good start to discovering!

 If you have a chance to check out the other girls involved in the blog hop here is there blog addy's and the schedule:


January 3            Nancy Zieman                   http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog
January 4            Amy Ellis                            http://amyscreativeside.com/
January 5            Sharon Pernes                    http://craizeecorner.blogspot.com/
January 6            Vicki Christensen              http://www.sewinspiredblog.com/
January 9            Joan Hawley                       http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/blog/
January 10            Pat Sloan                           http://patsloan.typepad.com/
January 11            Eileen Roche                     http://dzgns.com/blog/
January 12            Liz Hicks                           http://blogerisms.blogspot.com/
January 13            Fran Ortmeyer                 http://cloverusa.wordpress.com/
January 16            Ilene Miller                       http://happyvalleyprimitives.blogspot.com/
January 17            Julie Herman                   http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/
January 19            Natalia Bonner                http://www.piecenquilt.blogspot.com/
January 20            Frieda Anderson             http://friestyle.blogspot.com/
January 23            Cindy Cloward                 http://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/blog/
January 24            Beckie Hansen                 http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog
January 25            Amy Webb                         http://www.amylouwhosews.com/
January 26            Allie Robertson                http://thinkcrafts.com/
January 27            Mary Mulari                       http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog
January 30            Laura Wasilowski            http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/
January 31            Carol Porter                        http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog

I have been checking these girls out. LOTS of inspiration that can easily adapt to paper crafting. You will enjoy hopping along and checking these ladies out. Their creations are amazing.

For now, I hope you enjoy this fun little sneak peek. I had so much fun drawing, painting and sewing. It truly is a reminder that at the heart of it all, we are all crafters. Multi-crafting just makes sense... bringing your favorite craft elements from various craft avenues together...that is where the fun is!

Thanks for sharing your day with me today. I would love to hear your thoughts on "Multi-Crafting" and how you use different crafts together.

~Liz ♥

Hello 2012... What a JOY it is to meet you.

 I don't think I have ever been so excited for a new year to start. Now don't get me wrong... 2011 was not a bad year at all... I guess I am just really excited for this next year and it's new adventures.


Each year I join the masses and choose a word for the year. As simple as it may sound, this is something that I pray about and truly seek wisdom and guidance for. At first when I started this, the word that I would choose would just be something that I felt heavy on my heart. This year, I didn't feel the heaviness... just peace.


2009- Reflect
This was such a profound word for our family. This was the year that we truly looked back on what we believed in and made a very tough decision to leave California (and our families) and begin our own adventure in Colorado (Aug. 2009). An adventure it has been. Reflecting on where we were in life and where we wanted our family to be lead us to the amazing move to Colorado. Reflect was the perfect word for us this year.

2010-Bold
 This year was a tough one for us, as to be expected with making a  life changing move just a few months earlier. This was the year that I learned to be Bold. I had no idea why this word would be so necessary when I picked it in January... but later in the year I realized just why God had put it in my heart. Bold is gathering all the strength necessary to make tough decisions for the betterment of yourself, well at least this is what it was for me. I had to make decisions that at the time seemed so difficult, yet now seem so vital. I am so much better for this boldness. Sometimes being bold isn't just standing up for good... sometimes it is reminding yourself truly what you are made of, and that you deserve good (even if it is hard to say to yourself!).

2011-Truth
I made a vow this year to seek truth in all I do. In work, art, relationships and family. Little did I know that I would enter this year and have to hold on to the truth with both hands clenched, especially with relationships. This was a tough lesson, but one I am better for. If you know you who you are, and what you hold true in your heart... the rest will follow... especially those who matter. I end 2011 with a few less friends, but am grateful for the strengthened relationships that I now hold. It is a tough lesson when you realize that you can't be friends with everyone... but it makes those who you hold close, oh so much more special.

2012- JOY
This year I will be going back to school. A change in my life that is very big. It has been 10 years since I last sat in a college class. After graduation with my Associates Degree, we found out that I was pregnant in which the best decision for our family would be to have my husband finish college and I would stay home and raise our children. Now that our children are in school, life has settled. It's time for me to finish, and this is exciting. I am not exactly sure why this years word is Joy, but I do now that it has prepared me to look at this new upcoming adventure with happiness. This year, joy will be a choice. It is a choice I can make and I will do everything necessary to maintain this outlook this year. I have seen what God has done the last few months preparing me for this next season. Freeing up my time, my heart and my spirit. I am happy, and am so grateful for this next season in mine and my family's life.

I can see now how each year's word has been just what we have needed. I am very grateful for the growth the past few years have brought to myself and my family. As I look back on these past few years I am reminded of the pain and trials we have had to endure. The wonderful thing is that we are a family. We endure things together. Always have, always will. Together we have grown and continue to grow. As our trials increase in difficulty, so does our strength. We are prepared or will learn along the way. I am excited to see what this year brings us, what every it is... I will work my best to see it increase our joy. There are so many things to be grateful for, maybe counting the blessings will help us remember the joy through out the year.


 In crafty news...

I have been working on a fun project for Brewer Sewing and will be participating in a fun blog hop throughout January featuring the Tablet Keeper by Nancy Zieman. The blog hop starts today! Click on the link below for a list of all participants.

Nancy Zieman Tablet Keeper Blog Hop.

Thanks again for your comments, friendship and encouragement... I am reminded always that I am not in this alone. We are all in this life together... and what a beautiful thing that is!

~Liz Hicks ♥