brushedwithmagic.com - blog

2008-10-03T12:36:00.004-07:00

Thinking of you

I have been so swamped this last month, but you have been in my thoughts. Honest, you have!
I have been stretched so thin lately. A year ago this day, I began planning my 20 year High School Reunion with 3 other people (which grew to5, then down to 4 people). It has been a tough challenging road, that is for sure.

I thought it would get easier near the end. No, no the beginning is waaaaaay better than the end. So many times near the end, I actually thought I might be physically sick due to the stress.
We had over 700 students in our graduating glass, so we found a very nice venue and guaranteed payment for 100 people minimum (i.e. $4,000.00). Plus we had to secure a DJ with video screen, order tickets, pay for advertising and so forth. We almost canceled a month ago and would just bite the bullet and absorb about $1,000.00 in cancellation penalties between 4 people. At that point (Sept 2nd) we had only sold 82 tickets and tickets had been on sale since April. We had advertised online, through Facebook, in local papers, major papers, on the radio, at the high school, ....you name it, we pretty much did it.
As of just two weeks ago, we only had 107 tickets sold, so we gave up half of our rented ballroom. Now we can only have approx 150-160 people for a sit down dinner and still have room for a dance floor.
Sales were due to end at midnight on Sep 30th. Guess what.... that is when most people decided they wanted to come.
We are now completely maxed out at 170. we had to turn our final numbers in to the Catering Manager two days ago & I still have people asking for tickets. AHHHH.

If you ever need to do this yourself, I would suggest hiring someone, but then again, you would have no money left over to do the fun things, as that extra money would have to go towards paying the person you hired. We have now been able to rent a photobooth (so cooool) from Photobooth Vancouver, we have tonnes of door prizes and we have been able to order $1,050.00 worth of appetizers (which is crazy, as it actually only amounts to two appetizers per person. Kind of highway robbery in a way, but... what can you do?).

Next week, I dive back into the world of creativity and look forward to loosing myself (ha ha).

Keep smiling & creating!

Nicci
(I will check later for my spelling errors (ha ha))

2008-09-26T20:45:00.002-07:00

Okay,... I am doing it!

I am getting one of my Glitzy Galz tattooed on my arm!

I would like her to be approx 6" x 5" in size (or maybe larger) on my upper left arm, embellished with lots of juicy colours and a twinkle in her eye.
I want to have her looking very cute in a plain white t-shirt and low rise blue jeans showing off her little swirl of a belly button. In the washed out blue background, I am thinking of twinkling stars and white wispy swirls.

Isn't she adorable?

I think some white accents on her wings would also be lovely.
She is my little Cupcake Gal.

FYI: I am organizing a second Art and Fine Craft Marketplace entitled "Holiday Shopping at Sunnyside". VeNdOr SeArCh ON NOW!.................... CLICK HERE

Keep smiling and Creating!

Nicci

2008-09-12T12:45:00.003-07:00

Forgive me, it has been 10 days since my last blog....

I know that I suck when it comes to blogging. I am always so busy. Maybe it is the Gemini side of me that has always made me run conversations, etc through my head without really saying or writing anything. Then I mentally always think that I personally have already been through the conversation (or post) and why bother going through it again and actually talk/write to someone????

I never really saw myself as one of those mentally wacky types of Artists (stereotype.....pllllhhhhpppp), but I guess I am, hey?
ha ha

Tomorrow I am showcasing and selling my Glitzy Galz Necklace Pendants at the 2nd Annual British Invasion Block Party, which is held in uptown White Rock (11am-3pm).
Sep 13 SAT - British Invasion WHITE ROCK BLOCK PARTY - 11am to 3pm - located on the large sidewalk in front of the new Miramar Village building between the Whale Wall at Russell Avenue and Hillcrest Mall along Johnston Road. This will be the centre of it all with lots of art, show and shine cars, music and entertainers up and down the street!

Sunday I am holding my monthly (in the Summer anyhow) Art Studio Open House from 11am-2pm. Address: Mirada Townhouse, unit 45 - 2678 King George Highway, South Surrey (near the 152nd Street King George intersection. The entrance is located across King George Highway form BCAA).

CrEaTiVe FiNdS ART MARKET looks like it is almost all full!!!!
The photos here are a glimpse of a few of the latest vendors which have joined the show for Nov 15th.

I still have a few pending and also a few avatars to still make up, but BOY am I excited!!!... and you can see why when you look at the quality of vendors I have managed to confirm for the 2nd ANNUAL CREATIVE FINDS ART and FINE CRAFT MARKETPLACE, which takes place on Nov 15th!

Keep smiling and creating!!
Nicci

2008-09-02T13:02:00.005-07:00

Creativity Abounds... as kids head back to school.

This weekend I finally succumbed and bought myself a moleskin journal. Okay, well it's not an official moleskin, as it has a fabric cover, but the pages are of the same quality. To your left is the first doodle/watercolour that has popped from the pages. She is just a little censored so that I may post her on here for you all.

I can't wait to go get it out of my art studio and embellish another page today. I need to create something that marks the big day that my little pumpernickel stepped into his Kindergarten class for the first time and met Miss D.
AHHH, he's growing up too fast!

Violette's first book is now nearing the finalization stages and can be pre-ordered today!

We are so excited for our Glitter Power Sister! She has be working hard and dreaming of this moment for years and it is finally coming to fruition. Way to go Violette!

Product Description as borrowed from Amazon.com Be inspired by pages and pages of artistic inspiration and prompts designed to embrace your inner eccentric. In Journal Bliss, join author Violette as she shares her illustrations, fonts, doodles, and soul-searching prompts - freeing you to start your own visual-journal journey. Express yourself openly in a style that is uplifting and fun!

Jennifer Perkins' book is out!!!!
I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!

Product Description (borrowed from Amazon.com)~ Join The Naughty Secretary Club!

If you prefer your jewelry subtle and serious, you might want to go ahead and set this book back on the shelf. However, if kitschy accessories made with a wink and a smile are your cup of tea, this book will have you on the edge of your chair.

The Naughty Secretary Club is packed with more than 50 kitschy-secretary-themed jewelry projects, plus lots of quirky sidebars covering hot topics such as office romance and the best secretary theme songs to listen to on your lunch break. You’ll learn how to use your office supplies in a whole new way - did you know standard office fare, like binder folders and shredded junk mail, makes craftalicious jewelry? Plus, author Jennifer Perkins will teach you how to turn almost anything into a charm, including plastic gnome cake toppers, doll furniture and cast-off hotel keys.

Whatever your day job, you can be a Naughty Secretary in spirit - and in style. So cancel your afternoon meetings, take a break from watching the clock and send yourself a memo to whip up a new paperclip necklace just in time for happy hour!

About the Author: Jennifer Perkins left her job as a secretary to return to her childhood love of jewelry-making. Her Naughty Secretary Club jewelry has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Teen Vogue, The New York Times, Elle Girl, Alternative Press, Bust, Seventeen and more. Jennifer is the host of Craft Lab and Stylelicious (both on the DIY network) and has been a guest on Craft Corner Death Match and Knitty Gritty. She has a pronounced craft following in addition to a highly visted blog and Web site, www.naughtysecretaryclub.com.

Keep smiling and creating,
Nicci

2008-08-27T15:12:00.002-07:00

As promised...here is the hand painted and swarovky crystal embellished tank top, which goes with the bra I showed you the other day.

Jennel is going to look so great on the walk, as she pounds the pavement in honor of her mother.

Jennel, I send you strength and fond memories of love and laughter as you walk for Janet.

Keep smiling and creating everyone!
Nicci

2008-08-25T08:42:00.002-07:00

Cupcakes and Crystals!

Hi all,
Here is a little image of the commissioned bra I finished last week. It will be worn in this years 3 day Walk for the Cure along with a tank top I painted to go with it (I will post a picture of that tomorrow).

I lost count of how many crystals I embellished the items with (ha ha). They sure will be sparkling along with their owner on the walk.

She will be modeling the brassiere in a contest, so I hope the sun is shining to make the crystals glisten.

ART CLASSES: I will be teaching in Langley at the Gardenia Cottage for September and October, so make sure you visit my EVENTS PAGE for further details. Call Rita (604-533-4117) to reserve your space before they are all booked up!

Keep smiling and creating!
Nicci

2008-08-21T08:38:00.002-07:00

Commissions are done!:
Today I am posting the two cushion covers, one bra and one tank top in the mail today to send them on their way to their new families. I know they will be happy and loved there. (One in Canada and the other package is heading for Istanbul, Turkey). I cannot post pics yet, as I want the owners to be surprised when they open their creative packages.

Art classes start soon: September 16 (Tue) and Sept 27 (Sat) at Gardenia Cottage in Langley. For details, please call Rita at (604) 533-4177

Art Studio OPEN HOUSE: This Sunday from 11am-4pm.
Address: 2678 King George Highway, unit #45, South Surrey (Mirada Townhouse Complex)
Visit with a "Live Out Loud" Artist who uses tons of colour and funky style to create art pieces that are fun and functional.
See a wide variety of jewelry art pendants, clothing, paintings and other unique works.
LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO BE BASHFUL, come on down to the Studio and adorn yourself with a one-of-a-kind sparkly art pendant necklace! Since some of you may have to conform for work, Nicci has created a little something so you will always shine, stand out and MOVE TO THE BEAT OF YOUR OWN DRUMMER!
Her studio is chock full of glitz and glamour!
NOTE: There will be a table area set up where you can colour in a page of Nicci's Glam Gal art to either display on site or take home with you!

The trials of life:
I wanted to post something today...and yesterday... and the day before that, but I have something weighing heavily on my back.
I am having day surgery today...just an exploratory one so that they can try and find what is bothering me. Hopefully they will find it and it will be an easy fix while the are already in there.

Think positive thoughts for me and I will see you Sunday at the Open House.

Keep smiling and creating!
Nicci

2008-08-15T16:57:00.003-07:00

ONE OF MY GALZ:
My good friend Violette is having her ART STUDIO OPEN HOUSE this SUNDAY as part of the first SURREY CULTURAL CRAWL. (Address: 1635 - 157 Street, South Surrey)

Her studio, which is pretty much her whole house (aka The Magic Cottage), will be open to the public from 11am-5pm.
Last night I popped over to lend her a display stand on my way out to do some grocery shopping.

There was absolutely no hesitation when Violette asked me to join her for a glass of wine in her garden. It was soooo what I needed after a very busy few weeks. No rushing anywhere or frantically making more necklaces, just sitting back in her lovely yard as the sun sets, sipping a glass of wine and chatting with a good friend.
Needless to say, I never made it to the grocery store (lol).
Two and a half hours later and I was back home and planning an early morning trip to get groceries before the heat of the day took over.

GLITZY GALZ have found another HOME:
As of today my Glitzy Galz Art Necklace Pendants have now taken up temporary lodging at Gardenia Cottage in Langley... that is until you come and adopt one to take home with you.

They are in the perfect location to drop in on tomorrow while you are out at the annual Langley Arts Alive Street Festival. I hear the weather will be perfect for it!
Just make sure you bring along sunscreen and some bottled water.
(Festival location: Fraser Highway between 204th & 206th)

Have a great weekend and maybe we will run in to each other at Violette's on Sunday.

Keep smiling and creating!
Nicci

2008-08-14T09:38:00.002-07:00

It's going to be a HOT ONE!!!

Today is supposed to get up to around 30 degrees Celsius today.
Aycheee-wow-wa!

I have been quite busy as most of you know with events and commissions.
Today I am adding the final layers of varnish to a couple of cushion covers. The heat will definitely help dry it faster.

I am off to my lil guys swimming lessons, so I will try and write more later today for you.

Have a great day!
Keep smiling and creating,
Nicci

2008-08-07T07:58:00.003-07:00

Tonight's the night!

This could be a big step into the Vancouver Scene or 'just another event'. Tonight I am showcasing my art and creating at the "Glitterblitz Diskobash" in Vancouver.
A portion of the event is being promoted as a 'Battle of the Artists', Jim Cummins (aka I Braineater) vs. Nicci Battilana (aka Brushed With Magic).
I have been unable so far to reach Jim, therefore I am having to dig down deep and grasp what Glitterblitz Diskobash means to me while I ponder....
What will Sir Jim be doing tonight? Will he have a secret weapon up his sleeve or will we battle it out on one large canvas intermixing our girls and talent as the paint blends and repels against one another?
Will we join forces, will one stand out,..... or will he sink my battle ship?

Another question I ponder as I plan out my art weapons f choice... is the Majestic Nightclub ready for glitter?

WEEK RECAP:
As I head off to prepare myself...
I leave you with a few photos from last Sunday's Vancouver Pride Festival where there were over 400,000 people attending the events of the day.

Keep smiling and creating!
Nicci

2008-07-25T10:21:00.002-07:00

P.S. Don't forget that tomorrow is GLITTER YOUR TOES DAY!

Keep smiling and creating!
NIcci

2008-07-23T14:24:00.002-07:00

I learned a new thing today.... Sometimes when the paper calls to ask you about an Art event, you should just say two words...... "no comment".

White Rock artists are upset that murals along White Rock beach are to be painted over.

Chung Chow photo

Peace Arch News

Painting over murals disrespectful: artists

By Laura Baziuk - Peace Arch News

Published: July 22, 2008 1:00 PM
Updated: July 22, 2008 2:32 PM

Artists who contributed to two murals on White Rock beach last year are upset because the walls will be painted over.

“I was hoping they wouldn’t,” said Nicci Battilana, who helped create the Mermaids at Play mural on the East Beach washroom wall, as part of the August long-weekend Spirit of the Sea Festival activities.

Alicia M.B. Ballard, who also painted the mermaids, said the group that set up and paid for the murals, the Community of Lights Events Society, “never told” her the works would be painted over.

“I find it very disrespectful,” she told the Peace Arch News Monday.

However, the agreement was always to keep the murals for only a year, said Coun. Matt Todd, president of Community of Lights.

Having a new mural repainted each year “made the city feel more comfortable.”

Todd said some people were worried “about the quality of the artwork” when the society proposed the mural idea to city council last year.

“There was never any intention to leave them up permanently. We thought that that was part of the fun,” Todd said.

Battilana said the artists who contributed knew before the project started that the murals “could possibly get painted over,” but hoped that wouldn’t be the case.

Ballard questioned why the mural had to be covered up, calling it an “enchantment” for all to see.

“I can live with a painted-over mural in my portfolio. What I find hard to come to terms with is how these secretive arrangements are being made,” Ballard said.

Todd said he selected the artists who will paint the new murals at this year’s sea festival.

He chose Elizabeth Hollick to oversee the mural painting at the East Beach washrooms – where she will invite passersby to paint a fish – and Judy Jordison to treat the West Beach facilities to a mural commemorating B.C.’s 150th birthday.

Both Battilana and Ballard wondered why a new mural couldn’t just be painted on the washroom’s other blank walls, instead of over their mermaids.

“That’s not the point of the program. The point is to have new murals,” Todd said.

He said the walls are slated to be whitewashed early next week, and new murals will be painted on Aug. 2 during the festival.

UGH!, I think I am going to be sick. My stomach is turned and I feel like I am on a tilt-a-whirl ride. Can somebody please get me off this thing????

So, in response I have sent this Letter into the Newspapers Editor in hopes that it will be published in Saturdays paper:

I just wanted to clarify where I stand and what I knew would happen to our murals. As advised to Laura Baziuk when she called me, we were all fully aware that the murals would eventually be painted over. We were even told that they might have only lasted until the end of October 2007. Since they have stayed up longer than that... I began hoping, in the back of my mind, that those involved had changed their minds and decided to leave the murals up and paint the other walls during the 2008 Spirit of the Sea Festival. Unfortunately that is not the case. I will be sad to see our mural gone, but at the same time I am very excited to see the new ones. Truth be told though, I will have to avoid the beach for the next week or so, as it might hurt a bit to see our wall get painted over white before the new mural begins. I wish the new teams great weather to work in and smooth team work. Keep smiling and creating! - Nicci Battilana

I hope they print it.

I think I need a drink!
Oh well, such is life with it's twists and turns hey?

On a happier note.....
I have been accepted as an Artisan Vendor at the upcoming PRIDE DAY FESTIVAL!
Yeah!

I guess I had better get to work on my four commissioned art pieces (a bra, a tank top and two cushion covers), so I can then start on more necklaces and a sparkling belt buckle or two for Aug 3rd.
See you at Sunset Beach!
Keep smiling and creating!
Nicci

2008-07-22T08:25:00.003-07:00

Hoping to take a big leap showcasing my art in Vancouver on Sunday August 3rd.

I have sent in an application for an Artisan vendor space at this years PRIDE DAY FESTIVAL at Sunset Beach. (detailed info below was borrowed from the Vancouver Pride website)

Pride Festival
Sunday, August 3, 2008 12:00 - 6:00PM
Place: Sunset Beach
Map: Google Map
Price: Free for all
Event Type: Official
Celebrations continue after the Parade at Sunset Beach festival site. Vancouver Pride has a crowd that reaches over 80,000 people in the park listening to the live music on the Vancity Festival Stage, viewing the diverse selection of products and services provided by vendors and a Pride beer garden.

I should hopefully have an answer this afternoon.
Wish me luck!

(PHOTO: The photo is of the small display I had up last Saturday at the White Rock Five Corners Block Party.)

Keep smiling and creating,
Nicci

2008-07-21T10:25:00.004-07:00

Today's correspondence regarding the MURALS at WHITE ROCK BEACH:

Hi Matt,
Thank you Matt for your quick response.
Is there any way we can get the City to allow Artists to paint the other sides of the bathrooms, rather than over top of the existing murals?
I really hate to see them disappear and I still get comments every few weeks when new people come across my work and tell me how they have seen it before down on the beach and how much they love all the murals.

Regards,
Nicci

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The whole point of the program is to have the murals change each year. None of the murals painted by the festival will be permanent. If you would like to participate again, you can apply to the festival organizers next spring.

Please note that this is a Spirit of the Sea Festival program run by the Community of Lights Events Society. While the City has given the festival permission to paint certain walls, it is the festival that selects the artists and pays for the program. Having the murals be replaced each year was a key component of the initial proposal.

This is much like the fence. We each had our favourites but knew it would get painted over soon. Sometimes we didn't like what replaced it as much but other people liked it more. The same will be true of the festival murals. The difference is that the muralists for these walls will be invited rather than an open drop-in.

I'm glad you've had such great feedback from having your work on the festival's wall for this past year.

The Balsam washroom will be primed later this week in preparation for the 2008 festival.

Matt

2008-07-20T09:39:00.010-07:00

My Art Adventure this weekend in
White Rock, BC.

I was planning on talking about the effects of an unknown couple and their crass remarks & what a shame it is that the negative remarks stay on the forefront of ones mind for hours rather than the lovely and encouraging remarks made by 98% of the rest of the passerby's and customers.

However, that has now been placed into file 13, the worthless "pity those people and their low self worth that they must put it on to others" file.

A much more pressing matter has come into play...

SAVE THE WHITE ROCK MURALS!

There are a few large city murals that are apparently resting on the sharp edge at dangers door.
Firstly, the one close to my heart is the Mermaids at Play wall which was created last BC Day Weekend (during the Spirit of the Sea Festival) by myself, Joanna Bevis & Alicia Ballard.
The word through the grapevine is that the beach side murals are going to be painted over.

The City also plans on taking away one of the major grass areas along the White Rock Promenade to build a cement "Spirit Square", but then they may actually be taking away the cities Playful, Artful spirit by painting over murals? What's up White Rock????

I have sent an e-mail to City Counsillor Matt Todd asking him if this rumour has any truth to it and what the details are. I will let you know what he responds with.
Here is the response I rcvd from Matt Todd today:
"Yes. New murals will be painted during the festival. That was always the plan -- to have the walls repainted every year so there's new waterfront murals after each festival. The Balsam wall will be painted by Elizabeth Hollick and festival visitors. She will be helping people paint their own small fish on the wall. Judy Jordison will be painting the Oxford wall, likely will something to commemorate BC's 150th anniversary of becoming a British colony. " - Matt Todd, Councillor, City of White Rock

Thank you for the quick detailed response today (Sunday) Matt.

I beg all of you to please take a moment and write to the City of White Rock and let them know in a positive way how important the Murals are to our Residents, Neighbours and Tourists alike.
Maybe we can get them to add murals on all sides of the beach washroom facilities, etc in White Rock rather than painting over existing ones.
Via E-Mail Matt Todd (City Counsillor)
Mayor's E-Mail Judy Forster

Thank you for your support!

Keep smiling and creating!
Nicci

2008-07-16T08:21:00.005-07:00

Here is the poster to the club night where
I will be showcasing my work at on Aug7th
(Just click on the image to see a larger version)

Vancouver's own
GlitterBlitz Diskobash

Another event to add to the NOT TO MISS art list is the White Rock FIVE CORNERS 3rd Annual BLOCK PARTY, which takes place this Saturday from 11am-2pm. Artists of all mediums will have their work on display (Johnston Road and Pacific Ave).

Keep smiling and creating,
Nicci

2008-07-11T16:27:00.003-07:00

GLITZY GALZ Art Necklaces are NOW ON SALE!!!

They are being uploaded today in my online shop. CLICK HERE

Happy Shopping and have a great weekend!

Nicci

2008-07-10T09:21:00.008-07:00

Another Sunny day in South Surrey
... and I think I see the horizon before me.

***********************************************************************************

GlitterBlitz Diskobash (featuring little ol' me)
An exciting new style of club night is coming to saturate your senses.
We are bringing a brand new club experience to VANCOUVER. In the Spirit of Steve Strange's legendary BLITZ CLUB and Studio 54 it will meet the Misshapes, meets London's Boombox meets New Wave meets Nu-Wave/Rave/Nu-Disko meets Punk. There will be High Style, Chique Freaks, Low and High Fashion, Low Art, High Art Everything goes, Leave your inhibitions AT THE DOOR!

***** "GLITTERBLITZ-DISKOBASH! "*****
PREMIERE!
Majestic Nightclub
1138 Davie Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
August 7-2008 9PM-3AM!
NU DISKO-WAVE/RAVE vs NEW WAVE vs LEIGH BOWERY

Battle of the DJ's: DJ BETTI FORDE (BOOMBOX,STINKMITT) vs DJ RHIANNON (HERSHE, LICK)
Battle of the Artists: I, BRAINEATER ART vs BRUSHED WITH MAGIC
Fashion Show: Nancy Black Glitter Fashion Show

***********************************************************************************

Teapots and TeddyBears

Here are a few photos for you of the lovely display Rachel put together in her shop of treasures.
I went in on Tuesday and had a look around. She has already begun selling the necklaces and is receiving wonderful feedback.

Gemini Glitter Sister

Yesterday three of us gathered for our annual Gemini get-together (a little late this year, but better late than never.)
We talked about art, dreams, life, and shared creative inspiration. (Violette, Happy Tyler, and Me)

I think after viewing all the fun photos from yesterday, that I realize my first instincts were correct, and that I must dye my hair a darker colour again.
Yes, I bleached it so much that the hairdresser had to cut it off, but I guess it was something I just had to go through.
Hmmmm maybe I can afford extensions for my 20 year reunion in October.

Keep creating and smiling,
Nicci

2008-07-07T13:14:00.006-07:00

Life should not be a chore

I keep thinking, gosh I have to post something, but what?
It's not like I have nothing to show you or tell you. I do.

In fact, last week I delivered a commission order to Teapots and Teddybears at 18408 - 64th Ave, Surrey (Cloverdale), BC. (20 necklaces, 4 cushions, 1 painting and one painted jacket)
The whole drive there I had a pit in my stomach that was getting bigger the closer I got to the shop. What if she does not like her order? What if she wants more crystal? What if she says forget it, I want something else.
After I parked and started getting out of my car, she pulled up next to me and was full of compliments from the start.
She loved everything! To see her enthusiasm and excitement over items in which I had created a strong feeling enveloped me and reminded me of the little sparkling shiny ripples of water on the free flowing ocean. Like when you are on vacation and in no rush as all, sitting back with a nice cool beverage on a comfy chair watching the sun reflect of the water. Peace.

Why do we do this to our selves? We create something and try to make it the best way we can & then when we need to present it to the world we think we are not good enough. Good old self sabotage ... what would we do without you (LOL). Do all people feel this way about themselves at certain points in their life?

Her 'Glitzy Galz' display should be up and shimmering in her funky shop today. I will try and pop by tomorrow and get some photos for you. Otherwise, if you are in the area, please make a point of stopping in.

Peanut Butter, Chocolate and Flickr
A few weeks ago I was perusing some cake groups on flickr and saw this absolutely mouth watering cake that seriously might have made a few people actually lick their monitors. Ugh, smell-o-vision where are you?
So just this last Saturday I decided that I would take my stab at it & try to make my own version. I think I was successful, as I made it a two layer cake with round 9" pans and it was almost finished off my six adults and 3 toddlers...
But let's not get ahead of ourselves, I need to take a few steps back to 11am on Saturday.
I bring out my adored Kitchenaid Artisan and mix up the first cake batter for layer one. Mix, pour bake, flip onto cooling rack....lovely. Mix up second batter for the top layer, mix, pour, bake, flip, EXPLODE! Explode? What? What happened? I don't get it. For the love of Pete, I have to start level 2 all over!? It's now 1:30pm, company is coming at 6. I need time for the cake to cool before I can even think of frosting it!
I send my loving hubby out to get more ingredients. I stress that I need three eggs, as they are an important part of the cake making process. He is gone maybe 15 minutes and my son would like a snack. I look in the fridge and right there in front of me are three eggs staring right back sending me a mental message. "Remember us?"
Oh my gosh! I forgot to put in the eggs! No wonder it fell to pieces across my counter top!!!
Hubby gets home at two and my four year old says "Guess what Mommy did?".
I get a laugh and a 'look' as he places the grocery bag on the counter. Half an hour later I place the cakes in the freezer to bring the temperature down and begin making my chocolate butter cream icing. I follow the typical butter cream recipe, but add some melted dark Purdy's chocolate and Thomas Haas chocolate mix, along with a small container of low fat cream cheese and a table spoon of peanut butter.
Just before the company arrives at the door, I manage to ice the cake, crumble 11 peanut butter cups into a bowl and sprinkle it on the top and sides of the cake. As a finishing touch I melt down 2 more bars of Purdy's dark chocolate and drizzle if over the top and sides. Put the cake aside with the fancy glass cover, clean the counters, run upstairs to change my clothes and then the knocks come at the front door. Phew!

See that wasn't so bad! Why did I thinking blogging was a chore today? Maybe it's because I know I need to be away from the computer and creating. I had better go do that now.

Have a lovely day!
Keep smiling and creating!
Nicci

2008-06-26T08:55:00.002-07:00

Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn

Okay, well maybe not naked, and it may not be at the edge of dawn, but have a look at this video which brought a long smile and a few tears this morning.

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

Matt.... may you always dance with passion, joy and spontaneous friends from around our small world! Thank you for sharing.

Keep smiling and creating!
Nicci

2008-06-24T10:49:00.003-07:00

Glitzy Galz Art Pendants

Here is a glimpse of my new pendant line.
These photos however just do not seem to do them any justice.
I need to invest in a photo cube and maybe a new camera.

The new website is in the works, as well as a new ETSY store.
These two places will focus on my Glitzy Galz Character and Product lines.

Hope you like them!

Unfortunately the Swarovsky Crystals just don't POP in these photos. Please use your imagination.

Have a great week!
Keep smiling and creating!

Nicci

2008-06-20T09:16:00.005-07:00

The Graduate!

We made mini cupcakes for the party.
He chose to make them green.

I think we may be on a green kick right now (lol).

We are so proud of our little man!

See you at my

ART STUDIO OPEN HOUSE

Tomorrow!

The open house takes place from 10am until 2pm.
I will be unveiling my new line of
Glitzy Galz Art Pendant Necklaces.
You don't want to miss it!

Keep smiling and creating,
Nicci

2008-06-19T09:56:00.003-07:00

A fresh approach

We (my family of three) painting our living room this week.

We went from a dark tomato soup red to a bright grape green with crisp white accents.

Here are a few photos to show the transition.

Hope you all had a great week as well!

FYI: The painting featured on the 'Bitter Chocolate' wall is by Jim Cummins (aka I Braineater) of Vancouver, BC, Canada

NOTE: We have a full untouched 1 gallon can of grape green (a BEHR colour) Aura paint mixed by Benjamin Moore if anyone local is interested in purchasing it. We paid $60 for it on Monday, but did not need it. I will be listing in on Craigs List soon for $45.00. The paint covers in two coats!

Keep creating and smiling!

Nicci

2008-06-15T10:14:00.001-07:00

Hi All,

Today (June 15) is my birthday and therefore any purchases made today through my etsy shop (http://brushedwithmagic.etsy.com)with payment completed within 24 hours... I will include a special surprise!
Each sale will include one of my buttons, plus I will draw one lucky name to receive one of my Glitzy Galz Art Pendants encrusted in swarovsky crystals.

These pendants are the focus of my new jewelry line which will be unveiled here on ETSY June 22!

It may be my birthday, but I just feel like giving!

Happy Shopping!
and thank you!

Nicci

2008-06-13T16:04:00.004-07:00

Hmm, maybe I should have...
posted the transition photos (see below), now that darn bottle of black hair dye upstairs is calling my name. Resist Nicci, just resist.

I am busy getting ready for my friend Violette's B-Day party! The question now is.... what the heck goes with florescent orange hair (ha ha)?

Violette and I were meant to be friends! We share the same birthday (Just a few years apart), are very creative, cherish our friends, love people who are honest (but nice), and it urks us to the bone when others want us to live by their so called rules (LOL).

She is having a great birthday giveaway on her blog right now that you should sign up for.
It is such a great idea that I have decided to follow suit. I will give one of my new Glitzy Galz Art necklace pendants away. Please message me through my website (CLICK HERE) and let me know that you want to be in the draw. Don't forget to include your name and mailing address. I will announce the winner this Monday on my blog.

Good luck and have a Happy Father's Day!

Keep smiling and creating,
Nicci