Blog
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
I seem to have a dilemma.
It looks as though blogger will no longer archive my posting and might only allow me to have 500 postings in total showing on my blog.
The dilemma is that this posting is #402. I have vowed to post every weekday from now on (except in certain circumstances). If I post every weekday, then in about 4 months, this blog will be full, then what?
Do I keep this one on my website and begin another blog (brushedwithmagic #2) and have that on my site as well, listed as 'current artist blog'.
(Photo on the right: A general shot of some of the other pendants I soldered on Mother's Day. Three are now listed for sale in my online store.)
UGH! It's free, I know... and I love that!
Can you believe I started blogging back in 2002? That is 6 years! I may not have been a constant source of art of the world art blogging scene, but I have been here... creating away and growing in the process.
It's amazing to look back at my old work and see the differences in my work and the differences in myself.(Photo on the left: Some drawer/cabinet pulls commissioned through my ETSY store.)
As they say, it is not the list of your accomplishments at the end that matter, it is the journey through your life, through your creations, experiences and the friends you have had come in or go out of your life that truly tell your story.
Keep creating and smiling,
Nicci
Posted by nicci at 5/13/2008 02:05:00 PM
Monday, May 12, 2008
Drawing , Painting and soldering..... Oh, what a Happy Mother's Day!
Hi All,
Yesterday my wonderful hubby made me breakfast and cleaned the house while I got to sit and the kitchen table and play for a few luxurious hours.
I soldered 11 necklace pendants (one of which I just listed in my online store). I just LOVE IT.
I will need to take photos of the others, so that I can jet them up for sale in my store.
Saturday night, I spent the evening doodling and painting new images for some more pendants. I will be picking them up from the printers today. I can't wait!
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and for those who celebrated Mother's Day, I hope it was enjoyed by all.
Keep smiling and creating!
Nicci
Labels: mothers day, necklace, pendant
Posted by nicci at 5/12/2008 09:32:00 AM
Friday, May 9, 2008
Crossing PathsIt's funny how certain people come into your life at the exact right moment. In the past few months I have been getting to know someone that I went to school with 20 years ago. We did not know each other at all then, but I would definitely consider us friends this time around.
About two months ago I mentioned how I would just love o learn welding, as that area of art has so many creative ideas floating around in my brain just dying to come out. To my surprise and without any hesitation on his part, he said, "I'll teach you.". I could just feel my eyes start to sparkle with excitement.
We have not discussed it since (until a couple of days ago), so I put it in the back of my brain knowing that people are busy in their own lives and .....
Then two nights ago Pat send me an email:
"OK so I've been snooping through your website looking for some kind of logo or artwork that would translate into 3D well... not having much luck. A while back we had been discussing welding etc and you expressed interest in it. My thought was to find something that I could cut out of a couple of pieces of plate steel and then show you how to weld them together into some kind of stand/sign/artwork for your studio....
I'll be using 1/4 to 1/2" thick steel... it should be several pieces so you have something to weld, but no one piece can be bigger than about 12"x12". If you can come up with something I'll get it cut out at work as soon as I can then we'll set a date to either have you come here or I can drag my welder to your studio. Best idea I can think of is try working with pieces of cardboard and see what shapes you can stick together. They don't need to lay flat on each other, and actually would look better if they didn't. Don't worry about the welding side of it. If you end up with one joint that's too difficult I'll do that pass. Holes etc are fine but try not to involve any bending. Pat"
I get excited all over again!!! Then I rcv another email:
"Last night I doodled BRUSHED WITH MAGIC onto 3/8" plate... I hope to cut it out tonight. The letters of each word join so it will be 3 pieces of steel when I'm done.... So keep that in mind as you come up with the rest of your idea."
The excitement builds.
So last night I grab whatever piece of paper I can find and begin to doodle ideas. I am sure I will be brainstorming more today, but here is an image to give you an idea of where I am at right now.
Happy Friday!
Keep creating and smiling,
Nicci
Labels: cupcake hat, doodle, welding
Posted by nicci at 5/09/2008 07:29:00 AM
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Learning from one another....
Today I stumbled upon a wonderful and 'succesful' Artist named Marisa Haedike through her blog Creative Thursday (FYI: she also has a store on ETSY).
Marisa creates a painting every day, posts it on her website and then adds it to her ETSY shop. She knows (as I do from my own trials and errors) that you must stay current with your blog and artwork to keep it successful. (She also creates podcasts, which I would like to try my hand at.)
I am taking note of the creative poke she has sent my way today through her recent podcast. Starting tonight I will create art each night, be it a water colour, functional art, jewelry, canvas etc. The following day it will be featured right here on my blog. On each posting I will place a link to that item on my ETSY store. The only exceptions to it being listed in my online store is that if it is something too difficult to ship, is a planning doodle, is edible, it is not yet complete, or I will be using that image to create jewelry.
Check in tomorrow morning and see what has arisen from my creative fountain.
Today I leave you with a photo of some cupcakes I made yesterday for Mother's Day Tea and my child's school.
Keep creating and smiling,
Nicci
Posted by nicci at 5/08/2008 05:21:00 PM
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Here are my latest girls!
They are actually at the printers right now.
I can't wait to start working with them and turning them into funky fancy jewelry pieces! YEAH!
They will be available in my online store Monday May 12th.
Hope you are having a great weekend.
Keep smiling and creating!
Nicci
Posted by nicci at 5/03/2008 05:00:00 PM
Friday, May 2, 2008
(just click on the image to view a larger version)
Labels: pendant
Posted by nicci at 5/02/2008 03:18:00 PM
Thursday, May 1, 2008
FREE SHIPPING promotion now on in my online shop!| Etsy Buy Handmade brushedwithmagic |
Promo is on from May 1st until May 11, 2008 at midnight EST.
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY shopping!
P.S. Don't forget to check out my art challenge for this month. CLICK HERE.
Keep smiling and creating!
Nicci
Posted by nicci at 5/01/2008 04:56:00 PM
Monday, April 21, 2008
This last weekend I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting up with some of my GPS (Glitter Power Sisters) in Sedona Arizona.We are a group of female Artists that have met on the internet within the last few years on my friend Violette's website message board.
Gemma and Kate greeted Violette and I at the PHX Airport and then quickly proceeded with a Mohito bevie in the parking lot before we headed over to another terminal to surprise Pam.
A great time was had by all... as you can see.
Oh, and it seems Gemma and I started a Glitter Power Sister trend....
The sign of GPS !!!! (tee hee)
It is a bright magenta pink swirl tattoo on the front right shoulder.
When he did mine, the music playing in the background was 'Pink' by Aerosmith.
Hmmmmm. Any minute now my husband will be reading this and then phoning me from work saying "You got a tattoo?"
Labels: Arizona, GPS, Sedona, tattoo
Posted by nicci at 4/21/2008 09:14:00 AM
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Getting ready for the Arizona Sun!Having a horrible cold, I actually went to the Doctors yesterday to see if they could give me something to get rid of it, before I get on the jetplane tomorrow morning.
Unfortunately (I guess) he said that it is not in my chest, just my sinuses, so I am to keep taking my Tylenol Cold and wait for the hot dry air of Arizona.
I am heading down to meet some of my GPS' (Glitter Power Sisters). I can't wait!
Typical me, though, I still have to pack my suitcase (ha ha).
I feel bad about the cold, as I am sitting next to my good friend on the way down. Therefore I am doing all I can to force this cold out of me before tomorrow morning. My last resort will be roasting garlic and then eating it all. I will end up stinking to high heaven, but it has worked in the past. Two bad I did not think of doing this two days ago (UGH!).
FYI: They are calling for a mix of cloud, sun, rain and yes even snow here this weekend.
My poor family will have to enjoy that mix of weather for me.
Arizona, here I come!
Keep creating and smiling!
Nicci
Labels: Arizona, art, GPS, Sedona
Posted by nicci at 4/16/2008 08:12:00 AM
Friday, April 11, 2008
ADVERTISING:What do you think of the vinyl decal I am contemplating for the back window of my car?
The text will be in white, which will stand out nicely.
I was able to secure www.nicci.ca about a month ago after wishing and hoping for the past few years that it would come available....and it did! Yeah!
Hopefully we can get the site up and running in the next few weeks.
Have a great day!
Keep smiling and creating,
Nicci
Labels: art parties, nicci.ca
Posted by nicci at 4/11/2008 10:47:00 AM
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
A Kitchen in transition...
... going from purple grape to a juicy grape green and a big hunk-a-chunk of bitter chocolate.
Once it is all done and back in order (hopefully very soon) I will post a few more photos for you.
I just need to get my muscled hubby to move the fridge out for me so that I may paint around it & do one final coat of green.
I hope you are all enjoy your week and are helping support the Safe Sparkle rally by donating to the IDOL Gives Back charity.
Please take a moment to view our art/craft items, which are up for sale to help raise money.
Keep smiling and creating!
Nicci
Posted by nicci at 4/09/2008 10:55:00 AM
Saturday, April 5, 2008
New colour palette for my kitchen/office.
It is called 'Bitter Chocolate" and "Grape Green". Yeah!
I will post some photos once it is all done. (FYI: It has taken two days as it is to get blogger to actually let me attach this colour palette as it is.)
Bras for A Cause: Now I will hopefully not push my luck by trying to attach images of the painted bra and handbag that are going up for auction next Saturday night (tee hee).
Well I had better get back to painting.
Have a great week!
Keep creating and smiling!
Nicci
Posted by nicci at 4/05/2008 03:23:00 PM
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
I have been trying hard to upload some photos for you.I really want to show you my hand painted bra and matching purse for the 2008 Soroptimists of Langley 'Bras For A Cause' auction.
Please 'bear' with me, as I will keep trying.
What is Bras for a Cause?: The concept of "Bras For A Cause" is to have individuals, corporations, teams, and organizations decorate a theme bra and submit it to SI of the Langleys along with a $100 donation to SI of the Langleys. Last year we received over 100 theme bras including submissions from Michael Buble, Sara McLachlan, Sindi Hawkins MLA and cancer survivor, the Vancouver Canucks, and the BC Liberal Caucus among others. The evening of April 12, 2008 we will host a benefit dinner and auction at the Coast Hotel, Cascade Ballroom in Langley. During the dinner, the theme bras will be sold via a live and silent auction.
Where are the funds going?: This year Soroptimists of the Langleys have a goal of $50,000 to purchase a Sentinel Node Probe for the Langley Memorial Hospital. This equipment will mean less invasive surgery for women undergoing breast cancer surgery.
FYI: For those of you on Facebook, I have managed to upload a photo there.
CLICK HERE.
Keep smiling and creating everyone,
Nicci
Labels: bras, cause, pink, soroptimist, sweet, sweetest, thang
Posted by nicci at 4/01/2008 05:23:00 PM
Friday, March 28, 2008
Snow?It's snowing outside?.....but it's Spring.... It's almost April????!!!
If this isn't a sign to smarten up and take care of our world.....I don't know what is!
It should be at least 12 degrees celcius out there. Not snowing!
(PHOTO #1: Notice the flowers blooming.)
I hope everyone reading this is doing their part.
Recycle, reuse, revamp!
Speaking of that.. I am going to go work on revamping a fun handbag for the Soroptimist Society of Langley 'Bras for a Cause' auction fund raiser to go along with my 'under-construction' bra.
It is entitled "Sweet Thang"
I will post some in progress photos for you tomorrow.
Have a great day...and enjoy the snow (I guess).
Keep smiling and creating,
Nicci
Labels: bra, bras for a cause, hand painted, langley, society, soroptimist
Posted by nicci at 3/28/2008 08:59:00 AM
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Hope you can all come out this Saturday to FLAVOUR!
An Art Extravaganza for the senses!
I will have fabulous art pieces for sale at the show until 9pm and this great new piece will be up for silent auction!
So, please come on down and place your bids!!
50% of the final sale price for this painting will be donated to the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute (VATI).
Look forward to seeing you there!
Keep smiling and creating,
Nicci
Labels: battilana, events, evoke, flavour, nicci, vati
Posted by nicci at 3/13/2008 09:34:00 AM
Monday, March 10, 2008
Hi All,
I am trying to figure out who took this great photo of me working on the all mural down at the White Rock Beach last August.
I would love to have a copy of it in higher quality as I would like to use it for a promo this Saturday.
Please let me know if you or someone you know took it. I need it ASAP!
Thanks
Posted by nicci at 3/10/2008 03:14:00 PM
Thursday, March 6, 2008
That was Fantastic!!!!
For those of you that do not know, I had a local Brownie Troop (3rd Kla-How-Ya Troop) over to my art studio last Tuesday Night. They came over to earn their 'Artist at Work' badges.
I had two tables set up with 8x 10 canvases that I had pre-drawn an image of one of My Girlz on that the could paint in. I also included a goody bag with one of my mini buttons, business card, paint info sheet, 3 paint brushes and a Artist Participation Certificate.
We had a great time!
This is what I am submitting to the local paper along with the photos. I am hoping my friend Alex can get in submitted as an article or at least a small feature.
Local Brownies from the 3rd Kla-How-Ya Troop spent last Tuesday evening in Nicci Battilana's Art Studio in South Surrey earning their "Artist At Work" badge.
Each girl painted her own canvas while asking thought provoking questions of the Artist. Nicci encourage each girl to use any colour they felt inspired by. If their 'canvas girl' was to have green skin and maybe a purple eye, then they should go ahead and paint her that way. The Brownies painted with freedom and energy while surrounded by lime green walls with bright swirls, and canvases galore ranging in skin tones from brown to blue and even hot pink.
"It was amazing to see the Brownies with a twinkle in their eyes and they asked me for this colour and that colour. The hour just whizzed by as I heard the young requests around me.....Can I have a star in her eye? Can I have a heart? I would like a flower in mine! Can her lips be purple?""These young ladies had absolutely no fear of being judged as they created from the heart. I hope they never lose that freedom."
Nicci hopes to hold more art parties with the young at heart. "It was a blast. I will never forget this evening. Thank you 3rd Kla-How-Ya Brownie Troop, you have re-taught me an important lesson in life..... 'Do what you love, don't try to love what you do'."
Keep smiling and creating!
Nicci
Labels: art, artist, at, badge, Brownie, certificate, party, troop, work
Posted by nicci at 3/06/2008 08:36:00 AM
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Posted by nicci at 3/04/2008 09:20:00 AM
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Look at the funky handbag I painted last night and today!
Her name is JAZZ and she is ready for a night out on the town ladies!
She is now listed for sale in my online ETSY shop .
I can't wait to paint more of my new treasures!!
Keep smiling and creating!
Nicci
Posted by nicci at 3/02/2008 03:22:00 PM
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Happy Saturday Everyone!
Would you like to see my latest commissioned functional art piece... I just hand delivered it today?????
She is entitled "Megan goes to Fashion Week".
As you can see, she started out as a plain duck cotton canvas messenger bag purchased at Old Navy.It's amazing what a little bit of paint, some gold glitter, a few well placed schwartzky crystals and some varnish can do, hey
?
I have enjoyed creating this piece so much that I just had to run out last week and buy a a bushel load of vintage handbags to paint and sell!
Labels: bag, commissioned, hand painted, handbag, Megan, messenger, purse
Posted by nicci at 3/01/2008 04:11:00 PM
Friday, February 22, 2008
Altered Couture
A hand-me-down sweater … a raggedy old skirt from the thrift store … a plain T-shirt … Using just a few tools coupled with your creativity, all of these items can be transformed into fantastic works of wearable art! The publisher of Belle Armoire and Somerset Studio invites you to submit your own altered and embellished clothing and accessories to be considered for the next volume of this exciting quarterly publication. Chapters will include Skirts & Dresses, Pants & Overalls, Jackets & Vests, Shirts & Tops, Children’s Wear, Sassy Shoes, and Accessories.
Deadline for artwork to be received: March 15, 2008. Please read submission guidelines before sending your submissions to: Stampington & Company · C/O: Altered Couture · 22992 Mill Creek, Suite B · Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Let's get creative People!
Keep smiling and creating,
Nicci
Posted by nicci at 2/22/2008 05:28:00 PM
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Hi Creative Ones,
I just wanted to show you one of the items I am currently working on.
I have two commission pieces in the works and as per usual I need to also be working on something with no restraints. A complete creation free-for-all per say.
Her she is, my Damask Punk/Goth hand painted denim jacket. Once she is complete, I will have her listed in my online store for you to purchase for yourself or for someone special.
Speaking of my online store, I have also just listed the solid pine 'Amore' chair I was painting last month.
You can purchase it here.
Keep creating and smiling!
Nicci
Labels: denim, etsy, hand, jacket, jean, painted
Posted by nicci at 2/06/2008 03:36:00 PM
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Glitter Goddess Gathering #1
5 of us crafty ladies got our Glitter On last Monday night in my kitchen. We made 3d sacred hearts while we told personal stories which brought out loads of laughter and lots of fun!Here are a few Photos I took with my camera. I will upload the picture of my sacred heart soon (as the batteries needed recharging for my camera).
Keep smiling and creating!!!
Nicci
Posted by nicci at 1/26/2008 01:32:00 PM
Friday, January 18, 2008
Have a seat! Take a load off...
How do you like my new hand painted kitchen chair?
So far I have 3 coats of verathane on it and plan to add about 3 more.
The acrylic jewels do not seem to stand out in the photo unfortunately.
I cannot wait to paint more!
If you would like to either purchase this chair or order a custom chair, please let me know and I will set up a private listing for you in my online store.
Keep smiling and creating!
Nicci
Labels: chair, hand, nicci, painted
Posted by nicci at 1/18/2008 03:16:00 PM
Friday, January 11, 2008
New Art Toy
I have been really enjoying one of the items I bought myself with a gift card I was given for Christmas from Opus Art Supply.
It is this great watercolour paper pad. The pages are cold pressed, 200 g/m2 , 90lbs, 9.5"x12.5".
I have been mostly using 
my twinkling h20 water colours. The sparkle/glimmer effects do not show up on here unfortunately.
Our scanner needs a new cord to be able to hook up to our newer computer, so I have to take pictures of the paintings to be able to share them with you here. I hope you like them.Have a great day & keep smiling,
Nicci
Labels: nicci, twinkly h2o, watercolor, watercolour
Posted by nicci at 1/11/2008 10:39:00 AM
Friday, January 4, 2008
HI All,Here is a link to the new art challenge/submission blog "Creative Juices Cafe".
(http://creativejuicescafe.blogspot.com/)
This way you can post your link right onto the blog rather than emailing it to me.
Soon there will be a direct link located on the top of my 'LINKS' page or you can also subscribe to the blog, so that you will not miss out on any art challenges.
I started my first submission last night and can't wait to see all of yours!
The first challenge will be for you to create a visual journal page of what you would like to achieve this coming year (2008).
Keep smiling and creating,
Nicci
Labels: blog, cafe, creative, juices
Posted by nicci at 1/04/2008 09:43:00 AM
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Hi All,I have decided to keep a separate weight loss blog.
Right now you can find it at the following "GlamArtGirl", however it will soon be added to my menu on the left hand side of my website for easy access.
It is entitled "Does your weight effect your art?" Happy reading!
Keep smiling and creating,
Nicci
Posted by nicci at 1/02/2008 03:25:00 PM
Monday, December 31, 2007
The New Years Resolution...besides de-cluttering my house...
Okay, here we go
#1 - Keep in contact with you by 'actually' blogging more often.
#2 - Getting you involved and spilling your 'Creative Juices'.... once a month I will post an art challenge (on the last day of the month prior) with the 15th of the month being the deadline to post your image in your FLICKR account or on your own blog and sending me a link ( IE: Today is Dec 31st and the submission date in Jan 15th). The email address is creativejuicescafe at gmail dot com.
The first challenge will be for you to create a visual journal page of what you would like to achieve this coming year (2008). This leads me to number 3...
#3 - Helping inspire the monthly "The Glittering Goddess Gatherings".
IDEA: A girls night once a month, each month someone else takes a turn at hosting and supplying bevies, instructions and some supplies.
"The Glittering Goddess Gatherings": All attendees are welcome to bring along craft supplies, paint brushes and some finger munchies. The host can invite 1 or 2 of their other friends, as well as your original 6 to keep the creative juices near the top of the pot (my original six are Violette, Joanna, Sherrie, Lynda, Pepper & Myself) . You can view the video from our Glitter Night in December in my previous post.
One week prior to the event, the host can choose to email out a sample of the crafty item the Glittering Goddess' will be making the following Monday evening or keep it as a fun surprise.
This is a great way to have an evening out filled with laughter and ladies. It is also a great way to re-spark our creativity and try something new.
#4 - The famous "I'm getting healthier this year" resolution. Funny thing is that I have never done this as an actual New Years resolution. I am in pretty good shape. Unfortunately, I seem to have lots of extra padding hiding what I really am. Every Wednesday, I will post a photo of myself (fully clothed.. ha ha) with notes on what I have been doing to better myself for myself along with a new favorite recipe or exercise.
Sound Good?
Have a fun and safe Happy New Year celebration tonight!
Keep smiling and creating,
Nicci
Labels: 2008, art, challenge, new, resolution, years
Posted by nicci at 12/31/2007 12:03:00 PM
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Christmas Crow Creations....
On Monday night a gaggle of us girls were invited over to Violette's house to create tree ornaments.
Violette was well prepared for all of us, with cardboard templates, glitter, glue, paint, modge podge, ribbons, etc.
We had some wine, nibblies and great explosions of laughter. It was just what I needed after a long hectic day of serving power driven holiday shoppers (ha ha).
She even video taped us and put it up on youtube. Have a look see.
I would love to have the honour of hosting next year!
Here are some pictures of our group and our 'crows'. (Thank you Sherrie for taking the pictures)
PS: I still have a band aid on my poor hot glued finger. I think we need to buy Violette a crafters glue gun to replace her industrial one (ha ha). OUCH!
PHOTO Left to right: Sherrie, Lynda, Nicci, Pepper and Joanna.
Thank you Violette.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!!
Keep creating and smiling, Nicci
Labels: Chistmas, crow, ornament, treet, violette, youtube
Posted by nicci at 12/19/2007 10:35:00 AM
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Hi Everyone,I know,... I know... you are dying to read my after thoughts regarding our first annual Creative Finds Marketplace, which was held on Dec 1st.
I promise promise promise to write to you this Sunday, so please check back. I needed to step back after the show ended for 2007, take a deep breath and a mental breather.
In the meantime, please visit my new friend Cheyenne's blog for her perspective of the big event. She was one of our vendors. Actually "Rumah Kampung!" won the contest for BEST VENDOR 2007 (encompassing product, display, price range and packaging).
We have moved next years date up by a couple of weeks. It will now be held on Saturday November 15th, 2008 from 9:30am until 5pm. Mark your calendars!
We already have vendors sending in their applications and payment. Can you believe I am already excited for next Winter?! I even have my display already drawn out and filed away (ha ha).
Keep smiling and creating,
Nicci
Labels: cheyenne, rumah kampung
Posted by nicci at 12/13/2007 10:06:00 PM
Friday, November 30, 2007
CrEaTiVe FiNdS
Art and Fine CraftMarketplace
Sat Dec 1st
9:30 am - 8:00pm
Sullivan Hall
6306 - 152nd Street, Surrey, BC, Canada
Happy shopping everyone!
HO HO HO
Keep smiling and creating,
Nicci
Posted by nicci at 11/30/2007 10:14:00 AM
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
At least I am doing the breaststroke now instead of just treading water!Hi All,
I am so busy with getting ready for Saturdays show, that I barely have time to sit back and take a deep breath. I enjoy it though.
Muti-tasking at it's best, Baby!!!
Yesterday alone, I canvased neighborhoods and handed out our small coloured flyers, stapled posters on telephone poles, drew out and glued glitter to 5 posters which we will put up Friday, soldered hoops to necklace pendants, drew out a floor plan, returned and made phone calls to our Vendors, drew up our door prize entry ballots to be photocopied, packaged up two of my cushion covers to be shipped to England (including the one I painted on HGTV's That's Clever) etc.. oh yeah.. and I dyed my hair.
Today,... I will spend time at a photocopier, paper cutter, post office, then paint two large (3'x6') canvas banners to be hung outside of the Sullivan Hall on Saturday with spot lights shining on them, polishing and packaging up my necklace pendants, hopefully finishing up a few of my tote bags, etc. I think I might enjoy a Gin and Tonic around 8:30pm (ha ha... yah right!)I have attached a few pictures for you to get a glimpse of my daily creations/duties and to tease you and get you ready for shopping on Saturday!
See you Saturday!
Keep smiling and creating,
Nicci
Labels: Christmas, craft, creative finds, holiday, market, nicci, ornaments, pendant, soldered
Posted by nicci at 11/28/2007 10:23:00 AM
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Creativity a breath of fresh air
Market organizer Nicci Battilana, eight year-old Rachel Goulding and Erin McCall show off some of the products up for grabs at the upcoming Creative Finds: Arts and Fine Crafts Market at Sullivan Hall.
At eight years old, Rachel ‘Rachie’ Goulding is one of the youngest entrepreneurs around.
But not too young to be a featured vendor in the upcoming Creative Finds Art and Fine Crafts show scheduled for Dec. 1 at Sullivan Hall, where she will showcase her own line of hand and body lotions, and flavoured lip balms and breath fresheners – Rachie’s Yum Yums.
Artists and craftsperson Nicci Battilana, organizer and impresario of the debut event show, said she considers the diminuitive business mogul a ‘creative find’ herself.
“As soon as I heard about her and was in touch with her, I couldn’t resist having her in the show,” Battilana said.
Mom Linda Goulding explained that Rachel, who is home-schooled, developed her products after experimenting with essential oils and flavourings used in Linda’s own line of home-made natural skin-care products.
“I’d never have thought of some of these combinations,” Linda said of Rachel’s gleeful willingness to mix cinnamons and peppermints and bubblegum flavours for breath fresheners and lip balms.
But they’ve already proven their marketability in a successful foray to White Rock Farmer’s Market, where Rachel soon sold out the product she brought, particularly to other little girls intrigued by her flavour mixes.
“She even drew out her own name and logo and business cards,” Linda added.
“I called them Rachie’s Yum Yum’s because they’re yummy and a lot of people call me Rachie,” Rachel explained.
“And I thought of butterflies because they’re pretty and I like them.”
Linda said the idea of Rachel’s products started when her daughter, fascinated by the scents, would frequently query her whether this or that product was edible.
“They’re all natural,” Linda said.
“They are safe for kids – you could eat a lip balm,” she said.
“A lot of products out there are packaged for little kids, but they’re full of chemicals. They say they are not safe for children, but how many mothers would take the time to read all the ingredients?”
Rachel also has a claim for all those opposed to animal testing of products.
“She says I test them only on family and friends – she’s the youngest of six,” Linda said.
“That way no animals are getting hurt.”
The idea of creating and marketing better products is in keeping with Battilana’s own determination to create a different arts and fine crafts market.
Well known for her fun stylized ‘girl’ paintings, jackets and handbags, she’ll be using the show to help launch her newest line of jewellery using her decorative designs.
“I’ve done many arts and crafts shows from little ones to Circle Craft,” she said.
“I’ve learned from each of them what I haven’t enjoyed, and what I do like, so I decided I’d do one on my own.”
So confident is she of the success of her new venture, she’s already booked the date for a second annual pre-Christmas show at Sullivan Hall, set for Nov. 29, 2008.
“We have 30 different vendors for this year and we’ve tried to keep them unique,” she said.
“There may be some with the same kind of product, but they’re very different styles.”
Among them will be another Peninsula entrepreneur, Kerry Neild of Red Chair Studio, who will be showing her paintings designed specifically for providing decoration in outdoor garden and patio areas.
Other products include jewellery, scarves, hats, paintings, photography, laser-crafted pens, wood-turning, wooden signs and imaginatively presented candies.
Typifying the hand-made – yet stylish – feel of the show are the uniquely tactile indented letterpress stationery and custom invitations created by Erin McCall of Sunlit Media.
“It’s a very old fashioned kind of printing, unlike all the desktop work that is happening nowadays,” McCall said, pointing out that she works with two antique presses, one circa 1900 and the other dating from approximately 1911.
“One of them was actually used for printing one of White Rock’s earliest newspapers,” said McCall, who trained in letterpress printing at Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design.
“There’s a real movement to go back to the hand-made,” she said. “People are tired with the mass-produced. With this type of printing there is some identation in the paper and card – it’s a little different from the run of the mill.”
Labels: alex browne, creative finds market, Peace Arch News
Posted by nicci at 11/17/2007 10:55:00 AM
Monday, November 5, 2007
Hi All,Wow less than a month now until the big event!
Here is a recent article which was published in our local paper on one of our talented vendors:...
Spirit-lifting splashes of colour
Many of artist Kerri Neild’s vibrant takes on life are a return to a childhood fascination with flowers. by Alex Browne photos
No need for artist Kerri Neild to tell you she likes colour. Just stepping inside her Red Chair Studio, near Five Corners, is like immersing yourself in a warm bath of therapeutic hues.
Her distinctly decorative floral-botanical paintings range from semi-realistic close-ups of blooms to hard-edged stylization and even playful motto-driven works, all featuring a spirit-lifting rainbow of shades.
But while it may seem Neild’s taking the outdoors indoors, she’s actually doing the reverse with works that use outdoor house paints and fully-sealed canvases designed to resist the elements.
It’s all part of the design trend toward blurring the line between outdoors and indoors to maximize the use of home spaces.
Thus interiors borrow from or extend outdoor elements, while more and more furniture, lamps rugs and other decor items are geared to making greater use of balconies, gardens and patios as living spaces.
Neild’s work is designed to bring an additional brightness and colour to the equation, making outdoor spaces all the more livable and enhancing the view outward from indoors.
“When it can be so cloudy for so many days, you can look outside and have this splash of colour,” said Neild, former owner of the Picasso’s Cousin art, decor and gift store.
“I’ve been in home decor for around 17 years now and this seems a natural next step. I started doing my first outdoors pieces a couple of years ago and started the Red Chair Studio officially in February.”
Neild said her background has helped her assess what work is likely to sell and she has a broad range of price points in the studio, from tiny related canvases to large one-of-a-kind pieces.
“Florals are really big right now, and I’m trying to keep my colour palette very current.”
Neild said the paintings mark a return to subject matter she has always been drawn to.
“I always doodled flowers, since I was little,” she said.
“My mom would put paper beside the phone so I wouldn’t draw them all over the phone book. In art school I didn’t want to do flowers – they weren’t cool. I would do mostly figurative work, but now I’ve come back.
“A flower is a beautiful image, and very symbolic of a lot of things.”
Although her paintings have been thoroughly tested for their outdoor durability, she still finds she sells as many for indoor use as for outdoor hanging. But she will also paint pieces on commission for outdoor areas.
“It works well for me to paint something specific for someone’s home,” Neild said.
Other commissions have taken her outside her usual subject matter – everything from herons to a large piece for a coffee company incorporating frogs and a jungle-like atmosphere.
She’s also been called on to paint a really large old French door for a client who had been carrying it around for years with out knowing what to do with it.
“I also do vintage windows that have been taken out of old houses – I clean them up and paint them,” she said.
Neild is also taking pains to gear her work to the seasons, she said.
“I’m now working on things specifically for Christmas; magnolias and amaryllis and birds on branches. I have a whole line of Christmas pieces, particularly smaller paintings, that are great for teacher gifts. And I’m going to be doing art shows, craft shows and things like that.”
Foremost among them will be the Red Chair Studios own pre-Christmas open house, coming later this month.
It will coincide with another feather in her cap – having her work featured in an upcoming issue of Canadian Gardening.
The latter recognition has reaffirmed for her that she has found a niche in the art field in which she is almost alone.
“I’ve researched it, trying to find someone else who is doing what I’m doing.
“Apparently in the same issue there is also an article about a man in Ontario who also does work for outdoors – he’s the only other one I know about.”
Labels: alex browne, kerri neild
Posted by nicci at 11/05/2007 03:38:00 PM
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Losing ones self...?Yesterday I went on the preschoolers adventure to a local Pumpkin Patch, where the mud was runny and way above knee high at some points. We trudged through this muck, with me hanging on to my 4 year old so he wouldn't be covered head to toe (like a few unlucky members in his class) searching for a 'good' pumpkin. We did our best to avoid the mushiest areas and rotting pumpkins trying to find the 'piece al a resistance' of a pumpkin.
It doesn't even feel like Halloween at the moment.
I woke up this morning realizing that this is how I have been feeling the whole month of October.
I took on organizing a holiday event and believe that so far I have gone above and beyond what most organizers do for $50 a vendor. Believe it or not, but I spend at least 4 hours a day on this computer creating posters and handouts, promoting the event in all forms of media, maintaining the website (www.creativefinds.ca), creating graphic representations for our vendors, doing relevant searches trying to make our show the best in the area and a huge success... knowing full well that in the end, more than 50% of the shows success will depend on our wonderful vendors and how they showcase and package their products.
Don't get me wrong. I am hugely looking forward to the show and enjoy doing all the work. Mind you, I have hardly had time to create my own work...which is not the norm in my world. I have found these last two weeks that come 10pm, I head upstairs, get ready for bed and then read a fantasy novel to take me away for an hour. I have tried getting out my paints, pencils, etc only to find that more images and ideas for the market are doing 90 miles an hour through my brain and do not plan on leaving any time soon.
I did have a 'splurge' of my own creative juices the other day. It was my suitcase that ended up being attacked and ended up having one side completely painted in two evenings. There will be no mistaking my suitcase on the turnstile any time soon (ha ha).Today is International Artists Day. I plan to head out to an event soon and I think this is just what I need.
There are events taking place all over to celebrate Artists. Please search one out in your area and make a point to stop on by.
Have a great day!
Keep smiling and creating
Nicci
Labels: international artist day, pumpkin patch
Posted by nicci at 10/25/2007 10:19:00 AM
Monday, October 15, 2007
Just to give you a sneak peak...
at the poster I have been working on today.This poster will be all around the greater Vancouver, BC area promoting the Creative Finds Market.
It will be printed out at 11" x 17", however I still need to design a bit of scroll work for the top.
Hope you like it!
Keep creating and smiling,
Nicci
Labels: 2007, art, craft, creative, fair, finds, market, nicci, poster
Posted by nicci at 10/15/2007 10:28:00 PM
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Each week seems to be getting more hectic than the last... hectic, but fun
Creative Finds:I am now down to only looking for 6-8 more vendors for the Creative Finds Art and Fine Craft Market. We have met our quota for jewelry and handbag designers. Funny thing is.... no holiday ornaments yet. We had our Open House/Jury event last Sunday. Unfortunately the weather was atrocious with heavy rain and unpleasant winds. A few came out, but most just emailed me regarding their applications. Ever day since has had a forecast for rain, but has been quite lovely. Go figure, hey? ha ha
A Treasure in the mail:
The mermaid showing you your refection in her mirror is a wonderful creation sent to me by my Glitter Sister Craftyhala. We participated in a 'Mermaid Swap' through Artist Violette's message board.
I just love my mermaid! She is made of polymer clay and is attached to the front of a funky wooden holder. I think I may use her to hold my envelopes. As you can see... my Catscratch softy seems to be quite taken by her (ha ha).
Thanks Craftyhala!
Creative Supplies:
Another Glitter Sister, Sioux is trying her hand at fabric painting and wanted to know what paint brushes I used. I use the same brushes as when I do my acrylic paintings. I have always been a fan of the 'smaller' brush and find the big ones over powering and quite clunky. I like my shaders & spotters, etc.
The other photo is of new goodies I bought yesterday from a local stained glass supply shop. These will be used to create more of my 'Girlz' soldered pendants.
Well I am heading off now to go revive the pink in my hair. Have a great night!
Keep smiling and creating!
Nicci
Labels: brush, craft, craftyhala, mermaid, paint, pendant, show, soldered
Posted by nicci at 10/10/2007 08:58:00 PM
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Spreading myself outwards...
Into the garage and maybe a little too thinly (ha ha).I was already planning on having my Art Studio open house tomorrow,....but then I thought 'Since I will be in the studio all day anyways... why not invite other creative souls over to have their worked jured for our up and coming 'Creative Finds Market'.
Then about 3 days ago it occurred to me that I can not have my horrible garage represent myself not to mention the above noted highly planned out Creative Finds Market. EEEE Gads!
So, I start running around looking for funky curtains/material and vibrant paint to help 'clean up' the over all look of the car (etc) area outside my studio.
Thursday night I begin painting the wall edges prior to getting out the rollers and going full boar with the apple green paint. My very wonderful helpful neighbor comes over as planned to help me move some carpet. However since I have already begun painting and can't really stop yet...we chat as I paint. (Where's the video camera when you need one) As I carefully step down from the ladder (or so I thought) I step right into the FULL can of apple green paint. My black leather show and all. My neighbor is so shocked, she just stands there gaping as I slowly extend doing the splits and as the paint can is completely emptying out all over my shoe and the floor. Once I am able to stand up right she runs off home to very quickly grab a paint roller out of her own garage, comes back and starts fill her roller with 'floor paint' and proceeds to start rolling it on the wall. After I have sponged off my jean legs, rolled them up, taken off my socks and shoes then wrapped them in paper towel. I head up stairs to ask the hubby for assistance. I called out 'did you not hear the loud crash downstairs?'. The answer I rcv is "Yes, what happened?". !!!!
Oh, where is my knight in shining armour.... hmmmm... I think he took the night off.I head back downstairs, grab a paint roller and follow in my neighbors footsteps. Filling the roller with 'floor paint' then proceeding to roll it onto the wall. She has only lived in Canada for a few years now and all I can think is what might be going through her head .... 'Oh Nicci, is this how they paint walls in Canada?'. I started to laugh and make fun of the situation, thinking that she must think I am clearly nuts this evening only to find out what was really going on in her thoughts. She was thinking. "How can you not be mad at your husband when he heard the crash and made no effort to come down here and see if you are all right?"
I see her side & his. I know he hates painting with a passion and that if he had come downstairs, he would have ended up painting the wall,....but checking on me would have been nice.
I ended up having to put my clothes through 4 wash loads before all the paint finally came out.
I finished painting the walls yesterday, along with the half hazard impromptu green flower painted on the floor (ha ha).
Today I moved furniture, installed curtain rods, hung fabric and paintings. I am sore and exhausted, so I am taking the rest of the night off. Tomorrow morning (SUNDAY) I will get up early and spend a couple hours getting the actual studio back in order (as I had to move boxes from the garage into the studio while I did all this 'garage' work) ha ha.
See you tomorrow at 10am for the OPEN HOUSE.... I will have the COFFEE ready for you all!
Keep smiling and creating,
Nicci
Labels: art, green, house, open, paint, studio
Posted by nicci at 10/06/2007 09:02:00 PM
Monday, October 1, 2007
Tromping around in the Vancouver rain...Vancouver ETSY Gathering: Yesterday myself and a few fellow ETSY Sellers/Buyers met at a Vancouver coffee shop on Main Street called 'The Grind'. We shared some great stories involving selling/buying work online and the people you meet there. Please feel free to check out their funky shops (CindyG, WhiteRabbit21, GroovyGlassGirl, Tattered Slippers, Its Your Life, and a few others whose cards I did not get)
Portobello West Market: After our little gathering 4 of us went to a little shop called the Urban Source (Urban Source invites value-conscious artists, teachers, and families to explore alternatives to conventional art materials.) followed by a trip to the monthly Vancouver market, Portobello West. Came across some very unique and fun vendors (Spark, Lace Embrace, Shi, Hug, Redfish Kids, and Gorgeous Baby).
Brand New to the Blogging World: (This is a wonderful email message I woke up to this morning. Please take the time to pop by her blog and check it out.) "Hi I love you art work and enjoyed watching your video on how to do it. My little girl she is 5 yrs sat in front of the computer with her pen and paper and replayed several times till she had a picture to colour. Takes after her mommy loves art but i think from what Im seeing will be way better. So thank you for a fun hour or so. I have a blog, just started it. Every further success with your art its truly wonderful and fun. Love it!"
Well, I had better go now. I have to wrap up a few packages for mailing today.
Keep smiling and creating!
Nicci
Labels: outing, portobello, rain, source, urban, Vancouver, west
Posted by nicci at 10/01/2007 07:36:00 AM
Friday, September 28, 2007
CrEaTiVe FiNdS ArT aNd FiNe CrAfT MaRkEt VENDOR SEARCH...Our jury will be held on
