Special Delivery

In disbelief that it is already mid-November? So am I!

It's already that time of year for Christmas cards, sweet holiday scented candles, and BABIES!

I want to welcome my first and favorite niece, baby Rhea, to the world!

She came into the world weighing 7lbs 14 oz. (same as her Aunty was!) on November 9th, 2011.

Please feel free to gush over her pictures, as this little girl is already so loved and has already brought me so much inspiration!

Here are the personalized nursery room letters for Rhea, courtesy of Lisscat Creations. They were made to match the fun animals and patterns in her bed set. I've gotten a lot of good feed back on these and thoroughly enjoyed making them! If you are interested in a customized set for your own little one, or some one you know, please email me at Melissa@lisscatcreations.com

Also, here is a sneak-peek at the Christmas card collection premiering this week! Stay tuned....

Pumpkins, Pumpkins Everywhere!

FINALLY, the first glorious day of my favorite season has arrived.... FALL!

There is nothing better than crisp Autumn air, cinnamon, pumpkin spice latte's, pumpkin muffins, vibrantly colored leaves, and Halloween Candy. This weekend I've been haunted by more advertisements for pumpkin spice lattes. After searching 4 stores, there is no pumpkin coffee creamer out yet! Come on International Delight and Coffeemate, get with the new season, I beg you!

Anyway, I couldn't be happier to welcome in this new season. Especially after this draining summer, I'm ready for a change!
So in honor of our first Fall weekend, I bring you the first official Lisscat Creations Halloween decoration.
Check em out and let me know what you think!

SPOOKS! - Two 4" x 4" hand painted wooden plaques. Acrylic on wood, shiny clear varnish. With decorative ribbon for hanging. ($31.50 for the set).

These are available now so email me (melissa@lisscatcreations.com) or comment below if interested!

The Ecstatic Joy of Heaven

This is my card 'studio' (aka the corner of my bedroom). It's been a pretty lonely place lately. It's been just over a month since my sweet little kitty, Bliss, lost his battle to cancer.
Every Friday, we had a tradition to sit on my floor together and bust out some new Lisscat Creations cards. Well, thinking back, I did most of the work, while Bliss would oh so helpfully chew on paper, ribbons, paint brushes, and whatever else was necessary in the making of that card.
In Bliss' absence,  I taped a picture of us to the wall in the corner. The only problem was, it didn't help inspire me, but only reminded me of how much I missed him.

So, needless to say, the card 'studio' has been quite neglected. For those of you who have received cards in the past month, its miraculous those ever got done!

Whats funny, er, not funny, but ironic is.... The night before Bliss died i started writing a blog (it was never posted). I was grieving, but was ready. I was ready to let him go, and ready to let his constant playful joy in life inspire me to keep actively following my passions. But as soon as he was gone, any joy I thought I would have was overshadowed by grief, loneliness, anger... all those feelings no one likes to feel. So sadly, I confess, I let myself grieve, and ignored my art that I had wanted to create inspire others.

Then on Wednesday I received a text from a friend. The preview of the text read "In memory of Bliss".
When I opened the message, I saw this....

My dear sweet friend and her amazingly talented husband thought to draw this out for me. I was floored! Aren't you? Its so freaking amazing and beautiful!
For the first time in a month, I was reminded of how a little drawing (made with a little love) could evoke such joy. When i opened the text, i smiled. Really smiled, like one of those big cheesy grins that make your face sore. :-)
So.... THANK YOU so much to Laura  and Marco Garcia for the beautiful picture, and for digging out a part of me that needed to breathe.

On a final note: Since he was young, Bliss endured so many surgeries, procedures, medications, etc. But he was a fighter, and he chose joy. Despite all the pain and sickness, he was always playing and NONSTOP purring. I want to be like that. I want to ignore the circumstances, and CHOOSE JOY.

bliss  (blɪs)
— n
1.	perfect happiness; serene joy
2.	the ecstatic joy of heaven

Glow

I feel like I have 1000 thoughts buzzing through my mind. They all want to explode out onto this blog as one massive deep thought...BUT all of those thoughts must have bottle necked because that one massive, deep thought is not here yet!

I've spent alot of my free time lately trying to nurse Bliss back to health. When he's sleeping I am finding time to paint or read or pray. All the things I need to and love to do, but dont seem to find just enough time for.

I just finished a book called "Heaven is for Real". It is about a 4 year old boy who went to heaven during surgery, and later tells his parents everything he saw. There were so many parallels in this book that mirrored my situation with Bliss. Just from the stress and struggles of caring for a sick one, to the unknown, to  the miraculous outpouring of emotional and financial love from friends and family. Somehow this book acted as a comforting reminder of God's love for me.

The book also talked about how many colors there are in Heaven. It sounds AMAZING! So I was inspired with this weeks painting. In the midst of life there are always gonna be dark days. Things we dont understand. But like a cooling summer breeze, God's presence is weaving its way in and around us while we  struggle to stand on our darkest days.
This is a mixed media painting on canvas with everything from spraypaint to latex paint, acrylic and watercolor. The dark texture in the back was back from layers of spraypaint and droplets of acetone.
I then layered vibrant strokes of watercolor over the top to give off the colorful glowing effect.
This painting is titled "GLOW" - 7" x  9" and is available for $35 (free shipping). If its for you, send an email to melissa@lisscatcreations.com.

Also, thank you to all of you who helped with Bliss. He was doing better, but now is not feeling quite him self again. Healing prayers are still appreciated! :-) Hope you all got your cards that "he" sent out out this week too!

Back 2 Bliss

Well, as most of  you know, one of our very own "LissCATS" just had a very serious surgery. Bliss had a tumor removed the size of my fist, and the Dr's had to physically remove and then rebuild the entire side of his abdomen. The poor little guy is recovering slowly, but thank God he is still here with us, and fighting!
This procedure ended up costing us a pretty penny, or... however many pennies are in $1000 dollars!
Anyone who knows me, knows my pets are my babies! If they have a chance to be happy and healthy, I just can't let money stand in the way of that. So, I've been selling my artwork in hopes to raise money for Bliss' surgery.
Thanks to all of you, we have raised about $600 within a matter of days! Your love and support mean the world to us!
I am going to post some of the artwork that is available. If you are interested, please drop me a line at melissa@lisscatcreations.com
All proceeds will go to support Bliss' surgery and recovery.

WOLVES - 9" x 12" linocut print ($30.00)

HAND OF GOD - 36" x 24" Mixed media on canvas ($125.00)

ANOTHER WORLD - 7" x 15" mixed media on paper ($35.00)

GOOD LIFE - 7" x 9" mixed media on canvas ($35.00)

SOLO ROJO - 30" x 24" Mixed media on canvas ($100.00)

MASKS - 14" x 18" Original painted screen print ($55.00)

A Little Look....

I usually get through the week having given everybody and everything more time than I give to my art. I made an effort this week after work to take some time to CREATE. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with what came out, and it felt so GOOD to paint!
This week's post is more pictures than words, but hey, I am an artist, not a writer so maybe this is for the better!

"Sprouted Dream" 7" x 9" acrylic on canvas. AVAILABLE for $35

"Solo Rojo" - Currently the center piece to my living room.

Behind the Scenes - Water color drying....feel the excitement! ;-)

Behind the Scenes - Drawing in the clouds and cityscape.

Behind the Scenes - Laying out and positioning the cityscape.

Completed "Wind of Hope" card! Remember, $5 of every card sold is donated to storm victims in the south! (Think floods, tornados, etc)  Each hand painted card is only $15 (FREE shipping) and can be purchased at HERE

Wind of Hope

Today is the one year anniversary of the historic and devastating flooding that overtook Nashville last year.
It's crazy to think that almost one year later, our neighbors to the south are suffering their own devastation thanks in part to last week's tornadic storms.
I am so humbly blessed for our safety (the storms passed right by us) but heart broken for those effected in Alabama, Eastern Tennessee, and elsewhere. We have all seen the footage of once bustling towns, now flattened after the EF 4 tornadoes ripped through them. Heartbreaking.


Today a friend told me a story about a woman who had just adopted twp german shepherds. They were older dogs, and had just retired from the police force. During the storm, the dogs were separated from their owner. Later the dogs were returned to her, but not without their own heart warming story. After the tornados struck, the dogs kicked into action. Their training from the police force and searching for people, came as a natural instinct. Thanks to these dogs, 80 people were found and pulled from the rubble!
As an animal lover, I think this story is one of hope, and shows how God works in all ways, even through our furry friends!
This week's image is my new hand painted card "Wind of Hope".
$5 of each card purchased will be donated to help the tornado victims in Alabama.
The card resembles our classic "River of Hope" card for Nashville, but was created with Alabama in mind (notice the red).
Please support this effort!

get art. give hope.


Cards can be purchased here: www.lisscatcreations.com/cards

Pursuit

Welcome back to Lisscat Creations Blog....as you can see, we got a make-over. Hope you like! :-D

Hope you all had a great Easter weekend!

The holiday this weekend really got me thinking....how amazing that Jesus did what he did for us out of love. It truly is a miracle and one that is so hard to conceive the idea of. 

But my hope for you is that this Easter filled you with hope and inspiration, too. If Jesus loved us so much that he was willing to be beaten and killed for our sins, its nice to think that he really does care about all the little details of our daily lives too.

It is nice to know that the creator of the universe really cares about our dreams and desires. We just have to have 'faith the size of a mustard seed (which is really small, by the way!). 

So lift up your dreams and goals right now. Thank God for putting them in your heart, and lift them up with faith, thanking Him for helping you to achieve them!

I was going through old artwork today. The first picture posted is a piece from my college days. Its an Indian miniature painting titled "Pursuit". 

The second picture is a signed poster from Monsieur Matisse. You are all familiar with the famous french painter, Henri Matisse. Well this is from his grandson of the same name, who is also a great painter. A friend of mine in college knew him, showed him my artwork, and in return he sent me the signed poster and a very personally encouraging note. The note complimented my work and reminded me to keep doing my stuff. 

I received this note about 7 years ago, and who knew all this time later it would be just the encouragement I would need. 

I know I preach this alot, but always try to encourage others and don't take uplifting words for granted. You never know when even your own smile may turn someone else's day around.

Blessings to you in this last week of April! Hope its a great one!

GOOD Life; GOOD-bye Garbage

Well after a short (or long) intermission, I am back in the blog-sphere. 

Had to go back to my home state of RI to help Dad recover from him surgery, but I am back home in my cozy little apartment in TN. Please excuse the delay in my posts! :-)

I, like most creative types, am a PACK RAT. I have this compulsive desire to save everything, as it might come in handy someday on a future on project. 

But I had a break through last weekend. I was actually able to go through my apartment and bundle up several garbage bags of clothes, papers and random items either to be donated or thrown out. 

I must say, it was very freeing! So yes, I'd like to say "My name is Melissa, and I am a recovering Pack Rat".

After saying good-bye to alot of garbage, I was granted some free time to paint. Thus, you have the painting above, "Good Good Life". This title of this painting was inspired by one of my new favorite bands, One Republic and their song "Good Life". Its just one of those inspirational songs that makes feel good, light hearted, have fun singing, and of course is great painting music.

It serves as a little reminder to get rid of all the 'trash' in lives, and just enjoy the simple things. No matter how terribly, horribly, painfully difficult life can get, we always have something to be thankful for. And that something reminds us that we all have a potential to enjoy a good, good, life!

Be Still...

When I stop and just be still, I can breathe easier. I remember why I love God, and why having quiet time is so important and necessary. I am reminded how I love creating artwork that will encourage, inspire, and bless people, even if I don't always know it.

Tonight, Sunday night, I decided to turn off the radio, tv, and computer, dim the lights, light the fireplace, grab a book and cup of hot tea and just BE STILL.

I read a chapter about "never underestimate the power of a seed". Its a true miracle how a tiny little seed can be planted inches below the earth and against gravity and all else, it sprouts up and pushes away the weight of the dirt and moves upward into the light.

 We all need to plant a seed within the people we are in contact with everyday. A smile, a kind word, or a hug may be the fertilizer someone needs to help them push away the weight of the world, and grow with joy.

That was always my intention with my cards and paintings. To encourage people to smile, feel loved and grow, chasing after their dreams! 

The painting above is from my "Be Still" series, based on Psalm 46:10 (Be still and know that I am God). I hope that it will bring you peace tonight as we get ready to move into the last week of January. 

As I always try to remind myself, don't be afraid to encourage the people around. You never know when your smile, or the card you give them, or the hug you wrap them in will be what they needed to get through the day.

The painting above is available for $35 and 10% will be donated to this month's charity, the Humane Society. E-mail Melissa@lisscatcreations.com if you are interested.

Puppy Luv

Ok first things first! Incase you don't follow us on Twitter or Facebook, we announced the winner of our "Suggest us to your friends" contest. The lucky winner of the $15 gift card is Casey Huber!

Did you guys like the giveaway? I think we need to have more of those in the future, maybe with some free Lisscat Creations merch! :-)

And for our second announcement, here is the next featured, furry, and adorable card!

It is brand spankin new, and titled "Puppy Luv".  Each card is hand painted and illustrated by moi, so I will personally make sure every card I create is made purrr-fect for you! (ok, cheezy, I know).

Card's are $15 each an $5 of every card sold will be donated to help the "Humane Society". They are one of the most well known animal protection services in the US. They make sure that our furry friends are treated well, from domestic animals to farm animals and wild animals. 

You can check out more information about them here.

Puppy Luv cards are available now by clicking HERE!

Thanks again for everyone's support on our latest contest. Enjoy your week and stay blessed!

share art. get prizes.

As promised, this is the blog that's gonna give one lucky reader a pretty awesome prize.... *drum roll please*


Lisscat Creations is excited to share a fun giveaway with you from a place called CSN Stores!
CSN Stores has over 200 online stores carrying anything and everything fun for your home! This is including modern dining room furniture to contemporary room decor, lighting pieces, adorable nursery items for baby and so much more. And one of you lucky readers is going to win a $15 gift certificate to do a little after New Year's shopping!


I've included a couple of pictures of some cool items that CSN Stores carry. Come on, cant you see a Lisscat Creations hand painted card looking mighty perdy on those shelves (pictured above). ;-)


You can help Lisscat Creations gain more friends, and by doing so you can win this gift certificate!


Follow the simple instructions below:


1. If you haven't already be sure to "LIKE" us on facebook.  Click here for our Facebook page


2. Under the 'Lisscat Creations" logo, click the suggest friends link.


3. Once you've suggested us to your friends, simply leave a comment on our facebook page, or this blog post letting us know.


And thats it! Easy, right? :-)
 Please be sure to suggest us to your friends and leave a comment by Saturday, January 15th, 2011. We will be announcing the winner on Sunday, January 16th, 2011.


Thank you for your support, good luck, and stay blessed! 

Not so extreme makeover

Hey guys, I am bringing an official happy 2011 greeting with the all new revamped Lisscat Creations Blog. Hope you like the new layout. Thought it would be fun to do something new with the new year! Right now its a not-so-extreme-makeover, but the blog did get a fresh new design. I will be adding more artwork soon, along with more frequent blog posts, and videos too!

I also spent quite a bit of time working on Erica, my best friend in the whole world's, blog. She is continuing her nutrition/fitness career this year with an awesome new blog about living a healthy lifestyle, both physically and spiritually. Her blog is called "Grace for e.r.i.c.a (Eating Real In a Crazy Age)." She is just putting the finishing touches on it but be sure to check it out soon, by clicking here.

Well its been a busy day trying to catch up on life, and putting away Christmas stuff. I really need to finish the sketchbook since its due in only a few short days!

Hmm I need some inspiration...what are fun little things you would want in your own world? Example: Everything would be covered in chocolate :-)

Hopefully tomorrow is the day I will have a fun little contest up for you guys. We will be giving away a gift certificate so be sure to check back soon.

Have a fun, safe, creative, and inspiring Saturday night.

Blessings!

Try a refreshing sip of the all new 2011

And now presenting the first post of 2011!

I think its safe to say that I, like everyone, am sooo ready for this new year. 2010 had its good moments, and bad moments, but its time for a much needed fresh start.

So what are all of your creative goals for the new year? I have alot of ideas for Lisscat Creations and am very excited to start to bring them to you. By the way, thank you for everyone's support over the past year, it means so much! :-)

So 1st on the line up for 2011 is finishing my sketchbook. Those of you who follow me, probably remember me mentioning my sketchbook is taking part of a multi city tour across the US along with many other pieces of art, before becoming a part of the the permanent collection at the Brooklyn Library.

I have about a week to finish 10 more pages. Ive attached a couple of pictures from the sketchbook. 

The theme is "If you lived here" and is just going to be inspired, light hearted, and fun.

I have pages like "If you lived here, cats couldnt meow before 10am". Anyone who is a pet owner can appreciate that one! :-)

Well, I hope you all are ready and inspired for a new year. Remember we are blessed to have this fresh start, and you each are still here for a reason. This is the time to go after your dreams and get ready for an awesome new year.

Oh, PS.... I am really really going to try and keep up with weekly updates for you guys. Keep me accountable and let me know what you wanna read or see!

Love to you guys and happy new year!