Guess Who's back?!

Hi kids, welcome back to the Lisscat Creations BLOG!

A lot has happened in life since the last time I posted but I am back, and wanted to share with you a few updates....

1) We now have a store on Etsy!  Click here to visit!
This should be a fun way to get our name out there, as well as make the ordering process even easier for you! We are slowly added our paintings to the store so keep checking back for what is new!

2) We are bringing back the "charity of the month". Each month Lisscat Creations chooses a well deserving charity and donates 10% of all profit back to that organization. In the past we have raised money for "To Write Love On Her Arms", "147 Million Orphans", American Red Cross, and many more!
So leave a comment and tell us which organization you want to see us donate to!

3) Here is one of our newest paintings, which has gotten a lot of popular feedback.

FEATHERED HAZE - 14" x 11" Acrylic on canvas ($95) Free shipping!

And as the holiday season is approaching (how does it come so fast every years!?) we are looking forward to taking your commissions and painting requests!

4) What do you think of the new logo (in the header?) Its a cleaned up, fun version of what we used to have!

Thanks for coming back to visit, have an awesomely blessed day!

Updates and pumpkin drinks

Hi Friends,
Hope this Fall is treating you well. Sit yourself down, grab some sorta pumpkin flavored drink (in your favorite mug that you keep saving for a 'special occasion') and breathe! Remember to enjoy the simple this in this new season.
Just a few updates for you here....

1. Our newest hand painted Halloween Plaques are now available...

SPOOKS II - (2) 4" x 4" hand painted wooden plaques. With decorative ribbon for hanging. ($45)

2. Just completed a couple of new cards - for a baby boy and a birthday card!

3. We are still donating 10% of proceeds from all artwork sold this month to "The Joyful Heart Foundation." This great organization was started my actress Mariska Hargitay in order to help victims of sexual abuse.

4. As you are enjoying that pumpkin spiced chai latte, please take 30 seconds to watch our new promotional video. A fun and quick way to see some of the paintings we have available. 

Remember, there is free shipping and 10% of your money goes to help a great cause!

Recapping: The Heart

No doubt that art moves the heart. It sure did this week!

Please click the link below to read the blog of a young mom who's baby went to be in Heaven just 9 hours after birth. I sent her a surprise painting to help heal her heart in memory of her baby.

http://www.happinessatthecore.com/2012/08/28/better-days-and-a-lovely-surprise/

This is the painting I did in memory of baby Maya:

I was reminding of my own story of how a surprise piece of art helped heal my heart after losing my precious, Bliss, last summer.
You can check out our post from last year right here. It will no doubt touch your heart!

http://www.lisscatcreations.blogspot.com/2011/09/ecstatic-joy-of-heaven.html

Up next...

Before we announce our next "Charity of the Month", here is what we have been up to this summer....

1. Lisscat Creations donated a total of $35 to help transform an ordinary cargo container into a beautiful  classroom for children in Rwanda!

2. We had quite a few art shows this summer! We had alot of fun, met a lot of great people, and want to send a special thank you to all who helped and participated in these shows! We will post pictures from this summer's shows in a new blog post coming soon.

3. And now for our biggest update, the next charity of the month.......*drumroll please*......

Lisscat Creations will be donating 10% of proceeds to the "Joyful Heart Foundation"

Started by actress, Mariska Hargitay, The mission of the Joyful Heart Foundation is to heal, educate and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse, and to she light into the darkness that surrounds these issues.

JHF was suggested to us by a friend. After digging in and researching this organization we felt so very drawn to support them! 
Many of you probably saw the 20/20 special on the other night that featured an interview with Jaycee Dugard. How could it not touch your heart to hear the story of this young girl who was kidnapped and held captive for 18 years. She endured rape, birthed two babies, all while living in a small enclosure in the rapists backyard. But she is now free and back with her family. Jaycee is overcoming what happened to her, beginning to the process of healing and is still ALIVE.
After watching this program, this was sure confirmation that Lisscat Creations supporting Joyful Hearts Foundation was the right move!

Though 10% of all artwork sold this month with be donated to JHF, we would like to show you our two newest pieces made specifically with this organization in mind....

SINGING TRANSCENDENCE - 11" x 14" Mixed media on canvas. ($100)

TRANSCENDING JOY - 5" x 7" Hand painted watercolor paper set on grey cardstock, adorned with sheer ribbon and rhinestones. With envelope. ($12.50)

To purchase these pieces, contact me or visit the shop page at www.lisscatcreations.com

Guess What We Just Did?

Thanks to everyone who purchased artwork in the last month, we were able to donate almost $15 to To Write Love On Her Arms!

It makes us feel great to know our artwork is bringing joy to you, while also donating to a great organization!

While we are busy preparing the website for our next "charity of the month", we will leave you with one of our newest paintings below...

La'Li - 16" x 20" Mixed media on canvas. ($85)

Also, be on the look out for updates concerning new art shows and appearances from Lisscat Creations around town!

As always, stay blessed and keep smiling! 

Revive

Please forgive me for the lack of posts lately. But it is true that with the supposed absence of activity, there is usually a lot going on behind the scenes.
That's how God works, and I am finding the increasing importance in trusting Him with my life and work! It's when He is quiet that I know He is working on big things "behind the curtain."
Lately I have been taking more chances, pushing myself outside of my comfort zone, which honestly, is not the easiest thing for me. BUT so worth it.

Incase you haven't heard I am having a show in August (first once since my college days 6 years ago). The show will display some of my favorite Lisscat Creations paintings, along with my freakishly talented friend Jason Duran of Elegant Interior Painting.

For years, its been on my mind to get back out there and display my art. Fear held me back. But pushing that aside, God was faithful in providing divine connections and some great opportunities.

The show is August 3rd in Franklin, TN (and dont worry, I will be sending you all many friendly reminders as it draws closer) :-)

But for now, I leave you with a brand new painting titled "REVIVE" and the ever comforting reminder to go after your dreams because GOD IS FAITHFUL!

It comes in THREE's...

Whenever the good Lord is trying to get my attention, he alway's does it in sets of threes. The topic of this week's post was brought to my attention, not surprisingly, 3 times before I thought "maybe I should write about this!"
1) To Write Love On Her Arms - The featured "charity of the month" that Lisscat Creations is choosing to proudly support. TWLOHA is an organization that brings hope and healing to those who are suffering from depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. www.twloha.com

2) Whole Body Grace - My favorite health and wellness blog out there! (Ok, its my sister's organization, so I may be a little biased, but still, its awesome!) Last week WBG shared a blog post that was not only personal, but very deep, comforting and inspirational. Click here to read a young woman's struggles that almost brought her down, and how she bounced back from them.

3) Death - Recently we have lost two young, beautiful and talented woman.  Leslie Carter Ashton and Whitney Houston. Each of these woman had impacted the lives of those around them. They each shared a passion for music, had beautiful daughters, and both sadly lost their lives this past month.
I do not know them, and am only going off information released by the media, but it appears drug abuse may have played a role in these tragedies. Drug abuse is an addiction and often associated with feelings of depression or dark thoughts.

And so three times, I was reminded that there are so many people out there who are hurting. Just because they are smiling, does not mean their hearts are not silently breaking.

I feel a strong confirmation about donating to TWLOHA this month. As taken from TWLOHA's vision statement:

You were created to love and be loved.  You were meant to live life in relationship with other people, to know and be known. You need to know that your story is important and that you're part of a bigger story.  You need to know that your life matters.


Please consider purchasing an original Lisscat Creations "ARMED WITH LOVE" handmade card.
Each card is only $12.50 and 10% will be donated directly back to To Write Love On Her Arms.
Keep it for yourself as a reminder of your self worth on your 'rainy days', or even better, purchase one for a friend who needs a smile.
You can order "ARMED WITH LOVE" cards directly at www.lisscatcreations.com/shop or email me at melissa@lisscatcreations.com. I'll even ship it for free! In the continental US only.


Be blessed,
Me-

Be. Inspired.

  BE INSPIRED - Two 4" x 4" hand painted wooden plaques.

 Acrylic on wood, with decorative ribbon for hanging. ($31.50 for the set).

Just a quick post for you this week with some updates and questions for you all.

How has your new years been? Been sticking with those dreams/ goals? Don't let discouragement take you down, even for a moment. Its never too late to get back up on the horse and continue the journey!
In honor of the new year, and new dreams, I've just released our newest hand-painted plaque set titled "Be Inspired." Different style than our traditional holiday themed plaques but its received a lot of good feedback so far!

So today we are donating $20 to the Make-A-Wish foundation! This was raised with YOUR help last month as you purchased artwork and cards! On behalf of Lisscat Creations and the kids at Make-A-Wish, THANK YOU for your support!

If you are new to Lisscat Creations, we have a little thing we like to call "charity of the month." Every month we pick a great organization (nominated by you) and donate 10% + of the proceeds of all artwork sold to the charity!"

Who would you like to see Lisscat Creations give back to next month? We have had some amazing suggestions for "To Write Love On Her Arms" and orgs to stop human trafficking.

Let us know your thoughts! And be on the look out for new featured artwork all month long!

Love you guys, you rok!

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)

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!

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!

Pick Me! Read Me!

Ok, can anyone tell me where this year has gone? Its mid November and a blog post is well overdue! Let me first tell you about my newest Lisscat Creation... the "Pick Me" hand painted card (pictured above).
Did you know, roughly, there are 147 million orphans world wide. Thats a lot of sweet kiddos out there with out families to call their own. I go through days where I think I have it rough, then I think about these kids out there.
It kinda breaks my heart, and i truly respect the lovely people out there who care for, feed, and shelter these orphans. That is why we are donating to the organization, 147 Million Orphans. This was started by two very passionate women, who between them have 13 kids, including both national and international adoptions. They are amazing women, and have done so much work to help feed and find homes for orphans worldwide! check out 147 Million Orphans here!

So I just returned from a book reading event for the book, "Bittersweet" by Shauna Niequist. She is a breath of fresh air! She is so real, and so very supportive and encouraging of people living out their dreams by their God given abilities. Her writings have inspired me multiple times to continue making my art, at times when I may have been overwhelmed with doubt or discouragement. And yes, I will admit, though I am not a crier at all, her words of encouragement have brought me to tears ( happy tears of course!) If you havent yet read them, I'd encourage you to go out and read "Cold Tangerines" and "Bittersweet". :-)

So as you go into this weekend and Thanksgiving week, stay encouraged. Live in the moment, and remember God gave you your gift for a reason, so dont be afraid to use it!

Also don't forget to get your hand painted "Pick Me" cards now. $5 of every card sold will be donated to 147 Million Orphans. Click here to get your card now!

Cat on a tree...

Well, now that Pink month is over we are back to your basic black font. October was a somewhat slow month for cards, but we still managed to raise $10 that will be donated to fight Breast Cancer. I am very thankful for the donations that were were able to raise! Thanks for all who helped.
So do you ever feel like it's too quiet? Ya keep hanging on trying to do your thing, whatever that is, hoping for a change. Then BAM, suddenly opportunities fly at ya!
I came across a very appropriate scripture this week, right after I got through complaining to God that I felt like I wasnt seeing results in my life...
"Remember Jesus' example. Wicked people were doing evil things to him, but he held on. Never get tired and give up".
For me, that was confirmation that no matter how hard the world tries to block you out, or push you down, you gotta keep believing in what you are doing, and refuse to let it go.
I have some great opportunities coming up for my artwork. Not sure which them will work out, or which ones wont, but I am going to step out and give them a shot, because I truly do believe that what I am doing will someday make a positive difference!
So if you've ever felt like that cat hanging on the tree branch that says "hang in there"....remember it's going to be worth it!
This weeks pic is a painting I did last weekend and was blessed enough to sell it to a good home only days later! :-)

Paging Dr. Me....

Hey All,
No super amazing updates this week but just wanted to check in and show ya a couple of new cards.

Oh by the way, I am keeping the pink font again this week since its still October and still Breast Cancer Awareness month. If you haven't checked out the featured card this month, please do.
Remember $5.00 of every card will be donated straight back to Susan G Komen. 

  (click the picture for more information)

I know money's been tight for everyone, so as much as I would like to encourage you all to pick up one of these hand painted cards, I understand if you can not. What I will ask though, is if you would please take 5 seconds and repost this on Facebook or retweet on Twitter. The more exposure we can get, the more money we an raise for a great charity. And hopefully a few extra smiles will be had when they get their new "A Shade of Hope" card.

Last night I got a random burst of creative inspiration and popped out 4 new custom cards. This was for 2 birthday, a wedding, and a sympathy card. I felt like a Dr delivering babies, running from room to room trying to find the materials to build each of the cards. It was fun and refreshing! Hope you like them!

Remember you can always email me with your special card requests. melissa@lisscatcreations.com

Stay blessed this week and thanks for reading! :-)

PINK....is the new HOPE

As many of your may have noticed, it is October. And with that comes cool weather, beautifully colored landscapes, warm apple cider...and Breast Cancer Awareness month!

I spent a lot of time trying to find a good charity to give back to this month. And then God laid it in front of me to help to find a cure for breast cancer! It seems that everyone has been effected, or atleast knows someone who has been effected by cancer. So for all those of you who have dealt with this, my prayers go out to you. I hope that this week's painting will help to give you the hope and peace you need to keep pushing forward. 
I would encourage you to send this to someone who may need a pick-me-up, or a little hope to keep on living!
Just a reminder that no matter how rocky your journey seems, God is with you the whole way, and in only an amazing way that He could plan, there is a special purpose lying for you down the road.

Each hand painted card is only $15.00 and $5 of that will be donated directly back to charity to help fight breast cancer. For  those confusing legal reasons, I am not allowed to  mention the charity's name but they are extremely well known and the initials are SGK. Trust me, your donation will be going towards a good cause. 

Please consider getting one and sending someone a smile in this new fall season!


Click here to get your "A Shade of Hope" painting for Breast Cancer.

www.lisscatcreations.com/cards