Do you squidoo?

So thank you to nostaligicnugget, I finally made time to sit down and set up my very first lense on squidoo. I think the first time I heard about squidoo was through the etsy forums. It seemed a little overwhelming at the time, and I never did sign up. I needed a gentle nudge and some spare time to get it set-up. There are a few things I would still like to learn how to change. Surely I can make my pictures a little bigger? But all in all it was super easy and very self explanatory. :)

If you have a lense or two set-up please stop by rate me and leave a comment. I promise to return the favor. :) http://www.squidoo.com/vol25 Also, would love to hear any suggestions you may have on how I can make my lens a little better!

On a different note, I had a customer contact me over the weekend. It resulted in a very great idea on her part. She had the idea of these three framed and hung together. Only problem was, the entry was currently only available in orange. I offered to do a custom color change for her at no extra cost. I love the lime colors in this print, and quickly listed it in the store. Thanks so much for the idea Kate!

So this morning I printed the three out, and was amazed at how well the silhouette and the entry worked together. I just may have to introduce them as a new print set into the shop. I am also working on a new companion print to the entry. From the beginning I had planned to do a series with seperate rooms, kind of like clue... the foyer, the library, the kitchen, the billiard room, etc... I have already started on the sketch for the second room in the series. Maybe I can show a sneek peek tomorrow.

Oh- I almost forgot! I also finally listed that batch of ACEO's I had been promising. They are now available and in the shop. One sold last night, if there is one you are eyeing you better snatch it up quick!

BUTTON UPDATE: They are not here yet, but I hope for them to come in today or tomorrow. I will let everyone know just as soon as they arrive on my doorstep.

Well, I am off the computer for now. My hubby is off work for the day, he came home about an hour ago. It was pouring, and not too much fun to work in today. So the crew took a vote, and decided to take the day off. :) Which is fine by me! I am going to cuddle up on the couch, with my clipboard in hand. Maybe I can get a few sketches done today.

Have a great thursday!

New Art!

See what I have been working with all day? It started as a sketch, and took me all day long to finish. I can honestly say I am thrilled with how it turned out. I think my sore behind was definately worth the end result. :) I have three other pieces in the works, and cant seem to get either just right, and completed. I have been getting very frustrated with the whole experience, and decided to start fresh on this one... so glad I did! I just finished listing it the shop.

You may even recognize the art hanging on the wall, as "we are shaped by our thoughts." I am super happy to finally work it in. It did take quite a bit of rearranging, and numerous picture frames. :) I felt like I was redecorating a room in my own home. Which, was actually kinda fun.

Well, I was anxious to share this new piece with you. It is so bright and spring-ish, it makes me want spring even more then I did before. Which was alot anyhow!!! :) I Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

-jess

New option available at vol25!

I got an etsy conversation from a previous customer of mine yesterday. She had asked how much it would cost to upgrade a print set she had been eyeing for a while now to the 11x14 size. It suddenly dawned on me, that I needed to make this a simple easy option for everyone. So, this morning I finished the graphics for the listing, and just now completed the listing itself. I added a new section to the store and titled it "upsize your print set purchase" I hope it seems fairly easy to understand. I am more then open for suggestions/feedback as to how I can make it easier. :)

Also added an additional bonus offer to all customers, 10% off coupons! I will include one of these with your order, just for taking the time to share how you found vol.25. Just yesterday I found out a customer had found etsy through a home decorating magazine, and then found me from etsy. It is always SO interesting to imagine how a customer happens across my art/shop. Not only is it interesting but also very valuable information, and helps me decide where best to advertise.

Well, the sun seems to be trying to peek through the clouds. I keep seeing occasional bursts of sunlight, and it really helps boost my mood. I could never easily live in a rainy location. I get so depressed when we have more then 1 rainy day. My whole outlook on life seems gloomy. Give me a day of sunshine, and everything seems better! Of course there is that downside that tends to come with having a sunlit house.... dust! It is amazing how dusty everything suddenly looks when those dust bunnies appear to greet the sun. :) I dont mind though, I think I will VERY happily grab my lemony dusting machine in a can... greet the sun and finally get some much needing dusting done. Hoping you have an inspiring day, and get the see the sun as well. Even if for only a brief moment. :)

-jess vol.25

New- End tables and art!

Since my birthday was officially yesterday, Jaydon finished putting together my side table, and file cabinet. :) I was so happy to have them set up in my living room. I have always heard a few simple, cheap changes can make all the difference in the style of your living room. New end tables, curtains, lamps, and of course an area rug of some sort always helps. :) If you look long enough you can snag these up at cheap prices. I have had the best luck finding these key items at Target on clearance even! I promise to take a full shot of my living room just as soon as we get a little more sun. I hear it is forecasted for tomorrow, so hopefully I will be able to take a few.

Dont you just love the little guy in the photo below. My parents bought me this bird, and I think he looks so sweet next to "fatal attraction." He sits there and stares at them all day long... almost as though he is jealous of the love they feel for each other. :)

Here is the new art I mentioned earlier. "The Spark Of Love" is somewhat of a spinoff from "the power of love" you may remember me finishing back in January. I think I may add a version with the text. "Love is the spark that powers our world" Still undecided for the moment though. Also open to other color options, feel free to leave me any suggestions! :)

new originals

Happy late valentines day! I hope everyone had a great day, spent with someone special. Whether it be your siginificant other, friends, or even your mom. :) We had a nice evening. Just stayed around the house. We plan to go out sometime this weekend, when my parents are free to babysit. Hopefully by then the resteraunts will be a little less crowded. :)

Well, here is the original I posted pictures of in progress a few days ago. It is not listed in the store yet, probably not for a few more days. Since this canvas was 12x16 it was a TON more work then the smaller 9x12 I have been working with. Still somewhat new to working with watercolor paints, but I have to say I am really liking it! I am learning a few new techniques, and would sometime love to take a class. I also am wanting to work with acrylic sometime in the near future.

I also was super inspired last night and created another watercolor painting. I titled it "we make a happy family." I love love it to pieces. I debated on keeping it, but am MAKING myself say goodbye. After all, I get attached to every original.

I have two blank canvases left from my trip to Tri-Cities monday, and they are begging to be filled. I think I might need to hide them. That is, if I ever plan to get anymore done on that baby book. :) This painting is already listed in the store, but the print will be listed later today, and limited to 50 copies.

Well, I know I have something important I should be doing. Like maybe cleaning my house... especially since it is Friday. I have found it to be a very good habit to have my house clean by the weekend. Just in case we get unexpected company. Of course that doesnt happen very often, but still... it IS a good habit that I need to work on a little more! :)

Have a great weekend!

-jess

Totally in love:

I came across this etsy store a few weeks ago. "One Up Wall graphics" has a very professional feel/look to their etsy store, and I was immediately impressed. Now, had I have had a little extra spending money... I would already have at least 4 of their designs gracing my living room walls. *sigh* Oh well, I suppose good things come to those who wait. We are STILL waiting for the sale of our trailer to close, once it does... you can bet I will be filling my online shopping cart!

I have mortar walls throughout most of my home, so I was super excited to see that they will send a free sample for you to try on your walls. I am most certainly going to take them up on that offer! I contacted them about featuring them on my blog, and they were very polite and speedy to reply. :) So, if your looking for a completey unique and stylish way to dress up your home, look no further this store has it!

New poll!

blogger has now introduced a new feature... the ability to conduct a survey, how exciting! I plan to try and use this tool to help create art, a little more customized to your personal prefences. :)

I am going to start the first poll off with colors. The poll will run for 2 weeks, exactly and then I will begin a new survey. Please select the colors you decorate with most. Maybe this will inspire me to create a new piece based upon your color choices! :)

Oh- and if you dont see a color listed please drop me a comment here, I will add it ASAP. I KNOW I missed some, its still fairly early.. and I am in a bit of a hurry. :) Also, feel free to describe your choices here a little more in depth.