HOLIDAYS!

Voila will still be taking orders and requests, but the updates will be scarce untill Monday, ENJOY THE HOLIDAY EVERYONE!

WE HAVE A WINNER!

The winner of the free photo painting contest is....... PRINCESS CHIBI!!!!

Thats right people, if you do not enter, you do not win! Chibi entered, Chibi wins!

Thank you so much for your feedback, your painting will be started this week!


There will be more contests to come, so stay tuned. Thank you to all who entered, and all who now read this blog.

Happy Sunday!

Fashion and PASSION!

Today is a good day. Today I realized how much I adore working with wire. I have always loved metal craft and works of art, my grandfather worked in this medium quite a bit and I grew up with his beautiful welded creations and hammerings. So now I have decided to devote much of my craft time to wire works in addition to my headbands. This is not to say that illustration and writing wont still be my focal point, but I am sure that I have now narrowed my sights.

Look out for beautiful wire work earrings, pendants, and some surprises. This year may be over, but I have a feeling next year is going to be amazing.

Remember that the contest ends tonight! Please please please enter!

All you need to do is post here or facebook
1 - what your fave peice of mine is, and why
2 - what you would like to see more of by us
3 - a GREAT image of yourself for your FREE digi painting if you are the winner.

FEEDBACK MATTERS! SHOP ETSY.COM!

No feature today, but I will have some good ones up soon as well as searchable treasurys, and interviews with some amazing artists. Be on the lookout.

CONTEST IS LIVE!

Alrighty! Along with the launch of the fan page Voila! is running a little contest.

All you have to do is post the following to the Voila! fan wall on facebook or here -

1) your favorite work of art from Voila! (in the photos, etsy, or deviant art) and why you like it

2) what kinds of items you would like to see from Voila!

3) your very best picture of yourself. (why you ask?!)

The winner will have their image changed into a digital painting, just like the one featured as the Voila! profile pic on facebook! you will also get to choose the simple background theme. Creativity and feedback matter.

Good luck!

Up up and away!

So we now have our fan page live, as well as our twitter! Keep up to date, up to the minute, Follow Voila! - http://twitter.com/VoilaStudios

and for easy updates for your every day life fan us on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#/pages/Voila-Studios/211069356960

I would like to know what kinds of items you are shopping for during the holiday season, and I will do a feature on related items, just for you!

LONG day at the morning job, so this is a short one!

Holidays rolling in

Short post to keep things rollin onward!

Voila! will be launching a facebook page, as well as a twitter, and we will also be offering new items!
Custom painted glassware and wine charms are coming soon! Keep an eye out, excitement ahead!

An afternoon post, HELLO DECEMBER!

I got off my morning job early, and my husband has "month end" today (he goes in later than normal) So I am up and sunny, rip roaring to go! I will be working hard on new items and new things for you all in the PM, but this morning I found some treasures, so I have 2 new features that you just have to see. Who knows, it may help you complete some holiday shopping!

But first let me talk a little about the new items you may have seen in my shop.
I am now offering official listings for both artistic commissions and writing, and I have one print up.
Art commissions can really be anything your heart desires. I have been working in this way for most of my life! I shared my love of commission art work with my bestie, Heather Hitchman, and she has flourished in the same wonderful art world. Commission art, traditionally called "freelance" work (though this term seems cold and overly professional for me!) is a unique way for anyone to create the art that is in their mind. All you need is a concept, an idea, or a few inspirational images, and you have got yourself the beginings of a commission!

I work on nearly any budget, and am willing to try new mediums, unique ideas, and mature themes are welcome. Commissions do not need to be huge, or with a scary price tag!


So now on to the features. I came across the first on the etsy showcase, this user creates some of the most beautiful masks I have ever seen, and has been featured on Martha Steward!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Merimask - Merimask!

This etsy'n is just a fantastic craftor! Take a look at these beauties


The masks are made of carved leather, they almost look like wood! I am concidering becoming a ferret next year for halloween, or perhaps just for fun! They do customs!

















My second feature is a very different, off beat style of art...
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lulunjay

Lulunjay features folk style tile art of animals doing unusual things
The poses, and essence of each work is stunning and whimsical, a great breath of fresh air from the over rendered works I am used to seeing!

Woop Woop! New items, new month... its the holidays!

I hope everyone is full from the holiday feasting! It is time to get geared up for the big holiday rush... Eggnog, mistletoe, caroling, lights.... trees... COLD! It is certainly that time once again.

I am happy to report I am back in full swing, with new items listed for sale in my shop. I now offer my art commission work through etsy.com, couldnt someone you know use some beautiful artwork? A story? or... well... ANYTHING else you could wish for?!


I have a new feature, however this blog's feature is the company I work mornings for, it isnt an etsy, but it will certainly make your eyes and tummy happy!

ITS INCREDIBLE EDIBLES!
www.incredibleedibles.net

Over there at IE you can find some wonderful fruit bouquets, and yes, they are the ORIGINALS! not knockoffs like the edible arrangement fracnchise. They also offer gift baskets on any budget filled with tea treats, cookies, coffee, biscuts, dips, cheese... anything you can imagine.


But the new hype over at IE is
CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They now offer a full line of delicious chocolates, and a box of chocolate is pretty much a no brainer awesome gift.

http://www.thechocolatesuite.com/tcs/


More to come kiddies! Thank you so much for reading my blogs! I want to offer my readers a special discount code for helping me get this all rolling. When buying on etsy mention code BLOGLOYAL09 and you will receive 15% off your total purchace (can only be used once on one day's worth of purchaces, will be refunded through paypal) This promotion ends DECEMBER 12TH 2009

My apologies!

I wanted to apologize for my brief bloggery hiatus! I have been one busy lady working to secure part time employment to help make ends meet(ish) But I am STILL AND ALWAYS selling and open for customs!

I now work at incredible edibles making fruit baskets early in the AM. I hope this is a motivator to keep myself moving!

There will be new and exciting items in the shop very soon, and in the coming weeks I will also be linking to my other works on Deviant for you to enjoy!

I am hoping there are very good things in the near future for me to share with you all!

Cheers!

Ahh these first days...

So I have been battling illness as some of you know. I have not gotten nearly as much work as I had wished done recently, but I know this will change. I am going to work my tush off!

The business cards are complete, but I am trying to be patient waiting for them to arrive! Not so much! So I would adore sharing the new design with you, and each order will come with one of these beauties.
I am hoping to hop back on the DeviantArt and Furbid train, so I will be completing some old work to bring in the new. cheers!

Remember to shop Etsy! oh and Zazzle isn't too shabby either!

OPEN!!!!!!

Voila Studios Etsy page is officially open for shopping pleasure! And its fall!
So without further adieu - www.LimeFerret.etsy.com

No feature or long post today! Got alot of work to do, business cards to create! GO SHOP!

and as always remember to SHOP ETSY!

Creative Overstimulation

No feature today! Don't cry!

I know not too many people read my blog yet, and many are not Blogger members. I post this link on facebook, so I hope you will comment on there!

I am going to take the images tonight, and they should be up by tonight or tomorrow... so whoo hoo official opening!
I have gotten a bunch of seasonal items completed. one of which I am in LOVE with... and can't decide if I want to part with it!

My shop will be a little scattered for a bit as I sort out my method and stock. Sort of touch and go for a bit, but trust me, my items are quality, and beautiful! I hope that everyone will take a peek and pass it on!

Now for the blog title... what the heck does it mean?
I seem to have a nagging creative issue. Call me an American, but I suffer from creative over stimulation. Take a pill? Lay off the coffee you say? No not that easy. I always seem to find great inspiration, and despair, in other artists AMAZING work. First I will rush to try and emulate or be just as good, then I get frustrated and let all that energy go to waste. I always seem to think I am simply not good enough, or that someone being better should mean I should stop trying. What a stupid internal battle...
What it comes down to is, I have to suck it up, move forward, and put in the work. The hardest thing about being in start up mode is that there is a lot of work, that yields very little. The criticism is fierce from people all around about what I am, and am not, doing. Rather than give up and despair I am going to just keep going. It is worth the uphill battle. I love this work. I breathe it, eat it, sleep it... you get the picture. It can be stressful at this point, with the how the heck is this going to works and the will I ever be good enoughs. I have a ton to learn, and I am SO ready for it. I am working to love weekdays, and I am about to step it up hardcore.

Lastly,
I was asked by the Hubbs "why do features?" This is a great question. Why plug artists you don't know on your personal blog? Features are fantastic! A feature gets other artists web hits, faves, and SALES. If you are able to steer people away from the "big box" store and twards the handmade realm that is a plus one for you right away. One person swayed can generate sales all around for everyone in the community, its that fancy word of mouth thing. Second you can build great friendships, connections, and more sense of community. You can learn from other artists this way. Not only that but your feature could get people talking about what you have to offer, or a counter-feature! See how awseome networking can be?

So I guess my feature for this entry is a feature-feature!
I hope everyone is enjoying the blog. I would love suggestions, feedback, comments, and what YOU would like to see featured.
For my grand opening I would love to offer a little promo. Give me great feature ideas, on Friday I will select one and post. If it is your idea I will give you a 10% off coupon for my shop, good for one item purchace anytime this year. This will also be good for any stories or drawing commissions. WHEEEE! (wink wink - great for holiday customs!)

First sickness of the season?

So I am going a little stir crazy, but really need to stay in. Seems I have fallen victim to the weather change bug. I always thought I just got sick from stress when school used to begin, but apparently I get sick school or not!

I finished a few customs, and am still working on some new stock. I have some beautiful items I just got as well. I know I said I would be fully open for business by this week, and I stand by it, sick or not. Even if I use cruddy images to open! I just want to start doing business, and have some things to show when I put in alchemy bids!

I will, of course, keep you updated.

But what is an entry without a feature? What shall we look at today?
Its Tea for me! There are a growing number of etsy goers that are selling food items, and there are some that really stand out. I will feature more at another time, but with illness creeping up on me having some of these little cakes at hand to nibble on with a hot hot soothing beverage... heaven.

WelshGardenTearoom.etsy.com is a beautiful shop of traditional confections that pair well with tea. Shipping to the USA can get a little pricey, so go in for a big batch with a friend or for a party!
The shop is small, with just a few items to choose from... But...but... JUST LOOK HOW TASTY THEY LOOK!!!! I mean... oh sorry, I'm drooling.
Now I am going to be dreaming of these puppies.
Looking for tea to go with it? How about a etsy shop that boasts a huge stock as well as wonderful feedback?

Head on over to TeaForAllReasons.etsy.com for well... tea for any reason!
They look pretty, they taste pretty. Specially blended to suit any taste. The one you see to the right has CHOCOLATE BITS IN IT! oh man...




Remember the holidays are coming, and etsy is the place to be for from-the-heart, personal, handmade and sometimes inexpensive gifts. Get what people really want!
WWW.ETSY.COM !!!

Itchin to open...

I am simply itching to open shop! I have a few new pieces completed, and tomorrow I will crank out some more. I am using some older stock that I have, along with some new dual metal headbands I just got!

I am looking forward to beginning some more writing. I have some jobs to get done, and like... NOW! I am thinking I may offer writing as an option on Etsy, so I need to get a nice little graphic to add to my shop so anyone can purchase said stories.

I have a custom coming up for a friend of mine, she has commissioned a hair comb to go with a formal dress she has.

AAAANNNDDD I also have a logo design to work on. So it will be a busy next few days, but happy busy. Today was slightly lazy I would hate to admit, but that is alright. Friday evening I will be heading to Red Bank, NJ to meet a friend of mine from the web in person! Very cool stuff.

Today was hubby's birthday! He is a happy 26 years old today. We went out for lunch but my better half will be showing off his bowling skills on Saturday night!

My store will open this week, I am very excited! Keep in the know!

AND NOW! A feature... *drum roll please* of some birthday cake themed goodness!



Over at goldilocksbarrettes.etsy.com you will find some amazing childrens accecories that look like sugar cookies and CAKE!
Makes me wish I had children to buy them for, how about you? (Of course I *could* wear them myself COULDNT I??)

Then there is orange1.etsy.com with some amazing cupcake holders, wouldnt your party be THAT much better with these puppies? They do customs, as well as favor tins, cupcake sticks, even appetizer picks (you know, those little toothpicky guys you have to pull out of your club sandwich, but it wouldnt feel complete without it?)









I apologize for my weird formatting... it will get better, promise!!

Stock it up

So I ordered my stock from Factory Direct Craft - lots of hair related craftables. I have to go silk flower hunting for these projects, but I ordered enough to keep me busy for the time being.

I have been very inspired by nature lately. Every crafty whim I seem to have comes from a seasonal feeling. Does anyone else get a warm feeling when they think about fall breezes and leaves changing? I love the feeling of crisp air on exposed skin, and snuggling up indoors when it is chilly outside. Cool, still fall nights lead to holiday anticipation...

I know I am on the verge of something this time. I have to keep myself in the thick of it to get out clean on the other end so we will see where this goes. I am so craving gingerbread, pumpkin beer, cider, hayrides, pumpkin ravioli and baked apples... Perhaps one of these things will make its way into my pantry!

But for now... SWEATERS!

Over at LunaPortenia.etsy.com there are some delicious sweaters for the fall!
I have to say this one is a top fave of mine from their shop. It is so darn cozy looking!!! And the organic cotton on the next one is more than I can handle! Someone get me a sweater STAT!

Ok, ok, I just got done watching House MD for the second time in 2 days, so forgive the references. I need to get back to work, crafts dont just magicly appear you know! Enjoy the feature, and take a peek at what she has to offer.

Voila! Its a Blog!

So it is FINALLY happening. I am really opening my etsy store this time. LimeFerret.etsy.com is my shop! Yes, the name is my username, but hey its easy to remember too.

I am having a good friend of mine photograph my work, and they will be up for sale super soon. The best part is that I have STOCK! lol... so anyhow welcome to the new blog. This is where I will post about what I am working on, what I am doing in my art world, and what cool stuff I find inspiration in. Don't forget you can view alot of my other work over at deviant art! http://limegreen.deviantart.com/