ATCs,art and life

My wishlist theme ATCs - All traded
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I have to say that I am a little lost as to which day of the week it is. Got to love vacation, even if it speeds awa too fast.

As I said before I am working on a few swaps over at www.swap-bot.com and here is the first one.
5 ATCs for 5 different themes.
At the Beach - I cheated by using my old artwork but I really wanted to use this image
Oriental - I layered red and flowery paper and drew in ink the bamboo.
Butterflies - a little ink illustration
Something Colorful - block print, that looks horible when scanned but really cool in person - yellow, orange and red
Dragonflies - a little cut paper illustration, I am really like working with cut paper, this one is my favorite.

I would have not created these if it was not for the swap and am glad that it makes me create more.

I have been feeling really blue for the last little bit and decided to go tanning yesterday. I have to say that it does help I never believed people when they say it makes them happy, but it really does work. I only went for 4 minutes but hey.

Good Morning, Tassimo!

Good morning, Tassimo!!!!!!!
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Meet my new morning friend!
Mornings should be a little bit better with wonderful machine.
I have been hoping for a tassimo and now I have one.
yey!

I have been sitting in my toasty apartment today, relaxing.

I just joined www.swap-bot.com and now I am participating in 2 ATC swaps. I find that swaps always challenge me and keep me creative.
One is a Valentine theme and the other is a 10 favorite things theme.
This should be fun!

"Behind the Mask" new print

"Behind the mask"
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I am very excited that I managed to get out the ink and print a few new pieces.
I am discovering that I don't have enough colours and really need to do some online shopping for supplies. The art stores around me don't think that block printing is popular.

I also cut paper today to get it ready for printing. This is the least liked activity for me, I measure once and cut 5 times. ;(
There are a few 8x10inch pieces now and I can't wait to print a few big pieces.

I have 3 hats on....

I have 3 hats on
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Last weekend was the worse snow storm in years and I was on the road.
I went to Ottawa to visit my little sister, about a 5 hour drive from me.
I was smart enough to take the Greyhound bus there and back. The snow storm that hit Saturday night/ all day Sunday was horrible, it took me only 10 hours to get back.

It was worth the trip since I haven't seen the little one, well she is 2 heads taller than I am, since Thanksgiving - the Canadian one in October.
Ottawa is COLD, in this pic I have 3 hats on. 3! I had to buy thermal leggigs while I was there and walking around. I don't think I will be going to Ottawa in the winter again.

Today starts a whole week off for me, I won't be back to work 'till Jan 2nd!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Expect a lot of art and almost daily blog updates!
Wow I will be chilaxin' at home, I can't wait!!!

Tired

Tired
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

In case you needed proof as to why I haven't been around. I snapped this pic Florida morning before running off to work.
After returning from Florida I went into full study mode in order to write my 2nd exam this saturday.
Work and hours of study after was a crazy combination.
I didn't have time for me, for the people in my life, art, my cat nothing.
Now I sit here and can't believe how wonderful it is not to have to study.

Fab Collab Greeting Card Sets

Fab Collab Holiday Set
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Awesome card sets can be found in my Shop!!!
I have 3 new collab packs, featuring the works of 2 other
EtsyGreetings Street Team members!
For example this awesome Holiday Card Set

Also A thank you Set
and
A Love Set

I have stocked up my shop with more of the usual Favorites since I sold out a bit earlier!
Happy Shopping Everyone!

Hi Hi

Beach!
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I am back from Florida!
It was wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!
Now I am behind in every part of my life from work to life and art......

Algonquin

"Algonquin" block WIP
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I was bad this week and instead of studying I worked on art.
I sketched this block and just had to start carving it. It is larger than 8x10 inches and so far I have done some partial prints that you can see here
"Patience"
"Changes"

The inspiration behind is my trip to Algonquin at the end of August. Beautiful trees.
Last weekend I did buy some new papers that I have to cut up and play with. The hardest part of printmaking for me is cutting the paper. I am not a straight even lines kind of kid and I manage to get all kinds of funky pieces. But it has to be done.
This weekend the plan is to actually sleep and study and work on more art. I really would love to have a few 'portfolio' pieces both prints and paintings. I have to start contacting galleries. I really really have to.

"Fly with Me"

"Fly with me"
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Revisiting an old piece. I originally finished this piece in 2005 but recently re- touched it to make it more reflective of my current work.
As one of my first mixed media pieces I wanted to keep it just for me but now I am sharing it. It can be found in my Etsy shop!
.

This weekend was very busy for me. On Friday I went out "Swing Dancing" and had a very shady adventure with Amy. Yesterday, my friend Ashley and I went to Ikea and to a really good restaurant called The Spaghetti factory downtown Toronto. I was a bit upset when instead of packing my leftovers they threw them out ;( but life goes on. Ash and I managed to get a bit of beer in use and put together my new storage unit. Our adventures were till 3:30am . I am bit sleepy
Today I cleaned more of the mess in my apartment and figured out funky ways to hide the boxes from my parents' house. I am really glad I have a creative way of looking at things and managed to hide boxes all over the place.
Now I am off to dinner at Paul's parents' house. hehehee dinner with the 'in- laws' while he is in Europe.

wow what a week, what a weekend...

Happy Holidays Cards
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Finally a moment to sit and take a deep breath.
All week I studied for my first test in the Accelerated CMA program. It was horrible to study for an exam when you are a week behind in your lectures.
On top of this my parents' left for Europe for good and I didn't have a chance to say goodbye. In true fashion they had left too much for the last minute and were in a frenzy. The good news they managed to get there safe and even have my doggie with them. No problems at all.
We also have a new addition to the family. My parents' cat is now my kitty. Sleeping ever so cutely on my bed ;)
Today I drove Paul to the airport, as he is leaving for Europe for 3 weeks. He comes back Nov 11, and I leave for my 5 days in Florida on the 10th. This means I won't see him until November 14th.
I think that everyone leaving has not hit me yet and soon there will be a crash. Stay tuned. yakes.

I plan to spend the week working on new artwork. Actually I want to work on the portfolio not the shop. I also have to figure out where to put all the stuff that moved here from my parents' house. And really clean the apartment since Mr long hair kitty has already covered the carpet in hair.

Finally, I managed to design these lovely new Holiday cardsShop! . A wonderful Holiday set to sent out to the loved ones in your world.
Happy week everyone.

finally time for art and ....

and I just can't stop playing ;)
More carving and printing love in my little shop! I have also started playing with my new Epson printer... clicky clicky for more fun items on their way ;)

a little bit of eBay

I finally got around cleaning up and printing my second piece in the Self Image Series.
Currently on eBay



Self Image 2 print

Thank you for the visit ;)

Printing...

Printing station
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I have been really busy with work, packing up my parents' house over the Thanksgiving weekend and studying.
I managed to get some printing done this morning! and now I really really should be studying since my exam is next Saturday.

I am happy to say that I have booked my ticket to Florida! yey! I will be there for all of 4 days, but hey a vacation is a vacation even if it is very short.
Paul is going to Europe for a month, this leaves me all by myself. I wonder what kind of trouble I can get into...

'Just for You" v2

This linoleum block print is too beautiful to describe. The paper I used is exquisite handmade Japanese Unryu. Simply wonderful.
"Just for you" v2

What's new in the 'print' shop

New prints in the works
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I have been busy today, how about you?
I gave myself till noon to print today.
I tried to carve a new what turns out to be Ginkgo leaves woodblock, but after killing all of the little leaf tails I decided to carve it out of Linoleum. You can see my little cutie of a print now called 'In the Wind in the photo and of course already listed.

I also had a great sale! Another Self Image print sold today, yey I am at 3/50.

I bought Paul a new winter jacked that he loves, it is his Christmas/ 5 year anniversary present. But to think about it, I don't think he will be without a present under the tree.
We also went grocery shopping. He is now doing laundry at his parents' house while I am studying.
I will head over there for dinner soon. But for the next two hours it will be study time.
I hope everyone has a wonderful week!
I almost feel like saying " see you next weekened" since I hardly get to post during the week.

Yey!

Magical Abstract tree print
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I woke up this morning to find that all four block prints I had in my shop were purchased by one person, including this one. How wonderful is that!
It was a great sale and I turned around and bought 100 stiff 8x10 envelopes for prints. This way I can be sure that all prints arrive undamaged all around the world.
Today I spent catching up on my course and I am still very behind. I don't know how this sounded like such a good idea a month ago to enroll in this program. The fact that I my brain is fried after work does not help in the least bit.
Right now I am done for tonight and am cutting up paper for more prints. Yey!

"Dark Balloons"

Dark Balloons ACEO
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I have to admit I am a little crazy about woodblock printing. I have had a few failures and made stupid mistakes, like cut an awesome print to ATC size but instead of 2.5 inches I cut it to 2 and it no longer is useable. I am sure I will find a good use for all the cool scaps I am collecting.
Carving is really hard right now because I don't have the right wood and the proper tools, but one day soon.... I have to sell a few prints before I could affort to buy more materials. I guess this is a good time to point out that this ACEO is very available and in my Etsy Shop! ;p
The prints are hard to photograph, which makes me really miss my scanner. Another thing I am saving for, a new all in one printer.
2 More days till the weekend Yey YEY!
...now back to watching my lecture on Managerial Accounting.

for a smart girl... I do a lot of stupid things

I was really tired yesterday after work and shopping for work clothes. I can't ever find anything when I am looking for it.

I stopped over at the grocery store to pick up something. As I was slamming the door shut of my car I realized the radio is still on. Yep I locked my car from the outside while it was still running with the keys in the ignition.
I guess there is a first time for everything.
Paul came to my rescue since I was only five minutes from home.
My brain is fried officially

Busy Busy

Card Swap card sets for EtsyGreetings
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I have a long list of things to do this weekend and it's not getting shorter.
I just finished, well I cheated and used some of the cards I already have, my little swap for Etsy Greetings. Checkout the link because my little photo cards are featured.

I also wanted to dye my hair black, to rebel you see, and did. Somehow I still have the same colour I started with. The dye didn't take.

I finished making the lip balm my sister ordered and packed the colab cards. I have to drop them off tomorrow at the Post Office.

I watched my first 5 hour lecture, I have to do the homework, watch the second one and do the second homework set.

I wanted to finish the Valentine swap prints. I have my little lino block ready to print. They are not due 'till February but I wanted to see them done, because they will be really cool looking.

I wanted to also print the new block I carved.
Ohh and the apartment is a mess and a half.
Paul wants to go apple picking so that we can bring the apples to his mom's for her to make pie.
The fridge is also empty.
aaaahhhh.

hey hey

Bird - woodblock print
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I just wanted to let you know that I am here and alive. Just working 12 hour days this week with no energy for anything but sleep.
Here is something to look at if you are missing me.
This little bird is my first woodblock print.
Ok off to bed.

more eBay

Last week was the first time I had success on eBay and this week I have two more auctions.
This ACEO and another "Self Image" print

me, a jewelry designer?

Silver and yummy deep redish purple
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

mmmm my favorite colour combo!
I have been playing in the Shop! all week. I have new magnets and a new "Just for You"linoleum print to show.
And of course these lovely earrings, I made a pair for myself and just had to make another and share! They are 2.5 inches long and silver plated.
I am very happy to say that my adventure into eBay land was a success. My ACEO was bid on last minute and my 'Self Image'print has a bid as well!
I think I will add a few more items to eBay soon, but 1st I will wait for one of those fee promotions.
I am packing to go camping up in Algonquin park this weekend. THis is our first get away this whole summer.

I have a bid!!!!!!!!!!!

I actually have a bid!!!!!!!!!!
I wish I knew what happens when someone wins the action.

Ink Tree ACEO card
of my Self Image Sketch

a little auction!

trees in ink ACEOs
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I am giving good old eBay another try. I have two items up for auction this week. One is the middle Ink Tree ACEO card in this series and a print of my Self Image Sketch

So far the ACEO has one watcher! yey!
Please take a look and perhaps see something you want ;)

hehehee a life update!

"Changes" WIP cont
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Helloooo.
I actually managed to do some art work this weekend, not much but just a little.
News
1. Paul brought a new version of Photoshop and tried to install it on my computer while I was away. Well it was a downloaded version and it installed some kind of monster while photoshop did not work still.
I was very very mad since I do not download anything on my computer and am very careful as to what I click on. Needless to say I reconfigured my hard drive, it only took me 5 hours to get back to where I was. But photoshop now works! I still have to go to the back up disks I created to get some of my missing files. On the other hand I have a completely backed up computer.
2. I am refusing to upgrade MSN, and will use the prehistoric version the computer comes with. It was by trying to open MSN that I downloaded something on my computer a while back that started my photoshop problems. It was caught and killed by my Anti spyware program but still it messed up a few things. So everyone sorry no fancy shmancy msn applications from me.
3. I am really sad that this weekend was too cold for words. I refused to go in the pool even though it was warmer than outside. I am wearing long sleeve and sweat pants right now, not short and a Tee. Grr I don’t want the summer to end.
4. I am drinking a Gin and Tonic. There must be something addictive in the Tonic water because I really crave this drink. I don't buy alcohol for home, sometimes beer and wine, and I bought a small bottle of gin. Interesting.
5. Over the weekend I joined Indiepublic, which looks like a great site with lots of Etsy friends. Add me as a friend if you wish.
6. My favorite ACEOs expired on Etsy and I am thinking of giving Ebay another try. I also bought my first eBay item this weekend, special bags for cards that ended up being as much as if I bought them in the store, even if they cost .99 cents. Grrr
7. I am not sure where I am going with this list.
8. We played tennis on Saturday and went for a long hike on Sunday. I am loving outside activities this summer. Summer please don't go.
9. Pizza is beeping in the oven so I must go and eat it

"Changes" Work in Progress

"Changes" WIP
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

This is a new painting in the works. First time I really picked up a paint brush since I started work.
Originally this was a painting in my layered round abstract style but after I finished the painting, it felt very childish. I discovered that I am done with that style and now I have evolved to something different. About a month later I painted this over it, I am about to add a few papers to it and play some more.
Don't you think that "Changes" is a good name for a painting linking my past with my current?


ps My registration for the Certified Management Accounting Program was approved. Also at the end, 7 months from now, my company might be paying for the course. Sadly $2,500 just came out of my credit card and credit line. So much for being credit card debt free. Investment in my future right? right

The art show....

The art show
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

What a great day! Friday after a long day at work I managed to leave early. Soon after I got home we had to leave to get to Downtown in order to see the art show at AWOL Gallery
When we finally arrived there after battling traffic, we managed to find Free parking near the one and only The Paper Place!
Paul was not too happy to spend a long and I mean long time in there with me, considering it was already 7pm and we were hungry. I came out with a fat $20 scrap pack of papers.
We walked for a while to go to Prague Emporium where we were hoping to get dinner. Unfortunately when we got there they had just closed. We walked back, Paul huffing and puffing for not getting his Czech dinner.
We found the gallery and there was a huge and I mean Huge line up outside. This is a show of 1100 art pieces and over 500 artists, probably all there. Click on the link under the image to see more photos.
In hopes to get a shorter line up later on we decided to have dinner at a Thai restaurant, by which the line was passing. I had tried Pat Thai (sp?) the other week and wanted to have it again. Paul had a huge plate of sizzling meat. Yum.
The line was even longer when we were ready to go.
Once inside I quickly spotted one of my paintings and then Paul found the other. I was really excited to see what people come up with when the only restriction is size. Amazing work.
Yesterday was spent sleeping, applying for the Certified Management Accounting program, yes back to school for me, correspondence for 7 months and lounging by the pool.
Today we finally left for our hike to find that the rain had just started. Unfortunately 30 minutes into our drive Paul started to feel sick and we had to turn around. Now on this rainy day, I think I am going to start a mixed media piece that has been circling inside my head for a while.

Postcards and being a Pro

Flower Postcards
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Ohhh on Sunday I gave myself a little present! I upgraded my Flickr to a PRo account!!!!!!!!!!!
I started to really miss the images that were hidden because I was over 200. I love flickr and I really love the community it creates around photos. So now I am a Pro!!!

After a few long weeks these lovelies arrived and are available in the shop. I have decided that this will be the last time I rely on old art for new work. From now on only new images and ideas.

Tomorrow night we are going downtown for my the shop unofficial art show , since I only have 2 paintings and there are a lot of other artists.

A day off and new work in the Shop

Yey for a day off!
I finally got to taking a photo and editing it and listing it of this ACEO. I had to use Paul's computer. The background is greener than it looks but close enough.
It lives here
Pear
I also did a little work on my website

technology and not always your friend

My photoshop refuses to open. It just starts up and closes before fully opening. I have unintalled it and reinstalled it, even from 'safemode' and still not working.
My printer no longer turns on, thus no scanner for me.
;(

Red Hot Burn

This weekend resulted in a bright red sun burn in the form of a tank top on my back and shoulders and very sore legs.
I was determined to increase my swimming stamina on Saturday and really pushed my legs to do better each time. Unfortunately I was holding onto a floater, thus my back was arched in a bad way leaving it sore. Sunday we played tennis for almost two hours, hence the tank top burn. And after that I jumped in the pool to practice. This time I was swimming very slow laps without the floater thingy.
Today I am really sore, whole body sore really. I hope that my back is sore because I worked the muscles not because I hurt it.
Tomorrow we are going to Paul's parents' house again and I plan on working a few more laps. Hopefully on Wednesday my friend will come over and have a nice night. Thursday and Friday I hope to get more tennis in.
I have to be more active outside in the summer.

ps I really don't want to move and all of the houses I am finding are awful ;( And I have to give notice on Wednesday

in this week's news...

I am here but with no interest to put my thoughts to paper.
Last week was a good week at work. I was actually able to figure out things properly!
This week is another uphill battle, but better.
Paul left for my parents' house last night. Everyone is there actually, just me here alone. Someone has to pay the bills, right?
My friend was supposed to visit today but she is sick. So I am lonely and tired and sleepy.
For dinner I went to the expensive food store and got nice bread, olives, yummy cheese and ham. Ohh and a fruit cup and a raspberry basket ( I just discovered that raspberries bring me back to being with my grandparents in the mountains. I do miss them so much. ). ohh and Rice pudding! hheeeeeee I haven't reached for the rice pudding yet since I also added a steak to the above list.
My sandwich for tomorrow will be so yummy made with fresh ham and nice bread! I am almost excited about going to work tomorrow so that I can have my lunch. Almost.
Now what should I do to amuse myself?

ATCs and Pain

Envelope Series ATCs
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I was trying to avoid the computer after work today, well not effectively. I found the envelope cut outs for these ATCs and a few more and decided to finish them. I love them, particularly the little birdie eyeing the spider ;)
I can't edit the pics because my Photoshop refuses to open. It starts to load and then it just closes.

I couldn't sleep last night at all. I didn't fall asleep until 3 am, after going to bed at 10:30pm. I got up for work at 6am. Today was my first day back from after a week of pain and little memory. I am still taking Advil for pain, but I am a lot better. Around 4pm I got hit with this incredible amount of energy out of no where.
Now I think I have rebound pain medication migraine, because nothing is helping me and I have been on meds for a week. I know this happens with my migraine meds, I can't take them for more than 3 days in a row. This pain is incredible, I am trying to distract myself with TV and the computer, which are actually the worse things I can do. I am contemplating taking one of those sleeping meds the doc gave me. I just want a good night sleep.

Working from home...

Working from home
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

As I told you yesterday, I was working from home today. This was and still is my set up. My silver computer keeping an eye on my online life and the black computer doing super secret profitablity analysis. ;)
It seams like Paul cought some nasty bug while we were in the Emergency and now somehow ( I really don't know how) he managed to pass it to me. Now I have to pains for the price of one, neck and cold. My neck is a lot better and now I am only taking the advil and not other drugs.
I have this need to go out for a run or something but I shouldn't be moving much for the next little while.
I really have to finish (start and finish) my painting for the Square Foot show, I have to drop off the paintings next weekend. I also have to remember that I have to drop them off.
I am also about to reach 100 sales on Etsy!!! and customers 95-101 are getting pretty cool little gift packages ;)

Now in the shop..

I am really happy to introduce this new card set. Each card features a professionaly printed photograph taken by me.




"Summer Views"

Also remember that my shop is 15% off until July 12th. Read my shop announcement for more details

ps This is my second sick day ;( I woke yesterday morning with my head unable to move and neck spasms sending stabbing pain into my head. So far the pain killers are not working ;(

Hi!

I was unsure if anybody actually read this blog. I know with LJ you can have friends and join communities but not here. Recently I started using Google Analytics to track traffic on my new site www.ivafineart.com and also decided to use it for this blog. And WOW. Hi. There are a quite a few of you readers out there, all over the world actually! Hi again. Thank you for reading and coming back. Thank you for readers who leave comments too. I love comments.
Hi!

New cards and cake!

Original Photography Cards
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I am really excited about these new cards. I have been dreaming of them for a few months now. I couldn't decide on how to attach the images to the cards without just gluing them on. And then an idea was born! Why waste beautiful prints on just the cards? The images are attached with really cute photo corners, this way you can peel off the corners gently and have the print to frame. Either for your own enjoyment or the receiver of your lovely note will have 2 gifts in 1. They are coming soon to the shop, as soon as I have a little photo session with them. Yey.
I think I am going to have in a set of 3, one of each design. The cards are also bigger than my usual size they are 5x7 inches.

Paul and I had a big movie weekend. We saw Transformers on Friday night. Wow, I loved it. I didn't know what to expect apart from what Paul has been telling me for months. It was great and funny. It takes a lot for me to think a movie is funny, thus this was wonderful. Paul also has a few Generation 1 Transformers coming from e-bay. So far we have AstroTrain and Megatron. I am not allowed to touch them.
Also we saw the new Die Hard last night. Loved it too. Kill a helicopter with a car and a jet with a truck wow. Great action!
Tonight we are off to birthday dinner at Paul's parents' house. Mmmm Cake!

The Vast off the wall sale

I am participating in the VAST off the Wall Sale,
Everything in my shop is 15% off, just follow the instructions in my shop announcement





Click Here ! for other stores participating. Sale is until Thurs July 12

The Seasons

Season Series trees
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday week. Our Canadian holiday was this weekend. It was WONDERFUL to have 3 days off. We went to my parents' house where I read and slept. Loved it.

When I got home unfortunately half my shop had expired. I had the initial happy reaction that it old sold, but no ;(
Now I am relisting a few things, but I will take my time and introduce a few new ideas. I am saving to buy new supplies for a really cool idea I have been meaning to implement.

I was surprised to see that this Seasons Series had expired. I love them. After many treasuries and compliments they expired but now they are back in my shop. I am offering Free shipping on them because I would love to see them go to a good home. Hopefully all together.
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

It is almost Friday afternoon and I can't wait. I hope to finish my last painting for the August show. I haven't touched a paint brush in over a month, no energy and no inspiration.

Gifts!!!

Gifts!!!
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I love love giving gifts. Sometimes more than getting them myself. We are still on a very strict budget, and will be for a long while, thus the gifts we give are small but ment to show our love.
My mom's birthday was last week and we went to visit her this weekend. I bought her a beautiful frame and printed out our first family portrait in 5 years. It was from my sister's and my graduation last month. I had a mug made for her with the portrait. She loved the photo and then took out the mug. She said 'Oh a mug!' looking at the blank side. She was not too impressed until she saw the other side and refused to use it. I made her use it for her coffee the next day. ;)
Paul's dad is turning 57 next weekend. I overheard him talking about this gnome and Paul's mom did want him to buy it. He was very excited about him. Thus I bought it for him, risking a few dirty looks from Paul's mom ;)
Happy short week to all of us Canadians ;)

Vanilla action shot

Vanilla lip balm action shot
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I bought a whole tub of Vanilla ice cream for this shot. Oh well now I must eat the ice cream. The only lip balm without an 'action' shot is my Mint lip balm. Any ideas for an action shot for it?

I worked a 10 hour day today and I am too tired to think. I hope that if there are not any projects due on Friday I will be able to leave early. But I don't think it will happen. I still don't know if I get Monday off since it is a Holiday or I will have to wait until next Friday. My supervisor did not give me a straight answer.
Please please buy enough lip balm so that I don't have to be a corporate slave.

In my world...

Raspberry lip balm action shot
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

1. I am happy to say that at the end of July I will be participating in my first group show. It is called Square Foot and it will be at AWOL gallery in Toronto. I can't wait. I will have 3 paintings up, the guideline is 12x12 inches.
I will have Self Reflection one and Self Reflection 2 as well as brand new abstract painting not yet done. yey

2. All lip balm flavours are now listed : Mint, Raspberry, Strawberry, Chocolate Chip, Banada, Cherry and Vanilla. They are all in my Lip balm section

3. Tonight I am going to a big street party with my sister and I can't wait. Tomorrow my friend is coming down and we are shopping and hanging out by the pool. I can't wait.

Banana mmmmmm

Banana lip balm
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

New and exciting Banana Lip Balm in the shop today!!!!!! I also have Mint and Cherry but no 'action' shots for them yet. You can choose them as flavours in my Two and three pack.
I have cute labels ready for them. I had to print them at Paul's parents' due to my unfortunate printer death. I almost have enough money in my PayPal for it, a few more sales to go. I am excited because I will be able to do printed note cards and more.

On a personal note. Paul and I now have matching credit cards and cheques with both of our names on them. How grown up ;)

Printer Death

My printer has officially died. I wanted to try and print something today, until now it was semi working I had to manually feed the paper and than it would catch it. Now it prints with no paper inside and has a paper jam. No paper in it at all. It doesn't feed the paper at all.

Ok so I need to buy a new printer for my business.

Epson has been suggested and I was looking at this one Printer
The cartriges seam to be cheaper than for the one I have, there is a brand new black cartridge in it right now. grrrrr.

Any body have any suggestions?
I would like to print high quality fade resistant colour prints

In a Dream of Friday afternoon

SPT - June 14th 2007
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I wish everyday was Friday afternoon, with the endless wonder of the weekend ahead. With beautiful sunshine, a cold drink and a refresing pool just around the corner.
This photo is my first contribution the Self Portrait Thursday trend ;)

Here I dream of the soon to be Friday afternoon, that has now come and gone.
I miss the freedom I used to have. Yet with my first Pay cheque in my account, life is that much better. It isn't going to last long since I am paying bills but it does feel good to use new money that is my own. Until now I was using savings from almost a year ago and using my line of credit. That is why the money is new, just earned.

I am really behind getting back to people and replying to comments. I can't even keep up with Facebook.
I am building ideas for my little Shop that I have to put into action.
Next week there will be 3 new flavours of lip balm coming: Mint, Banana Cream and Cherry
Yummy Yummy

and I want to get a few photos I took printed in order to create some photo note cards. Ohhh and I want to paint, but there is no time and even less energy.


ps I am participating in the SNS sale today, check out my Shop for Sale info ;)

200 hearts and growing

200 Hearts
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

My little shop is moving right along. Today I reached and now have passed 200 hearts on Etsy
It took me 1/4 of the time to get the second 100 hearts.
I also managed to get out of work by 4:15 pm and somehow not hit any traffic to reach home in about 25minutes! Paul is away tonight celebrating a friend's birthday so I am alone. No worries I had some wine and cherry pie with freshly made whipped cream ;)

I have also worked on my little site www.ivafineart.com
I really would like to have my blog update my Home page, but sadly I can't fine any information on how to do that. There has to be a way to have it like the Etsy Mini is showing up. Ideas anyone?

Learning

You have to realize that I do not know anything about website hosting etc.
Paul decided to create a website for his business and my task was to register his domain name and to find hosting. I send out e-mails and convos to online friends to find out which sites they used and how they liked it. After comparing them I settled on Powerweb , because it seamed to be the cheapest with the most space.
Today I registered it and paid. Ok this was the easy part, now what. After fooling around for the longest time I finally figured out how to upload it with the help of the service desk. I managed to delete one of the root directories in the process and they fixed it.
I uploaded the many pages that Paul has created grrr, but the images where not showing. I uploaded the images. After looking and looking the HTML I figured out that he had created files and subfiles for himself to be organized but those did not actually get uploaded just the individual files. So now I am going through HTML line by line and fixing the image links.
Check it out Match Point Designs I am still working on some of the pages.

Now my goal is to figure out a way to register MY art site and have it hosted in the same account as his website, I don't know if that is possible at all, but if anybody knows please let me know.Perhaps have it so that if someone types in my domain it goes to a different site.

The Degree and life

The Degree
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Yes I finally have it my hands! Isn't it beautiful? This is what 4 years, well 5 because I did the internship for a year, amounts to. A $40,000 piece of paper in a $200 frame. I wanted to get this frame for a long time for the Degree. I had a feeling that I had seen it for $40, then $80 and now $160, but the lady said that prices will be going up and they have not changed since 2 years ago. I love it and Paul 'bought' it for me, but really both of both it since we are joint financially now. The ceremony was on Monday and jump over to my Flickr for more photos (click under the photo).
I just finished my first 2 weeks at work and survived. The half hour drive is ok in the mornings but bad in the afternoon because there is a ton of traffic. Yesterday there were Tornado warnings while I was stuck on the highway. A little bit scary. When a large amount of dust is picked up and everything goes black with no feeling of wind, you kind of wonder where you are.
This is the first time that I had bad weather while driving and it was ok. I don’t know about the winter time, my poor Echo might not be able to keep me safe in bad snow. We might look at getting a new car, hmmm Mazda 3 GT ;p But we shall see how the finances are. So far I have to wait until next Friday to get paid and I have no money and no access to any until then.
I haven't had much time for My Etsy shop it has been doing ok on it's own but I would like to take the weekend a work on a few new things for it, that is if I find energy and inspiration.
Now that I am a bit more used to my schedule I hope to get back into the blog, art and life groove again.

still here....

Hey all.
I am around at night and really working long hours. I am too tired after work to work on Etsy or art for now. Hopefully when I get more used to this schedule life will be a little easier. Cross fingers and toes. I am looking forward to the weekend and I get Monday off because it is my GRADUATION! yey

"For just one Moment'

"For just one Moment'
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

What do you think? I have fixed the arm a bit since this quick photo. The only thing that is not working for me and I don't know how to fix is the upper showder. Ideas?
Overall I think she is pretty much done. I am thinking of trying eBay first before I list it on Etsy. Comments, opinions, suggestions are most welcome

Birdy ACEOs

I love these two new ACEOs. They are mide with mostly 'saved' materials and are super fun. This is the first time that I have inlcuded fiber in my work. They are living in My Shop! right now.

My new hair that is no more and lip balm

My new hair
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

IT was really nice while it lasted. Well now that I have it washed, well it is a big short puffy mess on top of my head. I sadly discovered how short it was when I couldn't use my round brush to dry it. Well it just won't fit on my brush it is too short.
ahhhhhh There is nothing that I can do except be puffy while it gets a bit longer. My first work day will be a puffy day.

On happier note, my super awesome Lip Balms! are currently featured in two blogs
Here is what miss Lemonade has to say
and Miss
Aphadon just bought them and loves them. yey!
ps Please notice that I have learned how to edit a little HTML and have updated my links! and have a mini Etsy! and have a counter that is missing a year worth of views but it is there!

Lets trade...

A little collage work I did late last night. I used mostly recycled materials to create these.
The birds are from a greeting card I received
Fibre from a material swap
and recycled cardstock from more old greeting cards

Perhaps I should say that the materials are saved!
The girl one is ink on 'saved' cardstock



all are available

Also skip over to my Shop! where you will find new ACEOs for sale as well as a listing for a custome stylized portriat

Progress

Puppy in progress
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Here is an update from today's work. I tried using the grid but it was very frustrating so I gave up. It was useful to get the original sketch in but not for painting. I need more freedom when I paint.
Hopefully this painting will be done by tomorrow.
I have to go through my supplies again and organize. I am probably going to have another PaperPack in the shop ;) When we finally step on our feet financially I would love to get some kind of furniture that would be able to organize my piles and bins of supplies.
And I have to make another little set of recycled envelopes, they are popular.
I wonder how much attention I will be able to give to art once I start working.
The one job, offers to pay tuition up to $2,500 a year. This means part time MBA here I come. I probably can't get in this year but if I can still use that money than I wonder if I can put it towards the Continuing education courses I wanted to take in Fashion,,,hmmmm that would have nothing to do with Finance.

What a day...

Puppy sketch with grid
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

It's already 5pm wow wow wow
well it doesn't help that I woke up at 11:30 am today.
Let me start with the best news.... I have found the big big job and they want me, yeyeyeyee You are reading the journal of an official Financial Analyst for a large multi national company
Actually I am waiting to hear from another company on Tuesday before I can say yes to the first one, but they want me and they are waiting. If I accept I will be starting on Thursday!!!!!!!!!! with a very very good salary and 100% benefits.

The picture on the side is of the new pet portrait that I am working on. Looks nothing like the cutest puppy that I am painting but it's just a start to get the lines ready and to show it the customer. [edit: I have now re-sketched it and this is the new version]
After close to 3 weeks of no sales. I had this pup and an order on Wednesday, the next day another order ....
Today after looking through my favorite sellers I found that one was 'destashing' some lovely papers and contacted her to trade. She agreed, I have to say that my Lip Balm is a great tool for trading. A little later someone else contacted me for a trade. This time for my destashing paper pack and of course Strawberry lip balm
Busy busy day. Also there is a customer interested in my Self Image prints, Only he wants it bigger and well I can't make it bigger because the original is small.

Amy, please give me a call early this week, I need to give you back your things from the craft show.

yey Happy Saturday!

Reminder... I have yummy Lip balm

Raspberry

Strawberry

Chocolate Chip

Vanilla

'Heart Vine' - sold

Heart vine
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Finally it SOLD. 500 views on etsy and it sold today at my first craft/art show. Yey. The lady even went and took out money for it.
I sold a few lip balms, my Tiger mirror, magnets. I found that my display needed signs in order for people to realize that I had the lip balm. In total, after the cost of the table, gas and feeding Paul, I probably made around $5 ;)
I did trade 3 lip balms for a great pair of earrings. Gave out a ton of cards and promos from other sellers. Now I am as red as this little painting, even though the sun only showed up a few times we both managed to get burned.

One lonely ACEO

In a Dream series
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Once upon a time there were two of these ACEOs. One was fortunate to find a new home and the other was relisted many times. Upon being featured a few times in treasuries and such, this heart ACEO is yet to find a home after 450 views. After the card expired the other day, I debated a while if I should relist it. I still believe that there is a home out there for this wonderful ACEO titled 'In a dream: Honesty"
Here is a Link to where it currently lives