Something new and fun

Something new for you to say thank you with



Also perfect for little promos, business cards, ACEOs and ATCs
Completely recycled envelopes and little cards now having fun in The Shop

'In Time for Spring' - new ACEO

'In time for spring' -ACEO
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Yey for new art work in The Shop .
I am really happy how this card turned out. I combined blue and coral and the combination is wonderful.

Thank you Amy for the wonderful afternoon. Looking through old yearbooks can really remind you of where you came from. Who I was five years ago and who I am today, seam like two different people.

Life Update

40 Little envelopes
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I am slowly getting ready for the May 12th little show. I made these envelopes for all of my small items like mirrors, buttons etc. I have about 50 or more envelopes. Yes I do have high hopes.
Now I have to do some marble magnets and finish a few more pendant ideas. Oh yes and start making a lot of lip balm ;)

Job front - I received a rejection again. I don't know what I am doing that is so bad. I am still looking and looking

What else....hmmmm I have to get back to painting but I am lazy. For now I am letting the big painting cook in my head and not touching it for a while. I am thinking of doing the same painting but in palette knife, in order to keep it abstract. I want to see how that will turn out.

Sale is still on...

Page 5 and Page 6 are now an extra 25% off. just write 'big25' in the comment to seller and wait for an updated Paypal invoice
This is a link the whole shop

Sale Pages
Link to Page 5

Link to Page 6

Here is what you can find there:

Goodbye

'In a Dream: Our Love'
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Goodbye sweet little painting.
This little and old piece has finally found a new home and will fly to it this weekend.
As for me, I applied to a job today
Finished the edges on a few paintings, I have a habit of not doing that but since I am taking them the craft show they have to be done.
Started 2 more canvases for the other pieces to go with the 'Self Reflection'. I decided to list the painting on Etsy, worse case it will just sit there.
Packed a few promos to send to another etsy seller. I also realized that I need to pay for my PO box, yikes I completely forgot

Step 3

step 3
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I am working on it...
My hands hurt and my brain hurts. Who knew painting is this painful!
Paul has been pushing me to keep going, I would have stopped at the face if it wasn't for him. I haven't done this much detail in a very long time. Smooth lines. small brushes.
It helps to see it as a picture, ha it helps to see the mistakes.
What do you think?

'Self Reflection'

"Self Reflection"
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

The new 12x12 inch painting I was talking about. I think this is the first piece to go in my 'portfolio' !!! I want to do 2 more similar images.
But sadly I don't have 12x12 inch canvas
Anyways, this is a look back to once upon a time (7 years ago) in high school when we had to do a self portrait stencil type thing. Mine was awful together with all of my self portrait work. I wanted to play with it again. This image has been burning to come out for a while and for once I am happy about a self portrait. Darker is better for me right now, I like that I can leave the 'happy go lucky' art.
I really need to create work that is a reflection of where I am right now in my life and how I feel.
Opinions. Comments. Suggestions are most welcome

New cards

Yey for new cards in The Shop
I love working with ink on these small projects. I need to look into buying some good ink pens. Anybody know of a good brand?

On the job front- no news and no news is NOT good news

I have almost completed a new 12x12 painting that I am excited to share with you soon
and I really should work on the big one but the face is very intimidating to do

Stage 2 ( I should have posted this yesterday)

Stage 2
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I had to start it. My hands were itching to paint. A lot is done but since it is day 4 of my migraine I can't keep going. The pain is coming and going in waves it is really really hard to concentrate.
The skin tones I painted are too yellow, but I haven't mixed skin tones in years so I am going to experiment for a while. Also I can't decide on the background and floor. Ideas?
I hope to get to it tomorrow and start working out the details. I am scared of the details, so wish me luck.
How is it so far? Ideas comments...

Full size painting... ( I should have posted this yesterday)

self image painting 1
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Lets go on a ride together. Aren't you lucky to join me on this journey? I started the first painting in the self image series. 20x28 inches, first full size painting in close to 5 years.
So much for not painting faces. Ignore the major pencil smudges around the face, my eraser decided today was the day to fight me. I plan to document this struggle as I step away from my safety zone and challenge myself. This is a very rough sketch and I hardly follow it I just needed to get the basics down.
Wish me luck, comments suggestions etc are welcome

hmmm today in lala land...

Hmmmm
After trying to take pictures to continue with the Self Image series I discovered the great need to get into shape. (ps yes this defeats the purpose of the series, since it is about being true to my image, but I want to be a better image). Eight months of sitting around studying definetly hurt a body. I went for a run outside yesterday. I have waited five years to be next to a park and finally I have a park and a lake. I ran ¾ of the way around and am really proud of myself, also there were 250 situps trown in the mix.
We also walked to Paul’s parents’ house and back which added another 2miles maybe.
Today I am really really sore but happy sore. Instead of running I am still going to go around the lake but walk. I really hope to make it a daily run.

My beloved printer, my gift for starting University five years ago to myself, has decided to go crazy. It no longer registers that there is paper in it and I have to push the paper in for it to grab it, this of course happened out of the blue. This means that it no longer prints aligned pages but lop sided ones depending on how the paper is grabed, apart from almost running out of colour ink, I couldn’t print my business cards properly. So now I have spent $40 to get 250 cards from Vista print.com I am not sure if they will get here in time for my May 12 show, because I picked the cheapest delivery in 21 days. Hopefully the printer will get out of its funny mood and I won’t have to get a new one. Please please printer get well soon.

ACEO collab

Believe it or not I actually managed to finish a project early. This cards is for the ACEO project either for the VAST street team or the ACEO street team. I can't remember they are mixing themselves up in my head.

in my world....

I woke up today with a giant headache. I don't know if the 3 large glasses of wine did it or just it's migraine love.
Paul bought wine yesterday to celebrate my graduation. He also made really really good pasta, just olive oil, spices, bacon, tomato. Yummy Yummy. Paul has become the cook in our little family.

Today is Day 2 of my job- ie looking for a job, and it seams like all there are no new postings. ;) There is always tomorrow
For now I am eating ice cream because it helps my head and thinking up ideas for my Shop.
On Saturday we are going to Paul's parents for a belated Easter and we will have turkey!!! as per my request. Paul's mom makes the bestest turkey!

end of on chapter...

Today I am writing here as an University Grad. I finished my last exam and now I am free. For the first time I have nothing planed. Happy or not, it's time for art!
I finished this series of ACEOs while I was studying over the weekend. They are almost all in the shop


Ink Tree v1
Ink Tree v2
Ink Tree v3

I really need to raise money in order to finance a mean emergency that happend the other day.
I am having a 25% off sale from page 5 and page 6 in my shop. There you will find : prints, original pieces, mirrors, buttons, magnets and more. Prices have not yet been reduced, please wait for an updated invoice after purchase. The sale is on from today April 13 to Monday April 16
Thank you
Here is an example

Links to sale pages
page 5
Page 6

I finished this the other day and today I really finished it.
I love doing cutsom work and I really need more to come my way.

This week I am studying for exams. I am glad that I only have one more chapter to read in my HR textbook. The chapters are way too long, I am talking 60 pages.
Then Personal Finance and Small business finance. At 9pm next Tuesday my university career will be over ;)
For the 1st time in my life I won't have something to do. Wow.

I also Added these wonderful flowers to my shop. Perfect for your scrapbooking,aceo, atc mixed media projects. I love them.

I am in are really destashing mood and my giant pile of papers has to be cleaned out. A brand new paper pack is in the shop

Paper pack

To celebrate my last week at university I am having a little promotion
April 1 to April 8 - Free shipping to Canada and US on orders of $15 or more!!!
Just write 'April' in your comment to seller and wait for an updated PayPal invoice

I can even stop to look around....
I am finishing my last two Financial assignments, my Balance sheet is not balancing, and just finished a Recruitment assignment and my Strategic Management decision.
I am applying for jobs.
I got my hair straightened today and my nails done for tomorrow's Formal. I had gift certificates for both!
I can't decide between my Red long bridesmaid dress and my flowery short dress....hmmmmm

Also I took some new pics for the Strawberry Lip balm . I am starting to impress myself with my photography skills, hehee in making things look ever so yummy!

Another little cutie has found her way to my shop. I am loving this fun, quick, cute and very buggy series
Mr. Spider
Dragonfly
Ladybug

Also check out my Lip Balm , it is specially priced and I now have Strawberry to add to the mix!

School is keeping me really busy. This weekend I have to write a seven page strategic analysis. It is single spaced and worth a big chunk of my mark. Yakes.
Non the less here is something new that is in my shop. The dragonfly ACEO will be in my shop on Monday ;)

So far, I have written 2 midterms, finished 2 assignments and gone a little crazy.
I am looking forward to my morning tomorrow when I can spend some time working on the Shop! Time spent on it has been decreased from a whole day to just the morning. Of course I will be making a ton of lip balm to finish all of my orders and get them mailed. My friends also ordered a bunch so I will have to finish those as well. Lots of Chocolate Chip flavour is going to them. After seeing my sample one they all wanted it. yey!
After a fun morning I will have to work on my HR class assigment and apply for more jobs. Only a month and a half left of school and still no job.

Who would have thought that I would sell out of Lip Balm !!!!
I ran out of containers but no worries I will have them soon so I don't have to take them out of the shop.
I met my goal of 50 sales by March 15!!!! yeyey
It's not the 15th and I am already at 54 sales

I was busy packing orders this weekend and studing. Only a month and a half left of school!
2 Finance midterms next week, an assignement for an HR course and 2 decisions for a simulation in Strategy and have to get ready for a presentation in HR. Oh my busy week ahead. I only have Wednesday to work for my shop ;(
Friday night I am invigilating ( supervising a test) and hopefully will be able to go out that night for my B-day that was last week.
Yeye!

Just look at what is in my Shop!
Lip Balm, Yummy Yummy lip balm.This flavor is made with real chocolate chips! I want to use products that are as natural as possible and very edible ;)I am so excited! I have already sold 2!!!!!They are at a low intro price until Monday

Supper cute Paper Pack has made it to the shop. I am in a cleaning mood and I need to 'destash'!



also I repainted my Summer painting so that it is more magical!

The whole series is finally finished and I love how they fit together.



Winter
Spring
Summer
Autumn

Now real life Spring where are you?

I have been keeping really busy with the shop this week. I have new note cards and birthday cards, as well as new paintings and this new pendant that I simply love

Soap Trade
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

http://halflying.etsy.com and http://flameworks.etsy.com
Were incredible enough to trade with me for soap. I love hand made soap but since I am a bit broke I had to trade for it. They were wonderful and now I have a stash of soap!!! Beautiful wonderful soap. I wish I could use all 5 bars at the same time ;) Please do visit their shops they have some incredible products.
Thanks again Ladies!

For some reason I did not show this new painting earlier. Last year I created 4 pieces each 4x4 inches and mixed media, that represented the seasons. This year I am going back to the 'Seasons' series but with painthings. I am crazy about trees right now, if you know let me know
I hope to finish the rest of the paintings next week when I am off from school.

A wodnderful way to end the day!

Minty green cards
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Sometimes the world looks a lot brighter after 4 pieces sell from your Shop! . The wonderful CrysallisCreations
returned to my shop and purchased many many cards. Once again a few pieces of my art will be flying off to Hong Kong!
I have to say a big thank you to her because she has made my day that much brighter!
Thank you.

It's Valentines day and I think that's enough of an excuse to have a little SALE!!!


This series is now on sale!

Love
Trust
Kiss

I decided to make a print of this image yesterday and see what happens. It turns out that it looks incredible. I couldn't wait to list it. Shop Link!



Also, today is the last day of my 20% off weekend, only excluding custom and collaboration projects. Thanks you for taking a look ;)

Feb 9th to Feb 12th 20% off the shop, excluding custom and collaboration project.

Just write 'weekend20' int the comment to seller and wait for an updated PayPal invoice

Little birthday cards a friend of mine ordered. One is for a brand new person only a year old and the other is for a not so new person ;)
I used fun collage papers. What do you think? I really like the birthday cake one, it might go to the Shop.

I don't think I have told you about this beautiful painting, that is happily sitting
The Shop I either paint from reference or I go the other way around an create completely abstract paintings. Fantasy is not my cup of tea but from time to time, there is a little whimsical painting that finds itself out on my canvas. What do you think? A little too out there for me or just right on the button? I like it a lot because it is taking me away from my reality, the finance textbooks on my desk, and puts a little smile on my face.

I knew this was coming, I have see a lot of people get tagged so I guess my turn was coming. I was tagged by tomate d'epingles

Five things you don’t know about me….
Keep in mind I am not in a very good mood. Sorry.
1. I suffer from anxiety when it comes to the future. I can’t take risks no matter how much I would like to. I always have to know how I would get home if I was out partying, if I was to go on a vacation I need to know where the money for my car will come from, the rent etc. I have to always be prepared otherwise I can’t do anything. I would love to forget about everything and move to New York to be an actress, go to fashion school to be fashion designer.
2. I am scared of driving. I always picture horrible things happening. In bad weather I freeze and drive as slow as possible. This has been happing since Paul and I were in a car accident about 3 years ago.
3. I keep everything thinking that I would need it later. I used to be a lot worse, but the apartment is still filled with useless things. I think it is because when I was little we didn’t have much and now that I can sometimes buy things I keep them forever. For a single night away I have a full, zipper bursting, overnight bag.
4. I hate penny pinching every dollar. For some people change is nothing, for me a quarter is a fortune. I really wish that when I have a regular job, I can stop worrying about money and get some sleep. I would love to be able to go out for a night instead of sitting at home wanting to go out but not doing anything because all I can think about is how much it will cost.
5. I am very lazy. I will sit here and dream but not get off my butt and do something about it. Perhaps the above points add to this fact.
So I am the person you thought I was.

"Black Apple Surprise"
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

hmmm Fantasy is not my subject matter and yet it is starting to show up here and there. This painting is more a play on the colors and textures, as I have never used silver paint before. What do you think?
My Cafe Mocha Tree sold the other day and I was missing the swirlyness of it. This shape can be found all over my lecture notes, I dont' know what it is about it. I have been trying to stop, but it's not always working.

Today I am working on my assignment for my Strategy class. We are using a program called CAPSTON and so far I have created a mess trying to figure out where to get my innitial information from.

After this horror is done, I have to finish my little commission piece. I have to say that I really like doing commissions. They make me try new things, sometimes very unexpected, and push me to learn. I like them and they pay well ;)

The last silver star card set
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I found these cards under a pile of paper. I think they were made for something but I ended up not needing them and now they are in the shop

I am reaching the upper limit to my flick account and I am trying to clean it up so that I can add more pics. Too bad I am too poor to purchase the a Pro account. Maybe I will get a surprise for my birthday, who knows. For now I will be trying to get rid of any pics that are duplicated.

yeye for a day I plan to spend painting...

I am trying to utilize my day at home. Since Etsy is my only job, I am trying to be a good productive employee. Yes I am avaiding school work, but don't tell my boss ;)

I decided to give Ebay another try and listed this card. I used Auctiva to create the listing. The only problem I faced was that I couldn't make ship from Canada and had to edit in my Ebay account. Also I kept forgetting to put in a gallery picture and well it took me forever to make it so that I can see it.
Please click on the image to visit the auction


Also in Ivaart / Etsy news I put together this little package


3 heart shaped marble magnets made with really cute papers, even one that looks like red leather and 2 love notes. Please click on the image to visit the shop.

'Milkey'
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Look who is finally finished!
Meet Milkey, my sister's roommate's cat.
His portrait is acrylic on canvas board measuring 8x10inches.
This so far is a productive weekend, I managed to finish most of my art projects but not my school work ;(
We bought a new dresser yesterday with our Xmass money from Paul's parents. It's nice and black, a bit too tall for my to have a mirror that would allow me full lenght visions of myself, but now our clothes will be put away.
My next mission will be to find something to store my art supplies, mainly papers. I have to be able to see them too, so that I don't forget I have them and buy the same thing again.
In an hour we are off to Sunday dinner with Paul's family.

The first two are available for trade



and this one is already traded with an amazing artist I came accross on flickr: Carambatack

Hey everyone a quick update from http://ivaart.etsy.com
I am holding a special 15% off sale on my note cards. Please wait for an updated PayPal invoice after purchase.


click on the image to visit the Stationery section
You can even mix and match sets to create your own set of 3 cards. Just contact me prior to purchase.

"Little Amy"
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Amy has put a new bug in me. Taking continuing education courses at George Brown in Toronto. I am just looking over the courses and I would love to take them. The Fashion and Arts courses really interest me. I used to want to be a Fashion designer once upon a time and learning some basics would be great. My night courses will be a fun alternative to my Financial Services career.

This is a portrait of 'Little Amy', I painted this last fall of 2005 after 3 years of no painting at all. Now it hangs in her parents' room and that makes me really happy.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/iva_o/345724561/">New red plates
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I am ready to put the Done check mark beside a few things.
I finished my commission and it's ready to be mailed tomorrow. I also finished my 9 items for the Etsy Valentine's Swap. I did little heart vine drawings for it.
Those two items will be in the mail tomorrow. I wanted to mail out my contribution to the sampler as well, but after getting about 20 items ready I decided that only a week worth of mail in time is not enough for it to get there, so I will send it in for March.
In the pick to the side you can view my new lovely red RED plates. I love them so much!

I was busy today.
I decided that my one class today was not worth the drive and I skipped it.
Instead I started work on a few not school projects that have to be done as soon as possible, before the school crunch starts.
My day started with finding out that my Norton Antivirus is acting stupid and prompting me to uninstall it. Thankfully when I renewed I spent the extra few dollars for the option of being able to download it more than once. Anyway I spent good two hours trying to talk to the support people, who kept sending me incomplete links and so on. Good news is that now it works just fine. Cross my fingers.
I have to finish Milkey's pet portrait by the end of this weekend.
Yesterday I received a request for a custom word illustration like the ones I have in the Shop . I finished the preliminary work and you can see my progress here , it's for an Etsy artist http://darkyetsunny.etsy.com
I also signed up for an Etsy Valentine's day swap and I have to create 9 items for it. I will add it to my weekend to do list, since they have to arrive to the Swap organizer by Jan 25th.
My proudest accomplishment is the creating of a light box. I still have to figure out light sources and etc but I hope to get some new pics in the shop, now say it with me... this weekend ;)
After saying that we are on a diet yesterday, our dinner just made us hungrier.
Today we had chicken breast, salad and a little bit of whole wheat pasta with tiny bit of olive oil and Greek seasoning. Lets see if that will keep us from eating our fingers. To be honest all I want is a nice chocolaty desert with my coffee.

In the spirit of year end I am having a one night only SALE.20% off anything in the shop. Just write 'sns20' in the comment to seller and wait for an updated PayPal invoice.click on the banner to visit the shop.

'sns20' in the comment to seller and wait for an updated PayPal invoice.In the spirit of year end I am having a one night only SALE.20% off anything in the shop. Just write click on the banner to visit the shop.

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Promo card for buttons

Promo card for buttons
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Heheee I am up to no good. ;)
I have been promising to send promos to people and now it's time I start working on them. TheShop really needs a lille help.
In the last Sampler I sent my buttons by putting them in a bag with my business card. I think that's too boring,don't you. I have been thinking and thinking and I came up with this little 3x4inch card to hold the little 1 inch button in the picture frame. I don't think that it's boring now do you? I am too happy over how it's coming along.

Heart vine - sneak preview

Heart vine - sneak preview
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Take a little peak over to my Flickr to find some new work coming to my store next week.
I was looking through my paper stash and found out that I don't have any red paper ;(

Original Art Pocket mirror - "Self Image Series"

Original Art Pocket mirror - "Self Image Series"
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

The perfect gift for a woman who has everything. If she is anything like me she is always in the need for a mirror. This gift is original beautiful and very very functional.
You can find it in my little shop
I have mirrors that come in 4 other designs as well.
Happy Shopping!!!

Fruit card set - Cherries

Fruit card set - Cherries
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

This is one of the cards in this set. The set has 2 more hand painted cards, featuring Grapes and an Apple. I loved painting these cards I even painted the envelopes to match. Really they are too cute for words!!! You can find them in in my store

Also I have a new opportunity if you would like to mix and match between my sets of cards now you can. Simply select the 3 cards you would like to purchase and send me a message.
Happy Shopping!

Embossed thank you set

Embossed thank you set
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

With all of the gift giving and receiving I am sure that you need some Thank you cards. You can find this set of 5 embossed cards in my Etsy Store

Green marble card set

Green marble card set
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I still have a few sets left of my Star cards. They will be perfect to give as Thank you notes for the wonderful gifts you receive this season.
You can find them in my store http://ivaart.etsy.com take a look at my stationary sections
The cards are available in custom colors as well. Also a reminder that this is the last week to order a Custom Pet Portrait from me prior to the Holidays.
Happy shopping!

Marble Silver Star card set

Marble Silver Star card set
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Here is a little reminder that you can find a lot of original cards in my store. If you are tired of sending the same old cards that everyone else has and would like to have something a bit more original visit http://ivaart.etsy.com
I have a lot to offer and if you would like this card design in a specific color you can request it.
Happy Shopping!