Wednesday, December 23, 2009

New Year Post Card Giveaway!!


Post Card Giveaway!

I have a very generous sponsor, UPrinting, who is offering yet another giveaway to me and my readers! Here's the scoop...


100 Postcards for One Lucky Winner (I get some, too!)
Size: 4x6; Paper: 14pt Cardstock Gloss; Printing: Full color both sides
Shipping: Winner pays shipping. Offer not available to residents outside of the US.

I can think of a lot of ways to use mine! Invitations, thank you cards, note cards... maybe I'll make some sale announcements for the Weller Store! With these cards you use your own design so I can use pictures of the merchandise and add my logo as well!


How can you enter?

* Leave a comment on this post describing how you would use the post cards if you win
* Follow this blog publicly (see the sidebar) and leave a comment telling me you did so (if you already follow, that counts too! Just leave a comment)
* Tell some friends about the giveaway and ask them to stop by and enter. You can blog about it (leave a link!), or send out an email. Just let me know what you did!

Please leave separate comments for each!

The winner will be drawn on January 1st, 2010.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

POSTER WINNER!!!

Karin from Countryfolk Keepsakes said...

Cool!! Please toss my name into the hat. Gee! Its a toss up between my sweet Darla or a pretty pic of autumn here in central New York. Thanks for entering me. :> )
~Karin


Congratulations!!

You will receive a code for your free poster via email in the next few days - have fun!!

Thanks to all who entered!!

Monday, November 30, 2009

JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS! POSTER GIVEAWAY!!



It's a great time for my sponsor to reward my readers and myself with a photo enlargement poster print from Onlineposterprinting.com. It's the best place to make 18x24" Poster Prints from your digital photos! Easy peasy!

Giveaway prize: (1) 18x24 poster print from onlineposterprinting.com for one lucky reader

Size: 18x24 Poster: Paper: High Gloss; Semi Gloss

Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping in the US

Eligibility: Limited to US Residents

How to enter: Comment on this blog by midnight on December 5th - let me know what you will do with the poster if you win. What kind of picture will you use?

For extra entries: 1) follow my blog 2) link to this giveaway on your blog. (Please make separate comments for each!)

As for me, I have this wonderful picture of Sitting Bull that would look great over the fireplace!



http://www.yelp.com/biz/u-printing-los-angeles

Monday, November 9, 2009

Everything You Need To Know About Marketing Your Work


I think it's safe to say there aren't many artists whose goal in life isn't to do what they love every day and actually make a living at it. It's also a good bet that there aren't many artists who have a clue how to achieve that goal - or even know where to begin the process and make part of that journey.

When it comes to having work shown and sold in prestigious galleries, hung in museums and sought after by collectors; a name that is respected and recognized across the country; steady sales in both Internet and brick-and-mortar retail establishments; as well as work published in books and TV spots, most of us just sit and dream about it.

KC Willis, however, is one of those rare artists who has been-there-and-done-that and marketed the coffee cups and greeting cards besides. Literally. So, when she decided to put it all out there and share her experience and knowledge of marketing art, I jumped right in and signed on for the on-line workshop "Marketing Mindset: Navigating the Art Market". I had recently taken a workshop with KC at her gallery/studio in Colorado and found her to be an excellent and talented teacher - it didn't take much time for me to decide to do this one, too.

Here's how KC describes her offering at Marketing Mindset:

I am putting together an on-line workshop that you can participate in at any time, whenever you want. I will cover every subject imaginable as it pertains to marketing your work to the public. And it will be delivered in such a way that there is info there for the novice, those working and selling some already and those in the full throes of their art career, but who still want to take it up a notch into wholesale or licensing. There will be lots of videos by subject matter so you can pick and choose which ones you want to see based on the subjects that matter to you.

How about...
• Creating a cohesive, signature look
• Working in series
• Consignment vs. wholesale
• Pricing your work
• The differences between approaching a gallery, a shop, an on-line retailer or a catalog
• Using Social Networks
• PR-how to get written about in newspapers and magazines
• Marketing your work without leaving home
• The Pros and Cons of having an Artist's Rep.
• Researching your market
• Licensing your work and your name.
• Blogs vs. Websites
• Selling on-line
• Keeping motivated
• Becoming fearless
• And soooooo much more.

You will get unlimited access to the videos, discussion boards where I will answer your questions (along with other artists at the workshop) and scheduled live chats. And anyone who has participated in my on-line workshops or my in-person classes can tell you that I am as much about inspiration and motivation as I am technique. I will encourage you and change your attitude about all things marketing.

A one-day art marketing workshop can be as much as $300 easily. For the time being access to my class (which will be a lot more than a one day thing) is $144. When the videos go live in December the class will be $244. If you get even one good idea that changes the way you think or do things...this class will pay for itself. It's even tax deductible. Not knowing where to go next has stopped many an artist in their tracks. You will also have the opportunity to work with me one-on-one through private phone consultations at an additional fee. Your own private art coach.


I have no doubt that it will be well worth the investment for me. Check it out and see what you think. http://marketingmindset.ning.com/

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Giveaway Winner!

Congrats to Anne - winner of the brochures from UPrinting!

Anne~fiona and twig said...

Well, I suppose I'd use them for advertising my shop. How generous!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

UPrinting Brochure Giveaway!


My blog sponsor is going crazy with giveaways! They are giving me and one of my lucky followers 100 brochures!

100 8.5 x11" Brochure / Flyers on 100lb gloss text paper ; 4 color printing on both sides
Folding Choices: Half fold; Trifold/Letterfold; Z-fold; Accordion (4 panels) Roll Fold (4 Panels)
Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping
Eligibility: Limited to US Residents.


How can you enter?

* Leave a comment on this post describing how you would use the brochures if you win - I already know what I'm going to do with mine!
* Follow this blog publicly (see the sidebar) and leave a comment telling me you did so (if you already follow, that counts too! Just leave a comment)
* Tell some friends about the giveaway and ask them to stop by and enter. You can blog about it (leave a link!), or send out an email. Just let me know what you did!

Please leave separate comments for each!

Winner will be drawn on November 2nd. Good luck!

***check out UPrinting Reviews on Yelp.com ( http://www.yelp.com/biz/u-printing-los-angeles )

Banner Giveaway Winner!

Congrats to Raggedy Angel who said...

Oh that sound s like a nice prize and they have so many nice things. My Daughters School would like to have it I am sure....she would probably like it for herself!
I am loving your pictures! Thanks for coming to see me! Beth

I have your email address, Beth. UPrinting should be contacting you soon with a special code for your banner! I'd love to see what you do with it!

Eileen

Postcard Giveaway Winner!!

Congrats to Margi who said...

How very kewl. I would use them in my quilt and knit swaps to send with a note about the swap on them.

Send me an e with your email address, Margi, and I'll forward it to UPrinting. You will get a code for your postcards shortly.

Thanks to all who entered!

Eileen

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Post Card Giveaway!

I have a very generous sponsor, UPrinting, who is offering yet another giveaway to me and my readers! Here's the scoop...


100 Postcards for One Lucky Winner (I get some, too!)
Size: 4x6; Paper: 14pt Cardstock Gloss; Printing: Full color both sides
Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping in the US (Canadian residents pay shipping and taxes. Offer not available to residents outside of the US and Canada)

I can think of a lot of ways to use mine! Invitations, thank you cards, note cards... maybe I'll make some sale announcements for the Weller Store! With these cards you use your own design so I can use pictures of the merchandise and add my logo as well!


How can you enter?

* Leave a comment on this post describing how you would use the post cards if you win
* Follow this blog publicly (see the sidebar) and leave a comment telling me you did so (if you already follow, that counts too! Just leave a comment)
* Tell some friends about the giveaway and ask them to stop by and enter. You can blog about it (leave a link!), or send out an email. Just let me know what you did!

Please leave separate comments for each!

The winner will be drawn on October 28th.

PS - you also have until the 28th to enter the banner giveaway in one of the posts below!

...and the winner is.....

ALVN of WhisperWood Cottage and Junkologie said...

I would use them as price tags!! :)

Amy


Congratulations, Amy! You win the free biz cards from UPrinting.com!! I have your email address and will forward it to the company - you should receive your coupon code from them soon. I'd love to see what you design for your cards!


Thanks for following!

Eileen

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

I'm Getting a Mammogram Today - Have You Had One This Year?

The best thing you can do for yourself is to get a mammogram - it can save your life!! Don't put it off, it's too important!

Add to your stash! Fab Fall Fabric Giveaway!


If you're like me, you can always use more fabric to inspire you and stimulate all those pent up creative juices. 27 great Fall fabrics fat quarters are on the line here so don't miss it! (A Fat Quarter Bundle of Red Rooster's Pumpkins & Spice Fabrics by Whimsicals!) Get to the Pumpkin Patch Primitives Quilt Shoppe before Halloween to qualify - and be sure to tell Brenda I sent you!!

Good Luck!

Sunday, October 18, 2009

KC Willis - Longmont, Colorado




Longmont is one of those great little cities with a decidedly small town flavor. Folks are friendly and it's not one of those places where people walk down the sidewalk elbow-to-elbow among strangers who never dare make eye contact with anyone.



Tucked away in the midst of the historic district of town and just off the busy Main Street is a little rose and pink Victorian house which is now the studio home of artist KC Willis, her dog, Fiona, and The Lipstick Ranch Gallery. The minute one walks through the front door and into the sun parlor there is a feeling of being surrounded by something very special. It is as though the house wraps its arms around visitors, making them feel warm and welcome.





KC's walls are filled with her own wonderful creations as well as the works of several other artists. Her Western women fabric collages are especially beautiful and intriguing with quotes written in the artist's hand that spring as much from her own life experience as from her closeness to the subjects of her art. To be sure, there are cowboys, Indian chiefs, outlaws, feminist icons, angels and fallen angels among the artwork displayed, but it is the Western women who steal the show away from them all.



The photos are, in their own right, very powerful and alluring images as one can imagine the amount of talent and gumption a woman had to have in order to succeed (and even survive) in what was definitely a tough man's world. It is, however, the heart and soul Willis provides to these women through her use of fabric and her insightful quotes that gives the art its life. It's not difficult to look at these women and believe that they are actually speaking the words she assigned to them on the canvas.





Earlier this month Lipstick Ranch became much more than a studio and gallery. It was transformed into a magical place where artists could gather to learn, share, and laugh. The first KC Willis studio retreat workshop came together and just clicked under her capable guidance. Her abilities as a story-teller kept her students engaged, inspired and laughing. The only drawback was that it was eventually time for the participants to pack up and go home again when the weekend ended.



Lipstick Ranch has a robust schedule of workshops for 2010 that includes workshops led by KC Willis herself as well as by other talented and acclaimed visiting artists including JoAnna Pierotti, Lesley Venable, Rebecca Crowell and Sarah Fishburn.



If you're looking for a great workshop at KC's yet this year, Sarah Fishburn's Ragtags Studio Central: Artist Books and the Elements of Design will be held in KC'S studio December 5th and 6th, 2009. For more information, check out the visiting artist's page


WIP and completed works from the first studio retreat workshop:















For more workshop pictures:

http://kcwillis.blogspot.com/2009/10/make-mine-magical.html

http://rebeccaforvintageliving.blogspot.com/2009/10/kc-willis-studio-retreat-in-longmont-co.html

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

A Quick Giveaway!!


What would you do with 250 business cards? Use them to spread the news about your new business venture? Help you network your blog at an upcoming conference? Introduce people to your church or local charity?

It doesn't matter how you would use them - now you have the chance to win them for FREE!



UPrinting is a great sponsor! They are offering my readers a chance to win 250 Business cards! (They are also giving the same to me!) Pretty neat, huh?

You may still sign up for the October giveaway in one of the posts below, too!

Giveaway Prize:
250 business cards for One Lucky Winner (Free UPS Ground Shipping in USA - Canadian residents must pay postage - other countries not eligible)
Sizes: 2 x 3.5”, 2 x 3”, 2 x 2” (square card) or 1.5 x 3.5” (skinny card)
Paper: 14 pt gloss cardstock, 14 pt matte cardstock or 13 pt recycled uncoated cardstock
Specifications: Full Color Both Sides; Offset Press; 3 Business Day Printing


How can you enter?

* Leave a comment on this post describing how you would use the business cards if you win
* Follow this blog publicly (see the sidebar) and leave a comment telling me you did so (if you already follow, that counts too! Just leave a comment)
* Tell some friends about the giveaway and ask them to stop by and enter. You can blog about it (leave a link!), or send out an email. Just let me know what you did!

Please leave separate comments for each!

The winner will be selected on October 22nd

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Fall Color in Waupaca County

Enjoy some beautiful Fall color!





Hey! There's still time to sign up for the banner giveaway - put your photo and message on vinyl for all to see! Check a couple of posts below for details!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

KC Willis' Studio Retreats Feature Visiting Artists in 2010


KC Willis has some of my fave artists on staff for 2010! Lesley Venable of Flatwoods Folk Art fame will be teaching an altered book class, Bound Reliquaries, which will be held in KC's Colorado Studio February 4 - 6, 2010.

The class is limited to only 10 people so sign up early! After the first 5 sign up there will be a drawing and one of those lucky artists will receive the class at 50% off the already bargain class price. Additionally, when the next 5 sign up another drawing will be held and one of those lucky artists will receive the same 50% discount! A dream of a deal!

I'll be heading on out to KC's in a couple of weeks and I just can't wait!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

October Giveaway - Vinyl Banner!

First, a word from our sponsor...



UPrinting is offering my readers a chance to win one of their 24X36" 15 mil vinyl banners! They are top quality banners with heavy metal grommets that make them easy to hang for any event. UPrinting banners feature photo quality printing on durable vinyl material with archival ink that will ensure that these banners will last for years to come! These banners have been used for weddings, parties, graduations, advertisements, rallies, political campaigns, backdrops and more. Free shipping in the US.

How to win...

1. First check out UPrinting and then leave a comment on this post telling me how you would use the banner if you won.

2. For an additional entry, blog about this giveaway with a link to this post. Leave a separate comment with the URL to your blog post.

3. For an additional entry, follow me publicly and let me know you're a follower in a separate comment on this post.

The winner will be chosen randomly on October 28th and will have until October 30th to contact me so they can receive a coupon code for the free banner and shipping (in the US) from UPrinting.

Good Luck!

Friday, September 11, 2009

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

How to Remove Tarnish from Silver – The Easy Way!

We just got in some nice old silverware at Weller's - some of it matches and some of it is a very eclectic mix of patterns. I'm starting to get the urge to bend, cut and drill on them! Check them out in the Junque Shoppe next time you're in Rural!

While there is something really lovable about the patina that silver takes on with age, eating with tarnished flatware is not something I’m fond of doing. And, though I also love the look of silver when it shines, I’m not very enthusiastic about getting out the silver polish. Ugh!

I recently read somewhere that you could actually soak the tarnish away so I decided to give it a try with some silver that has been in the family for awhile and will soon become my daughter’s. It’s now her favorite color (shiny) and ready to pack in its case.

All it takes is an old brownie pan or similarly wide but shallow old piece of bake ware. I used an old, beat up one that was aluminum. Line the bottom with a piece of aluminum foil and lay out the silverware on the foil. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over everything and then fill up the pan with boiling water.

The baking soda will react with the foil and you’ll see some gentle bubbling for a few minutes. Let the pan sit until it cools and “voila!” your silver is ready to rinse, dry and use. It’s that simple. Easy-Peasey!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Ta Da! August Giveaway Winner!

The winner for this month's giveaway is libbyquilter at Paper Napkin Poetry! Congrats!! Please send me your address and I will get your package out to you soon. Can't wait to see what you do with these goodies - I hope you will share some photos of your work!

This was so much fun! I think I'll do some of these more often! Stay tuned!

Eileen

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Treat Yourself to Some Art Time!



There are still openings in a few of the 2009 workshops at KC Willis' Studio Retreats in Longmont, Colorado! If your calendar for this year is full, I invite you to take a look at the 2010 workshop schedule and plan to register for one of those before they fill up. In addition to the workshops led by KC, she has some awesome artists like Joanna Pierotti and Sarah Fishburn coming in to share their techniques. Right now KC is offering a special on workshops paid in full up front. You will get 20% off and, until September 5th, your paid workshop will get you one night of your lodging free.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Giveaway Update!

Only 9 more followers and I get to add another prize for another winner! I'm thinking that perhaps the lovely butterfly cup and saucer below would make someone happy. If there are two prizes, the first person whose name is drawn will be able to choose between them.

Your friends are welcome to follow and enter so pass it on and good luck!

Friday, August 28, 2009

New Arrivals at The Weller Store!

Not a day goes by when something "new" doesn't come through the door at Weller's! Very often some nice items get priced and reach the shelves only to quickly fly out with a happy customer within the next few days. The oldies but goodies shown below were photographed late this afternoon and are still available. If you can't get to the store and would like some information about an item, please contact me by email or call the number listed on the website for me.



The old wooden pulley on the left is new to the Junque Shoppe this week. We also just got in a pulley that has been decorated with greenery.

This delicate tea cup and saucer is both lovely and unique. The butterfly wing shaped handles are precious! (The linens and doilies you see in the photos are also for sale.)

Were you born in 1973? 1968? We have calendar towels for those years and more. I especially love the shade of blue in this towel.

Here is a lovely service for 12+ in absolutely perfect condition! There are 12 full place settings plus additional cups and saucers. The set also has many serving pieces. (I saw at least two creamers in the box.) A complete matching beverage service with large pitcher and three sizes of tumblers is also included.
Retro frogs for the bath! This wooden wall decor would look great in a 1950s or 1960s setting.

A sweet little vintage piece for mother.

The owner of this picture carefully removed it from a tattered vintage scrapbook and gave it a wonderful home in this lovely old frame.

A vintage embroidered pillow is still very vibrant and colorful.

We've taken in a few pieces of vintage clothing recently. This handmade slip ties at the waist and is in excellent shape.
I love the lace on these bloomers! The lace fibers have taken on an aged patina over the years while most of the rest of the garment remains white. It's so lovely!

Hey! Don't forget to enter the giveaway on the post below! There are only a few days left before the drawing! Remember, if there are 40 or more blog followers, I will add a second drawing from among the entries!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

AUGUST GIVEAWAY!!

In previous posts this month I gave you a peek at some of the things in this giveaway. We're always getting new things in at The Weller Store so you never know what else I might add to the package but, as of now, there will be lots of ephemera, vintage photos, linen cutter pieces and more! If my list of followers swells to over 40 I will add another prize for a second winner from Weller's large selection of vintage glassware!

Here's what you need to do to be entered:

1) Visit the Weller Store website and pick a favorite item from the (partial) catalogue. Comment about it on this post. 1 entry. After doing this you may then,

2) Be a listed follower of this blog - or click on the follower icon on the left and become a public follower. Comment about it on this post. 2 additional entries.

3) Become a fan of The Weller Store on Facebook - click HERE. Comment about it on this post. 2 additional entries.

A winner will be chosen at random from all the entries on September 1st. The winner (or winners) will have 48 hours to claim their prize or an alternate winner will be chosen. Be sure to give me some way to contact you when you post, if your info is not already filled in.

Good luck!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Cutters for the Giveaway!

What are cutters? Cutters are those vintage linens with problems that still have life in them. You know, those pretty little embroidered baskets and flowers that are too wonderful to throw away - even though there is a big hole in the runner or a bad stain in the tablecloth.


So, what do you do with all those hours of hand stitching that Aunt Lizzie labored over so lovingly? Put them in a box or a drawer somewhere and let your kids worry about what to do with them when you're gone?


They're cutters, silly, so you cut them up and make magic with them!


Embellish the pocket of a plain blouse or skirt with some lovely blooms, use pieces of the design in collage work, add some color to your journals or altered books, add buttons, bobs or bits and mount it in a frame, or make some fabric brooches - the possibilities are endless.


A nice old chenille bedspread can easily become a pillow, a stuffed bear or a pair of girly pajamas.



I'll be tucking some nice pieces of cutters into the giveaway package. See the next post for details on how to enter the giveaway. If enough people enter, I may even add another prize for another winner!