The Art of Emily Balivet CLOSED

Mystical and ancient goddesses have graced our literature, inspired much of our music and existed at some point during time. What better way to celebrate and embrace women than with color and whimsy, fantasy and desire?

The Art of Emily Balivet does just that. Emily has been a creative individual for most of her life and decided to make a living from her art at the early age of 17. Originally from Alaska, finding something interesting to do indoors for extended periods of time was a necessary survival skill and painting was her top choice.

Music, literature, and great works of art are her inspiration. In addition, Emily's own paintings drive her to create more. She often closes her eyes at night and envisions herself painting. The visions blow her away and keeps her going probably more than anything else.

I, myself, am a huge fan of mythology and ancient religions. When I found Emily's art, I was blown away by her talent. I fell in love with the Red Goddess and Emily was kind enough to send me this print to decorate my walls.

And now Emily would like to blow one of you away by giving one of you the 8x10 print of your choice from her shop.

To Enter:
Visit The Art of Emily Balivet and tell me your favorite print in a comment. Be sure to leave a contact email in your comment.

Contest will end March 4, 2010.

Contest is open to international entries

BE SURE TO ENTER MY OTHER GIVEAWAYS LISTED IN THE TOP RIGHT!


DISCLAIMER:
Winner will have 48 hours to confirm win by the email I send to him/her. By entering this contest you agree to not hold me nor the sponsor responsible if I don't get your confirmation email or if the prize does not arrive.

Emily did NOT pay me to do this review. I often approach artists and designers for reviews and giveaways when I find their products online. I ask their permission to review their products. If someone asks me to review his/her product, I will always let you know. Once winner has confirmed, I either send winner's info to the sponsor or if prize is in my possession, I mail it. I am not responsible for delivery of prize thereafter.

Amelia Kay Photography Giveaway! CLOSED

I've been drinking wine since I was 15. Appalling to some, but eye-opening to me. I wanted to spit out my first sip of wine. It was terrible. However the host of the party and his wife started raving about the splendor of the wine, talking about the year and flavors. Clearly I was missing something... so I finished that glass and continued to try different wines.

Over the years, I've learned which varietels suit my palate. Pinot Noirs from the United States and French burgundies are definitely my favorites. One of the top vineyards being Louis Jadot, the bottle depicted in this photograph from Amelia Kay Photography.


The black and white photo is distuinguished, and that tinge of yellow adds a rustic effect. A quality photo perfectly depicting a quality wine. I love it.

Amelia, of Amelia Kay Photography, took this photo after her sister asked for some wine art photographs, but mostly she loves to photograph flowers.

Amelia has loved photography since childhood. She got her first DSLR in 2006 and has been teaching herself photography ever since! She really got into fine art photography in 2007 with flowers and landscape shots. She feels she is learning every day...evolving her style as she goes along.

Amelia pours her heart into her work. She loves what she does and hopes it shows through her photographs! I certainly can see it!

And I know you all can too, which is why you'll be delighted to find out that Amelia would like to give one of you an 8x8 or 8x10 print of your choice from her shop!

To Enter:

Visit Amelia Kay Photography and comment with the photo you love the most. Be sure to leave an email address as well so I can contact you if you win!

Contest will end January 2, 2010

Contest is open to international entries

BE SURE TO ENTER MY OTHER CONTESTS LISTED IN THE TOP RIGHT CORNER!

DISCLAIMER: Amelia did NOT pay me to do this review. I want you all to know that *I* approach artists and designers for reviews and giveaways when I find their products online. *I* ask their permission to review their products. Once winner has confirmed, I send winner's info to the sponsor. I am not responsible for delivery of prize thereafter

Tursi Art Print Giveaway! CLOSED

This may sound off topic, but I swear it's not... how hot is Johnny Depp?

Yes I'm obsessed, but I truly think he is an amazing actor. I love all the characters he plays and he plays them so well!

So I got this headless horseman print from Tursi Art... and I, of course, remember how hot Johnny Depp was in that movie.
See... I told you I wasn't off topic!

A beautifully done print by Rose Tursi, she was inspired to read the Legend of Sleepy Hollow and sketch ideas from it after exploring a creepy old graveyard during one of her visits to the area... in the middle of the night... in the dead of winter. EEK!

Rose is an incredibly talented artist who draws inspiration from all over the place. A lot of her style originates from her background in animation. She has watched nearly every animated movie ever made. She also collects childrens' picture books. A lot of her art, 'The Headless Horseman' included, are inspired by mythologies, folk/fairy tales and classics.

Rose has been an artist for what seems like forever. Even as a very small child, she used to get in trouble for doodling all over her school work. Rose loves to draw animals the most of all. She attributes this to a fantastic professor she had in college: Dr. Tina Schmidt. Dr. Schmidt taught 'Animal Life Drawing', but she also had a medical background so she really stressed the importance of understanding the anatomy of the animals we were drawing.

Funny... I have a medical background too. Though mine is the human kind. And while I have you on the medical topic, I encourage you all to come back to my blog in January/February when I will be reviewing another print by Rose... the medical kind.

In the meantime, why not check out Rose's current art on her etsy shop, Tursi Art, because she'd like to give one you a print of your choice up to $10!

To Enter:

Visit Rose's shop on Etsy, Tursi Art, and tell me your favorite print.

Be sure to leave your email in the comment as well for contact.

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY OTHER GIVEAWAYS! Listed in the top right corner!

Contest ends Oct 31st

Contest is open to US & International winners

Winner will have 48 hours to contact me

DISCLAIMER: Rose Tursi did NOT pay me to do this review. I understand there are new FTC guidelines on blog giveaways. I want you all to know that *I* approach artists and designers for reviews & giveaways when I find their products online. *I* ask their permission to review their products, and I will only speak truthfully about their products. In addition, once the winner has confirmed win, *I* am not responsible for the delivery of the prize. I trust my sponsors to uphold the giveaway, and I cannot guarantee the prize will be delivered to the winner.

Andrea Despot Photography Giveaway! CLOSED

The photo, Drinks for Two, is what I find to be genius talent. Andrea Despot, the photographer, makes it very clear what the main ingredient of wine is... grapes. I love it. The concept is so simple, yet truly profound.

In addition, the photograph itself is of exceptional quality. The glasses against the black background seem to jump of the photograph. I love that the photo is not glossy as I think the matte shows the lighting better.

Andrea caught the perfect lighting to make this picture astounding. I framed it in a simple black frame and let it jump off my wall.

Andrea has been a photographer for eight years, shooting mostly objects. She loves taking an ordinary thing and making it extraordinary by using exceptional lighting techniques and color to emphasize shape and texture. Isn't that what I was trying to say about the Drinks for Two photo?

Photography started as a hobby but is now Andrea's career. She works as a full-time photographer at a printing company and also does freelance work... eventually wanting to become a full-time photographer at a studio, and maybe even someday own her own business.

Well I think Etsy and her website are a great start. She clearly is talented, and I'm sure she'll take her artisitic vision around the world.

Photgraphy makes Andrea happy. This photo makes me happy. Now, she wants you to be happy. Andrea would like to offer one of you the print of your choice!!

To Enter:

Visit Andrea's etsy site:

Etsy: www.andreadespot.etsy.com

Come back and leave a comment with your favorite print. Be sure to leave your contact email as well!!

Don't forget to enter my other giveaways listed in the top right corner!

Contest ends October 24th

US participants only

Winner with have 48 hours to contact me

DISCLAIMER: Andrea of Andrea Despot Photography did NOT pay me to do this review. I understand there are new FTC guidelines on blog giveaways. I want you all to know that *I* approach artists and designers for reviews & giveaways when I find their products online. *I* ask their permission to review their products, and I will only speak truthfully about their products.

Letter Happy "King of Pop" Print Giveaway!

It's been about a month since the passing of Michael Jackson, and I'm still roaring his music on my ipod. His music will forever remain in the mainstream, and tributes will continue until the end of time.

One of my favorite tributes is this art print by Christen of Letter Happy. She captured one of Michael Jackson most famous poses in this incredible silhouette, and she would like one of you to have it.

Christen is constantly creating, focusing on what makes herself happy and of course what she thinks will make her customers happy. She love taking song lyrics or movie quotes and making them not only wonderful to hear, but also beautiful to look at!

Just a little bit more about Christen. She is 23 years old and proudly owns her own graphic design business. She's a true southern belle who wants an eco-friendly house with the guy of her dreams. She wants to raise her children to love people, nature, animals, and the world in general!

Christen agrees that Michael Jackson was an integral part of our world. He was a wonderfully talented man with a great voice, an amazing message, and fantastic dance moves. There will never be another like him.

Now it's time for the giveaway of the King Of Pop 8x10 art print!

To Enter:
Tell me one of the following in a comment:
What did you love about michael jackson?
What is your favorite MJ song?
Any moment in your life that you can attribute to MJ or his music?

Make sure to leave your email address in your response so I can contact you if you're the winner.

If you'd like to buy the print or any of her other products ASAP, Christen is offering my readers a 10% discount on the items in her shop. Just mention "roxyshops" in the message to seller.

Contest ends October 22

!!!Don't forget to enter my other giveaways listed in the top right corner!!!

US entries only. Winner will have 48 hours to contact me.

DISCLAIMER: Christen of Letter Happy did NOT pay me to do this review. I understand there are new FTC guidelines on blog giveaways. I want you all to know that *I* approach artists and designers for reviews & giveaways when I find their products online. *I* ask their permission to review their products, and I will only speak truthfully about their products.

Crimson Peachy Art Giveaway! CLOSED

Often the symbol of rare and delicate beauty, orchids are one of the most popular flowers. With over 25,000 varieties, you can be sure to find the unique orchid that appeals the most to you.

When I first came across Helen's shop, Crimson Peachy Art, on etsy, I was immediately drawn toward the print of the Orchid Heads. First, purple is my favorite color. I knew exactly where I could hang this print on my walls. Second, I found the print to be absorbing. I couldn't stop staring at it.

I wanted it to brighten my apartment, and it has done just that. In addition, Helen generously send me a second print, In the fall, which complimented my place as well.

Helen loves the feeling of creating an image, whether it be a drawing, in acrylic paint, in collage or digitally. She is inspired by all sorts of things; colours, people, nature, art of past decades, especially the 1950s. She aims to create colorful contemporary images that catch the eye, but as long as the image has a an interesting structure and feel, she is happy.

Helen's goal is to create images that amuse or absorb her customer, and the Orchid Heads print certainly consumed me.

Now Helen would like one of you to feel the same way by offering one of you the print of your choice!


To Enter:

Visit Helen's shop on Etsy, Crimson Peachy Art, and tell me your favorite print.

Be sure to leave your email in the comment as well for contact.

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY OTHER GIVEAWAYS! Listed in the top right corner!

Contest ends October 17th

Contest is open to US & International winners

Winner will have 48 hours to contact me

SCHMETZ PETZ Art Print Giveaway! (CLOSED)

I have a gray cat named Sebastien. He is the most wonderful I have ever owned. You see Sebastien thinks he is a dog.

He waits for me at the door when I get home from work. He constantly begs for my food. He loves people and wants to be around them constantly. He loves attention.

All in all, Sebastien is the best. When I saw the Grey cat print by lulunjay, I thought of my cat and smirked.

One time when I was drinking red wine, Sebastien came over and started sniffing the glass. I thought he was trying to steal my wine. He knocked the glass and some wine spilled on his face. It was the cutest thing. To my surprise he had a taste... and I think he might have felt tipsy.

Though he is fat, Sebastien is a light-weight. Kidding Kidding. He hated the wine and never approached my glass again.

Jay of LulunJay was kind enough to give me Grey Cat at the Wine Bar making a Toast. The cat looks like Sebastien. The print is quirky and different. I really love it.

Jay loves using animals in art. He and his wife have a small animal sanctuary with animals all kinds of animals that were rescued from bad situations. Through them he started painted animals as though they were people. He also like a sense of humor and fun in art as well, and captures it well.

Jay has been doing art from an early age and became serious about making a living in art during college and grad school. By taking care of animals his animal sanctuary he found a subject he really believed in and wanted to paint.

And I believe in Jay's work. What a wonderful story and a great talent that he'd like to share with you. Jay would like to offer one of you the print of your choice.

To Enter:

Visit any of Jay's shops and then come back and tell me what is your favorite item.
Be sure to leave your email in your comment.

Ebay: www.schmetzpetz.net
Artist website: www.jayschmetzart.com
Etsy: www.schmetzpetz.com

US winners only
Contest ends 10/14/09
Winner will have 48 hours to contact me

Clear Jade Studio Giveaway! CLOSED

When I visited Italy, i marvelled at the beauty of the country and the vivacity of the people. It's colorful, plush, vibrant, friendly... happy!

I think about Italy often. I loved the food, the sights and most of all... the wine. I've been a wine lover for several years and to visit one of the best wine-producing countries in the world could only be described as a dream.

Whether in the the heart of the city or the expanses of the countryside, the wine flowed. It was wonderful and exhilarating... maybe a little tipsy... to say the least.

And tipsy is how I would describe the adorable cat portrayed in the Picnic in Tuscany print by Annya of Clear Jade Studio. He is stuffed with pasta and dreaming in wine. I love this print because it truly captures the qualities of Italy.

Annya of Clear Jade Studio loves color. There are many colors in this print, and she is inspired by all of them. Annya is also inspired by nature, other contemporary artists and pre-revolutionary Russian painters.

Annya actually grew up in Russia and was fortunate to have an array of after-school programs, including instruction at one of the best art academies in town. She was challenged to develop her skills and use her imagination to the fullest. For Annya, images float through her mind all day like a kaleidoscope.

And it was one of these images that came forth as the Picnic in Tuscany... beautiful and filled with color. Ice cream for our imagination that Annya likes to serve.

Do you want some yummy ice cream too?

Annya would like to give one of you the Picnic in Tuscany print!

To Enter:

Visit Annya's shop on etsy, Clear Jade Studio, and tell me your favorite print. Be sure to leave your email address too!

BONUS ENTRY: blog about this giveaway and comment with the link

If you can't wait to win, please do buy a print ASAP as Annya is offering free shipping for my resaders!! Just message her that you found the discount on RoxyShops.

Contest ends 10/11. Winner will have 48 hours to respond. Only one winner. US entries only.

ThreeCatsGraphics Print Giveaway! (CLOSED)

Now that Labor day has passed, everyone is gearing up for the fall and I couldn't be happier. This is my favorite season! Starbucks has released the pumpkin spice latte. Sam Adams has put Oktoberfest, my favorite beer, on the market

These little things mean a lot to me. They mean Halloween will arrive shortly. My favorite holiday is nearing. And once I get the hint that it's close, I start decorating. I am very thankful that Diane from Three Cats Graphics sent me the Lucky Neko Black Cats Drinking Burgundy print. It is perfect for the season and the upcoming holiday. On top of that, I was beyond excited because I have a cat and I love wine!

I'll toast to all of that!

Autumn happens to be Diane's favorite season too, and a lot of her work is inspired by the current seasons. You'll be sure to see quite a bit of autumn-inspired work on her sites. In addition, Diane finds inspiration through animals both real and mythological. She has four cats who keep her busy and recently she has found inspiration in Maneki Nekos, the Japanese Lucky Cats.

Lucky for sure... and I'm talking about myself and YOU! Diane has generously offered one of you the SAME print that I have! Yes pictured above is the print you could have to decorate for Fall!

To Enter:

Visit Three Cats Graphic on Etsy, Ebay and/or threecatsgraphics.com.

Leave a comment with your favorite item. It doesn't have to be art, as Diane also makes jewelry!

Please be sure to leave your email address as well.

Rules:
Only one entry per person. Winner has 48 hours to contact me.

Contest Ends October 3rd

City Art Photography Giveaway!

I have always admired simple, yet incredibly creative art. Through the blog Sweet Dog Organics, I was introduced to City Art Photography. The artist, Mindy, take pictures of all kinds of images and then puts different ones together to create words.

Check out her website: City Art Photography

If you would like to win a special piece of her art, please check out Sweet Dog Organics. They are running a contest to win one of he LOVE pieces.

Just click here

Three Times a Lady Print

Photography is my favorite kind of art. When I took a photography course in high school, I focused on black and white, taking pictures of people.

I wanted to create a story, and I think I captured a fantastic shot of 2 friends who were dating each other at the time. They shared a milkshake and stared into each other's eyes while sipping it. I never took quite as good a picture again.

I wish I had the eye for photography, but I think I'm more the lucky shot type. Jennifer Squires on the other hand can capture quite the moment. I am impressed with her prints that I saw on her etsy site.

This Three Times a Lady print actually captured my eye with its beauty and my mind with the clever title. I might have to order it as soon as I can figure out where to hang it.

For a chance to WIN one of Jennifer Squires prints, click on this link.

Goo Goo for Sugar Spoonz

I don't have babies on my mind at all, but I came across Goo Goo Gallery and fell in love with the unique baby stuff... not for my future baby though! Actually for me.



This sugar spoon is made out of sterling silver and it can be personalized with any name... like mine. I generally balk at personalized items, but this one looks like great quality... it better be at $150.



Don't let the price scare you off, though. The purpose of this website is not only to sell baby items, but also to support artists. The owner, Chelsea Main, "wanted the focus of [her] company to be about the art and the artists."



Whichever item you buy, she pays the designer/artist a commission for the sale. A silver spoon with my name that also supports the art community... where's my credit card?