Special Valentine Giveaway

I would like to start a new tradition around here, and I want it to be something special given at least once a year.
I want to give away a painting, and I think Valentine's Day is the perfect time.

Title: "Love Floats"

Image Size: approx. 6.5 x 11 inches
Paper Size: 9x12

I created this piece just for the giveaway, and it's particularly special because of how I went about the process. In my previous post I mentioned I was going to take a watercolor class and I found many awesome videos/tutorials on youtube. 

I applied much of what I learned, and something clicked last night as I completed "Love Floats". I am VERY excited to see the new discovery in my later work. (discovery will be revealed in next blog post)

Why the original giveaway? I truly believe my artwork goes to those it was intended for, and I know in these times it can be difficult to obtain something extra that isn't a necessity. 

So, is this intended for you? 

Here's how you can find out...

Mandatory Entry: Post below about one of the biggest blessings you've ever received. What truly touched you and made you stand up straight knowing you were/are loved?

Additional ways to enter (get your name in multiple times):

1 entry - Share the giveaway on Facebook and Twitter and mention below

2 entries - Visit my shop and share your favorite art print below 

3 entries - Write a blog post about this giveaway and share the post here 

Please be sure to post all comments here so that nothing gets lost. If it's not below it won't count. 

I will use Random.org to determine a winner.

There's More?!

Yuppers! There will be a second and third place winner too!

Second Place Prize: *Two (2) 8x10 prints of your choice from my shop and one (1) Print of "Love Floats"

Third Place Prize: One (1) print of "Love Floats"

♥ GIVEAWAY ENDS FEB. 1, 2012 ♥
*open editions only

My Biggest Blessing? It's a hard question because my life is truly filled with so many blessings! It's why you see me use the word everywhere, because I am overflowing with them. 

I think my biggest blessing is when God encompassed all of me and saved me from a life that could have led to death. I mean this in a physical sense, although he saved my soul too. If he had not done that, and loved me so much to do that, I would not have my husband, my friends, my in laws, the amazing relationships with my mom, dad, and sister, it's astounding.

The life I have now as I know it would not exist....and the one that would be....makes me shudder to even think about. I knew I had to get out of that situation, that lifestyle, but couldn't do it on my own. He and I truly bonded through that experience. It's amazing what miracles he brings. :) 

blessings,

sara

Six Month Mark

I'm so excited!
And I just had to share! Last night I finished February and that marks the sixth month. I'm halfway through the series. Wow! Keep pushin' me everyone, it's helping to keep me motivated.

"Iris" on Etsy

Here they all are together, sooooo cool to see them together (well, for me ^_^). I can't wait to have all 12 done! February was just listed on Etsy too. I'm thinking bookmarks, anyone? ;)

Tell me, what would you like to see these images used for? The idea was for birthdays but I feel maybe that's too over done? Of course, I like celebrating birthdays, so maybe I'm just old fashioned. I'm open to ideas!

February Raffle!

Since my last raffle here on the blog, I've wanted to host another one. So this month I am, and there will be 4 winners!

❤ Starting tomorrow, February 1st, every time you spend $25 at my Etsy shop your name gets entered into the RAFFLE !

Every Thursday during the month of February a name will be drawn. Your name never leaves the raffle unless you win!

❤ The Prize

A handsigned, personalized, and dated edition of Pure Inspiration's "Fantasy Art Collection". A heavy and gorgeous book filled with masterful fantasy artists including Shelia Wolk, Josephine Wall, K.Y. Craft, and more! Even the cover is embossed!

Many artists, many stories about their inspirations, and SO many stunningly beautiful pages of artwork.

The first drawing will be held on February 4th. The announcement will be made here and on my Facebook Fan page.

Winners will be notified through email and through Etsy's convo.

February Postcard

Last night right before bedtime I finished the illustration for my promotional postcard. Thanks to my advising husband of course. First mail out of the year. Surprisingly enough, while playing in photoshop for layout, it wasn't nearly as hard as my postcard last year. I don't know if it's because there isn't as much pressure (Brian having a new job), or if it's what I hope it is. That I have enough faith and trust in God that I just keep doing what I'm led to do and let Him take care of the rest. A running theme this year I think. :)

I would appreciate any feedback about layout. Especially in on the back. I realized I hadn't done any illustration to take from the front and transfer to the back. So I decided on illustrating a beach like (Columbian?) girl, all the way across the ocean from where the kids on the front are from, receiving one of the loving thought letters. Placement and color was the only real issue I ran into. Couldn't decide.

If you have thoughts, opinions, for either the front or the back, I'm all ears. I'm hoping to get these ordered tomorrow or Friday. :)

Thanks!