New Work!

Watermelon Section. Hand-Painted Adjustable Art Ring.

Ruby Red Tulips. Hand-Painted Adjustable Art Ring.

Monarch. Hand-Painted Adjustable Art Ring.

Ostentatious Octopus. Hand-Painted Art Pendant Necklace.

Monarch. Hand-Painted Art Pendant Necklace.

Monday Must-Have

Today marks a new installment of my Monday blog series titled Monday Must-Have. Each Monday I will feature a fellow talented Etsian and his or her phenomenal work. Each featured artist will have his or her own online Etsy shop where you can peruse and admire his or her one-of-a-kind body of work. Hopefully you will find new favorite artists and artisans whose work you MUST HAVE. :)

Today's featured artist is.....me! I thought that you may want to know a little more about me, Ruth of Allover Art. ;)

Who are you (actual name/and or shop name)?

My name is Ruth and my shop and business name is Allover Art.

What do you create?

Who says art should only be displayed on walls? I take great joy in creating hand-painted wearable art with a shiny resin finish. Each piece is UNIQUE and ONE-OF-A-KIND, so when you are wearing an Allover Art piece, you know that you are the only one in the world wearing it. I also create original oil paintings and pet portraits, however, I removed them from my Etsy shop since they were getting buried by my wearable art.

Where are you located?

I live in Holly Springs, NC with my husband and two rescue pooches Kasey and Indie. Kasey is a 3-year old German Shepherd mix who weighs 105 pounds, and Indie is an 8-week old Beagle mix who weighs 4.8 pounds. They are very comical together.

When did you start creating?

I took a general visual arts class in high school and really enjoyed oil painting. I continued to paint on my own as a hobby through college and for a year or two afterward. In early 2008 I became a full-time artist specializing in pet portraits after a coworker asked me to paint a portrait of his pets as a Christmas gift. Other people saw it and the commissions started coming in. Then in the fall of 2008 I began creating my wearable art on a whim. I was looking to create something unique and original at a much lower price than my original oil paintings and my wearable art just took off!

Why did you choose your shop name?

When I originally started my business I also offered mural painting and faux painting. Since I was offering so many forms of art/painting, I chose Allover Art because my work had so much variety. I still offer mural and faux painting but that part never really took off. My house has some fun faux finishes and a mural or two though. :)

What inspires you?

Every day things inspire me, especially nature and my family. I love bright colors and like to create pieces that stand out and are like nothing else.

What is the most time consuming part of your craft?

For oil painting, the most time-consuming part is the actual painting; well, it takes longer to dry than to paint, but I don't have to do anything for that. For my wearable art, the most time-consuming part (other than waiting for the resin to cure) is painting my pet portrait pendants. I spend extra time on them to make sure they look exactly like the photos of the pets.

What is your most popular item that you create (and why do you think it is so popular)?

My most popular items are my wearable art pendants, more specifically my pet portrait pendants. As a pet owner myself, I completely understand how important our pets are and how they are part of the family.

How do you acquire new clients?

I acquire most of my new customers through word of mouth and at art and craft shows. Once people can actually see my work at shows and can touch my wearable art, they fall in love with the pieces. They love how vibrant, smooth, unique, and lightweight they are.

What's your next project going to be?

I'm always working on new pieces. Right now I am working on some wearable art earrings which I hope to introduce to you in a few weeks.

What types of things do you do to turn first time buyers into repeat clients?

I strive to provide the best customer service possible. I also include a handwritten note and a coupon with each order. I also like to thank those who support me. Fans who join my Facebook Fan Page get notified of super-secret deals that nobody else gets to hear about. If you'd like to join my fan page, click here.

What do you do when you are not creating?

When I'm not creating I try to spend time with my family. I go on daily runs with Kasey (who at the moment can't go with me because she is recovering from an injury), spend time with my husband, play with the pooches, and work on training with Indie the puppy. He is quite the handful at the moment. Also, my sister is getting married in June and I am the Matron of Honor so I have a few things to work on for that. ;)

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Thank you for taking the time to learn a little more about me! Also, today is the last day of the Virtual Easter Egg Hunt! There are over $400 in prizes to win! Check out the details here.

If you're interested in being featured in future Monday Must-Have segments, please feel free to convo me in my Etsy shop or email me. Have a wonderful day!

Indie Sunday!

Indie Picks (Handmade Goodness)

Hand Hook by TheMaineWoodshop - $9

Steampunk Ring by CatherinetteRings - $45


Rainbow Brite Ruffle (Kumquat) by SunBasilGarden - $5.50


Indie Pics (Puppy Mischief)

Indie with his handmade collar from GoneDoggie

Naptime in the sun



105 pounds versus 4.8 pounds

Survey Winner!

Congratulations Erin of DinnerTimeChimes! You have won a $15 gift certificate to my Etsy shop for participating in my survey from this post. In my shop I have a wide variety of hand-painted wearable art pendants, rings, brooches, and bobby pins. Who says that art should only be displayed on walls?

The winner was chosen using www.random.org. Here's a big THANK YOU to everyone who completed the survey. Your opinions are very important to me and I value your feedback. Thank you.

If you haven't completed the brief survey, and would like to give me feedback, you can find the survey here:

http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2hs1ernfst6imjx/start

The above link will take you directly to the survey about you and Allover Art.

Again, thank you for your support and feedback! Congrats Erin! :)

Friday Finds

Sit n Spin Screenprinted Onesie by WrenWillow - $20

Lemon Bar Soap by Soap - $5.75


Winding Path Earrings by SimplySilver - $16


Happy Cupcakes Matchbook Notepads by PamperedPapier - $3.50


Gris (y un Jardin de Flores) Earrings by DropofSunshine - $16

Let the Virtual Egg Hunt Begin!!

Join in the fun and win prizes in the ACE Team’s Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt

In each of our participating shops is hidden a colorful Easter egg (just like the one above). Find them and you could win one of these amazing prizes.

Grand Prize – $110.00 Total Value












aprilsoriginals - Pleated Bag in Michael Miller - $30.00
newfangled - Two Paper Bangles in Seafoam - $22.00
kingfishercrafts - Sea Foam Swarovski Crystal Drop Necklace - $20.00
TraceyGurley - Winner’s Choice of Eight Notecards - $16.00
aprilsoriginals - Four Tissue Holders - $12.00
stefaniesbownanza - Butterfly Clippies and Hair Bow Holder - $10.00


First Prize - $86.00 Total Value












AlloverArt - Bird Silhouette Pendant Necklace - $25.00
mariasfunkytreasures - Crocheted Pink Beaded Necklace - $25.00
kingfishercrafts - Sea Foam Earrings - $12.00

TraceyGurley - Original Art Magnet/Miniature - $14.00

PamperedPapier - Funky Flowers Notepad Holder w/ Pen - $7.00

laksaware - Pistachio Scrubbie and Dishcloth - $6.00


Second Prize - $78.00 Total Value

Jazzturtle - Gone Nuclear- Handspun Art Yarn - $24.00
agreenelephant - Ellen, The Little Elephant - $21.00
mychelle - Winner's Choice of One Placemat Bag - $10.00-$15.00
stefaniesbownanza - 6 Satin Braided Headbands - $12.00
MooreMagnets - Set of 4 Magnets - $6.00


Third Prize - $67.00 Total Value






inthelightglassworks - Hand Blown Glass Pendant - $32.00
newfangled - Paper Bangle - Blue Lagoon No. 02 - $12.00
slimdgm - Customized Clipboard - $16.00
EBSpider - Cinnamon Spice Mug Cozy - $7.00


Fourth Prize - $51.75 Total Value












UberArt - Lace Chiffon Journal - $15.00
GoneDoggie - Winner's Choice of Handmade Dog Collar - $10-$14.00
ValerieEssentials - Three Roses - $5.00
LittleMissSewNSew - Snazzy Sewing Kit - $8.00
McCoyToys - Handmade Spinning Top - $9.75


***Entries will be accepted from 12:01am on Thursday, April 2 until 11:59pm on Monday, April 6. Winners of the contest will be selected using www.random.org on Tuesday, April 7.***

WHAT TO DO:
1) Visit one or all of the etsy shops listed below and look for the hidden Easter eggs. There will be one egg hidden in each shop. Make note of the ITEM URL, not the shop URL.
2) Email the following information to etsyaceteam@gmail.com
~ Make a list of the URLs for each egg you find. Only one email will be allowed per contestant, so make sure to include the locations of ALL the eggs you find!
~ Entries must include your name, email address and mailing address. This information will not be shared. Entries lacking any/all requested information will be disqualified.
~ The more eggs you find, the better the prize
* Find all 21 eggs to qualify for Grand Prize
* Find at least 19 eggs to qualify for 1st Prize
* Find at least 16 eggs to qualify for 2nd Prize
* Find at least 13 eggs to qualify for 3rd Prize
* Find at least 10 eggs to qualify for 4th Prize

3) Go Shopping with the ACE Team
~ You can earn extra entries by making a purchase from the shops listed below. Simply email your paypal confirmation email to qualify.
~ The more you shop, the more entries you get
* 5 entries for making a purchase of at least $25(not including shipping)
* 3 entries for making a purchase of at least $15(not including shipping)
* 1 entry for making a purchase of at least $5(not including shipping)
~ You can make as many purchases as you like, because you will earn entries for each shop you purchase from.
~ Make sure to include your name, email address and mailing address in the email. This information will not be shared. Entries lacking any/all requested information will be disqualified. You may send as many emails as you like for shopping entries.

4) Help Us Publicize This Event
~ You can earn extra entries for helping to promote this event by blogging, twittering or any other means that we can verify
~ Post a URL in the comments below. Only one entry per website. Be sure to include your email address.

5) Follow Our Blog
~ Receive 5 entries for following the ACE Team Blog ---> http://aceteamnews.blogspot.com
~ Post in the comments below and be sure to include your email address.

6) Create a Treasury
~ You will receive 3 entries for creating a treasury containing at least 6 ACE team members (search for the tag aceteam).
~ Post the URL in the comments below and be sure to include your email address.
~ Limit one treasury per contestant/email address.

Start hunting for eggs! Browse through these shops to find em'!
agreenelephant - Adorable Stuffed Animals and Home Decor
AlloverArt - Wearable Art Pendants, Rings, Brooches, and Bobby Pins
aprilsoriginals - Fashionable bags, Wristlets, Crayon Keepers & more
EBSpider - Crochetd Accessories and Gifts
GoneDoggie - Handmade Items for Dogs and Dog Lovers
inthelightglassworks - Hand Blown Glass Jewelry and Homewares
Jazzturtle - Unique Handspun Yarn & Fiber Batts
kingfishercrafts - Applique Animal Quilts, Jewelry and Crafts
laksaware - Handcrafted Kitchenwares, Bathwares and more
LittleMissSewNSew - Aprons, Bags, Sewing Kits and more
mariasfunkytreasures - Handmade Jewelry and Vintage Items
McCoyToys - No Batteries Required - Just Imagination
MooreMagnets - Magnet Boards and other Fun Stuff
mychelle - Placemat bags, Dishcloths and more
newfangled - Unique and Durable Paper Bangles
PamperedPapier - Paper Goods For Any Need
slimdgm - Decorated Clipboards
stefaniesbownanza - Headbands, Clippies, Botique Bows and more
TraceyGurley - Original Art, Paintings, and more
UberArt - Journals, Guest Books & Polymer Clay Pendants
ValerieEssentials - Unique Gel Candles


Rules:
~ This contest is only open to US residents.
~ Prizes will be shipped for free from each individual etsy seller.
~ Entries earned for anything other than finding eggs: These entries will be applied to the prize category that the contestant qualified for when finding eggs. (For example: If a contestant finds all 21 eggs, they would receive one entry into the grand prize category. If they earn extra entries for shopping with the ACE team, these extra entries would be entered into the Grand Prize drawing)
~ If a contestant’s name is not drawn in one prize category, their entries will be moved down into the next category. (Example: Contestant earns 8 entries for the Grand prize, but does not win. Their 8 entries will then be moved into the drawing for First prize. If they don’t win first prize, their entries would be moved to the next category and so on until either they win or all prizes have been awarded.)
~ Winners will be notified by email and must respond within 24 hours or all prizes will be forfeit. In this case, another winner will be selected and contacted until the prize is claimed.

Workshop Wednesday - Resin

In my Etsy shop you can find a wide variety of hand-painted resin pendant necklaces. Once I began creating and selling these unique pieces of wearable art, people began asking me about the process and how to work with resin. Resin is actually quite simple to work with, but it can be troublesome and messy if you don't know what you are doing. I'm sure that different people have different methods of working with resin, but here's my process.

All of my pendant necklaces start out with a wooden tile. After I create the miniature painting on the tile and seal it, I then mix up the resin and add the resin finish to the surface of the tile.

Here are the materials that you will want to have on hand to create the resin finish:

• two-part resin mix
  
• 3 oz. plastic bathroom drinking cups
• 1 oz. measuring cup/spoon
  
• tongue depressors
• toothpicks
• paper towels
• a timer or clock that counts seconds
• a flat surface to work on that you don't mind getting messy
• lots of light

To begin with, make sure that you are working in a well-ventilated area. Set up your workspace on a flat surface that you don't mind getting messy. Feel free to lay down any paper or board to catch any drips or mess that you make. Lay out your tiles face up. Check to make sure that they are dust and lint-free. To the left is an image of some of my tiles that have been painted and sealed, and are ready for the resin finish.

Next you will want to mix the resin. Using the 1 0z. measuring device, measure out 1 oz. of water and pour it into a 3 oz. plastic cup. Mark on the side of the cup where the top of the water is. Add another 1 oz. of water and make a second mark. Pour out the water and dry the cup. Pour 1 oz. of the resin into the cup up to the first mark you made. Add 1 oz. of the hardener up to the second mark you made.

Make a note of the time. Using a tongue depressor mix the two parts. After two minutes the resin should be mixed. There will be bubbles in the resin. This means that you have mixed the resin properly. In the image to the left you can see the bubbles that remain in the resin after mixing. Click on the image to make it larger.

Next, use the tongue depressor to drip resin onto the surface of the tile. Some people pour the resin on, but I find that using the tongue depressor gives me more control. I suggest putting less resin on the tile than you think you need. If after a minute or two the resin hasn't reached the edges of the tile(like in the image to the left), add a little more. Resin is self-leveling, which means it will spread until it reaches an edge to "cling" to.

You will notice that there may be bubbles in the resin on the pendant. You can see this in the image below.


After a few minutes, you should be able to use a toothpick to pop and or pull out the bubbles. Some people use a small blow torch to get rid of the bubbles, but I do not have one and have found that a simple toothpick works just fine.
After you have removed any bubbles, closely examine the resin for any lint or dust that may have fallen into it. Make sure you have several different light sources at different angles so that you can see reflections on the surface of the resin. Once you are finished, cover it with one of the 3 oz. plastic cups.
This will keep the tile and resin protected and keep dust from falling into the resin while it dries. Follow the timetable for drying time in the instructions included with the resin. For my tiles I allow three days total drying time before I turn them into pendant necklaces.

Good luck and happy resin-ing! :)