"Etsy Partnerships are Wonderful" Blog Giveaway!

Frame by DAcustomframes.etsy.com, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

I knew I needed great environmental photos to fill out the descriptions in my Etsy shop, but I don't like just any old frame. I love quality, handcrafted frames. Unfortuneately I can't afford that many frames all at one time. I wrote to David Arnold who owns DAcustomframes on Etsy. I came across his shop while searching for just the right frames to exhibit with.

So, I had an idea – a reciprocation of sorts. I asked him if I might use his photos with my prints inserted in kind for a link to his shop in my description. I was so nervous asking. I was seriously afraid that I would be chewed out, but David contacted me within minutes of my convo saying he liked my work and he didn't mind at all! How sweet of him! He is listed in my shop announcement and a link is provided in each and every listing that I use his frames. So, I think it is a win-win situation!

David Arnold started DA custom frames in May of 2008 immediately following his graduation from the University of Georgia. He graduated with a bachelors degree from the Terry College of Business. His experience and interest with building and art is mainly attributed to his start in this industry in high school. David has five years experience in building for visual displays at the Atlanta Gift Mart showrooms (Appelman and Schauben) and for several mall grand openings throughout the United States. His building experience includes a variety of woodworking related projects.

His NEW picture frames are now on Trunkt, The Premier Directory of Creative Entrepreneurs - http://www.trunkt.org/DAcustomframes.com

You can also see his pictures on Flickr.com or read his blog about frames here.

So to celebrate I am giving away a print of my "Winter Cardinal" to one lucky person! YAY! It fits in with the holiday theme and would make a wonderful gift! To enter, just leave a comment now through Teusday, December 15th at 5pm Central Standard time. I'll hold a drawing at 5pm and announce the winner! I'll ship anywhere in the world, so don't be afraid to enter. Thanks for helping me celebrate!

The Fine Print: this is for one Winter Cardinal print only, the frame will not be included in this giveaway.

Winter Cardinal

Winter Cardinal, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

So this is the finished product. I still haven't quite figured out the art of using more than one block. I'll keep trying. My registration is horrible. If anyone has tips, I'll take them! This was handpainted from the back with watercolor in red and blue. Red Graphic Chemical In was brushed on top with a stiff stencil brush. It is available in my shop at a very reasonable price :-). I tried to make it look more "Snowy by giving the white branches a subtle blue bleed into the lower portions.

5" wide x 3.25" high. The key block is shown here. and the original sketch is shown here. It was flipped and cropped from the original sketch.

Cardinal sketch: flip&crop

Cardinal sketch: flip&crop, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Just thinking out loud:
Possible print for Christmas Cards? Red, black, navy on Goyu washi to get nice whites? Maybe Unryu washi - the strands of fiber to add interest? The bird looks more like a kingfisher because its head is too big, or is the tummy too big - maybe both? This drawing was flipped and cropped from the original to create a stronger composition. Print to come.