A visit from Winona Cookie! And she brought prizes!!

Undersea Steampunk - Aurelia and her Jelly Cruiser by Ramona Szczerba

Ooh - You guys are sooo lucky!

Today we're visiting with one of my favorite Steampunk artists Ramona Szczerba, better known around etsy as Winona Cookie!

And like that isn't exciting enough... she brought goodies!!!

On 4/22 two lucky winners will get their choice of Art Magnets from WinonaCookie.etsy.com.

More about this fantastic random drawing at the end of this post. But first let's sit & chat for a spell...

I stumbled into Ramona's Etsy shop a couple of years ago & fell in love with both the whimsical artwork and the amazing tales that accompany each piece. By they way, click on any image to enjoy the stories behind the phantasmagoria.

from Somerset Studio magazine

I was even more intrigued after reading her Spirit of Steampunk article in the May/June 09 issue of Somerset Studio. (Still available from the publisher by the way).

When not writing and making art, Ramona is a practicing psychologist. (I can almost hear the collective "Aha"). She also is much more eloquent than I, so I'll just go turn on the kettle & you can chat a bit.

Tea Shrine by Ramona Szczerba

RS: Hi, I'm Ramona. Nice to meet you! Oh and this is my imaginary friend, Winona Cookie. When I was little, my uncle asked me who I was talking to, and I chirped "Winona Cookie!" I forgot all about it until he reminded me when I was an adult.

Calliope Cookie, Muse by Ramona Szczerba

RS: Often, after browsing through my shop, people send me emails and ask, “However do you think of all those stories?” Well, I suppose it’s time for me to come clean: I don’t think of them at all. I have to credit my muse, Calliope Cookie. (Click on her image to get the full story.)

Faerie Pack II - Art Cards by Ramona Szczerba

RS: For years I tried to break into children's book publishing (with little luck) & worked primarily in watercolor & ink. I then became interested in collage and started making tiny 2.5" x 3.5" pieces. After I opened an etsy store, people came by and informed me I was that what I was doing was called "steampunk". When I began looking at other steampunk stuff, I realized it was pretty much everything I had ever though was cool or interesting or compelling and now there was one word for it! Vintage outfits, Victorian Sensibilities, dirigibles, fantastic machines, robots - giant squid! What's not to love!

Calypso by Ramona Szczerba

RS: Generally I construct my pieces on stretched canvas. I work small - my largest piece has been 9" x 12". I paint and "antique" them with acrylic. I layout the collage elements on the computer and then print on archival paper. Then spray with a protective finish and cut out the images.

Tesla by Ramona Szczerba

RS: Sometimes I age the elements with walnut ink before assembly. Everything is glued down with a neutral ph adhesive and then all manner of embellishments are added. I particularly like Dresden trim and charms. Then the back is finished & signed. The piece then rests by my computer while I wait for the story to come. Sometimes that takes a l-o-n-g time. I also make shadowboxes and other assemblage, but that is much more complicated.

Magic Mechanical Mask by Ramona Szczerba

Want more? Come with me on Saturday April 17 for the virtual tour of Ramona's Studio. In the meantime be sure to check out her online shops:

WinonaCookie.etsy.com For Originals, ACEO sets & prints

redbubble.com/people/winonacookie/art For prints & greeting cards

zazzle.com/WinonaCookie For t-shirts, mousepads, mugs & other merchandise

Absinth T-shirt by Ramona Szczerba

Want to win a free WinonaCookie mini-print Art Magnet?

On 4/22 two random winners will get one of their favorite Winona Cookie pieces made into an art magnet. If you win you can have the classiest fridge in town! Now back to Ramona for the details:

RS: I'm so excited to be participating in Stacey's giveaway! I am offering 2 prizes, so you have double the chance to win. They are both acrylic refrigerator magnets, about 2 1/4" x 3 1/4", featuring my artwork. Sample pictures follow:

The first picture shows a sample image.

The relative size & how your magnet will be packaged.

The back of the magnet.

Note: this is by no means the strongest magnet in the world - it will hold up some takeout menus or your own fabulous artwork, but that is about it. It comes nicely wrapped in Winona Cookie Creations packaging, suitable for gifting or adorning your very own fridge or office cubicle filing cabinet!

To Enter This Giveaway: Visit my etsy shop, http://WinonaCookie.etsy.com and come back here to comment on your 2 favorite pieces - that's it! Two randomly drawn winners will be mailed a magnet forthwith. Contest is open to entrants in the continental US and Canada only - So sorry!

Be sure to check back next week when I will be giving you a studio tour of the cluttered and seldom-seen Winona Cookie Creations studio AND there will be yet another giveaway!

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See, what did I tell you? You guys are sooo lucky - wish I could enter!! Be sure to leave a comment stating your 2 fave Winona Cookie pieces before 1 a.m. (EST) on 4/22 for your chance to win. Thanks to all who stop by & take the time to comment. I have been told my many featured artists that they really appreciate your feedback.

Many thanks to Ramona (& Ms. Cookie) for dropping in today. It has been fun learning more about you & your creative processes. Also thank you for sponsoring such a fun giveaway! Looking forward to the Studio Tour on the 17th.

Till then have fun and happy creating!