11/30/13

Winner #6 takes home a $15 Amazon card

7 Days of Giveaways is almost over! 

My fabulous assistant, Birthday-Boy, has picked the winner of today's random drawing. The lucky winner of Prize #6 (a $15 Amazon.com gift card) is...


Gregsulkinfan! Congratulations!
I will email you today with instructions for claiming your prize

As of this posting, there are 12 hours left to enter the last giveaway in this series. Follow the link to find out more about the prize (a tiny flask to hold some holiday spirits) and leave a comment there to enter your name in the hat:  Day 7 - Enter to win artsy mini flask pendant. Ends 12/1


Be sure to pop back tomorrow to find out who wins!

11/29/13

Holiday stamps winner - prize #5 of 7

prize #5 for 7 days of giveaways

Hope everyone is off to a TGIF and fabulous weekend! There is a new random winner to pick today, so lets get started...

The lucky winner of this fun set of holiday rubber stamps is...


Shay Strane! Congratulations!

Thanks for entering this drawing. I will contact you today for your shipping info.

Many thanks to everyone playing along with the 7 Days of Giveaways. It has been great fun spreading the love and free stuff! There are still a couple of random drawings yet to come. If you would like to enter, click the links below for details. Then pop back this weekend to find out who the final winners are.



11/28/13

Winner of giveaway #4 of 7


Happy Thanksgiving! I am going to sound very shallow here, but oh-my-I-am-so-thankful-for CHOCOLATE!! The really good stuff, like they sell at Oxford Exchange. Like the 3 bars I am giving away today to 1 lucky winner!



Drum roll please... and the winner is....



Artfully Yours, Linda!

Congratulations, Linda! Hope this sweetens your day :) I will contact you today for your shipping address.

Many thanks to those who take the time to read & comment on my ramblings. There are 3 random drawings left to enter. If you haven't signed up yet, visit the links below and leave a comment or two.



11/27/13

Winner of $10 Michaels Gift Card is....



Congratulations, Chrissy!

Chrissy, you have won today's random drawing for a $10 Michael's Craft Store gift card! I will email you with instructions for collection your prize.

So, this was Day #3 of 7 Days of Giveaways. Many thanks to everyone who entered. Have you signed up for the next 4 random drawings yet?. If so, pop back tomorrow to see if you are a winner. If not, jump to it and follow the links below. Each day features a different prize:

11/26/13

Winner #2 of 7 is.....



Gypsy Thread! 
Congratulations!

Lucky winner Gypsy Thread takes home a print of their choice (with mat) from my instagram gallery. 

Thanks to all who have been playing along with the 7 Days of Giveaways. I always enjoy these random drawings and hope that you do to. Pop back tomorrow to find out who will be the winner of prize #3, a $10 Michael's Craft store gift card! At the time of this posting, there is still time to enter the next five drawings happening this week.

11/25/13

Day #1 winner of Artsnark Etsy gift certificate

Let the games begin! 

Sorry - couldn't resist. At least I didn't wish that "the odds be ever in your favor".

Last week you got a peek at the prize assortment for this 7 Days of Giveaways. This week the random drawings begin! 1 lucky winner per day will be randomly selected to take home the prize du jour. To start us off, The Dude helped me go old-school, picking 1 name out of a hat. Today's winner of a $20 gift certificate to my Artsnark Etsy shop is ...


Congratulations, Mark (aka Pastor Guy)! 
I'll contact you today with instructions for claiming your prize.

Many thanks to all Artsnark readers who entered. Keep checking back this week as there are 6 more prizes to go. If you haven't entered the other giveaways, visit the links below to sign up:

Day 2 - Winner's choice of 1 matted print from Artsnark Instagram gallery. Ends 11/26
Day 3 - Enter to win $10 Gift card from Michaels Craft stores. Ends 11/27

11/24/13

Giveaway Day #7 - for the holiday spirits


This week just flew by! Today is last day of prize announcements & tomorrow the random drawings begin - woo hoo! For info on all 7 Days of Giveaways prizes, visit the links at the end if this post.

Today's prize may lift your spirits. It will certainly help you carry them. This stainless steel mini flask hold 1 oz of liquid and comes with a removable chain for use as a pendant. It also slips easily into a pocket.

I ordered a few of these with different images to see if I'd like them for my Etsy shop. My Once Upon A Time dancing skeleton design was originally printed on temporary tattoos for the INK art show last spring. This particular flask has the design slightly misprinted to the left of center but us otherwise in working order.



Leave a comment before 7 a.m. (EST) on 12/1 to enter the random drawing for this fun flask. Please add your email info if it is not in your profile.

Depending on when you are reading this, there may still be time to enter the other 6 days of giveaways. Check out the links below for details:

Day 1 - Win $20 gift certificate to Artsnark's Artifacts on Etsy.com. Ends 11/25
Day 2 - Winner's choice of 1 matted print from Artsnark Instagram gallery. Ends 11/26
Day 3 - Enter to win $10 Gift card from Michaels Craft stores. Ends 11/27

11/23/13

Enter to win $15 gift certificate to Amazon.com - giveaway day #6


Welcome to Day #6 of 7 Days of Giveaways! This has been so much fun and I am really looking forward to announcing winners next week. If you haven't entered the earlier giveaways yet, please check out the links at the end of this post & have a go. I'll let you in on a little (not so) secret: due my poor content this past year, this blog has been super-quiet lately..... So there are very few entries in this giveaway series. Makes for pretty sweet odds for you - but only if you enter.

Today I wish I could enter my own random drawing. I am a total Amazon.com junkie and today I am sharing the love with one lucky winner. On 11/30 one random commenter will be selected to receive a $15 gift certificate to this shopping wonderland. 

How to enter? Simply leave a comment before 7 a.m. (EST) on Nov.30 and your name goes into the hat. Leave an email address if it isn't in your profile. It really is that easy.

Curious about the previous prizes? Check out the ending dates & if you are still in the window, go ahead and enter. You never know; it could be your lucky day!

Day 1 - Win $20 gift certificate to Artsnark's Artifacts on Etsy.com. Ends 11/25
Day 2 - Winner's choice of 1 matted print from Artsnark Instagram gallery. Ends 11/26
Day 3 - Enter to win $10 Gift card from Michaels Craft stores. Ends 11/27

11/22/13

Happy Holidays - giveaway day #5


Hey there! Can you believe it is already Day #5 of The 7 Days of Giveaways? If you haven't entered the other days' random drawings yet be sure to check out the links at the end of this post.

Today's prize is a set of 4 new holiday-themed rubber stamps. Perfect for crafters or kids. The 'home for the holidays' is from Inkadoo, the two fairies are unknown and the gingerbread men stamp is made by craftsmart.

I purchased these new ages ago for my online supplies shop which is still on hiatus. Upon inspection one of the fairies has a few blue spots on the rubber (see above right). 


How can you enter the random drawing for these festive stamps? Just leave a comment before 7 am (EST) 11/29. One lucky winner will be announced that day. Please leave an email if it isn't in your profile.

Have you entered the other days of giveaways yet? Each one is different. Click links for more info:

Day 1 - Win $20 gift certificate to Artsnark's Artifacts on Etsy.com. Ends 11/25
Day 2 - Winner's choice of 1 matted print from Artsnark Instagram gallery. Ends 11/26
Day 3 - Enter to win $10 Gift card from Michaels Craft stores. Ends 11/27

Oxford Exchange sweet sensations - Giveaway #4

Oxford Exchange in Tampa, FL is an oasis... with a twist.

marble floor

Walk into this bookstore-cafe-conservatory-restaurant-teashop-refuge and step out of the world for a little while. The classic yet modern decor and soothing yet stimulating ambiance have introduced a new type of public space to Tampa. Time seems to stop in a way that reminds me of Rome's Caffè Greco or Padua's Pedrocchi Cafè. Impressive since OE opened in 2012, not in the18th or 19th centuries.

"party appetizers in a pinch"

Recently I had the pleasure of attending a blogger-event at this lovely locale. It is already one of my favorite haunts (although I don't visit nearly as often as I daydream about it). This was my first sojourn at night though, which gave the place a magical air. The candles and Edison bulbs added to the cocooning vibe.

view of the tea/coffee area from stairs to club level

Guests enjoyed adult beverages with party appetizers from Executive Chef Erin Guggino. The dates with walnuts & goat cheese and butternut squash shooters were very popular and are easy to make. (I have the recipes; if you're interested let me know & I'll add them to this post). I apologize for the poor quality food photo. My iphone's camera finds low light to be challenging sometimes.

playing with a closeup of Tebella's antique cash register

Sweets came next. While sampling the decadent combination of Tebella teas with Mast Brothers rich chocolate I was secretly lusting after this old National cash register. Years ago I helped restore a similar machine to working order and have been a bit of a groupie ever since. 

oops - accidental selfie in a teapot

Check out this fabulous bit of decorative architectural filigree below
Art nouveau maybe?


Nah – just some teacups waiting to be filled. (tilt your head to the left)


I love tea and Teabella has some fantastic combinations. With almost 100 loose leaf teas from around the globe they should be able to satisfy every palate.


Across the room, this gent from Buddy Brew was pairing their robust coffee with delish Dandelion Chocolate. We were offered some advice on how to get the most from this decadent experience.


Oxford Exchange is made up of several rooms, each lovelier than the last. After sweets, we were given a history filled tour of the building. In addition to the tea/coffee area, there are shopping, dining and studying/relaxing spaces. Everywhere you look there is a fascinating tableau or rustic antique to captivate your attention. This was all too fabulous for just one post, so I will share more pics of this dreamy space soon.


In the meantime, here is your chance to perhaps enjoy a tasty bit of OE in your own home! Oxford Exchange is sponsoring the prize for Day #4 of 7 Days of Giveaways. On 11/28 one lucky winner will get to take home.... 


... 3 decadent bars of artisanal chocolate from Mast Bros. and Dandelion Chocolate - Yum!


To enter the random drawing please leave a comment before 7 a.m. (EST) on 11/28. It is that easy to enter. Drawing is open worldwide and prize ships free to winner. Please add your email address if it is not already in your profile.

Want to Check out/Enter the other giveaways? Visit links for more info:

Day 1 - Win $20 gift certificate to Artsnark's Artifacts on Etsy.com. Ends 11/25
Day 2 - Winner's choice of 1 matted print from Artsnark Instagram gallery. Ends 11/26
Day 3 - Enter to win $10 Gift card from Michaels Craft stores. Ends 11/27

Disclaimer: The Tampa Bay bloggers were invited by Oxford Exchange to the enjoy their Holiday Blogger Event.  I was paid with food, drink & a tour in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

11/20/13

Giveaway Day #3: Enter to win $10 Michaels gift card - ends 11/27

Heeeelllooo!

Welcome (or welcome back) to 7 days of giveaways. We are on day #3 and I have something new for you. By the way, if you want to enter the random drawings for Days 1 & 2 (& it is not yet 11/25 & 11/26) follow the links at the bottom of this post for details on those those giveaways.

I have a confession to make: I am a Craft Store Junkie. For better or worse I have a Michael's craft store within walking distance of my house... and spend wayyy too much time (& money) there. 



Today's prize is a $10 gift card to this fun shop! If you are a crafty person, this the random drawing is for you. They also sell an eclectic collection of toys, home decor, art supplies, and loads more. Please note: this is not a sponsored post - I'm just an avid fan and want to share the love.

Wondering if you have a Michaels nearby? Click here to use their store locator

One winner will be randomly selected from everyone who comments on this blog before 7 a.m. (EST) on 11/27/13. To enter the drawing, please leave a comment and include an email address if it is not already in your profile. I need to be able to contact you if you are the lucky winner. 

Want to check out the prize announcements for Days 1 & 2 - visit these links for more info:



And be sure to come back tomorrow for a virtual tour of one of my favorite retail/resting/dining spots in Tampa. Plus a sweet prize announcement for day #4.

11/19/13

Day 2 of 7 Days of Giveaways - Happy Hour

Welcome to Day 2 of the wonderful week of giveaways! 

(To enter day #1's random drawing for a $20 gift certificate to Artsnark.etsy.com click here).

Happy Hour
By the way, this image is entered in Twenty20's 'Pets' contest if you want to vote, click here. Please note, voting is not required to enter my random drawings and in no way affects your chances of winning.

My original plan was to share assorted artist photos and links from the recent Disney World Festival of the Masters today. Unfortunately time has gotten away from me, so that post will have to wait until the weekend. In the meantime, the prizes continue rolling out...

Day 218 New Growth

The second prize this week is Winner's Choice of one 5" photo print from my Instagram gallery. Most pictures you'll find there are from my ongoing Year In A Garden project with a smattering of other images. If desired, I'll mat your print as part of the prize.

Noir

You have until Tuesday 11/26 at 7 a.m. (EST) to enter this random drawing. For 1 entry, simply leave a comment on my blog. If your email is not in your profile, please leave that too so that I can easily contact you if you win.

Day 215 Begonias

To get a second entry, check out my photographs at Instagram.com/Artsnark then pop back here and tell me your favorite.

Day 151 Wet Feather

If you'd like a 3rd entry, share this post on your favorite social media platform and pop back to let me know where.

Day 171 Bromeliad

See? Easy peasy. This random drawing is open to everyone. 1 winner will be announced next Tues. 11/26 and the print ships free worldwide.

So, c'mon & enter. Tell your friends. Be sure to check out/enter the Day 1 random drawing too. 

And pop back tomorrow for prize #3. See you then!

11/18/13

Downtown Disney Chalk Walk + enter to win 1st of 7 prizes

Phew. I've finally made it back here to share some more chalk drawings that decorated the sidewalks of Downtown Disney during the recent art festival. I've been feeling a bit like Corbet's Desperate Man selfie the last couple of days. 


I thought these high schoolers did a great job with their vibrant interpretation of Klimt's The Virgin.


Now, this is where I apologize to the chalk artists. I usually make sure to give credit with links to creative folks. Unfortunately I flaked & neglected to take down their information. If anyone here sees work they recognize, feel free to share any info and I will correct this post ASAP.


By the way, congratulations to Tampa chalk artist, Bridget Lyons!


Her reproduction of Victor Nizovtsev's All Stacked Up took home the award for Best European Master, Non Figurative. You can see more of Bridget's work at http://www.bklyons.com/chalk-art.html


A few more impressive drawings...


Check out how the fellow below is working the Degas... coming along nicely.


The Festival of the Masters is such a fun show! There were many more sidewalk drawings. Plus lots of fantastic art for sale in the (I think it was 300) booths. I'll be back tomorrow to share a few links to some of my fave artists from the fest. 

Until then, lets get wacky! With Thanksgiving around the corner it feels like a good time for a solid week of giveaways. Starting today, I'll announce a new prize each day for 7 days. You'll have a week to enter each random drawing. Simply leave a comment on my blog before 7 a.m. (EST) on the day of each drawing to get your name tossed into the day's hat. So, next Monday I'll announce the winner of today's prize, which is...

A $20 gift certificate to my etsy shop: Artsnark.etsy.com. Hop to it - share any ole comment before 7 am (EST) on 11/25 to enter this drawing. Also, be sure to leave your email if it isn't already in your profile so that I can contact you if you win.

And be sure to pop back every day this week to sign up for more random giveaways!

11/14/13

Disney art festival chalk walk & kid stuff



Last weekend was the annual Disney Festival of the Masters, as well as the last days of the Epcot Food & Wine Festival. We were over due for celebrations plus in need of a Disney fix, so the family took off for a long weekend in Mouseland.


Each year the free art festival in Downtown Disney includes chalk art by both high school students & professionals from the Florida Chalk Artists Association. These chalk artists get to show their talents and enter a juried competition too. There were some really impressive pieces underfoot and, I will share more here tomorrow. 


Michael's Craft Store sponsors the festival and always has a terrific kid's make & take section. Budding artists decorated cute sun visors and picture frames. They also added to this fun mosaic. Each child was given a black & white square with preprinted abstract lines.  Their job was to color any way they wanted and then match their square to the number on the giant framed wall. Above is The Dude sticking on his masterpiece.


And here is the communal work in progress as of Saturday.


The lego store did something similar but you had to match few legos to a coded board.  This is the Lego mosaic on Sunday afternoon. Lego does this every year and usually posts a time lapse video of the process, but I haven't located the link for it yet.


The Lego store was hopping. They hosted trivia contests, lego car races and giveaways. Plus this guy was building a giant Tie Fighter. Pretty cool. 

Speaking of cool, I downloaded the My Disney Experience app. It was really helpful for wait times and to score some easy reservations. Friday night we went to the Coral Reef restaurant for the first time. Caught The Dude making his best fish face while a big ole tortoise swims by. Dining right next to the giant fish tank was a unique experience. The many sea creatures (and a few divers) were very active and entertaining.


On another topic, I attended a festive event at Tampa's Oxford Exchange tonight. I can't wait to share all of the shots and swag! 

But first I have lots of Diz-pics to post, so it will be all-Disney-all-the-time around here for a few days... including an arty giveaway contest this weekend, so pop back later to check that out.