Showing posts with label black baroque. Show all posts
Showing posts with label black baroque. Show all posts

11/3/11

We Have Two New Winners!!

Butterflies, Owl and Antique Victrola print from BlackBaroque.etsy.com

Did you catch the visit with Alexandra Wolf of BlackBaroque.etsy.com 2 weeks ago? (If not, check out the links at the bottom of this post). During our lovely chat this wonderful artist offered up two of her clever colorful prints for today's random drawing - woo hoo! Lucky us!

With help from random.org, the winners are.....


Joan Charles (JoanCharles.com)  
& 
TLC Inspirations (TheHealthRevival.com)

A hearty congrats to you both! You get to each pick your favorite print from the amazing selection in  Alex's Etsy Shop, Black Baroque. I will contact you today with instructions for claiming your prizes.

Many thanks to Alexandra for sponsoring this great giveaway! Want to know more about this creative lady? Check out some of these links:


Also thank you to everyone who took the time to leave a comment recently. The featured artists (& I) appreciate the feedback. And if you are a fan of these Thursday Giveaways be sure to pop back later for a new prize.
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11/2/11

I guess it's gonna rain today


I'm testing a new printing co. & hope to have some fresh digital art in my artsnark etsy shop very soon,  including this one which needs a new name. Any suggestions?


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By the way, you have until 1 am (EST) on Nov3 to leave a comment & enter Black Baroque's fantastic random drawing. Tomorrow I'll pick 2 winners from those who have kindly commented on this blog since Oct. 20th. The lucky duo will each take home their fave print from BlackBaroque.etsy.com. Click Here for  a visit with the artist behind this fun shop, Alexandra Wolf.
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10/20/11

Enter BlackBaroque's new print giveaway- 2 winners on 11/3

Dictionary Art Print Steampunk Owl from BlackBaroque.etsy.com

Ooh lucky us - we have visitors! Alexandra Wolf & Poni from BlackBaroque.etsy.com popped by to say hello .... and they brought prizes!

The last time these two stopped by (11/2010) we had a great time. First there was a fun photo studio tour of their retail space, Poni's Parlor. Followed a few days later by a lively Q&A hosted by chatty guest & feathered friend, Merlin the bird.  If you missed those posts, go check 'em out. We'll wait here for you.....

Dictionary Art Print Butterflies & Skeleton from BlackBaroque.etsy.com

Alex & Poni have been busy this past year, creating and selling like crazy. Be sure to check out their Etsy shop, BlackBaroque. With over 12,000 sales since opening in Feb. 2010, I'd say they are doing something right!

BlackBaroque.etsy.com

They added to their accolades when two of their sea urchin prints were featured in the September issue of Coastal Living Magazine. Woohoo! Congrats, guys!

page from Coastal Living showing 2 sea urchin prints

The main reason Alex and Poni stopped by today is to spread the word about some friends who could use a helping hand.  Their friends own the fabulous books/antiques store, Drake Farm, in North Hampton, New Hampshire and (like too many people today) are struggling to hold things together in this challenging economy.

Drake Farm Books, Antiques & Art Gallery - New Hampton, NH

Drake Farm was built in 1705 and was "one of the larger sheep farms in New England and one of the larger producers of mutton for Union forces in the Civil War" Click here for more of the farm's history. 

In 1995 Drake Farm became "one of the largest used-book stores in New England". They also feature a fantastic selection of curious objects, as well as original art for sale.  This is one of Alexandra's favorite places to find the books with character for use in her artwork (& her personal collection).

antique Cinderella book from Alexandra's collection


From Alexandra: "One of the reason's we love using old pages in our art prints is to share with everyone the beauty of these antique books. We feel we are saving history, reaching people who might otherwise have known it. These lovely tomes sometimes seem like lost art. With computers and e-books, the way people read has changed. Perhaps this is another reason  (in addition to the economy)  that wonderful antique bookstores like Drake's Farm are hurting."

Alex is putting an open call out to anyone who loves books to please try shopping at this wonderful store. Not in New Hampshire? You can order books online at drakefarmbooks.com, by email, or phone. With over 55,000 books in stock there is a good chance they can  find what you are looking for. While they don't have a lot of the books listed on line, just contact the owner, Bob, with your title or topic and he'll see what he can dig up. Most of their inventory dates from between the 17th century up through 2011.

Alexandra: "Please help save this couples home and business. Please consider buying some books here for your Christmas presents. This is great way to give a gift that makes a difference. Think how wonderful your friends and family will feel when they know a gift you bought for them is also a gift for another person. Thank you for considering helping."

And thank you, Alex, for bringing this wonderful resource and sad situation to our attention. Hopefully some kind folks will get shopping or even spread the word just like you are doing. 

Dictionary Page Print Tentacle Love from BlackBaroque.etsy.com

By the way- for anyone unfamiliar with Alexandra & Poni, they are a couple of the sweetest, most generous souls you can meet. And today they are also sharing that generosity with ArtSnark blog readers. They are donating 2 prints for a new random drawing.... so in a couple of weeks we will have not just one, but two very lucky winners!

TO ENTER- Simply leave a comment on this blog before 1 am (EST) on 11/3 - it is that easy. Just be sure to leave an email address if it isn't in your profile. Prizes ship free worldwide to winners.

On Nov 3rd - 2 winners will be randomly selected. Each winner will take home 1 print of their choice from BlackBaroque.etsy.com - How cool is that! 

Dictionary Page Hot Air Ballon E.A. Poe Print from BlackBaroque.etsy.com

So, before you go today be sure to leave a comment. Then if you love books or small business, please spread the word about Drake Farm. 

Want to know more about Alexandra & Poni?? They really get around. Catch them at some of these other fun links:

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12/2/10

And the lucky winner is....




Congratulations, Decorables! Your name was selected using random.org. And now you get to take home your favorite art print from one of my favorite online shops, BlackBaroque.etsy.com!

Many thanks to all who took the time to leave a comment and enter this fun random drawing. If you missed the interview with Black Baroque's owner, artist Alexandra Wolf just click here. And if you would like to take in her studio/ boutique photo tour, click here.

Want to try your luck again? Pop back later today for a brand new artist feature and prize announcement.
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11/18/10

Interview & New Giveaway from the artist behind Black Baroque


Last weekend we visited the studio & boutique of artist Alexandra Wolf from Black Baroque on Etsy. (Click here if you missed it). Today Alex is back to share a bit about her Etsy shop and the inspiration behind her fantastic creations.  She is also generously sponsoring the new Thursday Giveaway - more info on this after the interview.

I'm running behind today so Alex and Poni's loquacious bird, Merlin has agreed to conduct the interview for me. (By the way, click the captions on any photo for more info about each piece.) From Merlin's bio: "Merlin was offered a job with Rolling Stone magazine, but they would not allow him enough breaks during the day, to play with his tiger who he is in love with. So he keeps a low profile and is a sort of, silent partner with Black Baroque. However Merlin (and Poni will attest to this) being a chatty birdie, is not too silent!"

Key Notes from Black Baroque

Merlin: What inspired you to open Black Baroque?
AW: I love collecting rare antique books, miniature, 1 -2 inch books are my favorite. I have been collecting for years. Here is Cinderella. I received this book for my birthday. It is a very rare book with the illustrations all being in the center of the book. All of the pages with illustrations are different sizes. It is so beautiful.


 AW: Being an artist much of what I create whether designing my retail store interiors, a room in my home, or new products, I am completely inspired by images from long ago. With my illustrating and photoshop work, and my love of antiquing, it all just came about as an extension of who I am and what I have a passion for.

When the book is open to the center there are smaller pages inside

Merlin: How did you come up with the name of Black Baroque?
AW: One rainy day, I was arranging vibrant vase of daisies to help chase away the gloom. Against the backdrop of a darkened stormy sky, the bright bouquet of flowers stood out all the more. I took a photo; it was so beautiful that I framed it in the Black Baroque Frame I use over and over again in my shop! That frame and picture, along with the black raised words on antique book pages, and my collection of antique books, inspired me to create Black Baroque and name it Black Baroque.

Mysterious Coral from Black Baroque

Merlin: Is Etsy your day job?
AW: Yes it is and I love it! I had 4 Retail Stores over the past 10 years. The last one was named after my puppy, Poni, "Poni's Parlor" Gifts with a Twist. I sold gifts for people and pets. You can see photos of my gorgeous pink, white and black store in last Sunday's Studio Tour.

I had recently closed the store as I had moved to a new area, by the ocean, 2 hrs away from where it was located. I have a new product I will be manufacturing this year using the same company in China I used for our Pet Lounge products. But other than designing that in my spare time, etsy is my full time job.♥

Poni's Parlor - Gifts With A Twist

Merlin: Tell us a bit more about President Poni.
Well I really work so he can have more toys. He came to me as Shadow from a breeder; after I had lost my Beloved Dakota, I was devastated. But God gave me Silly Poni as all he does is make me laugh everyday. I renamed him Poni, as he trotted and cantered so much like a pony! He has his own website that I designed/illustrated all his products and pages. I stopped selling his products online, as he was complaining there wasn't enough time for frisbee but kept the website up it is so cute. shadowsbeautypalace.

Poni's Dogcart, I pimped it out myself. Sometimes Poni and I just go out for a quick ride and end up getting home 3 hrs later. So many neighborhood kids want a ride.
Merlin: What other products have you created?
AW:I had a cardigan line called "Comfy Cardigans" which was featured in Country Living in 2004. It employed over 20 Grannies as we called them who were retired and this gave them extra income sewing our garments for us.

I also designed bowl sets for pets and the cutest ball sets for pets manufacturing them out of China. You can see them at ThePetLounge.com. The bowl sets were featured in Country Living, Cat Fancy, The New York Post and over 25 other magazines. Both lines, cardigans and pet products, were in stores all over the USA and in Europe too. The Pet Lounge was inspired by my Beloved Dakota. Once he passed away I closed it but keep his website up in memory of him. Over 50 animal charities were supported with sales from The Pet Lounge, including "Phinney's Friends" in Boston. Phinney's cares for the pets of people who have HIV/Aids so their pets can keep living with them even though they have become to ill to care for them.

Doggy A-GoGo set from The Pet Lounge

Merlin: What did you do before you started creating your own products? 
AW: I was an agent in NYC for film directors who shot feature films, commercials, and music videos. I learned a great deal about products, advertising, marketing, graphic design, etc, during those years as well as I just had a blast!  

Merlin: What would you tell other artists or people who are searching for their artistic talent?
AW: Do you what you love! Find your passion and from that your talent will grow. To me everyone is creative, they just have to find their gift. I just do what I love whether I make money at it or not. Usually the more fun I have, like my prints, the more successful I am. If a person just comes out with a product because they see another artist doing well, it will never sell as well for them as their heart is not in it and their heart did not create it. Plus they do not get the satisfaction of it really being their own. But if they get in touch with what they really love, then they will have list of things to make like I do with my prints which is a mile long. In addition to all the other things I have yet to create in the future. 


Merlin: What are you most thankful for?
AW: My little Poni and my birdie, Merlin. It is a wonderful life, taking Poni to the beach for frisbee, antiquing most weekends, eating at outdoor cafes in the summertime, or just sitting on the porch having wine and chatting with friends. I am very blessed with my little family that loves me and I love and worship them back.

(This interview is adapted from one which originally posted at BlackBaroque.etsy.com)

Birdie Darling from Black Baroque

Thank you Alexandra (& Merlin) for that fun interview. And for sponsoring the new random drawing.

In 2 weeks one lucky winner will win their choice of print from BlackBaroque.etsy.com! Want in on this great giveaway? Simply leave a comment on my blog before 1 a.m. (EST) on 12/2 and you are entered. It is that easy. The hard part is going to be picking your favorite print if you are the winner! Winner will be randomly selected. This drawing is open worldwide with free shipping.

Once again, thank you to those who stop in and leave their thoughts. Many of the artists featured have mentioned just how much your feedback means to them. It is your interest in these interviews, studio tours & giveaways that keeps them coming.

Want to find out more about Alexandra's world? Visit the links below
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11/14/10

Studio Tour #29 - Black Baroque

Hey there! How have you been? 

I can't believe it has been almost 4 months since the last studio tour. Thanks for your patience! Today we are off to New England by the Sea to visit Alexandra Wolf from BlackBaroque.etsy.com.


I stumbled into Black Baroque while looking for Halloween imagery. I couldn't resist  these fantastic flying skeletons.  To make them even more tempting, they are printed on a page from Dante's Inferno. (By the way, click on the captions for more info on these fun pieces).


Alexandra and her loyal assistant Poni have invited us to check out her studio as well as the retail shop they owned until recently when they moved closer to the beach. This fun boutique, Poni's Parlor -gifts with a twist, was such a cute creative space, I asked Alexandra to show us around. Now let me get out of your way, so you can get a better look.


AW: Poni, so happy waiting for customer's to come by & say hi. He was all dressed up for the Meredith Bloom Festival. Even though he is a boy he still likes pink. People loved seeing him in his pink flower collar I made for him.

AW: "Before" photo of the main room of the store.


AW: "After" photo of the main room. Our tin ceilings look like whipped cream.


AW: The awning was actually a large piece of fabric I bought. It was not scalloped but had more white coming across where you see the black pattern. I cut around the black pattern, then using a plate marking the white area and then cut so it would be scalloped as well. Then I hot glued pom pom trim to the edges. The taller desk with the black area has my computer in it. I kept a black piece of fabric to cover it when the shop is closed.


AW: Poni has his own line of all natural chemical & preservative free spa products for dogs. You can see them on the tables with the blue labels.


AW: The red bowl sets I design and manufacture. They have been featured in over 18 magazines including Cat Fancy and The NY Post.


AW: My office in our home. I just decided to take black paint and start painting the room to look like a cartoon lounge to go with My Pet Lounge Company. This is where I have fun coming up with the pieces that end up in my Black Baroque Etsy shop.
Friends Come In All Sizes print from Black Baroque
Thanks for the great tour, Alexandra  & Poni!  And thank you, readers, for stopping by and leaving a comment. Your interest is what keeps these studio tours & artist features going.

Come back Thursday (11/18) to find out more about Alexandra, Poni and the art of Black Baroque.  I'll also announce the new giveaway, with a fantastic prize donated by our generous hostess.

For more about Poni's spa products visit ShadowsBeautyPalace.com - (Shadow is Poni's secret identity). Also check out ThePetLounge.com to view Alexandra's fun pet bowl sets. 10% of the profits from these 2 shops goes to help animals in need. Click the links to read more about this.

Before you go, have you entered the current random drawing for a framed print of my "Secrets" painting? Everyone who leaves a comment on my blog before 1 a.m. (EST) on 11/18 will be entered into the drawing. Click here for details and to view that prize.
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