Digital Painting Giveaway

To enter giveaway you can:
Subscribe to this YouTube channel and comment this video
Subscribe to my blog and comment on this post

Bonus entries (bonus entries will not count unless you have done one of the above) are:

Like me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ArtofArmadaVolya (1 extra entry)

Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/ArmadaVolya (1 extra entry)

Tweet about this giveaway or post about it on Facebook (1 entry each) 

Or join my mailing and email lists by emailing me at armadavolya[at]hotmail[dot]com with your mailing and email addresses (1 entry each)

To purchase this and other prints by Crazy Tatyana please visit http://www.redbubble.com/people/ghostlydigital

PS: this is based on a true story, I swear

Do You Want Sugar In Your CoolAid? Extra Bonus: Giveaway

I don't believe I wrote about this character on this blog, so here it is. Her name is Tatyana, and she is an artist. You can see videos with this character on my YouTube channel every week and follow the insanity.

Oh yes, and the prints really do cost $1000 each, so if you win this giveaway you will be a proud owner of a $1000 print from her greatness Tatyana

To enter giveaway you can:
Subscribe to this YouTube channel and comment on this video
Subscribe to my blog and comment on this blog post

Bonus entries (bonus entries will not count unless you have done one of the above) are:

Like me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ArtofArmadaVolya (1 extra entry)

Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/ArmadaVolya (1 extra entry)

Or join my mailing and email lists by emailing me at armadavolya[at]hotmail[dot]com with your mailing and email addresses (1 entry each)

UNik Creations by Sara Aviva and Many Buttons

Bags, earrings, necklaces, pedants, it's all there, at UNik Creations. In this shop you can find tons of fun items that will add a little bit of fun to your everyday life. Her items are unique, one of a kind and are made from reused/recycled materials.

I have Diamond for your Pennies earrings myself and they are adorable. It's a shame I can't wear them myself, but I'm sure my friend will love them just as much.

Unfortunately this shop doesn't have enough sales to judge customer service by feedback, but from my personal experience, customer service is great. I got my earrings very fast and they came in a handmade box that I fell in love with. Policies are well written and are easy to understand, so there shouldn't be any problems there.

And this is a video where I'm talking about this wonderful shop. Enjoy :)

Rouge and Whimsy

Rouge and Whimsy is a good place to find handmade hair accessories. I got yellow headband myself and Love it. It only took a few days to get here and shipping was very reasonable. No damages, no problems, all was very nice and smooth. Headband itself looks great, feels great and is very comfortable. I often had problems with headbands being too tight or too lose, this one fits perfectly.

I have little cousins who love cute hair accessories, I bet they aren't the only once. I can definitely see all the girls in school turning green with envy if my cousin was to wear one.

All in all, great headbands for both kids and kids at heart. Girls, go get them.

And for your viewing pleasure, a YouTube video of me wearing and talking more about it. Well, I'm talking about it at the end of the video at least lol.

Last but not least, This seller has 100% positive feedback and policies are very reasonable and easy to understand. Great seller, great crafts woman, great hair accessories.

Skrynka and Beautiful Hand Embroibery from Ukraine

Skrynka is yet another one of those shops you can find a treasure in. Natalka's items are very unique and all the items looks fabulous. I know, I'm rather partial to it because I lived in Ukraine myself and love Ukrainian culture, but look at it. Isn't it just adorable? The item I featured here is my favorite, probably because I spent too much time studying EKGs, but there is a lot more. I personally love the jewelry from this shop. Have you ever heard about embroidered necklaces and earrings?


Now to the next part. This seller has 100% positive feedback and very clear policies. Natalka does everything she can to keep customers happy, so no fears here. She is shipping from Ukraine, so it will take a little longer to get it if you are in the US. Keep this in mind if you need your item soon.

The Painted Sky and Nancy Jean's Painting

Paintings of birds, nests, farmhouses, all so lovely and bring so many memories to mind. In The Painted Sky I found many of them, all so charming and all painted very well and skillfully. These charming paintings are done in acrylic, which I personally love. Many artists don't like working with it because they think it's not as good and oils, but I personally like acrylic a lot better. First of all, they aren't as toxic (though I wouldn't try eating them). Vapors from oil paint are very harmful, which is why many artists who work with them get sick from it. Acrylic also dries a lot faster, which means it will not be all sticky when you will get it. So, there you go, these paintings are non harmful and are easy to handle. They will not smudge, stick to packaging, the dust will not stick to it.

Now a short personal story about birds. When I was little, we lived in this apartment with a bird nest over our door. For some reason these birds figured that it's a perfect place to raise a family, don't know why. As a result, our door was constantly covered in... bird waste products. We didn't want to harm them, but everything humane we tried to do to get them to move was rather unsuccessful. In the end, we were the once who moved. I wonder if these birds are still living there.

And going back to The Painted Sky. This shop has 100%positive feedback and it's not surprising. Besides the fact that these paintings are absolutely adorable, this seller is also very pleasant and has everything in place to make your shopping experience better. The shop policies are all in place and are perfectly reasonable, so if you like her work, you can buy it with confidence.

Melody Milleker from Inky Strings and Recycled Goods

I ran into Inky Strings and simply couldn't not share it. It's so unusual and cute, so unique. I love finding such great artists with all these cool items in their shops. These earrings are made from paint swatches. Who would've thought of using it to make jewelry? This isn't all there is though, there are some felted key chains and last but not least watercolor and ink paintings. Those paintings/drawing are actually my favorite items in the shop, she has such interesting, style. Well, what am I telling you all this for, you can go to Inky Strings and see it for yourself.

What I do want to tell you about is that this seller is keeping her shop in good condition. All the policies are filled and they look really good. It's always good to know that if an item is defective I can return it or have it fixed. There are also some good deals you can find on Melody's tumbler. Since it's a new shop, there isn't much as far as feedback goes, but there is a coupon code for free shipping for the first 10 customers, so if you want to use it, hurry.

Wedding Invitations and Mind Blowing 3d Art

Do you need wedding invitations? This is the season. I was just directed to this site with many different wedding invitation designs and found these lovely creations. Aren't they increadable? The beautiful 3d design makes it really stand out and gives it a magical, romantic feel. I am honestly in love with it. It's a shame I'm not planning a wedding, I would definitely pick these invitations. This invitation is created by Taviori. If you wish you can also visit her site and find more of her 3d creations. It's mind-blowing as far as I see it. This is exactly why I love artistic community, you get to see so many talented people and so many wonderful pieces of art

Working Together

'Working Togather' by ArmadaVolya

Items from members of teams who work together to help one another

Original Abstract Drawing wi... hypnoteyezed $17.00	Cottage Fancy - Fabric Cover... veryprettythin... $14.00
Crocheted Extra Long Fire En... StitchKnit $17.00	Customizable Reversible Hemp... ZimikasTreasur... $3.00
Strawberry Fields - Locket N... LoveMontreal $22.00	Blue Crystal Earrings DazzlingAdornm... $12.00
Balance Good & Evil 6x6 Prin... ddfoto $28.00	Blackberry Pepper Jam - Like... dasweetzpot $7.95
Your Custom Monster Portrait... UnnervingNight... $80.00	Beach and the Palm Tree. 9x1... ArmadaVolya $150.00
Margarita Shower Invitation LJLDESIGNSSTAT... $25.00	green and cream striped slee... Faerieladyclot... $100.00
Purple Butterflies klmram $5.00	Vintage Recycled Ice Cream R... adnagam $10.00
Black and White Flocked Clut... sewnanacreatio... $26.00	Personalized Wine 8x10 Inch ... nameyourwishim... $34.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio. 

These are items from some of the members of etsy teams dedicated to working together. I hope you'll like these beautiful choices.

Ecem Duman from Pilumunus and Handmade Jewelry

Every now and again I run into incredible items on etsy and get shocked at the price. These accessories in Pilumunus shop are a good example of it. They are so cheap, it's hard not to buy them. The shipping is cheap as well btw even though this seller is from Turkey. I can only look at this necklace and think how many long hours it took to create something this beautiful. I have worked with beads myself and know how long is takes to create even a fraction of something like this. What is even more surprising is that she hasn't sold anything yet. It's sad really, but at this price, I don't see why people aren't grabbing these necklaces left and right. I mean, honestly, $25 for something like this? Ok, with shipping it's $30, still, it's nothing.

I really enjoy these items and can only imagine what other goodies she can make. I personally would like to see some bridal items from her, I think she'd be able to make some good once.

Sooooo... yeah, give her a chance guys, I think she is great and deserves a sale or two.

Dreamers Aura Photagraphy

Do you like colorful photography? This shop has so many interesting, colorful photos, it's hard to chose the best. I personally like the almost otherworldly look of some of the photos. The prints are high quality and can be customized to your preference.You can also ask for special made cards, journals and much, much more to be created specially for you.

The seller is very friendly and although there is no feedback since it's a brand new shop, I have a feeling that you will get god customer service from this photographer. Mainly because she seems to be very open to any ideas and feedback, and will answer all your questions if you have any. Policies are very easy to understand and very fair btw.

Well, I'll have to keep it short, because I really need to get some sleep, but check this shop out and see if you like something there.

Top hats From Mad Little Hatter

Do you want to get the party started? These little hats from Mad Little Hatter are absolutely perfect for the costume parties. There are many fun styles that would fit just about any outfit and they are so adorable. To put it in the crazy cat lady's words, I want to have them all, with a cute little tops, and the cute little rims and the bows, I want a house full of and I want them of a rainbow..."

Seriously, these hats are adorable. They are also made from some recycled goodies, which makes them perfect. These hats are also for some strange reason are very cheap... but that only makes it easier to have a house full of them doesn't it?

And the last but not least, this seller has 100% positive feedback, although she hasn't sold that many yet since she started selling them on etsy recently. She does have easy to understand policies as well. Oh, and if you didn't find a hat that would match your outfit, you can always ask for one to be designed specially for you.

Go Top Hats!!!

Mona's Box & Bags

 Mona's Box and Bags is one of those etsy shops you want to come back to. The items are very colorful and skillfully made, the seller is pleasant, and all in all, shopping there as a treat. Boxes and bags aren't the only items in this shop however. You can find clothing and even jewelry there as well. I personally love all the items for kids. I asked Mona a few questions, and here is what she answered:

Why did you choose sewing as a creative outlet?
My mother was a seamstress so I learned to sew from her. When I was younger I wanted to be a fashion designer, and now I am a stay at home Mom and sewing is a perfect way to do something on the side with children at home.

 What fabric do you prefer to use?
My choices of fabric depend on what I am creating. When I make diaper bags or children's clothes I like to use something that is easy to sew and clean, with fun prints, so I like basic cotton and use interfacing and other thickening methods to make my bags really stable. I also get iron on vinyl for my wet bag, changing mats, and wipes clutches. When making bridesmaids clutches or other formal clutches I usually use satin or silk. Silk is probably my favorite when making metal frame clutches.


What colors/themes you like to work with?
I get teased because I am almost always wearing brown and turquoise, or brown and pink! As in my avatar photo. But I also love the bright colors from Amy Butler fabrics and have been using a lot of yellow recently. Though I think brown, and damask prints are my most commonly used themes that I work with.

What's your favorite item in your shop?
Currently, my favorite item in my shop would have to be the diaper bag gift set! It is a wonderful all inclusive set that makes expectant Moms giddy! Especially with the embroidered personalization.



A couple more things I wanted to mention about this shop is that it has a 100% positive feedback and store policies are very simple and easy to understand. You can also use coupon code monasbox15 and get 15% off your next purchase.

Collaborate and Grow

'Blasting Away' by ArmadaVolya

Working with others is always easier then on your own. This is a collection of items from Network Blast team where a group of highly dedicated sellers are helping one another by promoting each other.

Set of Four Bright Cheerful ... TheBlueLantern $8.00	Pink wire and black swarovsk... DazzlingAdornm... $12.00
5 Prints fo Letters of your ... ArmadaVolya $40.00	White Eyelet Petticoat/Skirt... StitchKnit $32.00
Burgundy Feather Masquerade ... deesdreammasks $25.00	Blackberry Pepper Jam - Like... dasweetzpot $7.95
Original Colored Pencil Abst... hypnoteyezed $13.00	Hopebasket Tea Towel - Hand ... veryprettythin... $12.00
Free Shipping Vintage Lot 4 ... gem6691 $25.00	HUGE Sesame Street inspired ... delightfulprin... $20.00
Stock the Bar Invitation LJLDESIGNSSTAT... $25.00	Your Custom Portrait as a Fa... UnnervingNight... $80.00
Birdy Birdcage 9 inch russia... vanrobmac $25.00	White Bells - Quartz Earring... AndreaFuentesD... $15.00
Blue Ocean 8x8x1 Mounted Pho... ddfoto $35.00	TeeLosophy 901: V-Neck Tank Sol9 $19.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Why would you want to promote others? Isn't it a competition? This is actually what I get asked all the time, and here is my answer. No, it's not really a competition and you need to promote others to help yourself as much as others. People love being promoted, honestly. And those who you promote will often promote you in exchange. As for competition, well, we all work in different styles and mediums. We have different taste and vision. No one will paint what I paint, no one will create what you create. Just because someone bought your painting doesn't mean that the same person will not buy mine. Just because someone likes your watercolor paintings doesn't mean he/she will like mine. We are all unique and because of it we really aren't competing for the same customers.

I didn't include some people in this treasury because they didn't fit in btw, but I will post about them in a near future to make up for it.

PHOTOcentric, a Juried Photography Exhibition - Call for Photographers

Juried exhibition is looking for photographers to submit their work. This contest is open for all photographic mediums and is looking to fill these categories: Landscape, Portrait, Architecture and Open. To enter this competition, a $40 fee is required and up to 5 images can be submitted. If you wish to submit additional images, additional $5 fee per image will be charged. A total of $2200 will be given out in awards including $1000 best in show award. For more information feel free to visit Garrison Art Center's official site

Call for Photographs - EXPOSED: The Contemporary Nude

Just a really, really quick note. This juried show is for photographers. It will be featuring nude photography. It will take place at 1650 Gallery at 1650 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, California, 90026, United State. The deadline to enter this show is June 13. The entry fee is $25 for up to 5 images. Additional entries may be submitted for $5 each. 20-30 workes will be chosen to be displayed at the EXPOSED exhibition.

For more information visit 1650 Gallery's official website

Black and White Juried Art Show

Black and White show will take place July16-Aug 21 in New York City. They are inviting artists to submit their art for a chance to win one of two prizes, $1000 Best of Show award and $500 People's Choice award.
The submission deadline is June 8, so if you would like to enter, hurry. You can find all the details as Black and White Art Show web site

And on a totally unrelated topic, woo hoo, I just finished another painting. Took me long enough....

Networking for Success

We, humans are social creatures. We like to talk, we like to listen. We like knowing about other people. Everything we achieved is because of communication. If someone made a discovery, but didn't tell anyone about it, it would die with that person. We would have to rediscover the wheel over and over again. Internet makes communication a lot easier. We can be talking to people in any part of the world at any given time.

My mom told me the other day that she was very surprised I put my videos on youtube. Her reason was that she would never have the guts to let the whole world see her. My response was "if I want to make a living as an artist, I have to let the whole world know I exist." In fact many artists who make a living selling on the internet spend more time promoting themselves through every social media outlet there is then actually creating. This is the place I find myself at. People simply will not buy your art if they don't know it's there. If there is the slightest opportunity to get extra eyes, use it. Communicate your ideas, talk about yourself, talk about other, get noticed. Get a blog if you don't have it already. Start a youtube channel. Get on all every social media sites you can. Do guest blogging, work on projects with other artists. If you read a blog post you like, comment on it, if you saw a video you liked, comment on it. The more time you spend commenting and networking, the faster your art will sell.

Oh, and I still have that giveaway... so if you want a free painting from me, join in and you just might get it.

Giveaways, Why do Them?

There are tons of blog giveaways you can enter and all of them have basically the same reason. Get more traffic to the site. Get more exposure. Let people know you exist. With a giveaway you basically give people a chance to get something for free and in exchange they do things like: follow your blog, twitter, like you facebook page and so on and so forth. Some of those who did follow to enter the giveaway will stop following as soon as it's over, but as long as your content is interesting enough for people to read, most will remain to see more and more of your posts. Giveaway is a good way to celebrate something. Me, I'm celebrating my new youtube channel with a $50 giveaway.

What can you giveaway? If you are an artist, you can giveaway something you have made. Otherwise, you can find sponsors who would like to get some exposure (you need good following already for people to agree to sponsor). You can giveaway something you bought, something you no longer need or something you won yourself. There are thousands of giveaway going on every day, so you can easily win some goodies for your own giveaway.

The rules of the giveaway should be easy to follow. It should be easy to enter. People are not likely to jump through hoops to enter a giveaway when there are many more out there. The gift has to actually be worth something. The higher the value, the more people would enter, the more exposure you will get. The best one I have seen was a $550 value. It was a huge amount of gifts combined into one.

Just because you posted a giveaway however doesn't mean people will start flocking in, you have to let the world know it's there. Luckily there are hundreds of websites and blogs where you can post a link to your giveaway so that people can find it there.

Oh, yes, and you can also win tons of gifts for yourself and enjoy all the goodies. They are always good to get.

Jewelry from Beading Inspirations by Darla

Oh my, I don't remember it ever taking me so long to pick a photo I would like to use for a feature. This Jeweler has so many incredible pieces though, I just couldn't make up my mind. Beading Inspirations by Darla  is a wonderful shop on etsy where you can find beautiful and elegant jewelry. I am not impartial to beaded jewelry myself since it was one of the first crafts I got interested in and because it was the first one I learned on my own rather then being taught. I absolutely love seeing the wonderful items that can be created with all these tiny beads and how well people combine them. I guess this is why I picked this shop for the feature, I write about what I love, because I love writing about it. Beading takes skills and lots of patience. I was very surprised to find these beautiful necklaces so cheap to be honest. They are beautiful and took a lot of time to create. I really think it's worth a lot more. Oh, what am I telling you this for, I'm sure you can see it yourself. Do you see it?

That's it, I can't look at it anymore, I have to stop or I'll spend all my money on it. On the other hand... I do know the password to my husbands paypal account...

As always, this seller is very pleasant. Policies are very clear cut and fair. Feedback for the shop is 100%. All in all a perfect place to shop.