Studio News: New Blog Home

CREATIVEGoddess Blog
New Blog Home: http://creativegoddess.wordpress.com

I've secretly fallen in love with Wordpress as a blogging tool; it has more dynamic capabilities than my former home.

CREATIVEGoddess Blog (screen capture)

(Click to enlarge)

• I found a template that I've been able to customize to look very, very similar to my new e-Commerce site.
• I can create additional pages that will allow me to post freebies and imagery -I've already got a few populated with current and upcoming contests and a free Wallpaper archive.
• The entries are also truncated for quicker reading. You can click either the headline or the link at the bottom that states, "Continue reading...." to pick up the remaining story along with the comments. If you've previously read the topic, you can push right past it to get to older posts.
• More ways to search via categories or key words.
• Snapshots is enabled to let you see an image of the Web site that's linked before you actually take it. I like that!
• The front page allows you can see which topics are the most popular; who has commented and on what topic.

You're more than welcome to jump over to the new blog and bookmark it. I'll add more features as time permits but right now, I've got the urge to illustrate!

Dog Breed: Yorkie Revisited

In addition to pushing my style into work that most people can appreciate (and purchase), I am also attempting to identify which backgrounds are most resonate with my customers.

This Yorkie is featured on the classic arts & crafts background. I just love the champagne background, so rich. I think he'd look great on a woven afghan.



What are your thoughts? Oh, how I love Mr. Frank Wright.

Here's the Art Nouveau Yorkie for comparison.

Dog Breed: The Chow, Homage to Paw Paw

My second installation of the Dog Beautiful series and a timely homage to Paw Paw, Martha Stewart's beloved late pet: the chow-chow.



Update: If you follow my posts, you know that I'm not above modifying them. Today is not any different because I've been reworking (again!) the chow dog. Tell me which one you like better!

Celebrate Tax Day: Free Shipping

We're all a bit weary from preparing our taxes and need a little relief where ever we can get it. So! I've decided that in light of the little money we may or may not be getting back from the government, that you deserve a treat: free shipping -until June 1st (on select items).

Please give me a few days to go back into the pages and modify the code to give you that free shipping option. Otherwise, I will refund the money to you should you decide you need something now.

A Heads Up: I will be away from the studio from Thursday, April 24 - Wednesday, April 30th. Please be patient as it's only me attending every function of the studio, coding and shipping are just a part of it. Thanks!

Studio News: Spring Ads

For the past week, I've been pulling out my hair (not sure whether it's gray or not at this point) due to my new MAC; my new Photoshop wants to crash unexpectedly. I'm confused, annoyed, and turning the air blue. I've got a deadline!!!

I had a number of files open earlier this week (same day, same hour) that were several Meg, Gigabytes even and didn't have a problem. Suddenly, I can't modify one file to save my life.

Finally, I gave up.

Folks have been telling me how much better off I'm going to be when it comes to MAC vs PC. Pftsth! I cannot concur... not yet anyway.

This is the ad that I managed to get out the door at the 11th hour. Think I'll turn it into a postcard and send to manufacturers, too.

Friendship Set: Limited Time

I thought it might be fun to celebrate the friends in our lives.



For a limited time, I want to offer a special gift package to celebrate friendships. I've packaged both the archival print and bezel pendant together and applied a discount.

This is a great gift for sisters, moms, aunts, and of course, best friends.

Celebrate Friendships on CalligraphyPets.

ECStewart + CalligraphyPets: FaceBook Page!

ECStewart Collections + CalligraphyPets now have our own Facebook page.



Please join us, become a fan and invite your friends! By doing so, this will allow you to post your photos of you and your favorite art from our studio!

Studio Report: Site Updates + Chat with Me!

Google has crafted a new tool: the Chat Box.

I discovered this box on an artist's site that I stalk (I'm benign, I promise!) and thought it was a very good way of keeping in touch with my clients who want instant info from me about my products and services.

Immediately, I found a way to create my own and installed it on my blog a week ago and now on my site on the collections and care page.

Status & Messages
I will do my best to change the status when I leave the studio so that you'll know my whereabouts. One can also leave a message and I'll find it in a new tab upon my return -so do make sure to leave your name and brief message so that I can be prepared to answer your queries effectively.

Additionally, I've updated a few pages on CalligraphyPets to make finding my products a bit easier. Namely, the collections page has been further enhanced with dropdown navigation and more imagery in cleaner subsections. I will be uploading new art and updating the care page as soon as I can.

I hope this helps you in your explorations and purchases. Feel free to chat with me if you find something awry.

St. Valentine's Day: A Giveaway Surprise

Note: We have a winner!!

I can't help but to feel generous this time of year; it doesn't have the pressures that the year-end holidays do.

So, I've decided to let you wait it out before I reveal the sweet surprise.

Please sign up and I'd love for your to send your friends!

Good luck!



Not So Sticky Rules:
1. One has to respond to this blog entry to qualify
2. I'd like you to be at least 18.
3. Contest Ends Thursday, February 14, 6:00pm (EST)
4. Free shipping for US Residents (lower 48)
5. Shipping outside US/48 may have to help defray costs
6. Andrew and I will use the online number generator to ID the winner.
7. You must be reachable so that we can contact you.
8. You must confirm your prize within one week or you forfeit and another winner will be chosen.
9. You can't be related to me -even thru marriage. Besides, you get all kinds of cool stuff from me anyway, right?

***
Winner Announcement
The contest is now closed and I want to thank you all for your participation! The Random Integer Generator revealed number....

#13 - Marilyn!

Marilyn, you'll want to send me a note (creativegoddess@ecstewart.com) to let me know your snail mail address so that I can send you your gift!




What's the gift you ask? The Love+Admiration Pendant from our Aspirations collections!

More about the pendant: An archival print is set in silver-toned pewter, sealed with resin that magnifies this quiet image and hangs on a complementary black silk cord with sterling clasp and 2" extender chain.

Words found on print: Love + Admire

Congrats! We know you'll love this.

******
UPDATE 2: For the rest of contest entrants, I'd like to offer free shipping on any gift from ECStewart Collections / CalligraphyPets. Email me before you order.

Email: creativegoddess@ecstewart.com

Again, thanks so much! Stay tuned for another...

Studio News: Licensed with Thirstystone!

We've got an announcement for all you wine lovers out there... we've launched a partnership with Thirstystone, a manufacturer of fine coasters this year. Thirstystone has uncorked 2 collections from us: Wine and Paisley!



Thirstystone Wine Coasters

I like the way the new wine series looks, I may just have to use them as wall decor!!



Thirstystone Paisley Coasters

I like the way the paisley beckons for a glass of homemade lemonade.

More on the press release.

Studio News: WinterIce OLE Watercolor Sterling Pendants

Introducing WinterIce
Water is like the stream of creativeness, refreshing the spirit and awakening up new forces. -A. Rakauskas

Awaken and refresh your spirit with an ECStewart original one-of-a-kind watercolor! These fabulous pendants are inspired by the beauty of nature and the stream that flows within.

Inspired by my travels to a much colder climate and my love for water and crystals, I've had a little fun with watercolors recently. While it seems like a departure from my usual tight calligraphic renderings, this allows me to enrich my work by applying a little freedom in the studio and bringing it to you.

These little beauties are original, one-of-a-kind limited edition original watercolor set in sterling silver bezel (30mm), sealed with resin that magnifies the flowing spirit and harmonized with a Swarovski crystal that represents the solid form of water. This small masterpiece hangs on a 18" sterling silver chain.


Right now, you can find them on ETSY because the limited edition is easier to keep track -I wouldn't want folks to double purchase my pieces when I'm not looking!

Handpainted Owl on Luxe Suede

Luxe Suede Handcrafted Painted Journal with Storybook Owl

I'm having a good time with owls. A pretty and wise owl looks great with a few understated Swarovski Crystals.

An original painting with metallic pewters and golds on luxurious rust colored suede that includes my small kanji stamp in the corner; it also comes with a small certificate of authenticity.

The owl is a sweet bird waiting for someone like you. It's one of a kind and for now, you can find it on ETSY.

Hip Amenity: Embroidered Felt Scarves

I'm excited to let y'all know that we've got more savvy accessories for you: Embroidered, hand-felted scarves in a variety of colors -including a Stewart tartan!

Made with 100% wool, this soft and stylish scarf is gently hand-felted and embroidered in our studio. In addition to the tartan, our colors include black ink and chinese red.

Wait! It also includes your choice of one embroidered calligraphic motif: a snowflake, acorn, or leaf.

I love wearing my snowflake tartan with a little black leather jacket -it makes me look a bit sassy.

Anyone see a pattern here besides me? If so, let me know and you'll get $10 off the purchase of your next scarf.

Hip Amenity: On the Move

Licensed!

Woo-hoo! I've managed to license two of my Renaissance snowflake images as holiday greeting cards. Naturally, I was inspired by the classic styles within the Renaissance period and of course, the blustering scenes outside of Hogwarts leaded glass windows. I just couldn't help myself -such a romantic period!

The press release has more info.