a moment in time...

Off to Europe Sale

2008-06-28T20:58:35Z

"Strength" earrings
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I am leaving for Europe in two weeks for two weeks ;)
and decided to have a little sale until then. 15% everything in my shop until July 10th!
(excluding custom items)

Please do come for a visit The Shop!

new "Strength" Earrings

"Big On Bloor" festival

2008-06-22T17:24:41Z

"Big On Bloor" festival
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

My friend and I battled the elements on Saturday to do this Festival.
We had everything from rain, wind, sunshine to dark mean clouds.
We didn't get a lot of traffic and we were in the worse location but it was a good experience....

10 more days...

2008-06-08T17:36:23Z

'Joy' Earrings
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I can almost smell the freedom. Imagine that a few months without my Accounting textbook to keep me company every night and weekend.

Any spare minute that I have, I am trying to prepare for my craft show on the 27th. Yesterday I made earrings and created this new design, "Joy".
I only have enough to make only these, so they are One of a kind for the next little while. My goal is to create as much inventory as I can without buying new supplies. I do have them in pink too, but I will keep them for the craft show, if they don't sell I will list them.
They are very cute and fresh ;)

ok back to the book..........

Hi there....

2008-06-01T21:51:17Z

[this should have been posted yesterday]

I know I have been MIA for most of the month....
Thank you for looking in and waiting for an update.
Right now I am studying for a big entrance exam that will take place on June 17th. Send all the extra luck you have my way, because I will need it.

After that I will have TIME, imagine that...TIME!!!!

On June 20th I will be in a Craft Show in Toronto, Big on Bloor !

and on July 11th I am off to Europe for two weeks. woop woop!

Ok I will update you with pictures and new items soon!

By the way The Shop! is still open and even though I am studying I love taking breaks to get orders ready for shipping ;)

A little extra time...

2008-06-01T21:46:33Z

Pocket Mirrors...
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I managed to finish the studying I planned for today early and this is what I did.
These are my cute little pocket mirrors all dressed up in their own packages ready to come with me to a craft sale!

They are not in the Shop! , but if you really want one let me know ;)

ok I am to Paul's parents for real dinner

where does time go....

2008-05-04T01:21:01Z

Just For You - Moleskine Journal
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

it passes too fast to realize....
I spent the day in a classroom and will be back again tomorrow. This is all in prep for my 'life' changing test in June.
To be honest I am not sure I want to be a CMA anymore, but I have a lot invested in it already, both in money and time...
I will continue to push forward. My reward will be my first vacation to see my family in July. I can't wait!

I finally finished this little Moleskine journal featuring my print " Just for you", it has been in the works for months, half done just waiting for me to put it together.
"Just for you" Journal

Website update....

2008-04-27T19:31:17Z

Website update....
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I was a bit productive this weekend as I did manage to update my website
Instead of an image heavy grid I figured out how to create a gallery!
yey me!
A few people have tried it and it is loading fast. If you have to time to visit, please let me know how it loads for you. So far I have updated the Block prints section. This new design is faster to do and I hope to actually 'finish' the other parts.

The Link!

Hi there,

2008-04-12T21:00:56Z

Candy star pendant
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

How are you?

Life is changing for me in a flash, one minute I am moving the next I am not.
The good news is that I don't have to study for the rest of the month and really hope to do some block printing this week or even perhaps a bit of painting.
I had a dream that I sold a few paintings, I really wish I would find the energy to really work on my so called art career. The current corporate life is slowly making me loose sense of who I am.

For now I am working on new accessories because they are fun and quick to do.

Visit this cute pendant when you have a minute "Candy Star"

It is very gray here, I hope that were you are you have a bit of sunshine.

in a few words...my life is...

2008-03-29T20:51:36Z

"Simplicity" Earrings
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Get up early, go to work....stay late at work, go home and be stuck in traffic on the way home.... study, go to sleep. Get up early, go to work...stay later than yesterday, go home...but be stuck in traffic for a while, study...go to sleep. Get up early, go to work........... you get the picture.
But at least while I am at work I get to wear and be complemented on my new earrings collection

Simplicity Earrings!

the little things...

2008-03-23T19:46:42Z

Ceramic Brown Heart Pendant
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

The little things make me happy...
like having my brother and my sister with me for the first time since Thanksgiving.
or trying to boil eggs to colour them and ending up with half of them cracking ;)

I spent the weekend in bed sick for most part, but hopefully this week won't be too hard on me.

I have updated the shop The Shop! with new earrings and this Pendant

Happy Sunday!

ps if you read this prior to my edit, well it is proof I am sick

Small update...

2008-03-16T16:49:17Z

Gentle Earrings
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Nothing new to report really.
Just working like mad, studying like mad and trying to spend a few minutes on something creative or to go the gym.
I find that earrings are an easy way to do something different, ie not work with numbers. I have been putting them in the Shop

I hope to have some time to print in the upcoming future, but it probably won't be until after my test on April 5th.

My brother joined me at the Bead Oasis show downtown yesterday and that was interesting. I found that a lot of the supplies I can get online and mainly on Etsy are a lot cheaper than from the vendors there. I did spend a bit too much on lovely handmade glass beads that are just incredibly beautiful.

Gentle Earrings

New things...

2008-03-09T01:54:36Z

Asymmetrical metal earrings
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

So instead of studying I have been playing with beads and metal.
I have a new addiction!
I listed this pair of earrings and already sold a pair the same day.
You can visit the new pair here: Assymetrical Earrings
I am trying to focus on studying but my brain is very very tired and unwilling to cooperate with me....

not a good week.

2008-03-01T18:19:05Z

Framed artwork
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I am really happy that this week is over.
I have been sick with a head cold since Monday. I managed to work from home almost the whole week.
Tiger was sick too. I took him to the vet and he got shots and now he doesn't like me very much. He had an upset tummy on Monday and a bit of a scratch under his chin. He is just sleeping and giving me unhappy looks.
I have to say Vets are very very expensive ;(

The picture to the side is of one of my prints framed. In my opinion a frame makes the pieces incredible!
Ok back to trying to relax and get better.

Recovery shake...

2008-02-16T19:46:50Z

Recovery shake
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

The test is done!
I needed something fresh and yummy to recover with and this Avocado shake is just the answer.
Smoosh 1 avocado in your blender
add a few ice cubes
Milk to top it off and blend blend blend.
Sugar to taste can be added too.

hehee it might be a funny green colour but it sure is supper yummy and refreshing.

now the list for this long weekend...
clean apartment
got new work pants shortened ( they were less than $20, thus $7 for a nice hem is justified)
get a registration sticker for my car
lots and lots of art...
except I am really tired but I will try ;)

iva_o @ 2008-02-14T21:54:00

2008-02-15T02:57:07Z

I just censored my prior entry. I don't like that I had to do it. Somehow a lot of my 'real' life people can now find my online life and I don't like it. This is where I was supposed to be real and open without the fear of being discovered and judged.
I am thinking of opening another account and writing there, moving my online friends to that one.
This will probably stay more Etsy etc kind of journal.
Do you think that's a good idea?

Happy Valentine's day

2008-02-15T01:05:35Z

Valanetine's day has always been one of my favourites...
this year it holds no excitement.....something is missing

Self Portrait Thurs Feb 7 2008

2008-02-09T19:05:15Z

Self Portrait Thurs Feb 7 2008
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Once again a picture is worth a 1000 words.
This is how tired I am trying to work over 10 hours a day and studying every night.
The test is next Satruday morning and after that I have 2 whole days and guess what I am doing....... apart from sleeping of course... painting and printing. The hope to be able to paint is what keeps me going.

Tiger doing my homework

2008-02-01T23:06:38Z

Tiger doing my homework
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

This is what we are up to....
I study... and Tiger eats my homework.....
No time for a life or artwork ;(
I am gearing up for another test on Feb 16th, perhaps that weekend after the test I will be able to spend some time painting or printing.
I really hope so

Pocket Mirror Sale....

2008-01-13T20:23:30Z

I am having a great sale in My Shop!!
All of my original art pocket mirrors are on sale for a great price.
Thank you for the visit

Beach Sunset!
Flower!
Self Image!

There is either 1 or 2 left of each design and once sold out they won't be back.

Acorn Necklace

2008-01-01T19:55:09Z

Acorn Necklace
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

A little gift to myself from myself.
When I was little my Grandfather used to take all 3 kids for hikes in the local woods. We always collected acorns. We had bags of them. Sadly my Grandfather passed way 7 years ago and I miss him dearly. Whenever I am sad and unhappy about life I usually see an acorn somewhere: On a tree, on the ground or in a picture. I know that it is him telling me life will be ok.
I asked http://tigerlillyshop.etsy.com to create a little acorn for me after seeing some of her other pieces. I simply love it and now I can wear the memory of my grandfather around my neck.

2 ACEO auctions

2007-12-30T16:12:26Z

I am still trying to make it on ebay

Please click on the image for the auctions.
Thank you

ATCs, art and life

2007-12-29T18:44:23Z

My wishlist theme ATCs - All traded
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I have to say that I am a little lost as to which day of the week it is. Got to love vacation, even if it speeds awa too fast.

As I said before I am working on a few swaps over at www.swap-bot.com and here is the first one.
5 ATCs for 5 different themes.
At the Beach - I cheated by using my old artwork but I really wanted to use this image
Oriental - I layered red and flowery paper and drew in ink the bamboo.
Butterflies - a little ink illustration
Something Colorful - block print, that looks horible when scanned but really cool in person - yellow, orange and red
Dragonflies - a little cut paper illustration, I am really like working with cut paper, this one is my favorite.

I would have not created these if it was not for the swap and am glad that it makes me create more.

I have been feeling really blue for the last little bit and decided to go tanning yesterday. I have to say that it does help I never believed people when they say it makes them happy, but it really does work. I only went for 4 minutes but hey.

Good morning, Tassimo!!!!!!!

2007-12-26T23:02:55Z

Good morning, Tassimo!!!!!!!
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

Meet my new morning friend!
Mornings should be a little bit better with wonderful machine.
I have been hoping for a tassimo and now I have one.
yey!

I have been sitting in my toasty apartment today, relaxing.

I just joined www.swap-bot.com and now I am participating in 2 ATC swaps. I find that swaps always challenge me and keep me creative.
One is a Valentine theme and the other is a 10 favorite things theme.
This should be fun!

"Behind the mask" - new print

2007-12-24T00:13:14Z

"Behind the mask"
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I am very excited that I managed to get out the ink and print a few new pieces.
I am discovering that I don't have enough colours and really need to do some online shopping for supplies. The art stores around me don't think that block printing is popular.

I also cut paper today to get it ready for printing. This is the least liked activity for me, I measure once and cut 5 times. ;(
There are a few 8x10inch pieces now and I can't wait to print a few big pieces.

2007 in titles and first sentenses

2007-12-22T22:29:42Z

I have seen people do this where they list the title ( or is it the first sentence?)of their 1st post in every month of the year…. Here is 2007
In titles and sentences:

January : “Happy New Year!”
Happy New Year everyone.

February: "Black Apple Surprise"
hmmm Fantasy is not my subject matter and yet it is starting to show up here and there.

March: “Chocolate Chip Lip Balm”
Just look at what is in my Shop!

April: “New ATCs”
Similar to the ones in my Shop but also different ;)

May: “Life Update”
I am slowly getting ready for the May 12th little show.

June: “The Degree”
Yes I finally have it my hands!

July: “Gifts!!!”
I love love giving gifts

August: : “ technology not always your friend “
My photoshop refuses to open.

September: “Last week's auctions were a success and now for more... “

October: “Printing... “
I have been really busy with work, packing up my parents' house over the Thanksgiving weekend and studying.

November; ‘"Algonquin" block WIP ‘
I was bad this week and instead of studying I worked on art.

December: “Tired”

In case you needed proof as to why I haven't been around.

As promised this is really Art and Life