Cyber Monday Sale - Two Days! Get Great Gifts Now!

Get 25% off photos now though the end of Cyber Monday!  I've got great prices and quality.  Right now there are many listing that are Ready to Ship!

The Route 66 and Ghost town images make great holiday gifts for him.

Which Way Today 11x14 - 25% off

For her, maybe some flowers:

Bleeding Hearts 8x10 - 25% off

Check out LJLonfellow Photography for more and remember everything is 25% off for a limited time.

For more great sales on Photography, check out fPOE's blog.

And there are lots of great handmade and vintage gifts on Etsy:

It's a Route 66 Holiday with these Fab Cards

I've been asked many times over the years if I would make some Route 66 Christmas cards from my photos.  Honestly, I wasn't sure they would sell, but this year I decided to take the plunge.  I have two cards sets I am offering in limited quantity.  

 Each card is 5x7 folded and comes in a set with envelopes.  

These are offered in LJLonfellow Photography.  Just click to see more or purchase.

Win - Help me find a great title? Contest

I just listed this HDR Landscape of an Alaskan Sky taken from on top of a glacier in my Fine Art Photography Etsy Shop and my LJDesignPhoto Photography shop on 1000 Markets, but in not sure what to title it. I'm really happy with the results and each time I process another HDR image I learn something new. Here I used the process to bring out the details in the clouds and sky.


I listed it as an Untitled work and now I need your help. I think coming up with a title is one of my least favorite things so I'm asking you to suggest a title a title. In just over three weeks, on April 10, I will pick my favorite and award that person $30 in credit to use in any of my stores!

To Enter:
Leave a comment below with your suggested title.
You can leave a new one each day to better your chance to win.

I will close the comments the night before around 10 PM Mountain time.
The winner will be my favorite title.
The credit will be good for 6 months and has no cash value.

Tell your friends and you could also win an ACEO.

Thanks and good luck!
Lorissa

*********UPDATE!!!***********

I extended the date of the contest to after Easter, to get everyone time to think more if they would like.

and Yes, you can enter more then once. Enter a new title once a day if you would like.

Also, help promote this contest and you could also win an ACEO and a badge to your shop or blog on my blog for a year.

Valentines for Preschool - ideas

It's another holiday where Mom's everywhere are trying to figure out what to get/make with/for your child to bring to school to celebrate. Do we purchase those boxed cards? Add a piece of Candy? Temporary Tattoo?

This year I saw some really cute small puzzles at Hobby Lobby and thought those would be fun, but then I had to figure out a way to package them. With the help of my 4 year old we put together a clear bag with the puzzle and a piece of candy in it. Then, we stamped out hearts and "Happy Valentines" on cut and folded card stock and attached it with staples. Lastly, my daughter wrote her name on the back of each one so the other children knew who it was from.

I think they turned out pretty cute.


If your reading this and just realizing that you need valentines for school on Friday, or Sundays school, then check out Etsy for Printable Valentines. You just download them and print them on your color printer. There are so many different and clever designs by etsy artists.

You can also find free printable and great ideas from sites like Disney's Family Fun and Kaboose.

Thanks for reading and Happy Valentines Day (just a bit early)!
Lorissa

Cherry Blossom Trio

Spring Cherry Blossom III

Spring Cherry Blossom II

Spring Cherry Blossom I

Spring Cherry Blossom Trio is now available in my Etsy Fine Art Photography shop as a 10 x 10 set of three prints for only $60. I also have them listed as separate 12 x 12 prints listed in my 1000Markets LJDesignphoto shop for $40 each. You can also contact me to special order them in larger or smaller sizes.
This beautiful print set is done with a vintage feel in toned down colors and a soft but grainy background, allowing each blossom to stand out beautifully.

Thank your for your interest in my work.
Lorissa

New ACEO's inspired

For some reason when it comes to my Artist Cards I feel the need to do something more then to add to the edition of a popular print. I feel they should take on a life of there own and often are a result of inspiration from others or just experimentation. This time it was a bit of both.
I recently joined ILP (I love Photography dot com), a website primarily for Child Portrait Photographers. It is a group of photographers that talk about and share their craft. One of the post, a tutorial about how to get an Ice Grunge look by photographer Andrea Joki, inspired me to play with layers more.
The results are four new limited Edition ACEOs. Each one as a different reason. The first was inspired by Valentines day and my love of bleeding heart flowers.
This card is limited to an edition of 14. The next image, Desert Dancer, was inspired by the many beautiful photos from this shoot that I have yet to process and list. It is a personal favorite because of my love of dance and the desert.

This card is also available in a limited edition of 14. and the image will not be offered in any other size.
I was also inspired by Mothers day and did a small edition of 6 of a beautiful ACEO titled "Love & Joy: Motherhood".

And last but not least, (Actually, this is my personal favorite,) is "Lost in Enchantment: Dreaming" Inspired by Route 66 and New Mexico's beautiful night sky. The original image was actually taken during the day, but the sky came out so dark in the original photo that it lent itself to becoming an evening sky. For those that don't know too much about New Mexico, it is the Land of Enchantment. The Whiting Brothers sign is just off of I-40, and on an old stretch of Route 66. Not much left but the sign these days.


All of these ACEO are or will be available for sale starting this week in both my LJDesignphoto etsy shop and my fine art photography 1000 Markets shop. Each is printed on archive Endora Professional paper and then backed with acid free watercolor paper. They are signed, titled, and numbered.

Last Minute Handmade Gifts for Him

Each Christmas I find it difficlut to go gift shopping for my husband. If he wants it and we can really afford it. He is not into nick-nacks or buying things just to give as a gift. He doen't play video games, so new games are out, and just how many pairs of underwear can you give as a gift? Really?

So I thought as I searched I would share a few ideas for all you out there still searching:

Instead of one more necktie, check out this great wallet made from a recycled necktie, by Prix-Prix. This Bi fold is made from recycling a vintage necktie and a wool suit. Extremely functional it features pockets for cash and cards.
Also great for almost any guy is soap from the Beer Soap Company. They have all kinds of "scents" including this Outback Lager soap which is made with Foster's Lager. This would be a great stocking stuffer for any guy.


Is your man a traveler? Does he like little gadgets? Then these Working Celsius Thermometer & Compass Cuff links might be great for him. These handmade cuff links by luv4sams of the Empty Nest are so much fun, he will want to wear a dress shirt again.


If your looking for a gift that says a bit more, how about this beautiful tuxedo ring by Blazer Arts. This ring is made of oxidized sterling sliver and 14K white gold. This is a ring that would look great on any guy. You can find more by this jeweler at www.blazerarts.com.

Photography by Ryder Gledhill and property of Blazer Arts

Keep him warm this winter with this fab Hazelnut latte - Hand Knit Scarf by GreenCouch. This classic scarf in a wonderful natural color will go with every thing he owns. It is a made with a blend of wool and acrylic, so it is both soft and warm.

And if you man loves the open road or the nostalgic Route 66 check out my Route 66 Clocks. One features a beautiful Red Corvette and the other has signs pointing to the best known towns on the road. Both would make a great gift and look great in a family room, man's den, or office.



Good luck in your last minute shopping and have a wonderful holiday.

Handmade Gifts for Her

Looking for something to fill her stocking? Or just a little something for a friend? There are a few ideas that are all handmade by Fabulous Moms in the USA.

First is Michon, beautiful simple jewelry by Leah Ybarra. I love her earrings and own a couple of pairs right now. She loves silver and pearls, and this shows in her designs. Because she is also a mom she uses "non toxic" methods of metal work and many of her jewelry designs are baby-friendly (fun studs that are difficlut for little hands to grab.)


Another great item is andreabaker's Business Card Cozies. I love, love, love mine and I often get asked where I got it. I even use it as a small wallet sometimes, I'm amazed how much it holds. This is a great gift for anyone who has business card to carry around. She even has a listing for a Custom Business Card Cozy where you can choose the fabric and style you want. He shop is eclectic and full of beautiful things including Totes and handbags, aprons, hair accessories and more.

Lastly I want to show you valeriesgallery, a beautiful shop of classic knits and felted treasures. My most favorite items in Valerie's shop is her Felted Bowls and Vases. Her work is beautiful and her craftsmanship is just amazing. Each bowl is a unique piece of art and a great decorative gift. For those that like useful things for gifts, Valerie makes beautiful handmade Scarflettes and Scarfs. In her shop you can also find lovely felted handbags, wallets, jewelry, and hair ponies.


All these handmade artisan shops can be found on etsy.com. Etsy is a wonderful place to find gifts that are not found in those big box stores. I find it a great place to sell my photography at my LJDesignphoto fine art photography shop and to purchase great gifts.

Something for Him, Something for Mom, Something for your Home

You can get it all for 20% off or more at with my Cyber Monday and Beyond Holiday Sale. Shop my Etsy photography shop, 1000 Markets Art Photography shop, or my LJdesignphoto Fine Art Photography website.

In stock prints are marked as "SALE" items and are 30% off. The sale price is on the listing, so you just need to purchase them to receive the discount. These are in stock prints, so the discounts will last only as long as by back stock. Take 20% off the listed price all other prints. I will send you a refund via Paypal or Amazon Payments on these items. And if you order over $50 I will also refund your shipping cost.
It does not get much better then this. Route 66 and Red Corvettes for Him, perfect for his office, and lovely florals for Her. And landscapes fit into any room, a great gift for your whole family or a home warming.
Oh, and if you would like a larger print then you see listed, just let me know and I can make a listing just for you!

It's time to have a stress free and happy holiday season. Let me help you get there.

P.S. check out the Etsy FAM blog for more wonderful sales: http://fam-fabulousartisticmoms.blogspot.com/

and the plan for the coming weeks is to bring you the best small handmade gifts, great for any budget.

Monday - a few things to celebrate.

I just realized that my last post "My Sweet Young Artist" was my 100th post. I really thought that I would be on my 200th by now, but I really haven't gotten going into a rhythm with my blogging yet and it always seems to get knocked way down on the to do list. I actually have some good ideas for post, but by the time I get to them the energy is gone. I seems to be an unfortunate side effect to being the mother of a preschooler and someone trying to lose weight and get in shape. I spend most of preschool time working out or doing chores. By the time I get to working and promoting my shop I'm tired and she is wanting my attention. It has not helped that we just when through flu season. It hit us hard this year because it was her first year in preschool. But I should celebrate my accomplishment and not dwell on what I had hope would be. You know those expectations can lead us to unhappiness if we let them, but only if we let them.

So lots of positive things to celebrate this Monday.

First of all, last week my online friend Leah of Michon Jewelry Blog and Michon Handcrafted Jewelry featured me on her blog. I was so wonderful of her and I really appreciated it. You can find the feature on my LJDesignPhoto shop here. I was part of her new feature where you recommend an etsy artist you admire. I recommended Valerie of Valeries Gallery and she posted Valerie's interview today. Valerie knits and felts things, but my favorite pieces of hers are her bowls. She make wonderful felted bowls and I have the pleasure of owning one.

Michon Jewelry Blog via kwout

I'd also like to mention that I have been working the last two and a half months to lose weight and get in to shape. I joined Weight Watchers and have been working out at least four times a week. I have lost 15 lbs and am now training for my first 5K. I'm really not a big fan of running, but it really feels good after my work out to have pushed myself so hard. My goal is still another 15 lbs away, I'm just so happy to be healthier. I really want to improve my health for my daughters sake and to give her a positive influence of eating right and exercise.

I'm not really a fan of this photo, but it was taken a couple weeks ago when I was down 12 lbs, but I wanted to post something to show my progress. I really hate to put up an older "fat" photo, but know I really am making progress and in a few weeks I will post another photo, maybe one of those classic, with my fat jeans on, images. LOL

And don't forget that this is my 101th post. And that I had 5 etsy sales last week. And that tonight is Mom's Night Out. I'm sure, I'm forgetting a couple of things.

So what are you celebrating this Monday (because everyday should have a positive edge to it)?

Treasury Snapshot: Photography, decay, and old things

I haven't had the time to snag a treasury on Etsy in a while, so I was completely surprised when I got one. Didn't even have a title in mind and just put whatever (actually "Random but fun"). I thought I would feature members of my Etsy team POE (Photographers of Etsy) and found these great images as I seached. Thank you to all the talented artist for making it so easy. Also, thank you to Tina of Pfeiffer Photos for featuring this Treasury and some of my work on her blog.

Protection? Just say no - CPSIA

I think I'm as confused as the next mom/consumer about the new law from the CPSIA. I understand and respect the idea of the law to protect our children from lead and other substance that can be harmful to their health. I'm even glad that the government is taking notice of all the problems with recalls, but this new law seems to only make it easier for the large toy manufactures that have the large number of recalls. It puts up impossible barriers for smaller toy manufactures, crafters of handmade children's toys, clothes, and other items, and WAHMS (Work at home Moms) who's businesses focus on children's items. And this law has come just when I was finally able to buy handmade items that are safer for my child at a reasonable cost, and support other mothers trying to stay home and care for their children at the same time.

There are so many things wrong with this law and so many people that will be negatively effected that you might be better off reading it from those that have done much more research then I. One blog called Cool Mom Picks has a great post called Save Handmade and explains it well. They have compiled some great resources and articles that will explain the full scope of the law. While this new law does not effect my business it does effect my choices in the market place. Choices that I know are safe, but the testing was in the components, not the final product.

I hope this "Blog - In" day help bring light to this issue and makes the government aware how many people are unhappy with the law. I hope the media start to really cover this issue, too. If you care, please blog, call or email the CPSC, or your contact your congressman. The more voices the more they will have to listen.

Sweet Giveaway and Deal, Cupcake!

It is almost time for the Etsy Street Team FAM (or Fabulous Artistic Moms) to celebrate its first birthday, and what a celebration it is going to be. The theme is cupcakes and in response I thought I would offer as a prize in the scavenger hunt that fit the theme. So I went out and found a cute little cupcake, took some photos and now can't decide which one to offer as the prize.
So I thought I would let you choose. And to give you incentive to vote I'm going to make it into a giveaway.

Leave a comment letting me know which cupcake is your favorite and you could win a 8x8 print and four 3x3 gift cards of it. The most popular cupcake image will be the one I use as the prize for FAM's birthday bash. Comments will be open until Saturday, February 7 at 5 p.m. EST.

Want a second, third, fourth chance to win?
2. Blog about my giveaway, and leave a link in comments.
3. Twitter about this. Again, leave me a link so I know you did it.
4. Lastly, buy something from my Fine Art Photography etsy shop and put "Sweet" in notes to seller.

How do you know if you won? Check back on Sunday, February 9th to see who won. I will put each entry in a bowl and have my three year old daughter randomly pick a winner. It could be you. (I will also try to contact the winner, but if I can't and don't hear from them in 5 days I will pick a new winner. )

You want more? Maybe a sweet deal? How about 20% off any purchase in my LJDesignPhoto Fine Art Photography shop, just mention "Sweet" in notes to seller and you will get the discount and that extra entry to the giveaway. I will send you a revised paypal invoice, or a refund of you pay via paypal.

And what about FAM's Big First Birthday Bash? The celebration will start on Feb. 15th, so make sure to check back then for more details.

If your going to blog, here is a graphic to help you out:


<a href="http://ljdesignphoto.blogspot.com/2009/01/sweet-giveaway-and-deal-cupcake.html" title="giveaway"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ePILCYSg3vg/SXz6f5RUdMI/AAAAAAAAAhk/8j7xlqXII-E/s200/cupcakegiveaway.jpg" /></a>


A new post to announce the winner at:

And the Winner is.....

Purple Iris - Wordless Wednesday

And now to Announce a winner! And a Bonus!

This week has been a tough one, but has had some highlights like at the great entries to my giveaway. Why tough? Well, my daughter was sick a the start of the week and by Wednesday I was down and out myself. I'm so glad to have a small family so once we have all caught the cold or flu the sooner it is over.

But this isn't what you've come for, you're wonder, "Did I win? If not, who did?" You might even be wondering which print the winner choose. (And don't forget to check out the spectacular Bonus offer at the bottom of this post!!!!)

Let's start with getting ready to pick a winner. I spend part of my week cutting up small pieces of paper on my rotary cutter (this was paper with printer marks, or bends, that needed to be recycled in some way) and writing the names of each person who entered along with the number of the comment, just to be sure I had the correct name in case of repeats.
I put these into my favorite blue bowl, and thought, wow 113 doesn't look like a lot in this bowl. This AM, after the last entry was in I asked my DH (darling husband) to mix them up really good.
Then I asked my DD (darling daughter) to pick one out of the bowl and show me what it said. (Cute outfit isn't it? Traci of iSassy custom made it for her. She loves it.)
And the Winner is:
Misty!!!! Let me know your address via email so I can send you your prize.

And what did Misty choose? My Bleeding Hearts Limited Edition Print.Thank you to everyone who Participated!!! I have really enjoyed your wonderful comments.

AND NOW FOR THE BONUS!!!!

I would like to offer 20% off any purchase over $10 from my etsy store, including special orders, though the end of August. Just use the code "JulyGiveAway" in the notes to seller, and don't pay until I send you a revised invoice. Also, any purchase from now until Aug. 10th will give you an entry into the FAM B2S Treasury hunt where you could win $100 in FAM bucks to use in participating FAM stores, including mine. Visit the FAM Blog for more information.

Something to hold those cards in! Fabulous!

When I ordered new business cards last week I need something to hold and protect them in my purse. There are so many options out there, but I knew I wanted something homemade, easy to use, and fun.


I found the perfect card holder in Andrea Baker's etsy shop. Her business card cozies are great and you can custom order them so that you get something that matches your personality. They also hold around 40 standard cards and fit nicely even in a small purse. She hand makes each one and the quality of her work is fabulous. I couldn't be happier.

I've been Featured!

Jennifer of Merkaba's Musing, a great jewelry designer and online friend, featured my work in her blog. I feel so honored. Come and read the post at http://merkabajewelry.blogspot.com.

Thank you so much, Jennifer.



Don't forget to check out her Fabulous Esty shop Merkaba Jewelry.

Fabulous Artistic Mom's Spring Fling Event is Here!!!!

Are You Ready?
Then lets Play!!!

A little Spring Fling Scavenger Hunt promotional game FAM-style, where each of us have hidden a little green frog in one of our Etsy listings, or find the text “famfrog” in the item description. All you need to do is find one of those frogs in five different participating shops, submit your answers to BAMDesigns and you’ll be entered to win one of several FAMtastic prizes! In addition to the FAM Spring Fling Scavenger Hunt, all purchases made through the participating FAM Shops on Etsy (please scroll down for shop links) will automatically be entered in the drawing.

HOW TO PLAY:

Each participating Etsy store has hidden the image of our FAM Frog or the text “famfrogs” in one or more of their listings or listing photos. Find the frog image or text in 5 participating shops and be entered for a chance to win! All purchases made from participating shops during the promotion will also be entered into the drawing.

Send your guesses to: BamDesigns on Etsy and include the following information:

- Your Name
- Your Etsy Username
- The URL to the item where you found the frog!
- You need just one frog from 5 different shops!

Drawing will be held on March 26, 2008. The winners will be notified by convo or email. All entrants agree to have their names announced in the Etsy forums and on blogs.

PRIZES:

The prizes being awarded are FAM Bucks which are coupons used in participating FAM stores on Etsy. FAM Bucks are codes that entitle the bearer to receive discounts in participating FAM stores. FAM Bucks allow the winner to choose their prize from participating FAM stores!

Grand Prize: $50
Runner Up (x3): $20
Honorable Mention (x19): $10

Participating FAM Spring Fling shops on Etsy:

LJDesignPhoto
AndreaBaker
AnnieHowes
Antoinettes
Beanhank
TadaDesigns
ChamberryCherry
CraftMom
MacaroniAndGlue
KrystalMoon74
ASugarAffair
Luv4Sams
ElegantSnobbery
StudioDuSoleil
SewingGranny
PrettyBowtique
BamDesigns
TraciSase
ValeriesGallery
NikkisNacs
CraftyBagsEtc
AbleMabel
NewEnglandQuilter
Winklepots
MerkabaJewelry

I'm offering an extra bonus for those who purchase from my shop during the spring fling. A free note card for each item purchased.


Now lets get going and play!!!!