Getting ready for the Holidays on facebook... Artsy style

I've been noodling my holiday promotional images since Spring! Partly because I love styling my art, and partly because I think its important to have the holiday photography ready to go WAY before the holidays hit. I believe that, in this world of internet sharing, the photographs of our art as almost as important as the art itself. Almost no one who buys my art will see it in person before they bring it into their home. So, creating a brand, a "look" for my work is something that I spend a great deal of time on. I just finished a couple of images for my facebook banner and am just in love with them. They take a lot of work and I thought it might be helpful to someone else to share my process. This isn't the "right" way to do it, maybe. It is just what works for me. 

First, I collect things that I think would work for the look I'm going for. This time, I was collecting for Fall and Christmas. I especially like thrift stores for this because I buy more than I'll use and don't want to overspend. I audition many props before I come up with just what I think tells the story I want to tell. 

Here's the first image I shot for the fall facebook banner: 

raw photo before perfecting for my facebook page.

By looking at this picture, you can see the book I used to prop up the birds in the glass dish and a peak at the wall behind my drape. I like to take a group of photos, go to photoshop to see how it looks when cropped, and then go back and play with my items. Sometimes, I do this many, many times. I actually ended up climbing up on a chair and sitting on the back to get the shot I wanted. 

Here's a similar shot of the Christmas set up:

raw photo used for demonstration purposes only

You can see stuff I used to lift things up into the shot as well as a set-up that I ended up not loving. The roses are too bright and don't fit the look I was going for. I fetched another crochet shawl, changed out the nest on the cake, took LOTS of shots from different angles, and then... it all came together like magic!

Here are the final images:

LaBelle Mariposa 2015 Fall Facebook Banner

LaBelle Mariposa 2015 Christmas Facebook Banner

I cropped them wide because I plan to use them as banners on my facebook page. I find that leaving a blank spot on the bottom left works well for the way facebook lays things out. If you plan to promote your page, you'll want something that looks nice in that area, but that won't look silly if it's covered up because these images can be used for promotion. My log is in the upper right hand side because facebook doesn't put anything there. 

I use my best camera and set it to shoot without a flash. That's very important because a flash will blast out all of your hard work and make your image look depth-less. I welcome any questions in the comments section below. I hope you enjoy my photos and have fun making your own.!

Blessings,

Laura P.

Why I chose Etsy

I must confess... I resisted Etsy. I really wanted to do it on my own. I wanted to set up the look, style, feel, and environment in which I sold my art. So, I created my own website, stocked it with art and waited for the curious crowds to come knocking down my virtual door. Well, that didn't happen. So, I started looking at other options. At first, I thought I'd add just a few items to a site like Artfire because some of my cooler artsy fiends like and realized that it just didn't have the name recognition. I opened the account but didn't get much further than that. 

A turning point came for me hen I ordered a bag from a facebook friend, she requested I go through her Etsy site. She sells bags in her shop BrookVanGoryDesigns. She explained that Etsy helped her keep track of things and stay organized. This really hit home for me. I'm not that into organization. I'd much rather make art! 

When I seriously revisited Etsy, I found that they had lots of support and suggestions for people who genuinely want to make a go of it on their site. There is also a great deal of support from other artists. 

If you're doing research into what kind of success is possible on Etsy, check out this independent site that tracks Etsy sales: Craftcount. According to Alexa.com, Etsy is one of the top 1,000 websites in the world. Now, I understand not wanting to go with the crowd, and desiring to do things your own way. But, sometime we have to prioritize our time and choose what tasks are going to bring the greatest rewards.

What it comes down to is answering the question, "What is my goal?" Do you want to create a selling environment, or do you want to let someone else create the environment and you customize your own shop to sell your art?

I've had work on Etsy for a little over a month. I've had a couple of sales and I'm really happy with my shop. One thing I found very encouraging is other sellers who've included my products in Treasuries thereby exposing my work to a whole new audience. I'm following all the recommendations I've read on Etsy, Sharing my posting on social media like facebook and Pinterest, Blogging, adding a few items at a time, taking the very best photos I can... I'm giving this my best shot. You can follow along here to see how things go. I just wanted to take a minute to share my investigation and findings.

Blessings!

Ceramic Mice fresh from the kiln

Yesterday I said that I was excited about turtles coming out of the kiln. Well, they didn't turn out exactly as I'd hoped, so they are back in again today. These little mice, however, I think are adorable. So, ready to overload on cuteness? Here ya go!

The mama in the top picture has one more trip through the kiln because I think she'd be super cute with mother of pearl glaze on her nose and in her ears. 

Come back often to see what's out of the kiln!

Blessings!

Sharing love and art on Etsy!

A group of ceramic birds right out of the kiln

I've tried so many ways to promote and sell my art. I even have had an Etsy account before, but when I started to get serious about sharing my happy art with as many people as I could, Etsy was the main name that stood out to me. So, I'm really excited to be adding new items to my shop every day, and to be creating new and exiting items, too! 

Clay birdies drying and waiting for the kiln. 

I've also been down many roads when it comes to art. Painting on canvas, my art car, paper clay, quilts... as you can see... LOTS! While I enjoy using paper clay, I am so intrigued with the permanence of ceramic clay. For instance, some of the oldest records we have of civilizations is their pottery. I feel that I'm making cute little critters and things that will out last me by a long time. And, when anyone looks at and holds my little love offerings, they feel and enjoy the creative energy I put in each and every piece. Here's some pictures of art in progress: 


While I started with these darling little birdies, I've been having so much fun creating all sorts of critters. Right now, I have some mice in the kiln that I can't wait to see when I wake up tomorrow morning. For now, I'll share some of the little critters that I've already placed in the shop. Do check back soon for photos of those mice. I hope they are as cute in real life as they are in my imagination!

mini critters made by Laura Pallatin of LaBelle Mariposa

Teeny tiny turtles by Laura Pallatin of LaBelle Mariposa

Creative exploration

Three ceramic butterfly necklaces by Laura Pallatin 

I've been accused of having ART ADD. That is, I don't just pick one art medium and stick with it. I really believe that my various interests inform one another and make me a better artist. I'm sharing this because I know I'm not alone in this desire to experience and explore lots of ways of creating art. 

To that end, I am pleased to share my latest art adventure! Ceramics!!! Ok, new for me. I've been painting canvases and want to experience my art in a more 3 dimensional way. So, I started with sculpting and painting butterflies and today I've created some cute little critters. This is so super fun! I hope you enjoy it. And, when you feel an itch to try something new... go for it! 

Blessings,
Laura P.

Handmade ceramic butterfly necklace

freshly sculpted itty bitty kitty

Fresh sculptures that will be jewelry! So cute!!!

Following my apron obsession...

Pocket detail of handmade apron

I've been obsessed with this cross-back apron style for a while. I first saw something like it by Magnolia Pearl, LOVe her stuff!! I am also really inspired by Nadir Positano and Atelier de Ours. 

red and green full coverage apron

I've also been thinking that we all play dress-up every day of our lives. I wonder, if someone found a picture of me in a hundred years, what would they think I was dressed up as? I've decided that I'm okay with being seen as an eccentric gal who wears fanciful clothes. It's so much more fun! I drive an art car, right? Might as well have fun with 
my clothes, too!

back of red and green cross back apron

There are many wonderful artists who have a distinct fashion style that also inspire me so very much. For instance, Tasha Tudor was an artist and illustrator who loved what she considered a simpler way of life. She dressed in 1800's type attire and collected real 1800's dresses. She lived on a farm and maintained a very simple life while she created art until her death in 2008. 

seersucker crossback apron

Another stylish artist I look to is Julie Arkell.  Ms. Arkell lives in England and creates the most adorable folk art creations! She also rocks a super cute style! 

Drawing on all these wonderful inspirations, I've started creating clothes for myself. Here are my first three aprons. One is very fall like with dark red fabric and green trim. This one is more sophisticated (in my opinion).

big splashy vintage linen pockets

My second apron creation is made from light-weight red and white seersucker. I've been collecting bits of embroidery at my local thrift shop for quite a while and this gave me a great opportunity to put some fingertip towels to use as pockets.  In order to give the pockets a little tuck for the opening, I used china buttons I had in my collection and simply used red thread for contrast. I wanted it to be light and airy so I went with a very simple white cotton for the ruffle. 

hard working and cute apron

vintage linen large pockets on apron

Finally, my most recent addition (I finished it today) which is a dark blue striped apron. This one is made of a heavier cotton and feels quite nice on. I used fingertip towels again for the pockets and tiny china buttons for the tucks on the front. I chose a fun print fabric that has both red and blue to coordinate with the trim.




I had so much fun making these aprons. I believe that when you approach any project with the intention of creating something artsy, it is always much more fun! 

The pleasures of driving an art car

Gladys the Art Car by Laura Pallatin of LaBelle Mariposa

I admit it, I've been dreaming of having a big canvas to create happy art on for quite some time. I don't have a big old barn, in fact I live in a neighborhood with strict rules about what your home must look like, so painting on the house or barn was out. Then, I struck upon the idea of an art car. A mobile canvas that I can continually update as inspiration strikes. And, best yet, everywhere I go, I share my love of happy art. Fear stood in my way for quite a while. Our culture really doesn't support doing anything "weird" to a car. It is considered, first and foremost, an investment.

The good news is that almost EVERYONE smiles when they see Gladys. A very few (like 3 people) have looked miffed. I figure that they don't get it, and smile for them. If you're thinking about sharing your art in this way, I highly encourage it.  Take your time. Find the right car and wait to paint until your creative vision is strong in your mind. Then, have fun! It really is a wonderful way to share love with everyone who sees your car. 

Blessings,
Laura Pallatin
LaBelle Mariposa

Why you should buy original art

A pretty landscape over my blue cupboard

As an artist, I find great pleasure in purchasing and enjoying art that comes right from the hand of a real live person. I can “feel” the work, love, and inspiration that went into that piece of art which is inherently different from any other piece on earth. An artist may produce more than one piece in a theme or collection, but just like flowers on a plant each one is unique. When I refer to “art,” by the way, I’m talking about an originally conceived handmade object. (including but not limited to: painting, sculpture, quilts, art to wear, jewelry, wood sculpture, pottery, fiber art...)

This brings me to the topic I’d like to talk about today which is why YOU should buy original art.

two paintings in my landscape collection

1. Your home is the environment you create to nurture yourself, your family, and friends. Home is your sanctuary. Every item in your home is there either to comfort, inspire, or facilitate the lifestyle you are choosing to live. Original art brings an organic “alive” quality to your home that no print can ever communicate. It’s right from the artist’s easel. Whether you buy it while the paint is still drying, or hundreds of years after it’s painted, you are getting the one and only original with dimension no print can every really copy. 

original art with milkglass collection

2. Your art collection is a reflection of your personal taste. Hanging original art in your home can show your love of the local art scene, your travels, or your simply your own preferences for collecting. Many artists paint the scenes of their homes and travels. I like to collect paintings of pastoral scenes. One room in my home is dedicated to this collection. It is a very soothing place for all who visit. 

Gratuitous cute doggie poses with pretty landscape picture

3. Finally, when you purchase original art, you are supporting people who make art. This may seem like a no-brainer, but let’s explore it a bit. Most of us admire those who create. We listen to music, enjoy dance, watch talented people perform on television. But, original art is the only creative product we can purchase, take home, and enjoy for the rest of our lives (and even pass on to our heirs.) You can personally encourage and support local artists with your purchases in a very personal way that you cannot really connect with other creative folks. 

I am not saying that no one should ever buy a print. That’s just silly. This is simply a plea to expand your mind to the idea that owning original art has its own special value. 
If you don’t put perfectly reproduced silk plants in your garden, why on earth would you hang nothing but reproduced pictures on your walls?

Share in the Happy with LaBelle Mariposa!!

Expanding happiness all around me is ultimately my goal in life! Creating happy art has been a powerful tool for me to use to share my joy. That's why I'm so excited about being able to offer these darling little works of art to my friends and fans so that we can all share happiness! 

I've done a lot of research on this to find stickers and decals that would really do a good job of reproduction my work at a price that everyone can afford. 

Joyful living photographs with quotes

I've been putting some of my favorite pictures together with inspirational quotes from people I admire. It's part of the "Joyful Living" part of my commitment to you. At moments we feel our purpose so strongly that it is impossible to believe that a time may come when we can't connect directly to that intense knowing. I like having many reminders around me to help bring me back to my purpose, here. I hope that these images and words work to help you reconnect with your purpose, too. 
Blessings!

Stickers and Decals are on their way!

If you’ve been following along here, you know that I’ve been painting on my car and having a great time making it all happy and pretty! Well, what you may not know is that I have ordered some stickers and vinyl decals of some of my favorite images so that you can make your car happy and pretty, too! They are nice reproductions of my work so you can also use them to make your laptop, walls, or just about anything you can stick a sticker to prettier!

I heard back from both companies today, and we’re definitely in business! So, here’s a preview of the designs:

4 inch red hibiscus flower

4 inch yellow and red hibiscus flower

5 inch dove

4 inch "Petunia the anything can happen Pig"

4 inch red eyed frog

5 inch yellow and pink hibiscus flower

4 inch open landed Monarch butterfly

4 inch open flying Monarch butterfly

4 inch Monarch from the side view

Gladys the Art Car gets some new paint!

Gladys, my 1999 Lincoln Town Car, is transforming day by day as I add art work to inspire joy and happiness on our road-ways. Yes, I get some strange looks, many people ask if I put a bunch of stickers on my car, and just today a man shook his head and told me that I must be eccentric.  But, all of this reaction is worth the smiles, thumbs ups, and "I LOVE your car!" comments. 

I use one-shot paints that I get from TCP Global because I've found the best price and they get my order to me pretty quickly! I purchase regular brushes from art supplies stores because I haven't learned how to use the quills and I'm getting the results I want with regular brushes. I use LOTS of turpenoid for my brushes, to remove smudges I get all over myself and the car, etc. To get the fun swirly butterfly on the hood I thinned the paint with thinner that is available from TCP as well. When I'm finished working I clean my brushes with The Master's Brush Cleaner  which has done wonders to help my brushes look brand new after each use. You can find that at Michaels. I'd recommend buying the big tub and using a discount coupon. You can use the very same tub for your acrylic brushes and it saves them, too.

Since I've been working on her more lately, I thought I'd share some pictures here. In many ways, I feel that painting on my car is sorta like adding tattoos to her body. If you are interested in knowing how to paint your own car, feel free to leave questions in the comments and I'll do my best to answer them all!

Inspirational Words on Gladys the Art Car!

More words to uplift and inspire

A long shot of the cherry blossom tree with birds

Detail picture of little blue bird and California Poppies

More detail of the cherry blossom tree with two cute birdies (LOVE these!

my two frogs, Trevor & Yolanda

a pretty monarch on the hood

Embellishment surrounding the passenger front door

Inspirational words and a peek at the hood butterfly

The passenger side California poppies

The trunk with the license plate

Just the tree and LaBelle Mariposa

Another view of the cherry blossom tree

A Raven on the roof

A large swirly butterfly on the hood

the Raven and driver's side California poppies