Belated Happy

Happy (though belated!) New Year!  I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and has been enjoying the start of 2012; I know I kept very busy throughout all the festivities and have had some time recently to relax! I haven't shared much on the blog here in a while (though I have updated the website and facebook--check 'em out!) I figured I should post something for you.  :) 

This year, as I have done for the past few years, I made our Christmas cards.  A while back I had posted a little preview:

Needless to say, the preview picture was taken at the start of the process and I am so excited to share with you the final card....a number of steps later....

 ....oh yes folks, I had fun with this one!!

I had seen a handmade pop-up card at some point last year and made a mental note of it, thinking it could be fun to try.  When it came time to brainstorm ideas for Christmas cards, I thought of the pop-up idea right away and that was that....I set out to put it together.  :) Starting with some sketches of little snowmen, those developed into one snowman and one snowwoman (my husband and I of course!;) )  Just having the two figures seemed not quite finished so I added the third....a snowdoggie! (very closely resembling our husky mix, Vedder!) They were all hand painted and the remaining parts of the cards were printed and assembled. (note: with a TON of help from the husband! Thank you Mark ♥)

So, anyone have any suggestions for how this design can be used for other holidays/events??  I'd LOVE to try them out again---Valentine's?  Birthday? 

??

Little Paws, Big Hearts!

Last year I donated some pet portraits to a wonderful organization's annual dinner and auction:  Almost Home Foundation's Little Paws, Big Hearts Dinner and Auction to benefit rescued dogs and cats.  The Almost Home Foundation is an all volunteer organization based in northern Illinois that rescues more than 1,000 dogs and cats every year and I am honored to be a part of this great cause once again. 

 

This year I am donating one Personalized Mini Pet Portrait Ornament!  I am so excited to see who wins!!

AND ONE MORE THING....I am also honored to be a part of a great pet lovers holiday giveaway found on Cindy Lu's Muse blog!  One of my personalized pet portrait ornaments, a set of my 20 hand painted cat cards, as well as a monthly calendar featuring some of my watercolor dog paintings are ALL being given away!! 

 


Just leave a comment to be entered and/or head over to Cindy Lu's Muse! If you'd like to up your chances of winning, she's offering additional means to do so. The contest will run until midnight, CST, Tuesday (12/06). Winners will be chosen by Random.org.

Peek at Christmas?

Did you ever peek at Christmas?  I did... :)  (but I blame my sister for it---she couldn't stand the wait and always had to snoop around!) Here's a peek at my new Christmas cards for family and friends this year!  For the last few years I have made/painted/assembled my own holiday cards to send out and this year will be no different.  I have some plans for these little painted images and you'll just have to watch your mailbox (or check back here!) to find out what!

In the meantime, check out my etsy shops for some great gift ideas....and enter HOLIDAY2011 at checkout for 20% off cards AND Mini Pet Portraits!!

BecArtDesign ~ find great hand painted watercolor cards

BecArt ~ the one and only spot for customized Pet Portrait Ornaments AND original artwork!

They're Back!

Customized Mini Pet Portraits

~ Decorative Ornaments ~

Back by popular demand!  I am taking orders now for these one-of-a-kind handmade gifts---this year handmade watercolor boxes included FREE with EVERY order!

Send me a photo of your furry friend and I will create an original hand painted decorative ornament! Piece features 3"x3" watercolor painting and wire-shaped lettering of your choice. Ribbon attached to top for easy hanging. Instructions on how to place an order below!

HOW TO PLACE AN ORDER
Send me... an email request or a convo through Etsy that includes the following:
1. At least one photo attachment (more than one photo is fine and gives me more options and a better look at your pet!) of the animal you wish to have painted.
2. Background color choice.
3. Word(s) you wish to have on the back. No more than two words. (examples: --your pet's name--best friend--meow--woof--love)
4. Symbol choice for the back (see example: dog bone, heart, mouse, paw print)

Once we have nailed down what you want, I will create a RESERVED listing for you on Etsy. After payment is recieved, I will begin creating! An email will be sent when your portrait is complete and sent out!

**Shipping charges applied on Etsy**
**NOTE: These are made to order. Because each piece is an original work of art please allow for 1-2 weeks after order is placed and payment is finalized for delivery.

Check BecArt on Etsy for pricing.

colors and symbols to choose from:
red
blue
green
yellow

heart
dog bone
paw print
mouse

**Due to variances from computer to computer, colors may not be exactly the same. Also, because these pieces are individually created, differences in color and symbol shapes will occur. These images are meant to give a general idea.

Pet Portrait in Oil

Custom Pet Portrait

Now available!

Have an original portrait created in oil of your pet!

For more information please check out my listing on Etsy.

Vedder's Portrait Ornament

Finally! Our pup Vedder has his very own portrait ornament. :) It's been a very busy past two months and many orders were placed. Thank you to all my customers--you're wonderful! I hope everyone had a great holiday and is enjoying their Pet Portrait Ornaments!

Mister Gus

I have been so busy this season, having completed and shipped out close to 50 Pet Portrait Ornaments in just over a month!! Sure it's exciting, but I'm ready for a nap! Among the few last ones that I shipped out yesterday was for Gus, the winner of CindylusMuse's Holiday Hop Giveaway. Hope you enjoy your ornament Mister Gus!!

Check out his website: www.accordingtogus.com

Just a Reminder!

Just a reminder to all interested in purchasing Pet Portrait Ornaments---

Orders placed by Saturday, December 4th are guaranteed delivery in time for Christmas, no guarantee for those placed after the 4th! (one and two day shipping available upon request and for extra charge) Handmade watercolor gift boxes available for $5.00....Contact mailto:RSorrentino17@yahoo.com if interested!! Check out my Etsy and Facebook for examples.

6th Annual Little Paws, Big Hearts Dinner & Auction

I am very proud to be a part of this year's Almost Home Foundation annual benefit! I have donated gift certificates for original personalized pet artwork to be auctioned off the night of December 4th! A great cause from a great foundation and an evening filled with raffles, silent auctions, door prizes, dinner, and dancing!! Register ASAP and check out their website here!

Busy Bee!

I am so excited to see how many orders have been placed for Pet Portrait Ornaments!! (Kudos to all you early holiday shoppers! ;) ) Just a reminder, receive a FREE handmade watercolor gift box with each ornament purchased by November 27th. Don't worry, you can still buy a gift box after that for just $5. Also, orders placed by December 4th are guaranteed delivery in time for Christmas. No guarantee for those placed after the 4th. To view some examples of the ornaments I've made previously or to place your order, visit my Etsy or BecArtStudio! Gift certificates available as well!!

CindyLu's Muse Giveaway!

Big thank you CindyLu's Muse for featuring my Pet Portrait Ornaments in her blog hop giveaway!! I can not wait to see who wins!!! To check out this awesome pet blog, go to CindyLu's Muse here.

Offer ends November 27th!

FREE handmade watercolor gift box

with every Pet Portrait Ornament purchase! ($5.00 value)

Email RSorrentino17@yahoo.com to place an order or visit BecArt on Etsy!

Been Busy!

Some of my latest work!! I've certainly been keeping busy with these Pet Portrait Ornaments--thank you to everyone who has placed orders! If you are still interested, contact me at RSorrentino17@yahoo.com to place yours today. And I am pleased to announce that I have received my very first order from Canada! How exciting?! I've also been working on a little project involving a bench and an oil painting inspired by autumn. (Don't worry, pictures will be coming!) I am hoping to get going on my Christmas cards soon too and I might even have a few hand-painted/hand-cut versions for sale on Etsy (similar to the Mother's Day/Father's Day cards)....

So stay tuned!

Working on More...

Pet Portrait Ornaments Now on Etsy!

Finally posted the Pet Portrait Ornaments to Etsy....check it out here! Remember, if you are interested in placing an order it is best to do so sooner rather than later. I will be posting a 'deadline' date for orders eventually (I am thinking early December to allow time to complete and deliver). So contact me!! RSorrentino17@yahoo.com

Exciting!

One of my Pet Portrait Ornaments was featured in an awesome blog!

Check out the post here!

Thank you CindyLu's Muse!

How to order...

Customized Mini Pet Portraits ~ Decorative Ornaments
Send me a photo of your furry friend and I will create an original hand painted ornament! Piece features 3"x3" watercolor painting and wire-shaped lettering of your choice! Ribbon attached to top for easy hanging. Instructions on how to place an order below!

HOW TO PLACE AN ORDER
Send me... an email request or a convo through Etsy that includes the following:
1. At least one photo attachment (more than one photo is fine and gives me more options and a better look at your pet!) of the animal you wish to have painted.
2. Background color choice. (for example: blue is what was used in my example piece here)
3. Word(s) you wish to have on the back. No more than two words. (examples: --your pet's name--best friend--meow--woof--love)
4. Symbol choice for the back (see example: dog bone, heart, mouse, paw print)

Once we have nailed down what you want, I will create a RESERVED listing for you on Etsy. After payment is recieved, I will begin creating! An email will be sent when your portrait is complete and sent out!

**Shipping charges applied on Etsy**
**NOTE: These are made to order. Because each piece is an original work of art please allow for 1-2 weeks after order is placed and payment is finalized for delivery.

Check BecArt on Etsy for pricing.

colors and symbols to choose from:
red
blue
green
yellow

heart
dog bone
paw print
mouse

**Due to variances from computer to computer, colors may not be exactly the same. Also, because these pieces are individually created, differences in color and symbol shapes will occur. This image is meant to give a general idea.

Pet Portrait Ornaments!

The preview for my Hand Painted Pet Portrait Ornaments is here! To view even more images, check out Becky Sorrentino Studio on Facebook....

These adorable little decorative ornaments feature a small square (approx. 3"x3") watercolor painting of your friend on one side and a wire-shaped word or two about them on the back! (their name, the year, best friend, meow! woof!) The watercolor paintings are always hand painted by me, based on photos of your furry friend. The word (or words) you wish to have attached to the back of the ornament are made of 24 gauge metal wire and, once again, shaped by yours truly! All ornaments come with ribbon attached to the top for easy hanging on your Christmas tree for the holidays and around the house year-round. *Great decorative little piece of art!*

If you are interested in placing an order for a Pet Potrait Ornament, please email me at RSorrentino17@yahoo.com.

$25.00 each

$20.00 each when purchased in sets/multiples

Christmas Ornaments

I know what you're thinking...Christmas? Already?? It's only September! However, when it comes to the world of painting and creating, it is never too early to begin thinking about holiday gifts. The earlier the better--more time to plan, create, and if needed let dry. I will be posting an example soon of my new 'Pet Portrait Ornament' that I am currently playing around with. It can double as a Christmas ornament or simply a small decorative piece you can enjoy year-round....Check back soon and email me any time at RSorrentino17@yahoo.com if you are interested.

Our friend the Hawk

Had a visitor the other night during dinner! What a site! He landed on our deck, just outside the dining room...couldn't resist sneaking to my camera. Thought this would be a great lead in to introduce you to one of my new favorite blogs to follow: http://www.cindylusmuse.blogspot.com/

Check it out! ;)