Sweet Panda Cupcake Art Print Download! Love, Sugarluxe

BABY PANDAS

There’s no proof, but I’m quite positive that Pandas would love cupcakes.

I’m also pretty sure that EVERYONE loves pandas - what, with that classic black and white fur coat, those woefully sad eyes and their playful, incredibly cute nature - they are one of the most beloved creatures on earth. 

BABY PEOPLE

What in the World? Why You Could WIN Inspire Canvas Artwork

ARE YOU INSPIRED TO WIN?

It’s almost Valentine’s Day! When you see this picture, do you have the urge to say BE MINE? Already one of the clear favorites of the A La Mode collection, I think I might be able to find someone who would love a FREE 40×36 inch Inspire gallery wrapped canvas.

But first, in true Sugarluxe fashion, the story:

DEDICATED TO THE VISION

Years ago, I gutted my downstairs bathroom.  At the time I first bought my home, I was single, living alone and due to long hours at work, had no time or real reason to do another home improvement project.

Yet, I couldn’t wait for the weekend to arrive when I would rip off the outdated paper, pull out the ugly vanity, and slather the walls with a red faux finish.

In my mind’s eye…I knew the first time I saw this bathroom, exactly what I wanted to do with it.

Unfortunately, never having torn out a sink before, I didn’t anticipate that it would take with it, huge chunks of the wall.  $%&#!  It was a complete disaster.

But large gaping holes, a dangling electrical box and no clue how to fix this mess were not reasons enough to stop me from realizing my vision.

DESIGN INSPIRATION

My weekend job turned into a an entire year’s worth of work.  After the chaos cleared, I put in a sleek white pedestal sink, a beautiful faucet with porcelain knobs, and only then, began to paint.

Layering, rubbing, and glazing for days, I created a dimensional patina of rich velvety red.

Next, I paired vintage black die-cast outdoor lanterns as lighting over an ornate beveled mirror.  It turned out stunning. And finally the moment arrived for me to hang the art:  because after all, it was a beloved framed print that had actually been the inspiration for the entire project in the first place.

The Inspire Artwork from the A La Mode Series, or at least the red, black and white color palette anway, was actually inspired by my remodel of this room years ago.  It hasn’t changed since the day it was completed.  To me, it’s timeless, kind of like your favorite little black dress.

IT’S UP TO YOU

It’s why, when I started to receive feedback on Facebook about which pieces of the collection people liked the most, I was pretty excited to see that so many felt a true affection for Inspire.

My work, especially those emblazoned with a bold message, may never be analyzed by the majority of those who view it.  But perhaps you’ve taken it a step further and pondered. Who is she looking at? Is she seducing someone or is she watching her back?  Is she turning around to say one last goodbye?  That’s up to you to decide.

But whatever the reason people are drawn to Inspire, it makes me happy that it connects with so many.

As such, it turns out, it’s a piece that is in high demand.  From big gallery stretched canvases and small archival paper prints, to daily requests to make this artwork into designer card cases and our crystal compact mirrors…it has struck a chord and that just thrills me to no end.

A SWEET ART TIME OF YEAR

In honor of Black History Month, plus with Valentine’s Day and our 5th Anniversary at Sugarluxe quickly approaching, I’ve been planning a FUN GIVEAWAY for one lucky winner.  What I thought I’d do was make and give away a brand new Inspire Card Case, the very first one of its kind.

Pretty cool, huh?

But then!

Something happened yesterday that changed my whole direction.

A large AP Giclee of my original artwork, with its top quality pine wood stretcher bars and costly high end canvas, takes weeks to complete.

The very last step before we box it up and ship it out is to take a photo to document my signature and the number of the AP as proof of authenticity to file with the purchase order paper work.

However, due to the dreary weather, we could not get enough light in the studio, and our photo lighting rig was in storage.  I always prefer natural light anyway as it brings out the truest colors, so the art scheduled for shipment yesterday needed to be shot outside.

The first one we take out is Inspire.  At almost 10 square feet of material, it is both large and lightweight.  And literally, within moments of stepping outside the studio door, the wind RIPPED the canvas from my hands and went flying across the parking lot.

I felt sick.  Not only was this going to create a delay for my client, I was out money and time.  I was reminded of the day I pulled out the sink in my bathroom and sat dumbfounded as I stared at the unbelievably big hole in my wall.

But nowadays I know there’s a reason for everything.  In fact, I even believe completed DIY projects around the home are great primers for small business owners. That kind of work:

• Teaches you to expect the unexpected.
• Prepares you for the investment of time.
• Helps you to make the most of your budget.
• Gives you the confidence that you CAN fix things.

Because in home improvement projects, as in business, things can and do go wrong.  But if you never mess things up, you never really learn how to make things right.

So, I had an idea…

THE WORK AHEAD

The upper left hand corner is obviously damaged. The edge needs repainted on two sides, and one of the support bars on the back cracked in half and poked into, but thankfully not through, the front of the canvas (look near the stenciled letter S on the third pic).

The biggest challenge will be to build up that gouged corner, followed by trying to get an exact match on the paint and the lacquer glaze protective coat.

The first picture is just to give you some detail of the canvas…the next two show you the actual damage and what I will be working feverishly to repair.

THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE

So during the remainder of the month and somehow in between the mad rush of orders for Valentine’s Day, I’m going to work to fix the canvas.  I want it to go to someone who really cares about the artwork.

I certainly know how to patch and paint.  I think I can do this.  I can make it – almost – like new again.  It will never be perfect, but I’m INSPIRED to give it my best.

And I have a feeling, that even though it has a few scars, someone will adore it more so for it having been saved.

——————————————————–  INCREASE YOUR CHANCES ——————————————————–

2 Entries – Use the Tweet This button below to retweet this blog link.

3 Entries - Comment here on the blog: why you love this art and want to win?

5 Entries - Has Sugarluxe inspired you? Write it on the main Sugarluxe Facebook Page wall.

10 Entries - For any order placed between 2/1/10 and 2/14/10 on www.sugarluxe.com.

——————————————————  INSPIRE CANVAS GIVEAWAY —————————————————

With participation you can earn anywhere from 2 to a maximum of 20 entries into the drawing.  I truly look forward to fixing her up and giving her a loving home!

LIFE is FABULOUS (and so are Moms)!

Last week, I received great news with this subject line:  FABULOUS Sugarluxe Art is in LIFE Magazine.  As usual, I couldn’t wait to call my mom.  It was an exclusive feature on Miley Cyrus.  I mean, I may never land in LIFE Magazine myself, but it still felt pretty good to see my art in the spread. 

Anyway, the only trouble is, by the time I come here onto the blog and talk about an experience, all of the effort that went into making those moments possible get lost in the mix.  People who are just starting their careers or those looking for hope amidst the economic chaos can mistakenly believe that this kind of stuff happens overnight.  How are you supposed to get inspired if it all seems like it just comes down to some twist of fate?

My mom taught me that you have to make your own luck.

Great Expectations

First, there’s obviously more to making Fabulous Art than meets the eye.  

I oversee the behind the scenes manufacturing, day to day operations, design and direction of the Sugarluxe brand.  I’m fielding a mounting number of private commissions, juggling the exchange rate with seven countries who carry the line, and trying to ensure that we continue to deliver the top notch customer service that helped to get Sugarluxe to this point in the first place. 

Plus, I’m under contract to complete my next art series by the end of August and cannot show anyone until November 1st (ugh!), and talking to a handful of gorgeous Fine Art Galleries to discuss where I might like to showcase a few of my original paintings.

Also (telling self to breathe), I’ve been spending any spare moment possible working to help pass a bill in Congress.  In fact, a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to deliver Congressional testimony in hopes of persuading the Senate to sign this bill into law.  Last week, the bill was passed at the state level.  YAY!!! 

If , well I prefer to think – when – we get the federal bill passed, too, it will literally and positively impact millions of lives.  

It’s simple really. I believe you have to expect great things to happen.  In my first year of business, one of my friends warned me that I expected too much. 

She advised, “Expect less, so when bad situations occur, you won’t face such disappointment.  And, when good things happen, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”

Coming off of a tremendously hard blow, I could see her reasoning.  But I respectfully disagreed. 

What’s LIFE, if it’s not to wish for great things for yourself and those you love?  Lowering expectations in an effort to avoid disappointment is defeatist at best, or worse, completely without hope.

I’ve survived my share of losses.  Sacrifices have been significant.  Conversely, I’ve been greatly rewarded too.  

My mom encouraged me to focus on the blessings in LIFE and she raised me with the belief that to whom much is given, much is expected.  She smartly added, that when much is expected, much is given, too.

I don’t mean self-entitlement.  Please don’t misconstrue my message.  Fundamentally, it’s about hope and faith.  When the bad stuff happens, and it does, it will, it’s the only guarantee, you’ll find peace of mind in knowing that something good is meant to come from it.

 Possibility Through Purpose

1. Yes, the odds are stacked against us. 
2. Yes, times are tough. 
3. Yes, we are in the midst of an economic recession. 
4. AND yes, running a business is a lot less glamorous than it seems on the surface. 

However, when you have clarity of purpose, anything is possible.  

After the hit and run accident that nearly claimed my life, my mom presented my options.   She warned me that it would be easy to use this trauma as my excuse for everything. After all, the damage was extensive and permanent.  Or I could try to make sense of it and find my purpose for living.  She said,  “It may take years of hard work before your efforts pay off , but they will.  I promise”.

Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible.  - Marion C. Garretty

P.S. - To My Mom, Happy Mother’s Day!

You are so loving, so generous, so beautiful and I’m so happy that you’re my mom.  You’ve provided guidance and discipline in just the right doses…while still allowing me to discover my own sense of self.

You instilled in me a confidence that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to and that’s been one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever been given.  You’ve never doubted my abilities, you continue to believe in me and you pray for me every day. 

Most importantly, you make me laugh all the time.  Proving to me that it was of utmost importance to be a great role model first and then later, my most FABULOUS friend. 

You have taught me so much…I love you, and I thank you.

What About Your Mom?

Please take a moment to share something FABULOUS about her.  I’d love to hear about a lesson your Mother has taught you that has positively affected your outlook on LIFE.